Helping a young person return to school: how family support makes the difference to Emotional Based School Avoidance

For some children, going to school isn’t just about lessons and friends - it can feel overwhelming. Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is when anxiety, sensory overload or social pressures make it hard for a child to attend school regularly.

Unlike truancy, EBSA isn’t a choice. It’s the result of emotional distress that can leave families feeling isolated and unsure where to turn.

At The Exchange Counselling part of Health is One, we see first-hand the difference that the right support can make.

His story

The young person had begun to struggle with school attendance. Mornings were filled with stress, refusal, and tears as his anxiety grew stronger. His mum described feeling powerless, desperate for a way to help him feel calmer and more able to cope.

Through our EBSA support programme, the young person and his family were paired with a dedicated specialist who listened without judgement. That support gave them reassurance that they weren’t alone, and practical tools they could use together.

Finding new strategies

One activity that they both particularly enjoyed was creating an “imaginary place where anything was possible” through drawing. It showed them that solutions didn’t always need to be immediate, sometimes working through challenges together was enough.

The programme also gave mum a new perspective:

“I realised I don’t always have to fix things straight away. By supporting myself first, I can provide better support for my son We’ve become a team.”

Making progress

Today, he is back at school. Some days are still difficult, but overall, things feel calmer and more manageable. With new routines, breathing strategies, and better emotional regulation, both now feel more confident.

Their journey reflects what many other families experienced in the pilot programme that was undertaken in Moray in Scotland:

• Parents reported increased confidence in supporting their child’s emotional needs.

• Children showed improved self-esteem and reduced anxiety.

• Families felt more connected, with strategies that became part of everyday life.

  
  

  

  
  

Support that makes a difference

At The Exchange Counselling service which is part of Health is One we know that EBSA can be tough on children and families alike. But with the right support, children can re-engage with school and start to thrive again.

Our EBSA programme is designed to combine compassionate listening with practical strategies that fit into family life. It’s about empowering parents, strengthening children’s emotional resilience, and making sure no family feels alone in facing these challenges.

If your child is struggling with school attendance because of anxiety or emotional distress, we’re here to help.

exchange-counselling.com/ebsa