EBSA Toolkit

EBSA Toolkit | Emotionally Based School Avoidance | 12 Illustrated Staff Resources | SEND & Pastoral Support

What’s Included?

The toolkit features 12 individually illustrated A4 pages, covering:

• Understanding EBSA– What emotionally based school avoidance is and why children may find attending school difficult.
• The Anxiety Iceberg – Exploring the feelings, worries and unmet needs that may sit beneath visible behaviours.
• Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn – Understanding common responses to stress and anxiety.
• The Cycle of Anxiety – How avoidance and short-term relief can maintain anxiety over time.
• Creating Safety – Building predictable, supportive and emotionally safe environments.
• Supporting Regulation – Practical approaches to helping children feel calmer and more secure.
• Re-engagement Pathway – Supporting gradual, personalised steps towards engagement.
• Emotions & Feelings – Recognising, validating and responding to emotional needs.
• Coping Strategies Toolkit– A visual collection of practical strategies to explore with children.
• Helpful Language for Staff – Supportive phrases to use and language that may increase distress.
• Final Reminders & Reflection – Key messages and opportunities for staff reflection.
• Illustrated Cover Page – Bringing the toolkit together as a cohesive resource.