Following the Emotionally Based School Absence guidance that was produced by the Education Psychology Service (EPS) in March 2021 and the focus of this area across Hertfordshire, the DSPL 9 SEND Review Group have made EBSA the priority this year.  They have worked with a wider audience of stakeholders to consider how as a DSPL we can support schools, Children and Young People (CYP) and parents in enabling and empowering CYP to move back into the schools and classrooms with limited emotional barriers and the tools, support network and confidence to access learning, friendships and school life.

This document and support package is available to all mainstream primary and secondary aged children and young people who are experiencing Emotional Based School Absence (EBSA). West Sussex County Council (2022) state that Emotional Based School Absence (EBSA) is a broad umbrella term used to describe a group of children and young people who have severe difficulty in attending school due to emotional factors, often resulting in prolonged absences from school.  The impact of EBSA on young people and schools is far reaching.  Outcomes for young people who display EBSA include poor academic attainment, reduced social opportunities and limited employment opportunities.   EBSA is also associated with poor adult mental health.

Tier 2 Support for parents.

DSPL9 support for parents of children who are experiencing EBSA can be found on the parents tab of this website or by following this link.

Tier 3 (Insight and Solution Circle) dates

Bookings are essential and should be made via this link: New booking link will be available soon.

Following booking, please complete the prior information document and submit it, along with the required supporting materials to admin@dsplarea9.org.uk clearly marked as T3 Prior Information

Tier 4 (Specialist Support) Panel dates 26/27

Applications should be submitted to  admin@dsplarea9.org.uk clearly marked as T4 Support Application

Please see the DSPL9 EBSA Support Package guidance document below for full details of support available at all tiers, along with required forms.