The Southend Educational Psychology Team is offering online and face to face workshops to help parents through important school milestones.
These sessions combine expert research with practical parenting tips to help you build your child's confidence and handle challenges with attendance.
Join us to learn new strategies, share your experiences, and support your child's well-being.
To request a space in any of our online or face to face workshops, please contact us via email at epteam@southend.gov.uk
May sessions:
18 May, online session from 10 to 11am: Transitions Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
20 May, online session from 10 to 11am: Transitions Yr 6 to Yr 7.
21 May, online session from 10 to 11am: Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 1.
June sessions:
11 June, face to face session (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 6) from 10 to 11am: Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 1.
18 June, online session from 10 to 11am: Transitions Yr 6 to Yr 7.
24 June, face to face session (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 6) from 10 to 11am: Transitions Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
25 June, face to face session (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 3) from 10 to 11am: Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 2
July sessions:
9 July, online session from 10 to 11am: Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 1.
16 July, face to face session (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 3) from 10 to 11am: Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 2.
21 July, face to face session (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 5) from 10 to 11am: Transitions Yr 6 to Yr 7.
23 July, online session from 10 to 11am: Transitions Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
August sessions
6 August, face to face session (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 3) from 10 to 11am: Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 1.
11 August, face to face session (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 3) from 10 to 11am: Transitions Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
11 August, face to face (Southend Civic Centre, committee room 5) from 12.30pm to 1.30pm: Transitions Yr 6 to Yr 7.
17 August, online session from 10 to 11am: Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 2.
18 August, online session from 10 to 11am: Transitions Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
19 August, online session from 10 to 11am: Transitions Yr 6 to Yr 7.
Description:
Transitions from EYFS to Reception - This supportive workshop helps parents and carers understand the emotional journey children experience when transitioning from EYFS into Reception. Grounded in psychological research, it explores how adult responses shape children's confidence and resilience, and offers practical, everyday strategies to reduce anxiety and support a smooth start to school.
Transitions for Year 6 to Year 7 - Support your child's move to secondary school with confidence through our parent-focused Transition Workshop. This one-hour session offer a safe, supportive space to explore your own worries and share experiences with others, while gaining insight into how your child may be feeling, guided by psychological research. You'll leave with practical, evidence-based strategies on how best to support your child - and when to step in or step back. It also includes dedicated time for your questions, ensuring you feel informed, reassured, and ready for the journey ahead.
Introduction to barriers to school attendance (part 1) - designed to support parents and carers of both primary and secondary-aged children, this session provides a clear introduction to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), including key facts, research, and current understanding. It explores common risk and protective factors, helping parents recognise what may make school attendance more difficult, as well as what can support a child's resilience. The session also highlights early signs to look out for when a child may be beginning to experience EBSA. In addition, parents will be introduced to early intervention strategies, the role of multi-agency support, and a range of helpful services and resources available to support both children and families.
Barriers to school attendance (part 2) - Our part two equips parents with practical tools and early-intervention strategies to support their child's attendance from home. It helps families better understand the reasons behind emotionally based school Avoidance (EBSA) and why consistent support is so important. The session is designed to build confidence and hope, offering clear, achievable steps parents can take to make a positive difference.