When It’s Not Truancy: Understanding School Refusal and How to Protect Your Family in Wales

The Attendance Letter and the Panic That Follows

“I opened the letter and my stomach dropped. It said my child’s attendance was being reviewed and that I could be fined if things didn’t improve. But she hadn’t slept properly in weeks and sobbed every morning at the thought of walking through those school gates.”

Many parents across Wales know that feeling. What’s often labelled truancy is, in reality, distress, not defiance.

Since lockdowns lifted, more children have developed intense anxiety about school. Professionals now call this Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) — and it deserves compassion, not punishment.

What School Refusal Really Means

Under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, schools and local authorities must identify and meet a child’s Additional Learning Needs (ALN). When anxiety, sensory overload, or burnout prevent attendance, that is an ALN issue, not a behavioural one.

The ALN Code for Wales 2021 reminds schools to consider wellbeing and to adapt support so that education remains accessible in every setting.

The Welsh Government’s own guidance on EBSA calls school refusal an emotional-wellbeing issue, not a conduct problem. Recognising that difference changes everything.

Leah’s Story

Leah was 12 and had recently moved to secondary school. Noise, crowds, and timetable changes quickly became overwhelming. Each morning she tried — and froze.

The school recorded unauthorised absences, and an attendance officer warned her mum about possible fines.

Then her mum downloaded the Learn Without Limits App.
Using the Tier 2 Journal, she logged each morning’s anxiety and sensory triggers. She sent a Printable Request for IDP Review Letter to the school.

The ALNCo called a meeting. Together they agreed on a phased timetable, quiet-room access, and a trusted adult check-in. Leah now attends part-time, safely.

“Once I had everything written down, they stopped treating us like we were doing something wrong.”

You Are Not Breaking the Law by Protecting Your Child

The Education Act 1996 says parents must secure attendance unless there is a reasonable justification.
When a child’s absence stems from medical or ALN-related anxiety, that can be a reasonable justification — especially when parents have sought help and evidence from professionals.

Local authorities have discretion under the Education (Penalty Notices) (Wales) Regulations 2013. They should not issue fines when families are actively addressing underlying needs.

And under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils — including those with autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders. Penalising attendance before adjustments are made may be discriminatory.

“Under the ALN Act 2018, schools and councils must look for the reason behind a child’s difficulty attending — not just the absence itself.”

Practical Steps to Protect Your Family

Keep evidence.
Record triggers, meltdowns, GP notes and correspondence using the Tier 2 Journal in the app.
Request an IDP review.
Use the free printable template inside the app to ask formally for a review of your child’s plan and support.
Clarify attendance codes.
Ask the school to record ALN-related or medical absences correctly, not as unauthorised.
Seek advocacy early.
The app’s Knowledge Base lists local advocacy and parent-partnership contacts across Wales.

Tools You Can Use Today (Already Live in the App)

📄 Printable Request for IDP Review Letter
💬 Chatbot Pathway: School Refusal or Anxiety
🧾 Tier 2 Journal Templates
⚖️ Knowledge Base Entry: ALN and Attendance Law in Wales

All available free at learnwithoutlimitscic.org.

Coming This December (App Release 5.0)

Families who start using the app now will soon gain access to expanded early-intervention tools designed for attendance challenges:

🧩 Crisis Prevention Toolkit – calm, step-by-step guidance when attendance becomes stressful.
🏫 Early IDP Review Planner – prepare for meetings and gather evidence with confidence.

“Our aim is to make prevention practical — so parents don’t have to wait for crisis before getting clarity and support.”

A Final Word of Reassurance

You are not alone, and you are not a bad parent.
When a child can’t face school, the answer isn’t punishment — it’s understanding.

“When a child can’t go to school, the solution isn’t prosecution — it’s compassion.”

🌟 Explore More

Visit learnwithoutlimitscic.org for free printable letters, journals, and guidance.
Join our supportive community at facebook.com/groups/learnwithoutlimitscic.
💌 Contact us: support@learnwithoutlimitscic.org

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