When attending school becomes difficult or distressing, it can be an overwhelming experience for children and young people. These challenges are never something a child chooses, and they can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and isolation.

As a parent or carer, it can be difficult to know where to turn—but you are not alone. I offer a range of tailored support packages to help you and your child understand and address their School Avoidance, working together to find a positive way forward.

I have over 15 years’ experience supporting children facing mild to severe school avoidance. With specialist training in the mental health and neurodiverse needs that often underpin this challenge, I use a range of evidence-informed strategies and tools to guide support.

Drawing on both professional training and hands-on experience, I work closely with children, families, and schools to help each child find a positive and sustainable route back into education.

Understanding EBSA and ABSA
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and Anxiety-Based School Avoidance (ABSA) describe children and young people who struggle to attend school due to emotional distress. While both can result in school refusal, they differ in focus.

ABSA is specifically linked to anxiety—often triggered by factors such as academic pressure, social worries, bullying, or sensory overload. It typically presents with symptoms like panic attacks, physical complaints, or refusal to leave home, and is usually rooted in school-specific concerns.

EBSA is broader, involving a more complex mix of emotional challenges both in and outside school. These may include mental health issues, emotional regulation difficulties, or family-related stress. EBSA often affects multiple areas of a child’s life and requires a more holistic, collaborative approach to support.