The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is working with local schools and NHS Frimley Health to support children and young people who have difficulties attending school because of emotional, psychological or relationship issues.

Emotionally-related school avoidance (ERSA) can affect children who are attending school but have anxiety, and those missing their education for an extended period. These young people often do want to attend school, however, their anxiety and lack of coping skills leaves them unable to do so.

Over the past year, RBWM’s children’s services partner, Achieving for Children, has been working with NHS Frimley Health to train school staff at primary and secondary schools to support children with ERSA and their parents or carers. Most local schools have now received the training. The remainder will do so in the new academic year.

If you notice early signs of ERSA in your child, it is important to contact the school to start support as soon as possible – see the Parent Quick Guide and ERSA webinar for parents for more.

What are the signs of ERSA?

It might be an early sign if your child is:

• anxious or upset to attend school
• frequently expressing a serious desire not to attend school
• showing physical symptoms of anxiety (such as a headache or stomach-ache)
• absent for several days over a short period.