Helping Your Child When School Isn’t Working

When a child is struggling at school, parents are often left carrying an impossible question: How long do we keep going?

When a child is struggling at school, parents are often left carrying an impossible question:
How long do we keep going when it’s clearly not working?

This webinar is for parents who are watching their child become increasingly anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, or resistant to school and are wondering whether continuing to push is helping or causing harm.

We’ll explore what it really means when a child is “struggling,” how to recognise when difficulties move beyond normal challenges, and how to think carefully and compassionately about next steps. We’ll discuss whether there is ever a “right time” to consider leaving school or exploring alternative options, and how to make decisions that prioritise a child’s emotional wellbeing without closing doors for the future.

The session will also cover what support is available even without an EHCP, including schools’ responsibilities, reasonable adjustments, and how to advocate effectively for your child. You’ll gain practical guidance on working with schools what to ask for, how to frame concerns, and what to do when collaboration feels difficult or breaks down.

This is not about giving up on education. It’s about understanding that learning looks different for different children, and that protecting mental health is not a failure.

Who is it for?

Parents of children who are emotionally distressed, have barriers to school attendance, disengaged, or overwhelmed

Parents of young people with or without an EHCP , who don’t know what their options are.

Parents unsure whether to keep pushing school or to consider alternatives.

Eliza Fricker is an author illustrator of books including the Sunday Times Bestseller Can't Not Won't and Dr Joanne Riordan is an Independent Educational Psychologist.