Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA)
Attendance at school is important for children’s wellbeing, safety, and long-term development. Barriers to regular school attendance can be wide-ranging and complex for children in care and children previously in care. Trauma and ACEs can result in latent vulnerabilities, making these young people more likely to develop poor mental or physical health, academic challenges (gaps in learning from disrupted education), social barriers (from relational trauma/attachment difficulties), as well as barriers arising from a pupil’s home environment and personal circumstances (such as placement breakdowns and moves). All these factors can have a detrimental effect on attendance.
Parents and carers can find information and guidance on supporting a child or young person who is experiencing emotional barriers to attending school on the SEND Local Offer: Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) parent/carer advice.