Masterclass Overview
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is a complex and growing challenge in primary schools, with anxiety, trauma, and unmet needs leading to persistent school non-attendance. Without early and effective intervention, EBSA can have long-term consequences for children’s academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and family relationships. Schools play a critical role in both preventing and responding to EBSA, but a trauma-informed, whole-school approach is essential to creating an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and able to attend.
This full-day masterclass provides primary school staff and leaders with a deep understanding of EBSA and equips them with trauma-informed strategies to identify early warning signs, support pupils effectively, and implement sustainable whole-school approaches. The masterclass also explores the leadership role in embedding EBSA-aware policies, ensuring staff confidence, and working with families and external agencies to create a truly inclusive school culture.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this masterclass, participants will:
- Develop a Trauma-Informed Understanding of EBSA – Recognise the psychological, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to school avoidance.
- Identify and Respond to Early Warning Signs – Build confidence in recognising the subtle signs of school-related anxiety and taking proactive steps before absence escalates.
- Implement Trauma-Informed, Evidence-Based Strategies – Learn practical, sustainable interventions that help children feel safe, regulate anxiety, and reintegrate successfully.
- Create a Whole-School EBSA-Aware Culture – Explore how school leadership can embed policies and practices that prevent EBSA and empower staff to respond effectively.
- Strengthen Multi-Agency and Family Collaboration – Develop effective partnerships with parents, carers, and external services to create a joined-up, compassionate approach to school attendance.
