Time: 1.30pm - 4.00pm
This course will be delivered online but will not be recorded.
Fees
Member - £99
Non-Member - £149
This essential course equips school leaders and staff to understand, identify, and respond effectively to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Learn how to distinguish EBSA from other attendance concerns, explore its root causes, and design a whole-school, trauma-informed approach that reduces barriers to attendance .
Facilitator
Kelly Hannaghan
Aims
- Recognise the signs, stages, and causes of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) across age ranges
- Differentiate between EBSA, general attendance issues, and behavioural school refusal
- Map the internal and external factors affecting attendance, including mental health, SEND, school climate, and family dynamics
- Design an inclusive, trauma-informed school response that reduces barriers and promotes safe re-engagement
- Implement practical tools for tracking, early intervention, and structured reintegration
- Work effectively with parents/carers and external agencies to create joined-up support plans
- Shift culture: promoting school as a safe, emotionally literate environment for all learners
- Includes Downloadable EBSA Toolkit including reintegration templates, meeting frameworks, and pupil voice prompts
Audience
All school leaders in all phases, Headteachers, Senior Leadership Team Members, SENCO’s, Attendance Officers, Inclusion Leads, Pastoral Leads, Senior Mental Health Leads, Teachers, Family Support Workers, Family Liaison Officers.
Facilitator
Kelly Hannaghan
Kelly is a Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant and the Director and founder of Mind Work Matters Ltd. She puts wellbeing and people at the heart of education. Kelly is an award-winning motivational speaker, school improvement advisor, published author and founder of the 'Family Matters’ empowerment and engagement programme. Kelly develops the strategies to help people in education thrive from adversities. Her work with schools and organisations raises aspirations, engagement, attendance, and outcomes.
Today, she is going to offer insight and practical tools to equip you and your staff to support pupils get back to the classroom more regularly.