Health and Wellbeing, Building on Positive Relationships, Attendance Anxiety

Building on Positive Relationships – Attendance Anxiety (BPR-A): Overview for Educational Professionals (2023-2025)

Programme Rationale and Approach

BPR-A (Building on Positive Relationships – Attendance related Anxiety) is an eight-week group intervention designed for parents and carers, to support children experiencing anxiety that affects school attendance and wellbeing. Rooted in trauma-informed relational practice, BPR-A recognises that while breaking cycles of anxious thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can be challenging, positive and lasting changes are possible – especially when adults are empowered with the right knowledge and tools.

The programme helps parents to:

Understand the wide range of ways anxiety can present in children, from sleeplessness and persistent worry to physical complaints and school refusal.
Deepen their insight into how their own well-meaning behaviours (such as excessive reassurance or supporting avoidance) can inadvertently maintain anxiety.
Develop practical strategies and small, manageable steps to build their child’s resilience and confidence.
Recognise the importance of a whole-system, collaborative approach by identifying and involving supporters within school and the wider community.

Programme Content and Structure

BPR-A is delivered as a structured, eight-week group-based intervention. Each session blends psychoeducation, reflective discussion, peer support, and practical activities, covering topics such as:

Building parental presence and availability
Understanding what lies behind a child’s behaviour
Education around anxiety and its impact
Strategies for promoting new behaviours
Recognising and gently reducing unhelpful parental accommodations
Identifying and engaging with supporters from school and beyond
Planning for sustainable, positive change at home and in partnership with education.

Delivery Teams

BPR-A is delivered by skilled professionals from both the Area Inclusion Worker Team and the Family Centred Wellbeing Service Team. These practitioners bring expertise in relational, trauma-informed practice and understand the unique needs and contexts of North Ayrshire’s families and school communities. Their collaborative approach ensures the programme is accessible, consistent, and attuned to the challenges and strengths within local communities.

Impact and Ongoing Development

BPR-A’s effectiveness is reviewed through both outcome measures (e.g., parent confidence, child attendance) and lived experience feedback. The programme is presented not as a “standalone fix”, but as part of a coordinated support network involving schools, families, and allied services. Further resources are available via the Educational Psychology Service website to help parents sustain progress at home. Ongoing evaluation and adaptation remains central, ensuring BPR-A continues to evolve in line with the needs of our children, families, and schools.

Download this Building on Positive Relationships, Attendance Anxiety leaflet for parents and carers (pdf).