Schools
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Supporting Schools With EBSA
Helping Schools Navigate Student Anxiety and School Avoidance
Schools are increasingly supporting students experiencing significant anxiety about attending school.
These situations can be complex for both staff and families to navigate.
With over 15 years’ experience in teaching and senior pastoral leadership within UK secondary schools, I understand the realities schools face when supporting students whose anxiety has begun to impact attendance, engagement and wellbeing.
Alongside my work with families, I support schools to better understand teen school anxiety and anxiety-based school avoidance (EBSA), and to respond in ways that reduce pressure and help young people feel safer and more supported.
Training and Support for Schools
I work with schools and education professionals to provide guidance and training around EBSA and school anxiety.
Support may include:
• Staff training and professional development on understanding EBSA and anxiety-driven school avoidance
• Consultation with pastoral teams navigating complex attendance and wellbeing cases
• Guidance on responding to anxiety in ways that reduce escalation and pressure
• Supporting communication between schools and families during periods of school avoidance
The aim is to help schools feel more confident and better equipped when supporting students experiencing anxiety around school.
A Collaborative Approach
Supporting a young person experiencing EBSA often requires a collaborative approach between school and family.
Because of my experience working within schools, I understand both the challenges staff face and the pressures families can feel when attendance begins to break down.
My work aims to support constructive and respectful communication, helping families and schools work together in ways that support the young person’s wellbeing while creating a clearer path forward.
TESTIMONIALS
"Jo brings a Calm & Thoughtful Perspective"
“Jo brings a calm and thoughtful perspective to supporting families navigating school anxiety.
She helped our team understand how easily well-intentioned responses can sometimes increase pressure for anxious students.
Her understanding of both the school environment and the pressures families face has helped us support students in a more constructive way.”
-Head of Year
"Practical and Insightful Training"
“Jo delivered incredibly insightful training for our pastoral team on understanding anxiety-based school avoidance.
Rather than focusing only on behaviour or attendance, she helped staff understand what is happening internally for a young person when they feel overwhelmed.
Staff left with a much clearer understanding of EBSA. Thank you Jo.
-Assistant Headteacher
"Staff Feel More Confident Supporting EBSA"
"Jo’s training helped our pastoral team better understand the nature of anxiety-driven school avoidance.
Her approach helped staff realise that when we reduce pressure and respond with greater understanding, students often begin to settle more quickly.
Our team now feels far more confident supporting students experiencing EBSA."
-SENCO
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