School anxiety
Emotionally-based school avoidance
School anxiety, also known as emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA), refers to situations where a child or young person experiences significant emotional distress related to attending school. This can result in reluctance, refusal or inability to attend school regularly.
Children and young people with special educational needs, including autism, sensory processing difficulties or anxiety disorders, may be more vulnerable to experiencing school-related anxiety. However, school anxiety can affect any child, regardless of diagnosis or academic performance.
What to do if your child is struggling to attend school
Speak to your GP:
- explain the difficulties your child is experiencing with school attendance and any signs of anxiety or distress
- if the GP believes your child is not currently well enough to attend school, request a letter for the local authority (LA) confirming this
- you can also ask your GP to refer you child to CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services), but the wait may be long.
Contact the school:
- request a meeting with the class teacher, SENCO or a member of the senior leadership team
- share your concerns and any medical advice you have received
- discuss what might be causing your child’s anxiety and what support could help
- remember that SEN includes social, emotional and mental health needs. Your child does not need to academically behind to receive SEN support.
Explore additional support:
- the school may involve external services such as the Education Welfare Service or Educational Psychologist
- if the school cannot meet your child’s needs with existing resources, you can request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. This is the first step toward securing an EHCP.
If your child already has an EHCP
- You can request an early review of the plan if your child is struggling to attend school.
- The plan may need to be updated to reflect mental health needs, additional support or a change of placement.
The local authority remains responsible for delivering the provision in the EHC Plan, even if your child is not currently attending school.
Accessing education while out of school
If your child is unable to attend school for 15 days or more, the local authority has a legal duty under section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to provide suitable alternative education.
This education must:
- be of good quality and tailored to your child’s needs
- begin by the sixth day of absence
- not be limited by cost or availability.
Local authorities must follow the statutory guidance Education for children with health needs who cannot attend school – GOV.UK which includes mental health conditions such as anxiety.
Attendance orders and legal considerations
An Attendance Order is a formal notice issued by the local authority when it believes a child is not receiving a suitable education (either at home or at school).
If you receive an Attendance Order, you have 15 days to either:
- register your child at the school named in the order, or
- provide evidence that your child is receiving suitable education elsewhere (for example, through home education or medical provision arranged by the local authority).
If your child is experiencing school anxiety or has special educational needs (SEN):
- write to the attendance team at the local authority
- explain your child’s mental health difficulties and any SEN
- request support and understanding, rather than enforcement or punishment.
If the local authority continues with legal action, you may need advice from a solicitor.
Legal aid may be available depending on your circumstances.
Considering elective home education
Elective home education is a big decision.
Parents or carers should not feel pressured to de-register their child due unresolved school issues or threats of prosecution.
It is important to explore all available support options before making this choice.
Sources of support
- GP or CAMHS – for health and anxiety support
- School SENCO – for school support
- Local Authority – for education help
- SENDIASS – for local special needs support Find your local IAS service
- Office of the Children’s Commissioner – for attendance advice DfE external document template
