What is EBSNA?
Please note: These resources are designed for school staff and professionals to support children, young people, and families facing barriers to education.
While parents and carers may find the information helpful, they are encouraged to contact their child’s school or a relevant professional for personalised support.
Emotionally Based School Non Attendance (EBSNA) is a broad term, used to describe the difficulties some children and young people face with accessing school and education.
This includes difficulties attending lessons, as well as more complex and longer-term patterns of school non-attendance that may have developed over several months.
There can be many factors contributing to attendance difficulties, from curriculum demands and hidden learning needs, to friendship issues, health needs, sensory challenges and more.
As a result, even though a young person wants to go to school, they may feel unable to because of how overwhelmed or anxious they feel.
You might also hear the following terms used to describe EBSNA:
- Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
- Barriers to attendance
- School attendance difficulties
We understand that terminology evolves and may not suit everyone. All non-attendance should be met with curiosity, compassion and partnership.
Please see our training videos on: