New EBSA Support Videos for Parent Carers
We are pleased to introduce the first two videos in our ‘Can’t, Not Won’t series, all about about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), created by South Glos Parent Carers (SGPC) and South Glos Council’s Educational Psychology Service (EPS).
Over the last few years, we’ve been listening closely to parent carers and learning more about what EBSA looks like in real family life. Many families have told us about their child’s difficulties with school attendance linked to anxiety, feeling overwhelmed in the school environment, school refusal, part-time timetables, low mood, friendship worries and bullying. These concerns led to a steering group being formed in 2021, bringing together Educational Psychologists, SGPC (the local Parent Carer Forum), schools, and professionals from health and social care. This joint work has helped raise awareness of EBSA across South Gloucestershire.
The ‘Can’t, Not Won’t’ videos are an important step forward. They bring together lived experience and professional insight to give families the clear, compassionate information, understanding and confidence they have been asking for - helping you understand what EBSA is, what it isn’t, and how to work positively with schools and professionals to support your child. Most importantly, they aim to help families feel less isolated and more understood.
There are 7 videos in the series and the first two - an introduction to the psychology of EBSA and a guide to how schools and families can work together - were launched at our parent carer event in November. You can now watch them on our website in the resources section or using the links below. Each video comes with an accompanying handout with further information and signposting.
Understanding the Psychology behind EBSA and the approaches taken to meet EBSA needs
A joined up approach between schools and parents/carers
December 2025