Summary
A mother, Julie, expresses regret for pushing her daughter Rosie to attend school despite overwhelming anxiety. The article highlights the issue of "emotionally based school avoidance" (EBSA) affecting children like Rosie and the broader challenge faced by schools. School leaders report an increase in EBSA cases, particularly among students adjusting to secondary school.
Key Facts
- Julie regrets pushing her daughter Rosie into school; Rosie has autism and faced severe anxiety.
- Rosie struggled with intense anxiety and found the school environment overwhelming.
- The family is campaigning for changes in the special educational needs system.
- Rosie's anxiety led to self-harming and night terrors.
- The term "emotionally based school avoidance" (EBSA) describes children who find attending school traumatic.
- School leaders report a rise in EBSA cases, especially during transitions to secondary school.
- Factors like school noise, busyness, and social media add to students' anxiety.
- Persistent absence, where students miss significant class time, remains a concern post-Covid.
