The EBSNA Hub
1.
Understanding
Emotionally Based School Non Attendance (EBSNA) refers to children and young people who face persistent difficulties attending school due to emotional distress. It often leads to prolonged absences and can involve physical and emotional symptoms.
2.
Prevention
As EBSNA is not a diagnosis but is linked to how safe and supported students feel at school, a variety of whole school approaches and interventions can be adopted school-wide to reduce its risk. Schools can create a culture, develop a curriculum and implement strategies to enhance emotional well-being, promoting inclusion, confidence, resilience, a sense of belonging, emotional literacy, and secure attachments.
3.
Addressing in school
The following sections outline the steps to take identifying the needs of children and young people experiencing EBSNA to make early interventions and reduce an escalation. It outlines the importance of working collaboratively with parents before going on to offer practical strategies for working with children and young people directly.
4.
Reintegration
Before thinking about a reintegration plan you should have begun working through the various resources within the toolkit to establish:
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a shared narrative with parents
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a rapport with the child
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a map of preferred future and aspirations
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the risk and protective factors for the child
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the factors underpinning their individual EBSNA
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adaptations and flexibility from school partners
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