At Woodland Community Primary School, we understand that some children may struggle to attend school regularly for reasons that go beyond illness or truancy. One such reason is Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA), where emotional or mental health challenges can make it very difficult for a child to attend school—even when they want to.

What is EBSNA?

EBSNA refers to situations where a child’s anxiety, stress, or emotional well-being creates a barrier to regular school attendance. This might look like:

• Complaining of physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches, particularly before school.

• Showing signs of distress when it's time to leave for school.

• Becoming withdrawn, tearful, or anxious about school routines.

• Struggling with transitions, social situations, or academic pressure.

It’s important to note that EBSNA is not a sign of misbehaviour or laziness. Many children experiencing EBSNA want to attend school but feel emotionally overwhelmed or fearful.

Causes of EBSNA

There is no single cause of EBSNA. It can be linked to a range of factors, such as:

• Anxiety or low mood

• Changes at home (e.g., family illness, bereavement, separation)

• Social difficulties or friendship issues

• Challenges in the learning environment

• Past experiences of bullying or trauma

How We Support Children and Families

At Woodland Community Primary School , we are committed to working with families to understand and support the root causes of emotionally based non-attendance. We can offer:

• A compassionate, non-judgmental approach

• Meetings with parents and carers to listen and plan together

• Support from our pastoral or wellbeing team

• Referrals to external support services where needed

• Tailored reintegration plans to help children return to school gradually and safely

Working Together

If you're concerned that your child may be experiencing anxiety or other emotional difficulties that are affecting their attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Early communication is key. Together, we can create a supportive plan that helps your child feel safe, understood, and confident in their return to school.

For further advice or resources, speak to June Williams.