Contact Us
Member Login
Facebook-f X-twitter Linkedin

Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA)

Expert, collaborative support for emotional barriers to school attendance (EBSA) and school refusal, including Educational Psychology, Safeguarding, Creative Psychotherapy, Attendance, and SaLT services working together to help every child feel supported and ready to learn.

EBSA

How do we work with EBSA?

teacher with group of EYFS pupils

Emotional Barriers to School Attendance

School attendance is an essential part of a child’s education, yet many pupils face significant emotional barriers that prevent regular attendance.

Anxiety, trauma, school phobia, and unmet special educational needs (SEND) can all contribute to school avoidance. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-disciplinary approach that provides holistic support to pupils, their families and the school.

One Education can provide a comprehensive, integrated service including support from Educational Psychology, Safeguarding, School attendance, Creative Psychotherapy and SEND Support.

This collaborative approach ensures that emotional barriers are identified and supported effectively, enabling pupils to improve school attendance or re-enter education 

School Attendance & Safeguarding

Our School Attendance advisers play a vital role in supporting schools to respond effectively to Emotional Barriers to School Attendance, analysing attendance data and helping to build early intervention strategies, strengthening school policies, and promoting a supportive, inclusive environment.

By working collaboratively with school staff, families, and external agencies, our services can support schools in developing tailored, holistic approaches that prioritise student wellbeing while improving attendance outcomes.

Casework support for persistently absent pupils and those with emotional barriers to school attendance:

  • Attendance and Register Audits
  • On-site Attendance Officer Support
  • Home Visits and Parental Engagement
  • Attendance data analysis and reports
pupils watch teacher demonstrate

How do we work with EBSA?

Creative Psychotherapy in Education

Our Creative Psychotherapy in Education service can support children experiencing Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) through a range of therapeutic approaches including play, art, and music therapy.

By addressing the emotional, social, and developmental needs behind school refusal, we offer a holistic pathway to re-engagement. Alongside direct therapeutic work with children, we also empower educators and support staff through clinical supervision, reflective practice, and practical tools.

This integrated approach builds not only the emotional resilience of pupils but also strengthens the confidence and capacity of school staff.

Read our case studies to see how we have supported learners through Creative Therapies.

 

EYFS pupils and teacher

How do we work with EBSA?

Educational Psychology

Our Educational Psychologists are committed to supporting children and young people experiencing Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA). We have worked with Manchester LA to produce Manchester’s ‘Planning for Change’ assessment and planning tool. Our training, guidance and interventions are based on recent research.

We believe early intervention is key; we offer whole staff training and consultation; work with families and young people and provide staff and parent problem-solving workshops. In this way, we help reduce barriers to attendance and enable successful, sustained improvements.

Working together, we can create inclusive environments where every child feels supported to thrive.

teacher speaking to two pupils at desk
Inclusion Strategy and Planning for Change document

How do we work with EBSA?

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT) play a key role in supporting children with Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA). Emotional distress can affect a child’s ability to communicate, express needs, and engage socially. Our team helps children develop the communication skills and emotional resilience needed to manage anxiety and re-engage with school.

Through targeted interventions, our therapists support expression, understanding of social cues, and confidence-building. Working closely with families and schools, we help create supportive environments and gradual reintegration plans. Early support can break the cycle of avoidance, helping children feel safe, connected, and ready to attend school.

SEND self-audit

How do we work with EBSA?

Blogs

Art therapy for pupils
Case Study: Art Therapy for Pupils with Emotional Barriers to School Attendance
In this case study, we explore the profound impact of Art Therapy for pupils with emotional barriers...
Read More
A teacher smiling at a student
How can Speech and Language Therapists support a child with EBSA?
This blog explores Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) and its impact on children's speech,...
Read More
Team Leader for Inclusion
One Education EP publishes research on whole school guidance for EBSN
Explore the recent research published by Sarah Ward, Educational Psychologist at One Education, which...
Read More

Resources

Spare

Meet the EBSA Team

Jess leads the team of Education Welfare and Safeguarding Advisors, ensuring we deliver the best service to schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts, whilst putting the best outcomes for children at the centre of our approach. Jess has experience working in both the public and private sector to improve safeguarding outcomes and attendance of children and young people, with many years of experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Education & Welfare Safeguarding Advisor.

Jess Lane

Head of Service School Attendance & Safeguarding

Jeni is a state registered Dramatherapist (HCPC), clinical supervisor and Psychotherapist (UKCP). She has over 20 years' experience supporting looked after children and children with complex trauma and attachment issues in education. As head of service for CPE, she is committed to promoting and developing best therapeutic practice for young people and the systems that support them, promoting an increased sense of well-being, alongside opportunities for growth, understanding and compassion.

Jeni Goodfellow-Pemsel

HEAD OF SERVICE AND LEAD THERAPIST

Abigail has over 20 years’ experience as an EP, is a former teacher and Year Head and is honorary tutor at Manchester University. She works closely with Manchester’s Social Communication Pathway. She has written books on domestic abuse. Recently, she co-produced Manchester’s guidance on Emotion Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA).

Abigail Sterne

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Sarah qualified as an EP in 2023 and her doctoral research was about emotional barriers to school attendance (EBSA) and taking a preventative whole school approach. This research has been published and shared through trainings and workshops. Sarah is a member of a North West EBSA project group and has worked closely with Manchester City Council to rewrite their EBSA guidance with links to updated research.

Sarah Ward

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST - LEAD ON EBSA SCHOOLS ONLINE CONSULTATIONS

Helen has spent the last 20 years working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in a range of settings and roles, and is now working as a Specialist Inclusion Teacher and Speech and Language Therapist at One Education.

Helen Marriot

Head of Inclusion - SEND and Speech and Language Therapy

To speak to a member of the EBSA Team please contact info@oneeducation.co.uk

Login to your account

Search our website

Request a brochure

Please fill in your details below to receive our free brochure.

Sign up to our Newsletter

Please fill in your details below to sign up to our newsletter.

Request a call back

Please fill in your details below to receive a call back from a member of our team.