Thoughts and feelings
- Persistent worries or expecting something bad to happen
- Low confidence or finding new things hard to face
- Being tearful, clingy, irritable or more easily upset
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SEND Advice guide
Anxiety
Clear, compassionate information for families, carers and educators. This guide explains when worries may need extra support and how adults can respond without judgement.
Understanding Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body and mind’s response to feeling threatened, uncertain or under pressure. It can affect thoughts, feelings, behaviour and the body. Children and young people may worry about different things at different ages, and many worries are a normal part of growing up.
Extra support may be needed when anxiety is very strong, does not ease over time or starts to get in the way of learning, relationships, sleep, home life or activities the child would otherwise enjoy.
Notice patterns with care
Signs of Anxiety
Children do not always have the words to explain how they are feeling. Anxiety can look different from one child to another and may change across home, school and social situations.
Body and sleep
- Tummy aches, feeling unwell, tension or restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping, waking in the night or bad dreams
- Changes in eating, concentration or energy
Behaviour and participation
- Avoiding school, friends, public places or activities
- Needing frequent reassurance or finding transitions difficult
- Angry outbursts, shutting down or seeming unable to begin
Assessment and support
How is Anxiety diagnosed?
Feeling anxious does not automatically mean a child has an anxiety disorder. A GP or children and young people’s mental health service can assess whether anxiety is persistent, severe and affecting everyday life, while also considering the child’s circumstances and any other needs.
- Share concerns early. Speak with a trusted adult at school, the school nurse, SENCO or GP.
- Build a fuller picture. Professionals may ask about worries, behaviour, physical symptoms, school, home life and events that may be affecting the child.
- Agree next steps. Support may include practical adjustments, counselling or a talking therapy such as CBT.
Practical support
How to support children with Anxiety
Support is most effective when it helps a child feel heard, safe and capable. Work with them to understand the worry rather than dismissing it or expecting them to manage alone.
Listen and name the worry
Make time to listen calmly. Help the child identify what feels difficult and show that their feelings are valid.
Make a small plan together
Break a difficult situation into manageable steps, agree what support is available and celebrate effort.
Use predictable routines
Clear routines, advance notice of change and a trusted adult can reduce uncertainty.
Work with school and professionals
Share what helps across home and school, including quiet space, check-ins or adjusted transitions.
Answers to common questions
Frequently asked questions about Anxiety
Is anxiety always a problem?
No. Worry before a change or challenge is normal. Extra support is useful when anxiety is strong, persistent or stops a child taking part in everyday life.
Can anxiety look like anger or avoidance?
Yes. It can appear as irritability, shutting down, angry outbursts, physical complaints or avoiding places and activities. Look beyond the behaviour and ask what feels difficult.
Should I force a child to face what they fear?
No. Forcing a child into a stressful situation can make anxiety worse. Listen, agree a manageable plan together and seek advice if anxiety is severe or affecting daily life.
Can school make adjustments without a diagnosis?
Yes. Clear routines, a trusted adult, a quiet space, preparation for change and reduced avoidable pressure can all be offered without a diagnosis.
When should we seek further help?
Speak to the school, SENCO, school nurse, GP or another appropriate professional when anxiety is persistent, worsening or affecting school, home life, friendships or wellbeing. Seek urgent help if you are worried about immediate safety.
A clear boundary
Advice and inclusion support—not diagnosis or crisis care.
Teach Again Hub CIC provides general, strengths-based information. We do not diagnose or replace advice from an appropriate health, education or safeguarding professional. If you have an immediate concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing, contact the relevant emergency or statutory service.
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