Dr Ahmar Ferguson – Emotionally Based School Non Attendance (EBSNA) in the Early Years – Understanding Distress and Supporting Children and Families

Some children find arriving, separating from a parent or staying in an early years setting particularly difficult. Their distress might be visible at the doorway, emerge later in the session or be noticed mainly at home.

In this practical Kinderly webinar, Dr Ahmar Ferguson, Child and Educational Psychologist, explores emotionally based school non attendance (EBSNA) in the context of young children’s development. The session considers separation and settling, relationships, sensory and communication needs, and the demands children experience throughout the day.

Using everyday examples and opportunities for reflection, Ahmar will explore how practitioners can respond to distress, make helpful adjustments and work alongside families to develop a shared understanding. The emphasis is on manageable changes that support children’s comfort, connection and participation.

The webinar is suitable for practitioners working with children under five in nurseries, preschools and childminding settings.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
– Recognise signs of distress around attending a setting and identify when difficulties with separation or settling need further exploration.
– Consider how relationships, sensory experiences, communication and everyday demands can influence a child’s experience.
– Identify practical ways to support children through co-regulation, environmental adjustments and shared planning with families, including when to seek further advice.

⭐Not a Kinderly member? That’s okay. Simply book this single webinar for only £5 (includes slides and CPD certificate). You’ll receive your Zoom link by 5.30pm on the day of the webinar.

About the speaker

Dr Ahmar Ferguson is a Child and Educational Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, families and professionals across education, early years and mental health settings. His work has a particular focus on emotional regulation, attachment, neurodiversity and emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA), with an emphasis on understanding behaviour within the wider context of a child’s relationships and environment.

Ahmar provides consultation, training and reflective spaces for schools, early years practitioners and parents, translating psychological theory into practical approaches that can be used in everyday settings. He is also a forthcoming Routledge author, writing on the importance of everyday interactions in supporting emotional regulation in the early years.

How to watch this webinar