On Monday 13th January, PaJeS hosted a highly impactful webinar titled EBSA: Supporting Parents and Carers of Children Who Struggle with School Attendance. The session brought together over 200 parents, carers and professionals to tackle the growing challenge of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) for both primary and secondary school children.
Cathy Haysom, executive headteacher of Heartwood House, and educator on EBSA, shared her extensive knowledge on spotting the early signs of school avoidance and how to work with the school to support the child.
The webinar offered attendees actionable insights into supporting children struggling with school attendance, promoting resilience, and cultivating a positive relationship with education. Attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn practical strategies and engage with experts in the field.
One participant commented on how “exceptionally helpful and relevant the session was. Cathy was a very interesting presenter, and she helped us understand the reasons behind EBSA and the best ways to help our children”
Julia Alberga, Wellbeing Manager at PaJeS, reflected on the significance of the event, stating: “This webinar highlighted the pressing need to support families dealing with EBSA. By equipping parents and carers with the right tools, we can help children feel more confident and supported in their educational journey.”
The event underscored the importance of collective efforts in addressing EBSA, with attendees leaving equipped with new strategies to support their children.
