There are many reasons why a child may not be going into lessons or going to school. These can include difficulties with the curriculum and school work, or problems getting to school because of transport or caring responsibilities. Emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA) is a term that’s used to describe children who are struggling to go to school, or to stay in school or lessons, because of an emotional need. Some professionals still call it school refusal. But there is now a clearer understanding that it isn’t about a child refusing to go to school or being defiant. Instead, it’s about emotional, mental health and well-being issues. EBSNA can start suddenly or build up gradually. It’s more likely to get worse during big moves (transitions), such as moving from primary to secondary school or starting a new school year. It’s equally common in boys and girls. It’s also more likely to develop in young people in secondary school, though the signs of it can be seen when a child is in primary school too. Some children don’t go into school at all, others may have a pattern of missing some days, such as Mondays. Some children gradually attend less and less. EBSNA doesn’t just mean not going to school. Children and young people may also not go into class not stay in lessons avoid some places or people at school avoid going in, telling you they can’t go in, but still going into school If your child isn’t going to school fully, you’re not alone. The Children’s Commissioner for England estimated that in the Autumn and Spring term 2021/22, two out of every nine school children were persistently absent. That’s 1.6 million children who missed at least 10% of possible school sessions.