Inclusion

Supporting Pupils with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Short Course

This short course offers practitioners research-informed support and practical approaches to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Gain a basic understanding of EBSA, its causes, early signs and significant impact on learners' wellbeing and academic progress. Learn to identify vulnerable groups, implement effective early intervention strategies and develop tailored reintegration plans, helping you foster a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Write your awesome label here.

Georgina Durrant & Liv Gisby

1 hour

Online Course

By completing this short course, you will: 

define Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and explain how it differs from other forms of non-attendance, such as truancy or school withdrawal;
recognise vulnerable groups more likely to experience EBSA, including learners with SEND, those eligible for free school meals and young carers;
be given an overview of the short- and long-term impacts of EBSA on learners’ emotional wellbeing, academic progress and family life;
appreciate the importance of early identification and collaboration with families and external professionals to reduce the impact of EBSA and support reintegration into school.

Course Lessons

Written by: Georgina Durrant 

Empty space, drag to resize
Georgina Durrant is the National Inclusion Lead at Twinkl. A qualified teacher and SENDCo, she is also a published author in the SEND field.

Georgina hosts the highly acclaimed podcast 'SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant,' and has penned three books on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: 'SEND Strategies for the Primary Years,' '100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play' and 'How to Boost Reading and Writing Through Play.' Currently, she is working on two new SEND books, one for secondary school teachers and another for early career teachers (ECTs). In 2023, Georgina was honoured with the nasen Award for Positive Media Impact for SEND.

As a speaker, Georgina presents at conferences and schools about SEND. Her expert educational advice frequently features in major media outlets, including The Independent, The Guardian and The Telegraph, as well as on Sky News, Channel 5 News and BBC 5 Live.

In collaboration with: Liv Gisby

Empty space, drag to resize
Liv Gisby brings a unique and robust perspective to education, drawing on 18 years of experience across mainstream and special school settings, combined with four years of service as a Police Detective.

Her educational career includes roles as a class teacher across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), key stage 1 and key stage 2, before specialising as a SENDCo for six years, during which she gained the National Award for SEN Coordination. Liv has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and extensive further training in Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), Occupational Therapy (OT), ASD, trauma, attachment and specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia.

As a senior leader, she was responsible for managing staff development and delivering whole-school CPD related to special educational needs. Her ability to navigate complex safeguarding issues and multi-agency work is enhanced by her background as a detective, where she focused on domestic abuse and child protection. This dual expertise now informs her work creating essential training materials for educators. Liv specialises in bridging the gap between clinical theory, classroom practice and critical welfare needs, ensuring that every resource she develops provides educators with the knowledge and practical tools required to offer truly holistic and impactful support for all pupils.