0203 326 9160
0203 761 7026
0203 761 7027
0203 761 7029
0203 326 9160 0203 761 7026 0203 761 7027 0203 761 7029If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with School Refusal or School Phobia then Clinical Partners will be able to help you.
Most commonly affecting those aged 5-6 and 10-11 years old, school refusal is a reluctance or refusal to go to school, accompanied with real emotional distress for the child.
In younger children, school avoidance or refusal may be due to separation anxiety. In older children, social anxiety is more often the underlying cause. School refusal is different to truancy – often children who are school refusers want to attend (whereas those who play truant often have a very strong dislike for school).
The following are common signs that your child may be struggling with school refusal.
Find out more about the causes of behavioural issues here
There is no one reason as to why your child may refuse to go to school – often it is a combination of several factors.
I can’t praise your service highly enough or Dr Scott. He was completely natural with our son, which put him and us at ease, yet we could tell Dr Scott was highly proficient in his field. Thank you.
Andrea, Leeds
The first step many families take is to get a comprehensive assessment by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. This helps to understand if mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression are present.
Often children who have school refusal also struggle with anxiety disorders - it’s important to know this so the right treatment option can be found.
Psychological and behavioural therapies, such as CBT and other psychological therapies can be really effective at helping children overcome their fears. Our Psychologists and Psychotherapists are experienced in helping children with school-related issues, so understand the complexities well.
Parenting support can be invaluable in teaching parents the best way of handling difficult situations in a way that will support your child’s progress. It also gives parents a space to talk to a child behavioural expert about their experiences and frustrations – it can be very hard to talk to family and friends honestly about what is happening in your family.
Read more about treating behavioural issues
Private psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy for adults and children, face-to-face and online nationwide.
Call us today: 0203 326 9160 0203 761 7026 0203 761 7027 0203 326 9160 0203 761 7026 0203 761 7027