Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Resource Pack

Wexford CYPSC has supported the development of an “Emotionally Based School Avoidance” (EBSA) Resource Pack.

Pictured above : EBSA Steering Group at the EBSA Resource Pack launch, May 31st 2023 in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

This Resource Pack has been compiled by a group of professionals in collaboration with schools all of whom are concerned about the issue of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) in Co. Wexford. When EBSA becomes entrenched, it can have negative impacts on children and young people (CYP) in terms of their mental health and wellbeing. It can also influence educational attainment and can limit future employment opportunities. The impact on families who are trying to support CYP to return to education can also be considerable. This pack was developed to provide information and practical tools on how to address EBSA. It is informed by the experience of professionals who work to support children, including pre-schoolers and young people and their families who have been impacted by EBSA.

EBSA Resource Pack

Download the EBSA Resource Pack Wexford 2023 (PDF 7 MB)

Below you can download the individual sections of the EBSA Resource Pack:

 

Additional Resources

Following publication of the EBSA Resource Pack, an Implementation Group was formed to support relevant professionals and parents to develop a practical understanding of EBSA.  See below for some of the resources and training that has been developed by the Implementation Group.

What you can do if you notice signs of EBSA with your Child or Young Person : Short Video

Many children and young people can feel anxious or uncertain about going to school for many reasons and emotionally based school avoidance is something that is experienced in many families.

This video offers parents some tips around how to support their child if they struggle with the return to school after holidays or if attending school is difficult for them in general


 

Download the EBSA Information for Schools Poster 


Download the Poster to Support Autistic Students who experience EBSA

 

Training for Professionals : January 2025

On Monday January 20th 2025, EBSA Professionals Training took place for secondary school teachers  from around Co. Wexford.  Over 40 professionals gathered in Whites Hotel, Wexford for a full days training that was developed and delivered by the EBSA Implementation Group. The training is an interagency response to the rising number of students experiencing EBSA in Co. Wexford.


Participants received a Facilitators Manual and training on how to deliver an EBSA workshop to parents.  They were also encouraged to form cluster groups to arrange the delivery of training in their own areas.

The next phase of training will be delivered to Primary School staff.


EBSA Implementation Group : L-R Siobhán Cummins (Wexford Co. Childcare Committee), Sineád O'Hara (WWETB), Sheila Barrett (Wexford CYPSC), Amy Goodison (Gorey SCP), Ger O'Connor (Wexford Parents Hub), Anna Marie Cullen (NEPS)

The training day was supported through Wexford CYPSC with funding from the DCEDIY CYPSC Fund.

The information contained in the Resource Pack is supported by research and grounded in a theoretical framework.  Click the link below to access the literature review

EBSA Literature Review

Download the EBSA Literature Review (PDF 550 KB)

 

This project is a collaboration between Wexford CYPSC, Barnardos, CAMHS, CFSN’s, FDYS, HSE, IPPN, NAPD, NEPS, SCP, TESS, WxCCC and YNR