Emotionally Based School Avoidance

Course introduction

In the face of rising concerns over student wellbeing, the phenomenon of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) has emerged as a critical area for educator focus and intervention. This training course is specifically designed for educators seeking effective strategies to identify, understand, and support students experiencing EBSA. By addressing the emotional barriers that prevent students from attending school, educators play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment that encourages regular attendance and engagement.

Delve into the complexities of EBSA, blending theory with practical application, guided by policy and guidelines on attendance.

The Department for Education (DfE) emphasises the importance of regular school attendance and outlines legal responsibilities for schools in securing it. Recent guidance has underscored the necessity of understanding the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to absenteeism, urging schools to adopt a more nuanced, supportive approach to attendance issues.

There will also be opportunities to discuss specific challenges of the work and role with the trainer and to network with others.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Define Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and explain how it differs from truancy, using case-based examples to demonstrate understanding;

• Identify and classify key risk and protective factors across child, family, school, and community influences, including autism-related and post-pandemic considerations;

• Apply the Push–Pull framework to analyse pupil cases and explain which factors should be prioritised for intervention, supported by appropriate screening or profiling tools;

• Sequence a graded exposure or CBT-informed response and explain how it aligns with the Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle for effective early intervention.

Target audience

Do you work directly or indirectly with students and parents to improve school attendance?
Then this online course is for you!
This course is designed for anyone who is new to role and/or responsible for attendance, Headteachers, Education Welfare Officers, Teachers, Deputy Headteachers, SENCo/ALNCo, Pastoral Leads, Classroom Assistants, Support Staff, Family Liaison Officers, Mental Health Leads, Safeguarding Leads, Family Support Workers.

Trainers for this course

Kelly Hannaghan

Kelly puts wellbeing at the heart of education. She is an award-winning motivational speaker and school improvement advisor, published author and founder of ‘Family Matters’ empower...ment programme.

Kelly has worked systemically with some of the most challenging communities, helping families thrive in difficult circumstances. She advises in the development of staff wellbeing to improve teacher retention and embeds purposeful strategies to support School Leader’s emotional health. Kelly is an advocate for Senior Mental Health Leads and helps drive school development processes forward, whilst creating outstanding outcomes and awards for many organisations. She is a trailblazer within the Wellbeing Lead Network for supporting pastoral teams. Her work is recognised by the DfE, NCB, The Anna Freud Centre and The Education Support Partnership as a lead influencer of mental health and wellbeing in education.

Kelly is currently leading on the DFE Wellbeing for Education Return Programme within Kent County Council.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“I've been on several NSMTC courses and can highly recommend them. Nicola is knowledgeable, engaging and keen for her delegates to participate. The ACEs course today has been really useful and I know I have strategies and ideas that I can disseminate immediately to colleagues in school. The courses strike the right balance between the host explaining and the delegates participating and the chat break out rooms are always useful.”

“Amazing! Highly relevant, thought provoking and informative. I feel well equipped to raise awareness of the effects of trauma and how to try and unravel things to provide relevant support”

“Excellent! The training was an absolute pleasure, very worthwhile and excellently delivered by an obviously knowledgeable and experienced trainer. It provided a plethora of strategies that will impact greatly on the work we do and despite the subject manner, we were not made to feel uncomfortable at all. Nicola went to every effort to get to know us!”

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course handouts will be emailed to you on the morning of the course.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• The cost is per person.
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.