Every year, School Avoidance Awareness Week grows and this year we reached more people than ever. It wasn’t just about raising awareness, but about sharing understanding and practical steps that can help.
One of the strongest messages was that fear is very real to a child. It might not look like fear to the adults around them, but to the child it can feel just as powerful and overwhelming as fire, falling, or loud noises.
We were reminded that school avoidance is not about a lack of interest in learning. Many children who cannot attend school are curious, capable learners. The challenge lies not in their willingness, but in the environment that doesn’t yet feel safe or accessible to them.
There was also hope in knowing that there are things that can be done. Whether it’s building trust, adjusting the environment, or creating stronger connections between home and school, practical steps can make a real difference.
We discussed that school avoidance is not always permanent, but it can take time. With the right support, children can re-engage. It’s important not to rush or push too hard, but to walk at the child’s pace.
Perhaps most importantly, we heard how vital it is to focus on where the child is, not where we want them to be. Meeting children in their current reality and valuing that as a starting point creates the foundation for progress.
Alongside the webinars, resources, and discussions, we also created a short animation to capture how fear can block learning.
Alongside the webinars, resources, and discussions, we also created a short animation to capture how fear can block learning.
