Emotional Based School Avoidance is when a child has difficulty attending school due to emotional factors, resulting in prolonged absences. The rise in EBSA has been connected to the disruption to education and socialisation during the Covid-19 pandemic and increased mental health challenges amongst children. Neurodivergent children are more at risk as they often also face sensory/social challenges. In some areas of our region, school absence rates are higher than the national average.

These children and young people need a haven; a space to express themselves, to develop and grow as individuals, and to work towards goals outside of mainstream education. We plan to extend our groundbreaking pilot programme for EBSA children and young people, developed with an Educational Psychologist and South Tyneside Council. The programme ends with a co-curated exhibition showcasing artwork created by the group which improves self-worth and sense of achievement amongst participants.