Citizens UK is calling on the UK Government to secure the statutory provision of counselling in English primary schools, secondary schools and further education colleges. In the meantime we are encouraging educational institutions to introduce provision themselves.
If your educational institution doesn't yet have a counselling provision that matches the campaign criteria below, but are committed work towards it, then we would be delighted to list it on our map to show the progress of the campaign and to encourage others to follow your example.
To meet the criteria your educational institution must ensure that every child in full-time education has access to an appropriately-qualified (Diploma in Higher Education in Counselling - Level 5), professionally-registered (accredited with British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy), child-experienced counsellor, through their place of education.
We are encouraging Schools-based Counselling provision that is:
- Co-operative: Beginning with a commitment to early years mental health education, the provision of counselling should be situated strategically on a continuum of intervention and support. The provision of counselling can take different forms according to the child or young person’s preference (digital wellbeing tools, telephone counselling, face-to-face sessions at school or external venues).
- Collaborative: Counsellors should liaise internally with their school (Mental Health Lead, Family Liaison Officer, senior management team) and with external agencies (social services, police, local education authority), so that provision is sensitive to the child or young person’s family dynamics, the impact of social determinants and the demography of the school catchment area.
- Consistent: Counselling should be provided by those trained on a nationally recognised course, registered with a professional body for reasons of ethical oversight, training and supervision, and experienced in working with primary school-age-children.
If your school or college is committed to working towards counselling provision that matches this description then complete the form below. Please contact
simonduncanmason@gmail.com if you have any questions.