# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
parents inclusion network dumfries and galloway

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
support for parents of disabled child dumfries

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
support groups for parents of disabled child dumfries

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Parents Inclusion Network brings parents and carers of children with a disability in Dumfries & Galloway together to share information, advice and support.

# data[].attributes.body
Lots of fabulous ideas and help to support great sleep at all ages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Youth Enquiry Service | Dumfries & Galloway - Help is here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are here to help you overcome any difficulties you are facing - from mental health to CV building, bereavement to drugs, body image to relationships. Talk to us via our social media, face to face groups, digital programme or confidential 1-2-1 Blether chats.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free school meals and associated payments - Dumfries and Galloway Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free school meals are provided for all pupils in Primary 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as well as those families on qualifying benefits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The National Bereavement Service offers support, signposting and legal guidance following the loss of a loved one, as well as providing advice to anyone planning ahead in anticipation of their own death.
"Losing someone we love is upsetting and often traumatic, but few of us realise how much practical work goes along with it. "We welcome any initiative to help people through the practical aspects of bereavement while they are still coping with the emotional impact. "The National Bereavement Service helps people through the actions they need to take at a time when it's hard to think of anything other than the person they've lost."
Nikki Archer, St Giles Hospice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Bereavement Service | We're here when you need us most

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Bereavement Service offers support, signposting and legal guidance following the loss of a loved one, as well as providing advice to anyone planning ahead in anticipation of their own death. "Losing someone we love is upsetting and often traumatic, but few of us realise how much practical work goes along with it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everyone experiences bereavement at some stage in their life, whether it’s the death of a parent, a loved one, a friend or child. The experience often means that our lives will never be the same again. Sometimes the feelings - the despair, loneliness or even guilt - may overwhelm us, so much so that we need help. In time, and with support, we can work through such feelings and learn to live with our loss.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a really helpful website for those supporting a child or young person through the grief process

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Winston's Wish is the UK's childhood bereavement charity. We support children and their families after the death of someone important.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Enquire?

Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. Providing easy to understand advice and information about additional support for learning legislation and guidance for families and professionals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Enquire - The Scottish advice service for additional support for learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you feel a child or young person needs extra help to get the most from their learning and are unsure what to do, we can help you.

# data[].attributes.body
A great organisation that provides support and advice in a whole range of issues

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Scottish children, young people and families charity - includem - has released new research into the school experience over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic.

News

UK Government defence of benefit age inequality "woefully misunderstands" reality of young parents' lives, charities say.

News

Parenting across Scotland joins 120 organisations and leaders from across Scotland to call for doubling the Scottish Child Payment.

News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parenting across Scotland: supporting parents and families in Scotland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parenting across Scotland is a partnership of charities which offers support to children and families in Scotland. We work together to focus on parenting issues and to help realise a Scotland where all parents and families are valued and supported to give children the best possible start in life.

# data[].attributes.body
Parentzone provides useful information about education in Scotland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Be at the heart of your child's learning

Find a school

Search our Scottish Schools directory of contact details, inspection reports, school level data and more.

Ways to get involved

As a parent, you can make an enormous difference, to your child's chances of success​ in school, at home and in their later life.

How can you help?

Read the latest newsletter from Comann nam Pàrant, the national organisation that supports parents who choose GME for their children.

Keep up to date

Our newsletters provide the latest information on education news and events, as well as details of resources and activities to help you support your child's learning.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.If you continue to use this website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive these cookies. Accept & Close Find out more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to main content Be at the heart of your child's learning Search our Scottish Schools directory of contact details, inspection reports, school level data and more. As a parent, you can make an enormous difference, to your child's chances of success​ in school, at home and in their later life.

# data[].attributes.body
,Supporting Parents across Scotland

# data[].attributes.body
Supporting parents of those with mental health and/or disabilities

# data[].attributes.headline
Dumfries and Galloway Support for Learners

# data[].attributes.subject
Dumfries and Galloway Support for Learners

# data[].attributes.body
This is a broad team of education staff who are available to support those who require a little bit extra whether that is attendance, educational psychology, autism outreach, EAL or those with experience of care.

# data[].attributes.body
Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services support young people with issues of mental health and well-being

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CAMHS is a multi-disciplinary team, offering a community based service throughout Dumfries & Galloway, to children, young people up to the age of 18 years old, who may be struggling with their mental well being which is significantly impacting on their day to day life.

CAMHS also offer early intervention to families as well as consultation, joint work and training to other services, via our Primary Mental Health Work team.

"We aim to provide a safe and non judgemental atmosphere for children / young people and their parent / carers who are referred to us."

Our team is made up of lots of different clinicians and staff and throughout your journey, you might see or speak to the following:

Primary Mental Health Worker

Mental Health Worker

Psychiatrists

Support Mental Health Worker

Participation lead

Project Officer

Admin Team

For your appointment, you might come to one of our centres or to your GPs surgery or you might feel more comfortable going somewhere in your community or through NHS Near Me video calling.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service - Dumfries & Galloway Health & Social Care

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CAMHS is a multi-disciplinary team, offering a community based service throughout Dumfries & Galloway, to children, young people up to the age of 18 years old, who may be struggling with their mental well being which is significantly impacting on their day to day life.

