5 July 2025

Dealing with School Refusal with an Education, Health and Care Plan

If your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan and is refusing to attend school due to anxiety, you may feel overwhelmed, especially if the school or local authority (LA) seems unresponsive. This article provides practical steps for parents to navigate this challenging situation, ensuring their child’s needs are met while addressing school refusal compassionately and effectively.

Understanding School Refusal and EHC Plans

School refusal due to anxiety is not simply a child being “difficult”; it’s often a sign of significant emotional distress. For children with EHC Plans anxiety may stem from unmet provisions, sensory overload, social challenges, or a mismatch between the school environment and their needs.

Step 1: Open Communication with the School

Start by arranging a meeting with the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and, if possible, your child’s class teacher or headteacher. Prepare by:

  • Documenting concerns: Keep a record of your child’s anxiety symptoms, triggers, and instances of school refusal. Note how these relate to the EHC Plan’s provisions.
  • Reviewing the EHC Plan: Check if the school is meeting the specified support, such as access to a quiet space, tailored teaching strategies, or mental health support.
  • Asking specific questions: For example, “What steps are being taken to address my child’s anxiety as outlined in their EHC Plan?” or “Can we discuss adjustments to help my child feel safe attending school?’

Request a written response to your concerns and any agreed actions. If the school is unresponsive, escalate the matter to the school’s governing body or trust, citing your child’s legal entitlements under the EHC Plan.

Step 2: Engage with the Local Authority

If the school fails to act, contact the LA, which has a legal duty to ensure the EHC Plan is implemented.

Write a formal letter or email to the LA’s SEND team, including:

  • A clear explanation of the issue, including your child’s anxiety and school refusal.
  • Evidence that the EHC Plan’s provisions are not being met.
  • A request for an urgent review of the EHC Plan to address your child’s current needs, such as additional mental health support or a change in placement.

Step 3: Explore Alternative Support Options

While advocating with the school and LA, take immediate steps to support your child’s wellbeing:

  1. Seek professional help: Consult a GP to refer your child to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private therapist specialising in anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or play therapy can be effective for children with anxiety.
  2. Collaborate with your child: Talk to your child about their fears in a non-judgmental way. Identify specific triggers (e.g., busy classrooms, academic pressure) and discuss small, manageable steps toward returning to school, such as part-time attendance.
  3. Explore alternative education: If the current school placement is unsuitable, discuss with the LA whether a specialist setting or a therapeutic environment, might better meet your child’s needs. The EHC Plan can be amended to reflect this.

Step 4: Know Your Legal Rights

Parents have several legal avenues open to them to ensure their child’s needs are met:

  • Mediation: If disagreements persist, request independent mediation through the LA. This is a free, informal way to resolve disputes before escalating further.
  • SEND Tribunal: If mediation fails, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) to challenge the LA’s decisions, such as a refusal to amend the EHC Plan. You have two months from the LA’s final decision to lodge an appeal.
  • Complaints to Ofsted or the Local Government Ombudsman: If the school or LA is neglecting their duties, you can raise a formal complaint. Provide evidence, such as correspondence and your child’s EHC Plan, to support your case.
  • Judicial Review: All LAs must ensure that children have access to suitable full time education. Where a child is not accessing school and is not, therefore receiving education, take legal advice to assess whether the LA’s inaction can be challenged by way of judicial review.

Step 5: Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Anxiety can be debilitating, and your child’s emotional wellbeing is paramount. Create a supportive home environment by:

  1. Establishing routines: Predictable daily routines can reduce anxiety. Include calming activities like reading or mindfulness exercises.
  2. Building confidence: Celebrate small achievements, such as attending school for a short period or engaging in social activities.
  3. Connecting with support groups: Organizations like YoungMinds or Anxiety UK offer resources and parent forums to share experiences and strategies.

Step 6: Addressing Unresponsive Schools and LAs

If the school and LA remain uncooperative, take these additional steps:

  • Request an emergency EHC Plan review: Anxiety severe enough to cause school refusal may indicate the current plan is inadequate. Push for an urgent review to update provisions.
  • Involve an Educational Psychologist: An independent educational psychologist can assess your child’s needs and recommend adjustments to the EHC Plan or school placement.
  • Contact your MP: Your local MP can advocate on your behalf, putting pressure on the LA to act.

Practical Tips for Parents

  • Stay calm and persistent: Dealing with bureaucracy can be frustrating, but maintaining a professional tone in communications strengthens your case.
  • Keep detailed records: Log all interactions with the school and LA, including emails, meeting notes, and phone calls. This can be crucial for complaints or tribunal appeals.
  • Seek peer support: Connect with other parents through SEND support groups, either locally or online, to share advice and reduce isolation.

Resources for Parents

  • YoungMinds: Offers mental health resources for children and parents (www.youngminds.org.uk).
  • GOV.UK SEND Guidance: Official information on EHC Plans and legal rights (www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs).
    Final Thoughts

Supporting a child with an EHC Plan who is refusing to attend school due to anxiety requires patience, advocacy, and collaboration. By understanding your legal rights, engaging with professionals, and prioritising your child’s mental health, you can work toward a solution that enables them to thrive. If the school or LA is unresponsive, don’t hesitate to escalate your concerns through formal channels. Your child’s education and wellbeing are worth fighting for.