Michelle has worked in education for 20 years and is currently the head of a special school for traumatised secondary school students.
She initially began supporting SEN children in mainstream settings, before expanding support for children who have experienced trauma and who may have attachment difficulties.
Michelle as always been passionate about inclusion, firmly believing that all children should have the opportunity to belong to a community.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Podcast: Episode 1 – EBSA and the neurodivergent student
In this episode Michelle looks at EBSA because of neurodiversity, most typically students with autism spectrum disorder or ASD.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Podcast: Episode 2 – EBSA and the anxious student
In this episode Michelle looks at students who are EBSA due to anxiety. She discusses how anxiety can present in a student’s behaviour, what to consider when working with anxious students and how the anxious student experiences mainstream schools.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Podcast: Episode 3 – EBSA and the trauma experienced student
In this episode Michelle looks at EBSA due to Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma. She discusses what this feels like for students, how this can present in a student’s behaviour and how schools could respond to the child’s presentation of EBSA behaviours.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Podcast: Episode 4 – How parents/carers can support children with EBSA
In this episode Michelle looks at practical strategies for parents and carers for children who have completely or partially withdrawn from school. She emphasises the importance of giving the child time to reset and explores how to help reintroduce them to the wider world and some form of education. Michelle also discusses how to manage the relationship with the school during this time and the impact of social media and gaming.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Podcast: Episode 5 – How schools can support children with EBSA
In the final episode of our Introduction to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) podcast series, Michelle looks at practical strategies that teachers and senior leadership can implement for children who have completely or partially withdrawn from school.
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