How we help
Our counsellors and therapists work in schools and with parents helping pupils to come to terms with their difficulties and address issues causing distress. This may be due to a range of experiences including abuse, bereavement, neglect or domestic violence.
As a result of these early intervention services children and young people are able to understand their feelings better, develop greater resilience and are better able to cope with the challenges they face. This leads to significant improvements in their wellbeing and their ability to engage fully in school life.
What we offer
Our services are flexible and can be tailored to the needs of each school or child. However, our core offer includes providing:
1. Qualified and experienced counsellor/therapists to work in person or virtually if you prefer (all staff hold membership of an appropriate professional body).
2. Monthly clinical supervision for the counsellor/therapist with a qualified clinical supervisor.
3. CPD, child protection training and DBS checks for the counsellor/therapist.
4. Regular line-management for the counsellor/therapist (a highly experienced mental health professional).
5. Resources for use during sessions (where play/art/drama and other creative arts therapies may be used to support engagement with pupils).
6. Full insurance including Employers Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.
7. Bespoke training and consultations for school staff and parents to help support children.
8. A formal Service Level Agreement with provisions for reducing your fee if the counsellor/therapist is absent for any reason (illness, compassionate leave etc.).
9. Support for schools in accessing and working in partnership with external services such as social care and CAMHS.
10. An annual report providing full details of the work delivered and outcomes achieved (useful for supporting self-evaluations for Ofsted).
Why counselling and therapy is needed in schools and at home
Mental health issues are a growing concern. In 2020 the NHS digital survey of children and young people’s mental health in England found that one in six children aged 5-16 had a probable mental disorder. That is an average of five in every classroom.
Poor mental health can impact on every aspect of children’s lives. Often they arrive at school too distressed to engage with learning. They can struggle to concentrate in class, their behaviour can be challenging and they may find it difficult to form healthy relationships with peers and school staff.
Without appropriate support mental health difficulties can stay with young people throughout their adult lives and seriously impact on their long-term health and wellbeing. This can lead to self-medication through drugs/alcohol, self-harm and even suicide.