Anxiety is the biggest barrier to young people attending school for a variety of reasons. There are some young people who seem to thrive and yet transition to secondary school and change. There are others who experience considerable distress in transitions to and from home, between classes, and expectation of doing further schoolwork after school at home. Schools are far more aware and alert to difficulties and can provide a range of access to resources but these are limited both in time and availability very often (e.g. counselling, 1-1 support, Forest/hospital school) with all recourses stretched. The young person may thrive with the resources extended, but regress when the resources are removed.

Prevention is key as is early detection so that the minimal support is required in comparison to young people struggling over many months and their needs being missed, dismissed or ignored causing further distress and trauma. It is not enough to provide the annual reflection of mental health awareness day, but, rather, be open and transparent about positive mental health every day to consider needs over and above systems that demand full time attendance, the uniform worn correctly, or work completed in a way that then is followed up by punishments because the needs fail to be addressed. 

Early indicators and having a professional who can swiftly support with anxiety and low mood alongside the neurodivergent profiles can radically change the outcome helping both staff and pupils. Whilst much of the emphasis is placed on bottom upwards, it also needs leader management downwards. EPS ltd is keen to support forward thinking schools with considerations to both physical and mental health through team discussions and problem solving utilising knowledge, experience and compassion on all sides. These can be supported individually case by case (e.g. SENCOs), or in small (e.g. alternative providers, Pastoral team) or large groups (e.g. school assembleys, 6th form discussions, staff training).