Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is not a matter of defiance or poor behaviour, but a response to intense anxiety and emotional distress that leaves a child feeling unable to cope with school. This film reframes EBSA through a compassionate, evidence-informed lens and is designed as a valuable professional resource for educators, SEN and inclusion teams, psychologists, pastoral and family support staff, and mental health practitioners working with children and young people.
Grounded in real-world practice, the film explores practical ways to help pupils reconnect with education by addressing the underlying causes of their distress. It highlights the importance of close collaboration with families and other professionals, creating safety and consistency across home and school, making personalised adjustments to reduce anxiety, and validating children’s feelings to build trust. By focusing on gradual reintegration, recognising small successes, and maintaining patience and optimism through setbacks, the film shows how meaningful progress is achieved when adults truly understand the child’s experience. Designed for use in schools and professional training, it aims to improve outcomes for children affected by EBSA and equip professionals with clear, actionable strategies to make a lasting difference.
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Building Great Schools: Insights from a transformative leader
In a recent Nip in the Bud podcast interview, expert educator and author Rachel MacFarlane shared her insights on what it takes to build a truly great, inclusive school culture. Driven by the belief that education can transform lives and create a more equitable society, she provided a clear roadmap for teachers and school leaders. She develops inclusivity of vulnerable children by using the word ‘underserved’ rather than ‘disadvantaged’, bringing the onus of change on adults in positions of care, to create a sense of possibility and hope for what can be achieved.
