FAQs

EBSA (Emotionally-based school attendance) refers to reduced attendance or non-attendance at school where the avoidance is driven by emotional distress. EBSA does not constitute a psychiatric diagnosis in its own right but often co-occurs with diagnoses of anxiety and/or mood disorders. EBSA commonly emerges during primary school and educational transitions (e.g. when starting secondary school) represent…

EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than at School) is educational provision for children and young people who, for whatever reason, are unable to attend school and who have an EHCP. When a local authority (LA) decides that any school setting isn’t suitable for meeting a child or young person’s special educational needs, it can choose to provide that…

The term PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance. This is widely understood to be a profile found within some autistic people. The most obvious characteristic of PDA is a determined avoidance of so-called ‘common’ demands of life, including expectations and things the person enjoys doing. It is important to be aware that PDA is not…

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is a condition where the person avoids certain foods or types of foods, resulting in restricted intake. ARFID is not a choice, a phase or picky eating. It is a recognised condition that can affect health, growth, energy levels and emotional wellbeing.    ARFID can affect children and young people…

People with Special Educational Needs (SEN) have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. Special educational needs fall under four broad areas:

An Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan) is a legal document which describes a child or young person’s aged up to 25 special educational needs, the support they need, and the outcomes they would like to achieve.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the intentional maintenance and development of the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a professional context. This could mean honing current skills, it could mean developing them to a new level, or it could mean learning new ones that will allow an employee’s job role to expand or prepare…

In the UK education sector, Twilight CPD refers to Continuing Professional Development training sessions for teachers and school staff that take place after the regular school day ends, typically between 16:00 and 19:00.  These sessions are used as a flexible alternative to full-day INSET (In-Service Training) days, allowing staff to complete mandatory training without taking time away from…

In the UK, INSET stands for In-Service Education and Training. It refers to specifically scheduled school days where teachers attend training, planning, or administrative sessions, while students do not attend classes. These days are crucial for staff development, curriculum planning, and improving teaching methods.

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). They help children and young people up to 18 who are finding it hard to cope with everyday life because of difficult feelings, behaviour, or relationships. Just as we go to the doctors when we are physically ill, sometimes we need extra help with our…