What Is EBSA?
EBSA stands for Emotionally Based School Avoidance — when a child or young person struggles to attend school because of underlying emotional distress. It’s often misunderstood as “school refusal,” but that label blames the child. The truth is, EBSA is not defiance — it’s anxiety.
EBSA can affect any child, but it’s especially common in those with:
- Autism (including PDA profiles)
- ADHD
- Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Anxiety or trauma history
- Undiagnosed special educational needs
How to Recognise EBSA
Many children mask their distress, especially at school. But the signs often show up before and after the school day.
Common signs of EBSA:
- 😢 Tears, stomach aches or headaches before school
- 😴 Trouble sleeping on school nights
- 🧍♀️Clinginess or refusal to get ready in the morning
- 💥 Meltdowns or shutdowns after school
- 🙅 Repeated absences or lateness
- 😔 Low self-esteem, saying things like “I’m stupid” or “No one likes me”
- 📉 A drop in academic progress or energy
If your child says “I hate school” every day — but they used to love learning — this could be EBSA.
Why It Happens
Children experiencing EBSA are often in environments that aren’t meeting their needs. They may feel overwhelmed by:
- The sensory environment (noise, lights, smells, uniforms)
- Social pressure or bullying
- Adults who don’t understand them
- Tasks that feel impossible or humiliating
And when no one listens, that emotional distress can become chronic.
How to Talk to School About EBSA
Start by sharing what you see at home. Masking is real — and schools need to hear it.
🗣️ Use language that reflects anxiety and distress, not “bad behaviour”
📹 Keep a diary or record videos of what happens before and after school
📧 Put everything in writing — email the SENCO and class teacher regularly
📄 Request a formal meeting and ask for minutes
Ask directly:
“Have you considered EBSA as a possible explanation for what’s going on?”
What Schools Should Do
Once EBSA is identified, schools should:
- Carry out an individual risk assessment
- Offer a tailored support plan to help the child feel safe
- Consider reduced or flexible timetables only as a short-term, supportive step
- Work with CAMHS, Educational Psychologists, or Specialist Teachers
And crucially: Schools must not ignore it.
What If the School or LA Doesn’t Help?
Here’s where your rights matter:
📘 Section 19 of the Education Act:
If your child can’t attend school for more than 15 days (consecutive or not), the local authority has a legal duty to provide suitable alternative education.
This might include:
- 1:1 tuition at home
- Online learning
- Specialist placements
If they fail to do this, you can:
- Request help via the SEND team
- Ask for an EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan) assessment
- Submit a complaint or go to SENDIST tribunal
This is where AskEllie can help — we explain your rights and guide you step by step.
You’re Not Alone
EBSA is heartbreaking — for both the child and the parent.
You’re not overreacting. You’re not a bad parent. You’re responding to your child’s distress with care.
Thousands of families are walking this path too — quietly, exhausted, and often blamed.
But there is support out there.
You don’t have to do this alone.
💛 Need help navigating the system?
We’ve created AskEllie to support families like yours — with legal tools, emotional guidance, and scripts to use with school and the LA.
➡️ Come see us at www.askellie.co.uk
You’re not powerless — not with the truth on your side.
Leave a Reply