Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA): Engaging with Entrenched EBSNA, Learning from Motivational Interviewing

This workshop provides a practical follow up to the initial training courses on Emotional Based School Non Attendance (EBSNA) developed by the Educational Psychology Service for primary and post-primary school staff. The workshop is particularly useful for SENCOs and/or those staff responsible for supporting attendance.

Attendees will further their learning regarding using techniques from Motivational Interviewing, to support them towards having more effective conversations with CYP experiencing EBSNA. The workshop will include a mix of theory, practical techniques, demonstrated role plays and videos.

This session aims to:

• Raise awareness of the principles of Motivational Interviewing and introduce another way of working with complex EBSNA.
• Introduce the cycle of change in relation to EBSNA and consider the importance of a child’s readiness for change.
• Offer staff practical experience in using MI reflective listening techniques and support them to apply these in their work with children experiencing EBSNA.

This is an online workshop and will take place via Microsoft Teams. Please note that the session is at least 50% practical so it is expected that staff signing up:

• Will have access to a laptop with a working camera and microphone
• Will be willing to participate in the interactive nature of the activities
• Will come with a case of entrenched EBSNA in mind and be prepared to discuss it

It is a small group session and places are strictly limited to one attendee per school at any given time. For practical reasons, namely involving splitting into breakout rooms during the session, each participant should have their own computer.

PLEASE NOTE: due to the nature of this course, we cannot admit you more than 10 minutes after the designated starting time. 

The workshops will take place on the following dates:

Term 1:

• Session 1: 24th November 2026, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
• Session 2: 26th November 2026, 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Term 2:

• Session 1: 9th March 2027, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
• Session 2: 10th March 2027, 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Term 3:

• Session 1: 25th May 2027, 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Attendees must have already completed one of the following Educational Psychology Service’ Training Sessions

• Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) - A framework for supporting Post-Primary Pupils.

• Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) - A framework for supporting Primary Pupils.