Can’t, not won’t
Understanding what lies beneath school avoidance
SGPC and the South Glos Educational Psychology team have teamed up to create a series of video guides designed specifically for parent carers on the topic of emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)
These videos will give information on EBSA, starting with the Psychology of EBSA including working with schools through to Recovery to Rediscovery.
Join us for the launch
This event is designed to be a gentle, welcoming space to meet other parent carers and hear valuable information on a topic that we know can sometimes leave families feeling isolated and exhausted. We want this event to meet you where you are — whether you’d like to come along for a cup of tea and a chat, watch the videos quietly, or connect with others for support and advice.
You’ll have the chance to watch the first two videos in the series, meet the SGPC Peer Support team, and connect with representatives from SEND and You - SAY and Kooth There will also be an opportunity to meet with other local health and education professionals to hear about services available within South Glos. It’s a friendly, supportive opportunity to gain information, share experiences, and meet other parent carers.
Thursday 27th November
10:00am - 12:30pm
Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road, BS32 8BH
We understand that many of you may have children and young people currently not in education who may need to attend with you. Please book a child ticket for them alongside your own ticket.
Agenda
10:00 - 10:15
Introduction from SGPC
10:15 - 10:45
Watch the first video "Introduction to the psychology of EBSA"
This is the first video in the "Can't, not won't" series, co-produced by South Glos Parent Carers and the South Gloucestershire Educational Psychology team.
10:45 - 11:15
Break
Connect with other parent carers, get some fresh air or get a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit and take a pause. We know that this topic can raise strong emotions, and so members of SGPC will be present to support you. If you would like to take the opportunity to seek advice from Send and You, or get information from Kooth, representatives will be available at the back of the room to talk to you.
11:15 - 11:45
Watch the second Video "Working with schools"
The second part in the new "Can't not won't" series of videos
11:45 - 12:30
Cuppa and Connections
Another chance to connect with other parent carers at the event, have another cuppa and find out more about the support available in South Glos. A gentle advisory: There will not be a member of the Educational Psychology team present at this event. We must also advise that the professionals present, will not be able to discuss the presentation with families, as this has been drafted by the Educational Psychology team. Each representative present at the event, will only be able to discuss the service their profession can provide.
These videos are part of our ongoing work raising the profile of EBSA.
There has been a lot of work that has been happening over the past few years to provide information and training to professionals including the creation of the EBSA Toolkit which all schools in South Glos can access.
We have a project page where we share details of the work that has been happening: Raising the Profile of EBSA
November 2025