Making Sense of School Refusal

This presentation explore the complex issue of school refusal, offering insight into the emotional and psychological factors that can prevent students from attending school. Educators will learn to recognise the signs of school refusal, differentiate it from other factors, find the right external support systems, implement school-wide supportive, trauma-informed strategies that foster student wellbeing, engagement, and re-entry into the school environment. Emily Ballenden is a specialised teacher, education consultant, private SEN tutor and the founder of Additional Education Services. Emily holds a Bachelor of Education P-12, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Educational Learning and Leadership and a Masters degree in Special Education. Emily has taught in the early childhood, primary and secondary school sectors for 15 years. She is a specialist educator based in schools and online, working with students from K-12, assisting teachers and parents alike to achieve desirable outcomes for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs). Emily runs interactive seminars with attendee participation through discussions, questions and workshops. I have come away from this session feeling very inspired and so much more positive. I now have many new ideas/techniques/strategies regarding how I can better manage a workload that often feels overwhelming. Some of these can be implemented immediately while others are more long-term plans. Thank you for making this workshop so practical. I just wish that all school admin staff had the opportunity to undertake this course. “Build Positive Relationships and a Positive Work Environment Within Your Administration Team/Office by Sally Learey” This session was one of the most empowering workshops that I have ever done and I leave the session with extremely useful and relevant tools to use going forward. Thanks so much to Sally for leading us in the session so positively. “AI Skills for Busy School Admin Teams by Tracy Anthony & Dennis Wollersheim” I have already enhanced my skills over the past week – been able to interact with AI program to redraft, polish and give suggestions/ideas. Australian International School Hong Kong Loved the honesty in the sharing of information and strategies Unleashing Brilliant Brains: Boys, ADHD & the Power of Connection – Tony Vallance This was fab! As a person with ADHD I have done lots of adhd training and sessions but this was by far the best! really good at re framing and explaining students need. “Why Is This Young Person So Hard to Teach? Understanding the Diagnoses PDA, IED, ODD, CD and ASPD’ – Aphra Millis” Aphra was great, so honest, down to earth and personable. I really loved the fact that she could talk to the topic both on a personal and professional level. She certainly raised awareness of a number of conditions and diagnoses that we are starting to see more of. Highly recommend her. Laura Hawxwell Haileybury College Director – Individual Learning Needs