Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)

Understanding School Refusal

As a parent, it can be incredibly distressing when your child refuses to go to school. This behavior, known as school refusal, is more than just a reluctance to attend; it's often a sign of underlying emotional or psychological challenges for your child.

What Is School Refusal?

School refusal occurs when a child experiences significant distress about attending school, leading them to avoid it. Unlike truancy, where a child skips school without parental consent, school refusal involves a conscious decision to stay home, often with the parents' knowledge. This behaviour can manifest in various ways, including:

• Frequent complaints of physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches, especially on school days.
• Tearfulness, clinging, or extreme reluctance to leave home.
• Avoidance of school-related activities, such as camps or excursions.
• Difficulty separating from parents or caregivers.

It's essential to recognise that school refusal is not a deliberate act of defiance, but rather a response to underlying issues that require attention.

Common Causes of School Refusal

The reasons behind school refusal vary from child to child but often include:

• Anxiety: Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, or separation anxiety can make the school environment overwhelming.
• Peer Issues: Negative social experiences can lead to a fear of attending school.
• Academic Challenges: Struggles with learning or fear of failure can contribute to avoidance.
• Family Issues: Changes such as parental separation, illness, or bereavement can trigger distress.
• Trauma: Past traumatic events can resurface, making school a triggering environment.

Understanding the root cause is crucial for effective intervention.

How Parents Can Help

If your child is experiencing school refusal, consider the following steps:

1. Open Communication: Discuss your child's feelings with them without judgment. Validate their emotions and reassure them that it's okay to feel anxious.
2. Collaborate with the School: Work closely with your child's teacher/s and our school Wellbeing team to develop a support plan tailored to your child's needs. An attendance Student Support Group (SSG) can be facilitated by the school, and together, we can work out a solution that best suits your child. 
3. Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting a child psychologist to address underlying emotional or psychological issues (please speak to our Wellbeing Team if you require assistance with accessing any allied health involvement). 
4. Establish a Routine: Create a consistent daily schedule to provide structure and predictability.
5. Gradual Exposure: If necessary, implement a gradual return-to-school plan to ease the transition (to be discussed in an SSG - as stated above). 

Remember, early intervention and a supportive environment are key to helping your child overcome school refusal.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about your child's school attendance. My door is always open, and I am always here to help. 

Have a wonderful, long weekend. 

Take care,

Amy Carter 

(MHiPS)