Transitions: supporting your child with return-to-school - Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network (2024)

FAQs

What happens if my child refuses to go to school in the UK? ›

You'll get a School Attendance Order if the local council thinks your child is not getting an education. You have 15 days to provide evidence that you've registered your child with the school listed in the order or that you're giving them home education. If you do not, you could be prosecuted or given a fine.

A parent has a duty to ensure that their child receives an education. If your child is refusing to go to school, then the police do not have any powers to make them attend. You should speak to the school who will be able to offer support and assistance.

It is uncommon, but possible, for parents to be prosecuted if their child doesn't attend school, and this can result in fines or a criminal conviction. You can learn more about the legal requirements for school attendance in South Australia here.

You can try making eye contact, sitting next to them, putting your hand on their shoulder or even asking them to repeat back what you said. When your child does well with a transition, praise them! You can also give them a small reward like a sticker, a snack or a point toward a new toy.

If your teenager is repeatedly refusing to go to school, communicate with teachers or school counselors so they know why your child is struggling to get to class and can provide extra support. For example, school staff may wish to discuss setting up a 504 plan.

Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is a broad umbrella term used to describe a group of children and young people who have severe difficulty in attending school due to emotional factors, often resulting in prolonged absences from school. The impact of EBSA on young people and schools is far reaching.

Be firm about school.

Be empathetic but firm that your child or teen must attend school. Tell her you are confident she can face her fears. Let your child know that while physical symptoms of anxiety, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue, are certainly unpleasant, they are not dangerous.

Call your community

There are often situations where you may need someone's help but there's no reason why that needs to be the police when there are other options available. Setting up networks of friends who are able to arrive quickly and deescalate situations is a great place to start.

Treatment providers working with kids who have school refusal will often use cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps kids learn to manage their anxious thoughts and face their fears. While kids who are anxious might disagree, the best way to get over anxiety is actually to get more comfortable with feeling anxious.

“Oftentimes the school team and the school psychologist and/or school counselor on campus can be very helpful and trained in managing school refusal.” In a bullying situation, for example, they can develop a plan for getting a child back on campus and helping them feel safe.

How many days can a child miss school in Queensland? ›

Parents must send their children to school every school day unless the child is ill or attending work experience or school sporting events. Parents should contact the school as soon as possible to explain any absences.

Students with school refusal often benefit from a consistent morning routine that evokes feelings of predictability and control. Incorporating calming activities into morning routines either at home, school or both can help families avoid problems with school refusal. Many students also benefit from 'trial runs.

School refusal can occur throughout the range of school years; however, there tend to be peaks around certain ages (usually between 5–6 years and 10–11 years) and transitions (such as starting primary school or high school, or moving schools).

Parents and their child should bring suggestions to the transition planning meeting. Suggestions might include the kind of services, actions, or planning they believe is needed to achieve desired goals in the transition section of the IEP.

Allow time for them to explore their new environment, ask questions and express themselves freely. This could be through imaginative play, art or physical activities. Use your early years resources to engage children in play and small group activities to build their social skills and those special relationships.