# data[].attributes.body
The Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service provide support, advice and diagnosis on a range of conditions such as ASD and ADHD etc

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Since 2018, NHS Dumfries and Galloway have been designing and testing a Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service (NDAS) for children and young people; aligned to the National Neurodevelopmental (ND) Service Specification published in 2021.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders are complex and include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum (FAS).

While some children present with one disorder in isolation, research and clinical evidence tells us that, very often, these disorders co-exist and so assessment services should be designed to screen for all disorders before reaching conclusions about one condition in isolation.

This service will deliver the NDAS pathway which is aligned to the National ND pathway and delivers on the recommendations of the National Neurodevelopmental Service Specification.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service CYP - Dumfries & Galloway Health & Social Care

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since 2018, NHS Dumfries and Galloway have been designing and testing a Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service (NDAS) for children and young people; aligned to the National Neurodevelopmental (ND) Service Specification published in 2021. Neurodevelopmental Disorders are complex and include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum (FAS).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Dumfries and Galloway Educational Psychology Service invites you to get to know us a little better and to find out what we have been up to.

# data[].attributes.body
Parents can call and get advice from our Educational Psychologists

# data[].attributes.body
We use Emotion Works in the partnership as a way to help young people explore and understand their own emotions.

# data[].attributes.body
There are a host of links here to help with all sorts of aspects of mental health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Browse our free mental health resources for those working in primary, secondary and FE settings.

# data[].attributes.body
Quarriers support young people's well being in our partnership

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Quarriers - Family, Adult Disability and Young Adult Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For Scotland’s families since 1871. Supporting adults with a disability, children and families, people with epilepsy and young adults.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's normal for children and young people to feel worried about something that's happening at school - for example, when starting a new school or during exams. Sometimes, however, school can become challenging, stressful or distressing over a much longer period of time.

If your child is feeling anxious about school, or not able to go, it can be exhausting for both of you. Mornings in particular can become really stressful for the whole family, as you try to juggle your child's feelings alongside the need to get them to school and get on with your other responsibilities such as work. Even if you manage to get your child to the school gate, you might know how difficult they're going to find the day - or know that you'll be facing the same problem tomorrow morning.

If you're in this situation, we've got advice to help you explore what's going on with your child, make changes at school that can help, and find the support you need if your child can't go to school.

Young people can feel anxious about school for lots of different reasons. They might be worried about making friends or fitting in, find schoolwork or lessons confusing, feel pressured to learn in a certain way or find their relationships with teachers difficult.

Sometimes, going through difficult experiences outside of school - such as bereavement, an illness in the family or being a young carer - can also make it harder for a child to feel settled at school.

For some young people, the school environment isn't right for them, and trying to fit into it can create a huge amount of stress. This might be the case if they are struggling with their mental health, or have a neurodiverse condition or Special Educational Need (SEN) such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia. This can make the school environment anxiety-provoking and exhausting, especially if their condition or need is undiagnosed or not being well supported.

Young people might show they're feeling anxious about school by:

not wanting to get up and get ready

saying they can't go

worrying a lot about small issues, such as having the right equipment for a lesson

feeling sick, or having stomach aches or headaches

not sleeping well

not doing schoolwork, or their grades dropping

being angry or upset, or acting out - at school or at home

withdrawing - seeming low, quiet or depressed

It's often difficult for your child to articulate the problem. They may be in a heightened state of stress and not know why or feel able to explain. Your child probably wants to feel able to be in school, just as much as you want them to be there. In many cases it just doesn't feel possible.

Sometimes it can be difficult to work out what's making your child feel anxious, and the first step is often helping them to identify exactly what's worrying them. Once you understand the problem, you'll be in a much better position to make changes that can help.

Young people can find it hard to explain what's causing their feelings, and might not be able to answer direct questions like 'what's going on?' Using an anxiety iceberg can help to open up the conversation - giving you a more relaxed way of exploring together what's causing their anxiety.

Watch our video to find out how to make an anxiety iceberg with your child.

If you're making an anxiety iceberg with younger children, you might want to draw images on the iceberg, or encourage them to write simple words. With older children and teenagers, you can ask them to write key words and phrases on the iceberg, or do this as a mind map, with 'school' in the middle and all the things they're finding difficult around the outside.

Through this exercise, you might identify worries such as arriving at school, finding the environment noisy or overwhelming, finding lessons confusing, feeling lonely through the day, or feeling uncomfortable during specific subjects.

Once you understand what's going on for your child, you can use their anxiety iceberg or mind map to communicate with the school and ask for specific changes.

