Frequently Asked Questions

Attendance & EBSA support

What is an education attendance service?

An education attendance service supports schools, local authorities and families to improve school attendance and address the barriers that may prevent children and young people from regularly attending education.

These services focus on identifying the causes of absence and putting the right support in place. This may include working with families, supporting pupils experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), delivering targeted attendance interventions and helping schools respond effectively to persistent absenteeism.

Specialist providers such as Momenta Connect work closely with schools and local authorities to deliver structured attendance support, practical casework and strategies that help pupils re-engage with learning. Through programmes such as Momenta Attendance, schools can access expert support to improve attendance outcomes and support successful school reintegration.

What is emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)?

Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) describes situations where a child or young person finds attending school extremely difficult due to emotional distress. This may be linked to anxiety, unmet needs, social challenges or previous negative experiences in education.

Children experiencing EBSA often want to attend school but feel unable to do so. Without the right support, this can lead to prolonged absence and increased barriers to learning.

Effective EBSA support focuses on understanding the underlying causes, working collaboratively with families and schools, and developing gradual reintegration plans that prioritise the child’s wellbeing alongside their return to education.

How can schools reduce persistent absenteeism?

Reducing persistent absenteeism requires a proactive and supportive approach that identifies challenges early and responds with targeted support.

Schools can reduce absence by monitoring attendance data closely, engaging with families early, and implementing structured attendance interventions. In many cases, working with specialist providers can help schools access additional expertise and capacity.

Programmes such as Momenta Connect’s Attendance service provide practical support for schools, including casework, attendance planning and strategies to address complex barriers to education.

What do attendance interventions involve?

Attendance interventions are targeted strategies designed to help children and young people overcome barriers to regular school attendance.

These interventions often include working directly with pupils and families, identifying emotional or practical challenges, developing personalised attendance plans and supporting schools to implement effective strategies.

In more complex cases, attendance interventions may involve multi-disciplinary support, combining education, therapeutic and welfare expertise to address the underlying reasons for absence and support sustained re-engagement with learning.

How does school reintegration support work?

School reintegration support helps children and young people return to education after a period of absence. This is particularly important for pupils experiencing EBSA, persistent absenteeism or complex needs.

Reintegration typically involves a carefully planned and gradual return to school. Support may include flexible timetables, therapeutic input, mentoring and close collaboration between families, schools and support professionals.

Multi-disciplinary programmes such as Momenta 360 combine education, therapeutic and welfare expertise to help pupils rebuild confidence and successfully reconnect with learning.

Can local authorities commission attendance services?

Yes. Many local authorities commission specialist providers to deliver education attendance services that support schools and families where attendance challenges are complex or persistent.

Commissioned services may include casework support for pupils with persistent absenteeism, EBSA support programmes, attendance interventions and reintegration planning.

Momenta Connect works with local authorities across the UK to provide structured attendance support through programmes such as Momenta Attendance and multi-disciplinary interventions like Momenta 360, helping children and young people reconnect with education.

SEND and Inclusion Support

What SEND support services are available?

SEND support services help schools, local authorities and families meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Support may include specialist assessments, therapeutic services, targeted learning support, behaviour and emotional wellbeing interventions, and advice for school staff. Many services take a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together professionals from education, therapy and welfare backgrounds to provide coordinated support.

Programmes such as Momenta 360 combine educational, therapeutic and welfare expertise to help schools support pupils with complex needs and barriers to learning.

What is an inclusion hub within a school?

An inclusion hub is a dedicated space within a school designed to support pupils who need additional help to access learning and participate fully in school life.

Momenta Inclusion Hubs often provide a calm and structured environment where pupils can receive targeted support, develop regulation strategies and rebuild confidence before returning to the classroom. They are typically supported by trained staff and may include access to therapeutic or specialist input.

The aim of an inclusion hub is to strengthen school inclusion by providing flexible support that helps pupils remain connected to education.

How do inclusion hubs support school inclusion strategies?

Inclusion hubs play an important role in helping schools implement effective inclusion strategies.

They provide a structured way to support pupils who may be struggling with behaviour, emotional regulation, SEND needs or school engagement. By offering targeted interventions and short-term support, inclusion hubs can reduce the need for exclusion and help pupils remain part of the school community.

