Emotionally Based School Avoidance project

Mentor Link has over 20 years’ experience of providing a dedicated mentoring service to children and our Trustee Dr Helen Chaplin is delivering our training in EBSA and supervision.

Our aim with this new project is to provide support to a child at the earliest opportunity where there are issues with school avoidance based on social and emotional needs. Working in partnership with schools and parents to provide support and assistance with the long-term aim of re engaging the child back into school learning.

• Using our skills as a mentoring charity to understand from the child what are their barriers to learning.
• Liaising with school and parents about these barriers and attending co production meetings with a view to providing reports on overcoming these difficulties.
• Capturing the child’s voice so that adults understand the perspective of each individual situation.
• To maintain the child’s and parent’s connection to the school during periods of absence.
• Harness and build on protective strategies using mentoring and therapeutic techniques during mentoring sessions.
• Our mentors and staff will be trained in evidence-based strategies such as systematic desensitisation and elements of cognitive behaviour therapy.
• Our mentors can accompany young people on visits to school and liaise with parents where needed. Mentoring will be 1-2 times per week depending on need.

Please contact 01299 822336 or Andrea.Maddocks@mentorlink.org.uk for further information.

Please see below for an EBSA referral form. We recommend that before you complete our referral forms that you discuss your requirements with staff at Head Office who can advise you on our referral process and the availability of mentors.

We are delighted with the results of our new EBSA project and have a number of case studies to highlight.

Ollies Story

When Ollie was referred to Mentor Link his attendance was 59% and he had started to refuse school and when he did come in, was in an extremely emotional place. He is very anxious about leaving his mum and worries about her whilst he is at school. This is due to the traumatic passing of his father. School had provided support through a number of agencies and implemented a part-time timetable. Despite this, Ollie found coming into school extremely difficult and was anxious and would often lash out verbally and physically to his mum and grandparents which was having a profound effect on him and his homelife.

We matched Ollie to our mentor Colin who provided weekly support including visits to the home and support over the summer holidays. Colin organised a visit to the school over the summer holidays and Ollie excitedly showed his Mentor around.

Mentoring in the home has been challenging but his Mentor Colin turned up each week and encouraged small goals to be achieved.

With all parties involved Mentor Link, supportive School, Attendance Officer, we are delighted to say that in September Week 1 Ollie achieved 100% attendance and Week 2 80%. At the review meeting all parties discussed Ollies progress and goals.

School Quote – “Thank you again for all of your support. Colin is a real asset. We have been discussing him this morning in our KS2 safeguarding meeting and we can see huge progress from where we started.”

Jo’s Story

Jo aged 16 was referred to our mentoring service back in January due to him not attending school for 6 months. He had many challenges impacting on his non- attendance and disengagement from school; a sibling suicide attempt, bullying, low self-esteem and confidence.

School wanted Jo to be able to sit his GCSE’s, have goals for the future, build on his confidence and have time for himself. We carefully matched him with one of our male Mentors Chris.

Over the last 6 months, Chris and Jo have worked through strategies to motivate Jo in his learning, building his confidence and self-esteem.  Through building a good rapport with another adult, who Jo felt safe with, he has now completed his GCSE’s and looking at starting a college course in September.

Jo’s confidence, has improved, he is feeling more motivated in his learning.  He is feeling better about himself, and less anxious.

Here is some feedback from Jo and his mum:

How did your mentor help you?

“He helped me to get through my exams and gave advice about my future.”

Is there something you’d like to say to your mentor about how they have helped you?

“I’d like to say thank you to Chris for helping me and giving me coping strategies.  I’ve really enjoyed our sessions and I’m now looking forward to starting college”.

Do you feel that this service is useful for young people, and is there a need for it?

Parent view:  “Yes, this is a great service for young people.  Schools do not have the resources to support young people when they are struggling.  The Mentor Link process was simple and stress free.  Chris is a lovely man and Jo has really enjoyed spending time with him.  He has helped Jo to get through his GCSEs stress free and he is now looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

Thank you to you all but especially thank you to Chris for your time.”