EBSA Assessment & Support

What is EBSA?

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is when a child or teen struggles to attend school because of overwhelming anxiety, low mood, or emotional distress. It’s not about being defiant or lazy—these young people often want to go to school, but something inside is telling them they can’t.

Parents often feel helpless, blamed, or caught in exhausting cycles of encouragement, frustration, and worry. Meanwhile, schools may feel unsure how to help, and things can escalate quickly.

The good news? With the right support, children experiencing EBSA can re-engage with learning and life—and families can breathe again.

EBSA is complex—but it's not hopeless. A tailored, compassionate response makes all the difference.

When a child is struggling to attend school due to anxiety or emotional distress, it can feel overwhelming for everyone involved. A robust, tailored assessment can be the turning point—helping families, schools, and professionals work together to understand what’s going on and how to support meaningful change.

EBSA Assessment Package for Parents – £1,995

This comprehensive, individually tailored assessment provides a deep understanding of the emotional and practical barriers to school attendance—and a clear plan forward. Ideal for parents who feel stuck, confused, or unsupported.

What’s included:

• 1:1 Assessment with Child (1 hour): A gentle, developmentally appropriate session to understand the young person’s perspective and build trust.
• Parent Assessment Session (1.5 hours): A collaborative, non-judgmental conversation to explore your child’s history, strengths, struggles, and what’s already been tried.
• Liaison with School: Direct contact with your child’s school to gather key insights and ensure a joined-up approach.
• Use of Evidence-Based Tools: Administration and scoring of standardised questionnaires to get a well-rounded picture of your child’s needs.
• Feedback Meeting with Parents and School: A clear, actionable plan shared in a joint meeting to build understanding and confidence.
• Follow-Up Support: Ongoing liaison with school for up to 1 month to help implement strategies and keep momentum going.
• Resource Suite: Access to PDF handouts and short videos for parents on breaking the anxiety cycle and supporting your child at home.

Please note: this package does not include additional neurodevelopmental or cognitive assessments. These can be added if needed:

• ASD + ADHD combined assessment: £2,900
• Cognitive assessment: £950

If your child would benefit from additional one to one therapy sessions these are charged at the usual rate of £140 per 50-minute session. However, these are often not needed.

Why Choose a Tailored EBSA Assessment?

EBSA is complex. Every child is different, and every school environment is unique. A robust, individually tailored assessment helps:

✅ Understand the why behind your child’s distress
✅ Gain clarity and confidence about what to do next
✅ Create connection and consistency between home and school
✅ Access practical tools that really work—without blame or shame
✅ Feel supported, not alone

This isn’t just about attendance—it’s about wellbeing, growth, and restoring hope for your child and family.

Contact us to discuss an EBSA assessment or to enquire about any of our services.

We also offer EBSA Training & Consultation Packages for Schools

Supporting emotionally based school avoidance requires whole-school understanding and a compassionate, strategic response. We offer tailored training and consultation to equip staff with the confidence and tools to make a real difference. See the Schools & Organisations page for details.

Whether you're a parent desperate for answers or a school looking to improve attendance and wellbeing, my EBSA services offer practical tools, clinical insight, and real hope.