Emotionally based school non-attendance is a hugely complex, growing issue that goes way beyond just not wanting to go to school.

This year's LightBulb Mental Health and Wellbeing conference - taking place on Monday 11 November at Barclaycard in Northampton - will focus on this important topic. A line-up of speakers including Mica Jayne Coleman Jones, Victoria Bagnall, Jonathan Newport and Christopher Lore will explore non-attendance from different perspectives. 

As Mica Jayne Coleman Jones explains: "We have asked children and their families what causes them difficulty at school and what would help them, and it has become clear to me that the greatest incentive for attending school lies not in certificates and prizes, but in relationships and connection. We must create places of belonging. I can't imagine a child or adult who would want to be somewhere they didn't feel accepted or valued." 

This event is open to anyone with an interest in education - including our staff, teachers, parents and caregivers. Virtual tickets are also available.
 

To find out more and to book, click here.