When combined with specialist advice and multi-disciplinary support, inclusion hubs can become a key part of a school’s wider approach to inclusion and pupil wellbeing.

Can SENCo teams access specialist support?

Yes. Many schools work with external specialists to support their SENCo teams and strengthen their SEND provision.

Specialist support can include professional consultation, training for school staff, pupil assessments and targeted intervention programmes. This additional expertise can help SENCo teams better understand pupils’ needs and develop effective support strategies.

Multi-disciplinary programmes such as Momenta 360 provide schools with access to a range of professionals, helping SENCo teams coordinate support for pupils with complex or overlapping needs.

What is alternative education provision and who is it for?

Alternative education provision refers to educational support designed for pupils who cannot currently access mainstream education in the usual way.

This may include pupils experiencing persistent absenteeism, emotionally based school avoidance, SEND needs or other barriers that make full-time classroom learning difficult. Alternative provision can offer flexible learning environments, smaller group settings and targeted support to help pupils re-engage with education.

The goal is usually to provide stability and personalised support while working towards successful reintegration into mainstream schooling wherever possible.

Educational psychology & therapy

What is an educational psychology assessment?

An educational psychology assessment helps identify the learning, emotional or developmental needs that may be affecting a child or young person’s experience in school.

During an assessment, an educational psychologist reviews information from the pupil, family and school, and may observe the child in their learning environment. The process explores areas such as learning strengths, emotional wellbeing, behaviour and social development.

Educational psychology assessments help schools and families better understand a child’s needs and identify practical strategies to support learning, engagement and wellbeing.

You can learn more about our Educational Psychology services here:

How does an educational psychologist support schools?

An educational psychologist supports schools by helping staff understand the needs of pupils who may be experiencing learning, behavioural or emotional challenges.

Educational psychologists can provide consultations with SENCo teams, contribute to individual support plans, carry out educational psychology assessments and offer advice on effective teaching strategies and interventions.

Their work helps schools develop inclusive approaches that support pupils with SEND needs, emotional difficulties or barriers to learning.

Do you provide speech and language therapy?

Yes. Speech and language therapy supports children and young people who experience difficulties with communication, understanding language, speech clarity or social communication.

Speech and language therapists work with pupils, teachers and families to assess communication needs and develop targeted strategies that support learning and interaction in school.

Speech and language therapy can be delivered through individual sessions, group interventions or consultation with school staff to help embed effective communication support within the classroom.

Find out more about our speech and language therapy services here.

What occupational therapy support is available?

Occupational therapy helps children and young people develop the skills they need to participate successfully in school activities.

Occupational therapy for schools may focus on areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention and regulation, or developing independence in classroom tasks. Therapists often work directly with pupils while also providing strategies and guidance for teachers and school staff.

The aim is to remove barriers to learning and help pupils feel more confident and comfortable in their school environment.

Read more about our Occupational Therapy services here.

What does trauma informed practice mean in education settings?

Trauma informed practice is an approach that recognises how past experiences of stress or trauma can affect a child’s behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement with learning.

In education settings, trauma informed practice focuses on creating safe, supportive and predictable environments where pupils feel understood rather than judged. Schools adopting this approach aim to respond to behaviour with curiosity and compassion while providing consistent support.

When embedded across a school, trauma informed practice can help improve relationships, strengthen wellbeing and support pupils who may have experienced significant challenges.

Autism and ADHD assessments

Do you provide autism assessments for children?

Yes. Momenta Connect provides autism assessments for children in the UK through specialist clinicians with experience in neurodevelopmental assessments.

Autism assessments explore how a child communicates, interacts socially and processes information. The assessment process usually involves gathering background information from families and schools, structured observations and clinical evaluation by trained professionals.

The goal is to develop a clear understanding of the child’s needs and provide recommendations that help families and schools offer the right support.

Learn more about our autism assessments here.

How does an ADHD assessment work for a child?

A child ADHD assessment helps identify whether a child’s attention, activity levels or impulse control may be linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The process typically includes gathering information from parents, carers and teachers, reviewing developmental history and completing structured clinical assessments. Specialists will consider how the child’s behaviour affects their learning, relationships and daily life.

An ADHD assessment helps families and schools understand a child’s needs and access appropriate support strategies or further clinical guidance.

