Understanding School Refusal: A Handbook for Professionals in Education, Health and Social Care

School absenteeism is a huge problem in education and this book focuses in particular on children who experience 'school phobia' or 'school refusal' as opposed to those who choose to truant.

School refusal is a crippling condition in which children experience extreme anxiety or panic attacks when faced with everyday school life and this handbook aims to explore and raise awareness of the problem of school refusal in children and young people, and provide plans and strategies for education, health and social care professionals for identifying and addressing this problem.

Combining educational and clinical perspectives, and with extensive use of case studies, the authors present recent research into the mental health problems associated with school refusal, such as anxiety and panic attacks, as well as the role that parental support plays in their children's school life. They also discuss the role of home tuition services and pupil referral units in extreme cases of school refusal, and provides concrete strategies for planning and organising services to manage the problem effectively.

Understanding School Refusal is a valuable guide for professionals across the disciplines of education, health and social care, and will also be useful for training courses within these fields.

Table of Contents

Preface. Abbreviations Used in the Book.

1. Introduction: School Non-Attendance.
2. Identifying and Understanding School Refusal.
3. The Nature of Anxiety.
4. Assessment.
5. Principles of Intervention and Management.
6. Working with Parents and Children.
7. Supporting Children and Young People at School.
8. Role of Home Tuition and Pupil Referral Units.
9. Strategic Planning.

Appendix I: What is Known about School Refusal: Research Findings.

Appendix II: Specimen Assessment Form.

Appendix III: Handout for Parents.

References.

Subject Index.

Author Index.