At Newton Wood Barn, we’ve been reflecting on how changes in routine and the pressures of the festive season can affect young people with learning differences and those experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
While many of our young people love Christmas,conversations with families and schools have been eye-opening.
It’s been so valuable hearing from parents about simple activities that have caused distress such as:
Christmas Jumper Day
Decorations suddenly appearing in school
Changes to the timetable
The Christmas school concert
These are traditions we often take for granted, but they can create real challenges for some young people.
It’s also made us think deeply about EBSA and attendance.
At Newton Wood Barn, we recognise that many of our young people fit into this category. This has prompted us to reflect on what and how we can work together with schools to improve attendance. How do we create environments that feel welcoming, safe, and manageable for young people? And how can we share insights and approaches to support all children to thrive?
Here’s what we’re working towards:
Supporting Families and Young People
We know that families often carry the weight of ensuring their child’s wellbeing, particularly during the holidays. By working closely with them, we aim to support relaxed, joyful Christmases that reflect each young person’s needs.
Learning and Growing Together
We’re asking ourselves:
• How can we help young people navigate changes in routine while feeling secure?
• How can we balance celebration with calm, structured environments that support emotional regulation?
• What practices can we carry forward to foster inclusivity—not just at Christmas but in every aspect of school life?
At the heart of it all is a commitment to ‘keeping children safe’ and ‘supporting families to thrive’ By listening, adapting, and reflecting, we’re building a community that celebrates every child’s individuality while supporting them to shine.
We’d love to hear from you! How does your community create inclusive and joyful celebrations, and how can we work together to support attendance for all young people?