You can find more information about our ADHD assessment here.

What is the Right to Choose pathway?

The Right to Choose pathway allows patients in England to choose the healthcare provider that delivers their NHS assessment, including assessments for conditions such as autism.

This means families may be able to request an alternative provider rather than joining a long local waiting list. Eligibility and access depend on referral processes and NHS guidance.

Families considering the Right to Choose pathway should speak with their GP or healthcare professional to understand the options available.

What occupational therapy support is available?

Occupational therapy helps children and young people develop the skills they need to participate successfully in school activities.

Occupational therapy for schools may focus on areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention and regulation, or developing independence in classroom tasks. Therapists often work directly with pupils while also providing strategies and guidance for teachers and school staff.

The aim is to remove barriers to learning and help pupils feel more confident and comfortable in their school environment.

Are private autism and ADHD assessments available?

Yes. Private diagnostic assessments are available for families who wish to access an autism or ADHD assessment without waiting for NHS pathways.

Private assessments can provide quicker access to specialist clinicians and can still offer detailed diagnostic reports and recommendations to support a child’s education and wellbeing.

Momenta Connect offers private autism and ADHD assessments through its specialist diagnostic services. You can learn more here.

Multi-disciplinary programmes

What is Momenta 360?

Momenta 360 is a multi-disciplinary education support programme designed to help children and young people overcome complex barriers to education.

The programme brings together expertise from education, therapeutic and welfare professionals to create tailored support plans for pupils experiencing challenges such as emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), persistent absenteeism or unmet SEND needs.

By combining different areas of specialist support, Momenta 360 helps pupils rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and work towards successful school reintegration.

Learn more about the programme here.

How does Momenta 360 support EBSA cases?

Momenta 360 provides a structured EBSA support pathway for pupils experiencing emotionally based school avoidance.

Support begins with understanding the emotional, social or environmental factors affecting the pupil’s ability to attend school. The programme may include therapeutic input, personalised learning support, family engagement and close collaboration with the school.

This coordinated approach helps reduce anxiety around school and supports a gradual and sustainable return to education.

Can Momenta 360 help with long-term school avoidance?

Yes. Momenta 360 is designed to support children and young people experiencing long-term school avoidance, particularly where multiple barriers to education are involved.

The programme combines education support, therapeutic intervention and family engagement to address the underlying causes of absence. Support is tailored to each pupil and focuses on rebuilding trust in education, developing coping strategies and creating a realistic pathway back into learning.

For many pupils, this approach provides the structure and specialist support needed to move towards school reintegration.

Is alternative education provision included in Momenta 360?

Yes. Alternative education provision can form part of a Momenta 360 programme where appropriate.

Some pupils may benefit from temporary alternative learning environments while they rebuild confidence, address emotional barriers or receive targeted support. This may include smaller learning settings, structured interventions or flexible learning pathways.

The aim is always to provide stability and personalised support while working towards a sustainable return to mainstream education wherever possible.

How does a multi-disciplinary approach remove barriers to education?

Many pupils experiencing difficulties with school attendance or engagement face a combination of educational, emotional and practical challenges.

A multi-disciplinary education support approach brings together professionals from different fields — such as teachers, therapists, education welfare specialists and psychologists — to develop a coordinated support plan.

By addressing the full range of barriers to education, this approach can provide more effective and lasting support than single interventions delivered in isolation.

Learn more about the programme here.

Who is suitable for a Momenta 360 programme?

Momenta 360 is suitable for children and young people who are experiencing significant barriers to education and require coordinated support from multiple professionals.

This may include pupils experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), persistent absenteeism, complex SEND needs or challenges that have made traditional school support difficult to sustain.

Schools and local authorities often commission Momenta 360 when a pupil needs a structured pathway that combines therapeutic support, education interventions and family engagement to support re-engagement with learning and school reintegration.

Accessing services across the UK

Are your services available nationwide across the UK?

Yes. Momenta Connect provides education support services across the UK, working with schools, local authorities and families to support children and young people facing barriers to education.

Our services include school attendance support services, SEND support services, therapeutic assessments and multi-disciplinary education programmes. While some services are delivered locally, we work with organisations and families across many regions of the UK.

You can explore the areas we currently support here.

Can services be delivered remotely or online?

