…sharing the school's innovative RAISE pathway and its impact on pupils experiencing emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA).
The workshop, titled "When school feels too hard: Practical ways to support children experiencing EBSNA", was attended by school leaders and SEND professionals from across the country. During the session, Rachel Boylan explored how High Peak School's therapeutic RAISE pathway helps young people feel safe, rebuild confidence, reconnect with learning and make positive progress towards regular school attendance.
Drawing on real-life experiences from High Peak School, the presentation highlighted the importance of understanding each child's individual needs and creating the right conditions for them to thrive. The workshop also showcased the life-changing outcomes that can be achieved through a personalised, nurturing approach, including examples of pupils who have successfully returned to education after long periods of school avoidance.
The opportunity to present at the NASS Conference reflected growing recognition of the success of the RAISE pathway and the expertise of the High Peak School team in supporting pupils whose educational journeys have been disrupted by anxiety and attendance challenges.
Adding to the significance of the event, a former High Peak School pupil opened the conference virtually, sharing their own experiences and helping to demonstrate the positive impact that specialist support can have on young people's lives.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to share best practice with colleagues from across the specialist education sector while raising awareness of effective approaches to supporting children and young people experiencing EBSNA.
If you would liek to know more about RAISE, there is a short video available here.
