This guidance has been developed by Angus Educational Psychology Service, to support school staff in their understanding of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), and to offer an approach to better assess and intervene at the level of the child, the school and the family.

The content of the guidance has been informed by current research, dedicated training undertaken by Angus EPS, and materials made available on the subject of EBSA from other local authorities.  The content of the guidance has also been influenced by information gathered from local action research relating to the EBSA experiences of pupils, and reflections of school staff.

The guidance provides support for practitioners across the Angus Continuum of Need, from universal provision to targeted support. Following a pilot of draft guidance, and consultation with multi-agency partners, it is recognised that the guidance will be most helpful as a preventative approach, before patterns of EBSA behaviour have become entrenched.