In some cases, support can be delivered remotely or through online provision, depending on the type of service required.

Remote support may include consultations with schools, professional guidance for staff, online learning provision or therapeutic input where appropriate. Many services are delivered through a blended approach, combining in-person and remote support to ensure children and young people receive the help they need.

Our team can advise on the most appropriate approach depending on the needs of the pupil, school or family.

How do I access SEND support in my region?

Schools, local authorities and families can access SEND support services in the UK through a range of referral pathways.

In many cases, schools or local authorities commission specialist providers to deliver targeted support programmes or assessments. Families may also access some services directly, depending on the type of support required.

To see what services are available and how to access education support services in your area, you can explore our locations page here.

Can schools and local authorities commission services directly?

Yes. Schools and local authorities can commission specialist support directly to address specific challenges such as persistent absenteeism, SEND needs or complex barriers to education.

Commissioned services may include attendance support programmes, therapeutic assessments, inclusion support or multi-disciplinary education interventions.

Click here to explore the full range of support available.

How do families refer a child for assessment or attendance support?

Families who are concerned about a child’s school attendance, learning needs or wellbeing can contact Momenta Connect to discuss the support available.

Our team can provide guidance on the most appropriate service, whether that involves diagnostic assessments, therapeutic support, school attendance support or multi-disciplinary programmes.

To speak with our team or begin the referral process, please visit our contact page.

What happens after a referral is submitted?

Once a referral is submitted, our team will review the information provided and contact you to discuss the next steps.

This usually involves understanding the child or young person’s needs, confirming the most appropriate service and outlining the support pathway. Depending on the situation, this may include assessments, attendance interventions, therapeutic support or multi-disciplinary education programmes.

If you would like to discuss a referral or ask a question about services in your area, you can contact our team here.

About Momenta Connect

Who are Momenta Connect?

Momenta Connect is a UK provider of specialist education support services, helping children and young people overcome barriers that may affect their ability to access education.

Part of Outcomes First Group, Momenta Connect brings together expertise across education, therapy and welfare to support pupils experiencing challenges such as school avoidance, SEND needs and other barriers to learning.

Services include attendance support, therapeutic assessments, diagnostic services and multi-disciplinary programmes. Through services such as Momenta Assessment and Therapies, Momenta Diagnostics and programmes like Momenta 360, Momenta Connect works with schools, local authorities and families to help children reconnect with education and build positive learning pathways.

Learn more about Momenta Connect here.

How does Momenta Connect work with schools and local authorities?

Momenta Connect works closely with schools and local authorities across the UK to deliver targeted support for pupils who need additional help to engage with education.

Services may include attendance support programmes, therapeutic assessments, SEND support services, diagnostic assessments and multi-disciplinary interventions. Support can be commissioned directly by schools or local authorities depending on local needs and referral pathways.

You can explore the full range of services here.

What is the difference between Momenta Connect and Momenta 360?

Momenta Connect is the organisation that delivers a wide range of education support services across the UK.

Momenta 360 is one of the specialist programmes delivered by Momenta Connect. It provides a structured multi-disciplinary pathway that brings together education, therapeutic and welfare expertise to support pupils facing complex barriers to education.

While Momenta Connect provides a range of services, including diagnostic assessments, therapeutic support and attendance services, Momenta 360 focuses specifically on coordinated programmes that help pupils re-engage with learning and achieve sustainable school reintegration.

How does Momenta Connect ensure quality and safeguarding?

Momenta Connect places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, professional standards and high-quality service delivery.

All services are delivered by experienced professionals working within clear safeguarding procedures and regulatory frameworks. Staff working with children and young people are appropriately trained and vetted, and services are delivered in partnership with schools, families and local authorities.

This commitment helps ensure that support is safe, effective and focused on the wellbeing of every child or young person.

Is Momenta Connect part of a wider organisation?

Yes. Momenta Connect is part of Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education and care services in the UK.

Being part of a wider organisation enables Momenta Connect to draw on extensive expertise across education, therapy and clinical services. This strengthens the support available to schools, local authorities and families and helps ensure services are delivered to high professional standards.

How can I contact Momenta Connect for support?

If you would like to discuss support for a child or young person, or explore services available in your area, the Momenta Connect team is available to help.

You can contact the team directly here:

You can also explore the regions where services are available here.