Experiencing School Refusal & other Attendance Barriers?

Not Fine in School is a parent/carer-led organisation set up in response to the growing number of children and young people who struggle with school attendance. This is often inaccurately or unfairly referred to as 'school refusal', so we prefer to promote use of the term 'School Attendance Barriers'. These barriers may relate to unmet Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (diagnosed or suspected), bullying, trauma, excessive levels of academic pressure, physical illness or mental illness. School attendance barriers are poorly understood, are compounded by current challenges within education and health systems, and if not removed effectively, can have severe consequences for both child and family. NFIS aims to support these children and families, and raise awareness of their experiences. NFIS is also keen to support professionals who wish to see improvements to the support offered, and change to responses within systems to reduce the numbers of children experiencing attendance barriers.

What we do

Support

Empowerment

No-one should be alone in coping with school-based anxiety & attendance barriers. We offer peer-support for family members, & advice for young people & schools.

Family Support Page

Empowerment

We share resources to help you make decisions, find solutions to remove school attendance barriers, & take positive steps to find help & support for your child & you.

NFIS RESOURCES PAGE

Awareness

Empowerment

Awareness

We work alongside other organisations & people to campaign for change. We also seek out ways to share knowledge of attendance barriers & raise awareness of related issues.

COLLABORATIONS PAGE

Experiencing School Refusal & other Attendance Barriers?

What we do

Support

Empowerment

Empowerment

Empowerment

Empowerment

Empowerment

Awareness

Empowerment

Awareness

our children: individuals with hopes, feelings, needs & voices

Fran & Ellie discuss School Attendance Difficulties

Let's not talk about school 'refusal';

school is difficult - Giving a voice to neurodivergent young people

Not Fine In School BLOG