I can’t go to school!’

There are many reasons why children and young people face barriers to attendance at school, ranging from anxiety, neurodivergence, mental health difficulties, through to bullying. Suzy Rowland’s “I Can’t Go To School!” a book for children with an accompanying guide for adults, contains a variety of accessible exercises and activities, alongside a range of friendly and reassuring illustrations, to spark conversation between children and the adults around them. Although some pupils may wish to read the book by themselves; ideally, they will be working through it with a parent carer or supported by a member of the school’s pastoral team.

I Can’t Go To School and it’s associated Companion Parent & Teacher Guide, skilfully introduces topics that children of a variety of ages might find difficult to talk about, relating to their school experiences, issues with friends or their inner world. Removing your child from full-time education isn’t an option for some parents. For others, it’s the only option. This book acknowledges different situations and helps parents and schools to work through a number of options on this sensitive issue. Unfortunately, some schools are inflexible about addressing the barriers to regular attendance, thankfully, others are more forward-looking. Whichever scenario you find yourself in, you are sure to find the content in the Companion Guides & The Children’s Workbook, insightful and positive.