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Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

By Paulanthony Skerrett Uncategorized
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About Course

Course Overview

This CPD-certified online course provides a comprehensive introduction to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Designed for educational professionals and parents, it supports anyone working with children and young people who are currently experiencing—or are at risk of—emotionally based school avoidance.

Throughout the course, you will develop a strong foundational understanding of EBSA, including its key contributing factors and the wider educational, emotional, and environmental context in which it occurs. You will also explore practical, person-centred strategies that help reduce anxiety, build resilience, and promote positive re-engagement with school.

The course is self-paced and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

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What Will You Learn?

  • Understand what EBSA is and how it differs from other forms of non-attendance
  • Recognise early indicators, risk factors, and emotional triggers
  • Identify underlying reasons for EBSA using child-centred approaches
  • Learn practical strategies to support pupils through reintegration
  • Gain confidence in working collaboratively with parents and school staff
  • Develop a solutions-focused mindset when planning EBSA support
  • Apply person-centred approaches to improve pupil wellbeing and engagement

Course Content

Topic 1: Introduction to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Lesson 1.1 – What Is EBSA? Definition and terminology Distinguishing EBSA from truancy Understanding the emotional underpinningLesson 1.2 – The Impact of EBSA Academic, emotional, and social consequences Long-term outcomes if unaddressedQuiz 1 – Understanding EBSA Basics

  • Lesson 1.1 – What Is EBSA?
    32:49
  • Lesson 1.2 – The Impact of EBSA
  • Quiz 1 – Understanding EBSA: Foundations and Impact

Topic 2: Early Indicators, Risk Factors & Contributing Causes
Lesson 2.1 – Early Signs & Indicators Changes in behaviour, attendance, and emotional presentationLesson 2.2 – Risk Factors & Vulnerabilities Child factors (anxiety, neurodiversity, trauma, etc.) Family and environmental factors School-based contributing factorsLesson 2.3 – Identifying the Reasons Behind EBSA Using observation, conversations, and assessment frameworks Child voice, parent voice, and staff insightsQuiz 2 – Risk Factors & Reasons

Topic 3: Understanding Stress, Anxiety & Emotional Responses
Lesson 3.1 – The Stress Response System Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn in school contexts How anxiety affects learning and attendanceLesson 3.2 – Emotion, Behaviour & Communication Behaviour as a communication tool Identifying emotional triggersLesson 3.3 – Neurodiversity & EBSA ASD, ADHD, sensory needs, and neurodivergent overwhelm

Topic 4: Working with the Child
Lesson 4.1 – Building Safety, Trust & Connection Relational and trauma-informed approachesLesson 4.2 – Supporting Emotional Regulation Practical strategies and coping tools Coaching, modelling, and co-regulationLesson 4.3 – Gradual Reintegration & Exposure Planning Setting achievable goals Step-by-step return planning Activity – Create a draft pupil reintegration plan

Topic 5: Working with Parents & Carers
Lesson 5.1 – Effective Communication & Collaboration Understanding parental perspectives and anxietyLesson 5.2 – Reducing Morning Stress & Reinforcing Routines Home strategies to support school readinessLesson 5.3 – Shared Roles & Responsibilities How the home–school partnership supports recovery

Topic 6: Working with School Staff & the School Environment
Lesson 6.1 – Whole-School Understanding of EBSA Shared language and staff awarenessLesson 6.2 – Adaptations & Accommodations Environment, sensory needs, timetable flexibilityLesson 6.3 – Creating Psychologically Safe Schools Belonging, connection, and predictable routinesQuiz 3 – School-Based Strategies

Topic 7: Planning, Implementing & Reviewing Support
Lesson 7.1 – The EBSA Support Cycle Assess → Plan → Do → ReviewLesson 7.2 – Evidence-Based Interventions Cognitive, behavioural, relational and systemic approachesLesson 7.3 – Tracking Progress & Measuring Impact Attendance data, wellbeing measures, feedbackFinal Assessment – Short answer + scenario analysis

Topic 8: Case Studies & Real-World Application
Lesson 8.1 – Case Study 1: Early-Stage EBSA Lesson 8.2 – Case Study 2: Moderate EBSA Lesson 8.3 – Case Study 3: Persistent/Long-Term EBSA Lesson 8.4 – Case Study 4: Neurodivergence & EBSAReflection Task – Apply learning to your own pupil or setting

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