For complex, long-term Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), school staff may need additional support. Recommendations from external professionals should be integrated into the pupil’s individual learning plan using a ‘plan, do, review‘ process.
For severe attendance issues, it’s crucial to consider all factors impacting engagement, including any additional learning needs. External professionals, such as Educational Psychologists, Advisory teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, and CAMHS, may be involved. Their recommendations should be included in the pupil’s stepped support plan as part of the ‘plan, do, review’ process. The impact of these recommendations and intervention should be regularly reviewed with the pupil and family.
Regular review of professional involvement and advice, both internally and with external professionals, is important. The SEND Support Consultation Service offers additional guidance on supporting pupils and addressing attendance issues. Further information and booking are available at SEND Support Consultations for Schools.
Support from Inclusion Services
If a pupil has medical or health needs which are impacting their school attendance they may require additional support through DCC inclusion services. This is sometimes called a Section 19 referral. According to Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, local authorities must arrange suitable education for children who can’t attend school due to illness, exclusions or other reasons. In Devon this may include alternative education support. To access this support a referral to inclusion services will need to be completed.
In some cases, there may be continued concerns around a pupil’s progress despite continued support as part of a plan, do, review process, which has included external professional input. Where this is the case it may be appropriate to make an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment request for the pupil. An EHC plan (EHCP) is for pupils who have a long-term or more complex needs which cannot be met through Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision and targeted support. Further information about EHCPs and how to make a needs assessment request.