Wellbeing 

SCHOOL REFUSAL

School refusal is a very common issue. It is different to ‘wagging’ or skipping classes and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. 

School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. It is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, but if they are frequently complaining about feeling sick or trying to stay home for small reasons, it might be a sign of something more. 

There’s no single reason why school refusal happens. It is a complex issue that affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things harder for many students. 

When a child struggles with school refusal it doesn’t just impact them. It can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. Even though school refusal isn’t a formal diagnosis, it’s a real emotional and behavioural challenge that needs understanding and support.

For more information on this topic, check out the link below to SchoolTV where you’ll find helpful insights on how to approach school refusal and work towards a solution. If you have any concerns about your young person, please contact the Wellbeing team for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of SchoolTV:

https://vermontsc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-refusal