Wellbeing & Culture
Understanding School Refusal: Helping Our Children Feel Safe and Supported
At times, some children may find it hard to come to school. This is often called school refusal — when a child feels anxious, worried, or overwhelmed about going to school and may resist or avoid attending.
What is school refusal?
School refusal is not about children being naughty or lazy. It’s a sign that they might be feeling scared, stressed, or uncomfortable about something connected to school — maybe a tough friendship, feeling worried about learning, or missing the comfort of home.
Why does it happen?
Children can experience many emotions that make school feel hard. Some common reasons include:
- Feeling anxious or worried about being away from their family
- Feeling overwhelmed by work or expectations
- Struggling with friendships or bullying
- Feeling physically unwell or tired
- Changes at home or school that feel unsettling
How can we help?
If your child is finding it difficult to come to school, here are some steps that might help:
- Listen and validate: Let your child know it’s okay to feel upset or worried. Ask gently what’s on their mind and show you care.
- Create a calm morning routine: Help your child feel prepared and safe by having a predictable and relaxed start to the day.
- Work with the school: Our teachers and wellbeing staff are here to support your child. Together, we can find ways to make school feel more welcoming and manageable.
- Take small steps: Any accomplishment can be a huge step for students with school refusal..
Seek support if needed: If anxiety or worries feel big or last a long time, talking to a counsellor or health professional can make a big difference.
Remember: School refusal is a common experience, and many children overcome it with the right support. We want every child to feel safe, happy, and excited to learn here at school. If you have any concerns or need support, please reach out — we are here for you and your child every step of the way.
Kelly Goodgame and Hayley Nixon – On behalf of the Wellbeing and Culture Team