Emotionally Based  Non-School Attendance, or EBSNA, is a term used to describe children and young people who experience challenges in attending school due to emotional, mental health or wellbeing issues.   The reasons why children and young people cannot attend school are often complex and vary by individual, caused by a combination of issues rather than one single cause.

The guidance below is primarily aimed at parents and carers of children who are at the early stages of EBSA and those for whom school is just beginning to be a major source of anxiety and a cause for concern. This booklet will help you to:

• Understand more about anxiety and school avoidance
• Understand the link between EBSA and SEN
• Let you know why it is so important for you to work closely together with your child's school
• Help you understand what your child's school can do to support your child
• Let you know what you can do to support your child to feel better about going to school
• Share information about other services that can support you and your child through this difficult time. 

DSPL 8 funds a project to support schools, families and young people experiencing EBSNA;

Pathway to Presence has been funded to work with schools on approaches and whole school support. 

EBSNA parent and school advice sessions – these are available during term time and are bookable via dspl8@kls.herts.sch.uk 

Parent led coffee morning and alternate attendance by DSPL staff members - poster below.

Pathway to Presence parent workshops available in Autumn 2026.

Booking Link for EBSNA 1 2 1 sessions