Empowering Wirral Families: EBSA Training gives a Confidence Boost

01 October 2025

Two women from the PCPW steering group smiling in a bright room during an EBSA parental training session. They stand behind a table covered with a blue cloth displaying resources and guidance materials for parents. The setting includes other tables and chairs, indicating a welcoming group environment focused on supporting families with school attendance challenges.

Cath and Mel representing the steering group of PCPW during the latest EBSA workshop

Parents and carers across Wirral are feeling more confident and supported thanks to a new training initiative aimed at helping children with Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA).

Delivered by Wirral Council in collaboration with Wirral’s Parent Carer Forum (Parent Carer Participation Wirral), the EBSA training sessions have helped families better understand and support children who struggle to engage with or attend school due to emotional challenges.

What is EBSA?

EBSA stands for Emotional Barriers to School Attendance. It means a child or young person finds it hard to go to school because of emotional reasons. This can include feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed.

A Partnership Approach

The workshops, created specifically for parents and carers, were developed using psychological research and ideas shared by local parents. Led by Wirral Council’s Educational Psychology Team, the sessions form part of the borough’s wider EBSA Strategy, which aims to provide consistent and compassionate support for children and young people experiencing EBSA.

Parent Carer Participation Wirral (PCPW) played a key role in shaping and delivering the sessions. Their lived experience and insight helped ensure the training was practical, relatable, and inclusive.

How the training helped families

Before attending the training, many parents and carers said they felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure how to help their child who was experiencing EBSA; they wanted help and advice.

After the sessions, feedback revealed a shift in confidence and understanding.

“It was packed full of information and I have found this so hopeful. It has given me hope and support, and will definitely give me more confidence going forward.”

“I felt not alone. It was good to feel what I have been doing to support my child was correct... I felt reassured I have a good understanding of all of my child’s needs and why there is EBSA.”

100% of attendees said they would recommend the training to other families.

A Safe Space to Learn and Share

The sessions were praised for their non-judgemental approach and practical advice. Parents appreciated the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies, and feel part of a supportive community.

“Very informative. No judgement. Very comforting listening to others openly sharing ideas, hints and tips.”

Find Out More

To learn more about EBSA and Wirral’s strategy, visit the SEND Local Offer website.

Join future EBSA sessions

Due to the success of the sessions, more parental EBSA training has been planned. To find out what dates are available and to register for a place, keep an eye on PCPW’s Facebook page. You can also see the new dates on SENDLO’s What’s on page.