SNAP PCF and colleagues across education, health, and care have worked to develop guidance, resources and a pathway to support schools in meeting the needs of pupils who experience barriers to their engagement and attendance.

The Central Bedfordshire guidance, planning and support tool have been co-produced with SNAP Parent Carer Forum, Virtual School, School SENCOs, Educational Psychology Service, SEND Advisory Team, Access and Inclusion Service, CAMHS (MHST) and Children and Young People.

Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) or non-attendance (EBSNA) is a broad umbrella term referring to the reduced or complete non-attendance at school by a child or young person.  Emotionally based difficulties attending school should not be thought of as a deliberate act of defiance or truancy, but instead as a complex issue which occurs on a spectrum. There may be many factors impacting a child or young person’s reduced or non-attendance at school such as, but not limited to, an emotional, social and/or mental health need, undiagnosed/unmet Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and external environmental factors such as home life.  

When considering emotionally based difficulties attending school, those who are supporting the child or young person must remain curious and consider all possible factors as rationale for the function behind reduced attendance. They must listen carefully, validate feelings, work hard to build trusting relationships, ensure all planning is person centred and is collaborative.