Follow these steps to start a conversation with the school:

Here are some examples of things you can ask the school for:

Remember that even though this situation can be really tough for you and your child, it's a good idea to maintain a positive relationship with the school. Recognise the support they're offering and any changes they're making. This will help you work together to make things better for your child.

Building a relationship with the attendance team at my son's school was hugely helpful, we were talking with them each day.

If your child isn't going to school at the moment, it might feel incredibly stressful and tiring. You might be worried about when they will be able to get back to school or the impact on their education. Or you might feel overwhelmed because you're juggling this alongside work and other family commitments. Things are probably feeling tough for your child too.

During this time, it's important to keep working with teachers and other staff to try strategies that can help your child get back to school. Keep encouraging them to take achievable steps towards attending too. When the right support is in place, it's often easier for a young person to get back into their usual routine if they can return to school as quickly as possible.

If your child's anxiety about school has built up to the point where they can't go, it's a good idea to get them some professional mental health or SEN support. Find out how to do this further down the page.

Alongside requesting professional help, try to:

The school's SEN and attendance policies should be on their website. Knowing what these are can support you during meetings with the school.

This can help if your child is unable to go to school for a longer period of time and you need to ask for more support, including provision of alternative full-time education.

Encourage your child to get up, do some studying and stop for lunch at the same times they would if they were in school. This will make adapting back to school easier. Explain to your child that if they cannot go to school, they will need to study at home - at least until alternative arrangements are put in place. Ask the school to help you facilitate tasks and activities your child can do and use online resources such as BBC Bitesize.

Not going to school could leave your child feeling really isolated. Make sure they stay connected to the outside world by seeing friends and family, doing activities they enjoy and getting outside for walks and exercise.

Speaking to friends online can be really important if your child is feeling isolated at home. Sometimes, however, you might notice that your child is spending lots of time gaming or on their phone, and that this is getting in the way of important daily activities like spending quality time with family, learning, or sleeping and eating well. If this is becoming a problem, have a look at our guide to gaming or guide to social media for more information and advice.

Local authorities must provide alternative education if a child of compulsory school age is unable to attend school over a longer period of time. If your child cannot attend school because of a mental or physical health issue, the local authority should provide an alternative as soon as it is clear that they will be away from school for more than 15 days (either consecutively or over time). Find out how to request alternative education.

Getting back to school after weeks or months may feel extremely difficult for your child, but you and the school can help make it more manageable. Here are some things you can do to help:

Set small, achievable targets, such as visiting the building outside school hours or attending one lesson.

Request a home visit from a school staff member so your child can check in while feeling safe, see that the school cares and discuss any strategies that might help them.

Ask for a reduced timetable, with regular reviews to discuss building back up at a manageable rate.

Discuss changing classes or sets if your child thinks this would help.

Focus on qualifications needed for what your child wants to do next, perhaps dropping a less relevant GCSE to reduce stress.

My son wasn't questioned about his absence when he did feel able to pop in for favourite lessons, helping to ease him back into full days of education.

If your child is struggling with anxiety and it's affecting their day-to-day life, learning or relationships, it's a good idea to find some professional support. Speaking to the GP and finding them a counsellor or therapist are two good places to start. You can find more information about GPs, counsellors and other mental health services in our guide to getting support from mental health services.

If there is no other obvious reason for your child's inability to attend school, they may have an undiagnosed Special Educational Need (SEN) such as dyslexia, autism or ADHD.

If you think this is the case:

Speak to the school's SENCO or your GP to ask for a referral for an assessment.

While you are waiting for an assessment, you can also ask the SENCO to refer your child for support from other professionals, such as an Educational Psychologist or Speech and Language Therapist. These professionals can identify specific needs and make recommendations for additional support the school can put in place - even if your child hasn't had a formal diagnosis yet.

SEN support at school
If your child is diagnosed with SEN, extra support and adjustments should be put in place at school to help them attend and learn. This is called SEN support, and should be available within the school's existing resources. Speak to the school's SENCO in the first instance about how the school will support your child.
Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans
If you do not think your child's needs can be met by the school's existing resources, you can ask the local authority to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHC needs assessment). If the local authority decides your child needs additional support, they will then make an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan). This outlines how the extra support they need will be provided. Find out more about EHC plans.
Your Local Offer
Your Local Offer is the information, support and services available for young people with SEN, and for their parents and families. You can find out what support is available in your area by going to your local authority's website and searching for their Local Offer.

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

We have more tips and advice on supporting your child with school, and information about how you can get in touch with our Parents Helpline.
This page was reviewed in December 2022. It was created with parents and carers with lived experience of supporting their child or young person with school anxiety. We will next review the page in 2025. YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK - the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.
Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
School Anxiety and Refusal | Parent Guide to Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your child is anxious about school, or refusing to go to school at all, read our tips and advice on how you can support their mental health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Separation Anxiety and Separation Anxiety Disorder

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn how to make the separation process easier for your child and deal with symptoms of separation anxiety disorder.