Persistent absence, which means missing 10% or more of school, is a growing issue that affects many children and young people. There are many different reasons why children might miss school, and often these reasons are connected to one another. For some children, they may want to go to school but struggle to do so because of emotional distress.

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This is known as Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). It’s when emotional challenges, like anxiety or stress, prevent children from attending school. By listening to our children and paying attention to attendance patterns, schools and families can spot the early signs of EBSA. Early support is key to helping children feel more comfortable and confident about going to school. The earlier we act, the better chance we have to prevent long-term absence and ensure children get the support they need.