School refusal and EHCPs: recording evidence of EBSA
Many children who struggle to attend school are not choosing to miss it. They are overwhelmed. Schools and councils often call this emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Careful records help show it is linked to needs that are not being met.
Why records matter for school refusal
Attendance figures show that a child is missing school, but not why. Your notes can show the pattern behind the absences: the build-up the night before, physical signs of anxiety in the morning, what happens at the school gate, and what helps on the days your child does go in.
What to record each day
- Signs of anxiety the evening before and in the morning (stomach aches, not sleeping, crying, refusing to dress)
- Whether your child went in, went in late, or did not go in, and how long it took
- What happened at drop-off and who helped
- What your child says about school, in their own words
- How they were after school (exhausted, shut down, or a meltdown at home)
- Any support in place that day, such as a reduced timetable, a key adult or a safe space
What to ask school for
- Attendance records, including late marks and any part-time timetable
- Records of support given under SEN Support and how well it worked
- Any behaviour logs, internal exclusions or time spent out of class
- Notes from meetings, with dates
You can ask for copies of your child's educational record. Keep everything in date order.
How this fits an EHCP request
An EHC needs assessment is based on whether your child may have special educational needs and may need support through a plan. Persistent difficulty attending school, despite support, can be part of that picture. Your dated records, alongside school data and any professional reports, help the council see it. Read how to request an EHC needs assessment for the next step.
Look after yourself too
School refusal is exhausting for the whole family. Your GP, your local SENDIASS service and parent support groups can help. You do not have to manage it alone.