Some pupils find it difficult to come to school and there are reports that emotionally based school avoidance has become an even bigger issue as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this article, Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers five steps to re-engage with pupils who struggle to attend school


For a whole host of reasons, some children find it very difficult to come to school. Their persistent lateness or absence will ring alarm bells. We need to think carefully about the steps we take to understand and support the child and family so that we can break rather than reinforce the cycle of school avoidance.


1, The warning signs

The sooner we are able to pick up the early warning signs of emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), the more able we are to have a swift and positive impact. The longer the issue continues, the more embedded cycles of avoidant and anxious behaviour will have become and the harder they will be to unpick.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting Headteacher Update and reading some of our content for professionals in primary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcasts

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here