Across Scotland, we're seeing a concerning rise in emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA) and anxiety amongst primary-aged children.

Many schools report children who are registered as authorised absences due to illness, but are in fact experiencing school-related anxiety.

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Behind every statistic is a child who is suffering — and a family searching desperately for answers. These children aren't choosing to avoid school; they're experiencing genuine emotional distress that manifests as physical symptoms, panic, and profound fear. Without early intervention, these patterns can become deeply embedded, leading to long-term mental health difficulties and barriers to educational achievement.

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My passion has, and always will be, to try and improve the lives of children and families. I believe that with the right support at the right time, we can change trajectories. We can help anxious children rediscover their confidence. We can empower parents and caregivers to understand and respond to their child's needs. And we can work alongside schools to create environments where every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.