Specialist Spotlight: Barriers to Attendance Part 1: A mental health perspective

Online

14 Jan 2026 (15:30 - 16:30)

Universal SEND Services

Why are more pupils struggling to attend school and what’s really going on beneath the surface? This interactive session explores the emotional roots of school avoidance through a mental health lens. Drawing on the latest research and case examples, we’ll unpack how anxiety, trauma, and unmet needs can drive school refusal. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), along with clear insights into the role of connection, belonging and psychological safety in boosting attendance.

Meet your trainer

Kayleigh Larne

Kayleigh is a highly skilled mental health professional with a wealth of experience in both clinical and educational settings. She has 17 years of experience in mental health, psychological assessment, therapeutic interventions, and programme development.

Kayleigh has been instrumental to the development of many of the projects delivered across the schools division, notably leading on and co-creating the content for Autism and Wellbeing, Intermediate Senior Mental Health Lead, Self Harm in schools and Parental Partnership programmes. She has also led on the delivery of a comprehensive international package for Nord Anglia Schools, training up Senior Mental Health Leads across the world and providing reflective supervision spaces.

Specialist Spotlight: Barriers to Attendance Part 2: Practical strategies and Whole-school approaches

Online

21 Jan 2026

FREE

Universal SEND Services

This hands-on follow-up session equips you with practical tools, targeted interventions, and whole-school strategies to support children who struggle to attend

Book now