What school anxiety and refusal is, resources for parents and carers.
School anxiety and refusal
School anxiety, sometimes called 'school refusal', is when your child feels fearful or anxious about school and might be unable to go to school because of it.
It's also referred to as ‘emotionally-based school avoidance' (EBSA). To support you, we have pulled together resources for parents and carers to support children facing school anxiety.
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Bitesize blog: How parents can help their child get through tough times
Information about school anxiety, how to help your child and supporting children with SEND
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Bitesize Parents' Toolkit: How can I support myself and my child?
Six tips to protect your mental health whilst still supporting your child with school anxiety
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Young Minds blog: school anxiety and refusal
Advice on supporting your child and working with the school and other services.
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Place2Be blog: My child doesn't want to go to school
How to understand your child's fear and help them face it.
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Bitesize blog: The after-school ‘meltdown
Five tips to support your child if they experience the after-school ‘meltdown'
Support for parents and carers
Young Minds: Parents Helpline
A free and confidential helpline service for parents or main carers' of children and young people aged 25 or under.
Bitesize Parents' Toolkit: Six self-care tips for parents
Information and tips for parents and carers about how they can support their own mental health and wellbeing.
Children's Commissioner: Help page
A guide for working with your school and local authority to support your children to attend school, including support for parents with SEND children.