During School Avoidance Awareness Week we will be learning all about WHY children struggle to attend including anxiety, mental health, speech and language, sensory processing and so much more.

It's one not to miss! Here's the full line up of what's coming up this year for parents and carers:

SCHOOL AVOIDANCE - LIVE Q&A

To kick off School Avoidance Awareness Week 2025, join Sunshine Support's Chrissa Wadlow and Kelly Jarvis for a live hour of chat streamed across our Facebook and YouTube channels.

They'll be taking your school avoidance questions and giving you all the information you need about what's to come during this epic week.

Live on Monday 22 September at 8pm

WHY WON'T THEY GO?

Understanding the root causes of school avoidance

This live webinar will give you a clear and compassionate overview of school refusal - what it is, why it happens and how you as parents and carers can begin to approach it with confidence. Whether you're new to the topic or in the thick of it, this is the place to start.

You will learn: 

• What school refusal really means (and that it’s so much more than just "not wanting to go") 
• Common causes and how to identify them 
• The difference between truancy, anxiety and avoidance 
• How to begin conversations with professionals 
• Where to turn for support and next steps 

Live on Tuesday 23 September at 10am

THE BIG LEAP

Easing school avoidance during the transition to secondary

Transitioning to secondary school is one of the biggest changes in a child’s life and it can trigger or worsen school avoidance. This webinar explores how to make the transition less overwhelming and more supportive for your child whether they have just made that transition or it is still to come. 

You will learn: 

• Why transitions often spark or worsen school avoidance 
• What secondary schools must do to support vulnerable pupils 
• How to prepare your child emotionally and practically 
• What to include in transition plans and EHCPs 
• How to build a strong relationship with the new school 

Live on Tuesday 23 September at 8pm

SCHOOL REFUSAL AND THE LAW

What you're entitled to (and how to get it)

If your child is struggling to attend school, it’s vital to understand your legal rights. This live webinar, hosted by Sunshine Support Legal Advisor Jessica Douglas, will demystify EHCPs, attendance expectations and what schools and local authorities must do. 

You will learn: 

• How the law protects children who can’t attend school 
• What your child is entitled to under the SEND Code of Practice 
• How to use an EHCP to support attendance issues 
• When to challenge school or LA decisions and how to do so 
• What to do if you're being pressured or threatened with fines 

Live on Wednesday 24 September at 10am

WHEN SCHOOL HURTS

Understanding the link between trauma and school avoidance

Many children who refuse school are not “naughty” or “lazy”, they’re traumatised. This live webinar looks at how trauma impacts the brain, behaviour and school attendance and what healing support really looks like.

You will learn: 

• How trauma affects school readiness and attendance 
• Signs your child may be experiencing trauma 
• Why traditional behaviour strategies often backfire 
• What trauma-informed support should look like 
• How to advocate for trauma-aware approaches in school 

Live on Wednesday 24 September at 8pm

FROM OVERWHELM TO EMPOWERMENT

Mental health strategies that work

School refusal is often a symptom of deeper mental health needs. This webinar explores how to support your child’s emotional wellbeing while helping them stay connected to education at a pace that works. 

You will learn: 

• How mental health and school avoidance are linked 
• Signs of anxiety, depression and overwhelm in children 
• How to support your child’s emotional safety day-to-day 
• What professional mental health support may be needed 
• Ways to rebuild confidence and resilience over time 

Live on Thursday 25 September at 10am

MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD

Effective communication with school

Tired of being ignored or misunderstood? This live webinar is packed full with practical advice for building effective communication with schools, so that your child gets the help they need without constant battles. 

You will learn: 

• How to write impactful emails and meeting notes 
• What schools need to hear to take action 
• How to stay calm, clear and assertive during conflict 
• What your legal rights are in home–school dialogue 
• Tips for getting professionals on the same page 

Live on Thursday 25 September at 8pm

CUPPA&CHAT ONLINE

School avoidance special

We know how emotionally draining school avoidance can be and how it can feel like you are the only person who is struggling to get their child into school.

You are not alone and this special edition of our online Cuppa&Chat is a great opportunity to chat to other parents and share tips and strategies. 

Live on Friday 26 September at 10am

SMALL STEPS, BIG WINS

Helping you rebuild their school confidence

There’s no magic fix to school avoidance issues but there are strategies that work. This webinar explores how to gently support your child back into learning, whether that's at school, at home or somewhere in between.

You will learn: 

• Why pressure often worsens school attendance issues 
• Small-step strategies that build confidence and trust 
• How to spot when a child is ready (or not) for return 
• The role of flexible timetables, phased returns and alternative provision 
• How to balance hope with realism and protect your relationship 

Live on Friday 26 September at 8pm

UNDERSTANDING & RECOVERING FROM SCHOOL AVOIDANCE 

• What is school 'refusal'?
  
• Early signs of school attendance difficulties
  
• What causes school-based trauma and anxiety?
  
• Blame culture: school blaming home, home blaming school
  
• What does the law say?
  
• What is the impact of fines and punishments?
  
• Magical co-production - how the collaborative work between home and school can really help
  
• Now, next and the future - long-term goals to support children
  
• Alternative options to consider and how to achieve them

ACCUSATIONS OF FII & SCHOOL AVOIDANCE

• What is FII (Fabricated or Induced Illness)?
• The impact of FII accusations upon families
• Parent carer blaming & the repercussions
• Why are families of children with SEND accused of FII at a higher rate?
• How are accusations of FII linked to school avoidance?
• How can Health & Social Care professionals support families experiencing both FII accusations and school avoidance collaboratively

INTRODUCING A CURRICULUM FOR CHILDREN WHO STRUGGLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL

• The Impact of School Avoidance
• Creating a Supportive Environment
• Alternative Education Models
• Building Resilience and Coping Skills
• Engaging Curriculum and Teaching Approaches
• Success Stories and Case Studies
• Resource Sharing