Advice for Emotionally Based School Avoidance / Non-Attendance (EBSA / EBSNA)
Emotionally Based School Avoidance / Non-Attendance (EBSA / EBSNA) are terms used to describe children and young people who have significant difficulties in attending school due to emotional distress linked to a range of factors.
This page contains a range of information for schools, parents and children andother professionals across our Local Authority in relation to EBSA, including what it is, why it might be happening and also how to help. Please click on the relevant sections below to access more information.
Page Reviewed: 02/09/2025
Havering EBSA guidance & toolkit
The Havering EBSA guidance and toolkit document has been compiled by Havering Educational Psychology Service (EPS), drawing on the current evidence base, good practice guidance from other EPSs, as well as the experiences of our local settings, regarding the support for pupils experiencing EBSA/EBSNA.
It is intended as a starter resource that provides a brief overview of our current understanding of EBSA and introduces a range of practical ideas and resources for school professionals to work effectively with CYP and their families. It includes:
- An introduction of EBSA/EBSNA, relevant factors, and key principles of support
- Whole school approaches to promoting school wellbeing and regular attendance
- A graduated support process to identify and support those at risk
- Tools for gaining pupil views and templates for formulation and action planning
- Ideas bank for support strategies
You can download the current version of the guidance & toolkit document, as well as editable/fillable versions of the appendices here:
- Havering EBSA Guidance & Toolkit
- Tool 1. Whole School Audit (Fillable)
- Tool 2. Pupil Profile for Early EBSA Concerns (Fillable)
- Tool 3A. Round Robin Template (Editable)
- Tool 3B. Suggested Questions for Families (Editable)
- Tool 4. Functional Analysis & Formulation Form (Fillable)
- Tool 5. Pupil Support Plan Template (Editable)