Is your child refusing to go to school? Our Gledswood Hills psychologists help Spring Farm families understand what's driving the refusal and build a path back to the classroom. Medicare rebates available.
Book your child's ADHD assessment at our Gledswood Hills clinicMedicare rebates available
As a Spring Farm parent, watching your child become distressed at the thought of school is heartbreaking. Whether it started suddenly or built up over time, school refusal is a sign that your child needs support, not punishment. Understanding what's driving the refusal is the first step.
Tears and panic every morning before school
Insisting they feel sick but seeming fine once allowed to stay home
Difficulty separating from parents at the school gate
Escalating behaviour when the school routine is enforced
Anxiety about specific teachers, students, or school activities
A noticeable drop in confidence or happiness since school became an issue
You're not failing as a parent if your child won't go to school. School refusal is complex, and it often needs professional support to resolve. The good news is that it responds well to early intervention.
We take a collaborative approach to school refusal, working with your child, your family, and often the school to build a gradual, supported return plan.
Our client care team will match you with the right psychologist at our Gledswood Hills clinic, just 12 min from Spring Farm.
Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. This unlocks Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
We build a gradual, structured plan for returning to school that feels manageable for your child. We can also liaise with the school to ensure the right supports are in place.
We build a gradual, structured plan for returning to school that feels manageable for your child. We can also liaise with the school to ensure the right supports are in place.
Questions Spring Farm parents ask about school refusal support.
No. Truancy is when a child skips school without their parents' knowledge, usually to do something they'd prefer. School refusal is driven by emotional distress, and the child is usually at home with their parents' awareness. The underlying causes and treatment approaches are very different.
Common causes include anxiety (social, separation, or generalised), bullying, learning difficulties, sensory overwhelm, or a difficult event at school. Sometimes it's a combination of factors. Our assessment process helps identify exactly what's going on for your child.
Yes, with your permission. Collaboration with the school is often an important part of resolving school refusal. We can liaise with teachers and counsellors to ensure the return-to-school plan is supported from both ends.
It depends on how long the pattern has been established and what's driving it. Some children show improvement within a few weeks, while more entrenched cases may take longer. The key is starting early and being consistent with the approach.
Forcing a distressed child to school can sometimes make the problem worse. Our approach focuses on understanding and gradually addressing the underlying issue while maintaining a supported connection to school. We'll help you find the right balance for your child.
