PARENT EBSA CHECK
Start with the story, not the percentage.
EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) is a term used when emotional distress becomes a significant barrier to attending or remaining in school.
This National Attendance Portal tool does not diagnose EBSA. It helps you organise what you are noticing, hear your child's voice and prepare for a constructive conversation with school.
Your answers stay private. They remain on this device and are not submitted or stored by this tool.
National Attendance Portal
Parent EBSA Check · Reflection summary
Possible barriers to explore
What to do next
Please remember
This is a reflection tool, not a diagnosis or validated clinical screening test. School attendance difficulties can have many causes and a child's circumstances should be understood individually.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea or tiredness should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety. Seek appropriate health advice if symptoms are persistent, severe or concerning.
If you are worried about your child's immediate safety, or they are talking about harming themselves or someone else, seek urgent professional help.
Summary to share with school
Useful questions for a school conversation
- When does my child seem most settled and most distressed during the school day?
- Is there a trusted adult they can check in with?
- Are friendships, bullying, learning demands, sensory needs or transitions contributing?
- What small adjustments could reduce distress while keeping my child connected with school?
- Who will coordinate the plan, and when will we review it together?
- How will my child's own views be included?
Every child. Every day. Every future.
Understanding absence starts with understanding the child.