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We have updated our EBSA strategy. The number of pupils who feel they cannot go to school or lessons is rising. Children and young people are more worried or anxious.

We worked with Parent Carer Participation Wirral (PCPW) and gathered the views of:

• Schools
• Young people
• Wirral parents and carers

This helped us to create a mission statement. This mission statement underpins the EBSA strategy:

To educate and empower parents, carers, and professionals around emotional barriers to school attendance (EBSA).

To improve the emotional well-being of children, young people, and their families.

We started using the new approach in January 2024. Here is some of the support that has been available. It has included:

Training for schools and Wirral Council employees

Each term there is a one-day training course. All Wirral schools and children’s services teams are able to attend. This training updates them about EBSA research. They learn individualised strategies to support pupils. The training also includes a large set of resources that is free. Schools can contact an Educational Psychologist. This allows them to discuss support in more detail. They can get more information and new training dates.

EBSA Training for Wirral Parents and Carers

Each term, there is a one-day training course for Wirral parents and carers. The training complements the training staff attend. Families receive information and free resources. It all helps them to support their children. This training uses current research about EBSA. There is a link to download some of this research at the bottom of this page. Parents and carers can find training dates on ‘What’s On’ or PCPW’s Facebook page.

Last year, parents and carers told us what they thought of the training. It was so positive, and they found it so useful.

School EBSA Network Sessions

School staff network meetings happen every half-term. The meeting is an opportunity to talk as a group and share ideas. The staff can learn how to help children who need more complex support. They can network with other schools and local agencies. School staff develop connections with other professionals. Together, they can support pupils more.

Using an AV1 robot

The AV1 robot is a small, friendly-looking device. It helps children who can’t attend school or engage in lessons. This can be because of illness or other reasons such as EBSA. It acts like their eyes, ears, and voice in the classroom. The child controls the AV1 from home or in school. They do this using a tablet or phone, and the robot sits in their place at school. It lets them see and hear what’s happening and join in by speaking through the robot. This helps them stay connected with their friends and not feel left out. The AV1 is available for Wirral schools to hire. It supports pupils who experience EBSA to feel less anxious. Over time, they can start to take part in learning again.

To find out more about the AV1s, you can go to the Family Toolbox ~ AV1 Robot.

EBSA parent and carer training

This training can help you learn ways to support your child.
It also helps you work with school to make a plan that suits your child.

To register take a look at the link to pick which date suits you Parent/Carer EBSA training 2025/26 – Microsoft form

Monday 24th November 2025 (9:30am-2:45pm)

Monday 9th March 2026 (9:30am-2:45pm)

Thursday 11th June 2026 (9:30am-2:45pm)

For any queries email epresponse@wirral.gov.uk

More Information

Parent Carer Participation Wirral (PCPW) Facebook Page for EBSA Strategy updates and events.

You can download Greater Manchester’s Barrier’s to Education WARMTH framework below. This has been used to develop the EBSA training. Greater Manchester ~ Barriers to Education WARMTH framework

Please check this page for updates. In the meantime, please see Emotional Barriers to School Attendance for further information to help support your child.