School-Based Counselling
I am a fully qualified, DBS checked, integrative counsellor and primary school teacher offering independent, school-based counselling to support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health (SEMH). My work within your school complements existing pastoral and SEND provision and aligns closely with EHCP outcomes, particularly where SEMH is the primary need.
Why this support matters:
- Around 1 in 5 children aged 8–16 in England currently meet criteria for a probable mental health disorder.
- SEMH is one of the most common primary needs identified in EHCPs, with pupils requiring targeted emotional and therapeutic support to access learning.
- Schools are increasingly supporting pupils with complex emotional needs while facing long CAMHS waiting times.
- School-Based Counselling contributes directly to children’s emotional health and wellbeing and provides a safe and accessible space for them to receive support.
- Structured counselling support signals to Ofsted that a school is taking a whole-school approach to wellbeing, aligning with the focus in the new framework of supporting the whole child’s development.
How my service works:
- Up to 5 pupils per day, including all session preparation, administration and resources.
- One-to-one sessions for your high-level of need children (typically 45 minutes).
- Short feedback summaries linked to agreed targets (as appropriate).
- Flexible scheduling to fit around the school day.
What I provide:
+ All therapeutic resources and materials
+ Safeguarding-aware, child- centred practice
+ Collaborative working with SENDo/pastoral staff, with review of work to use on children’s ILP/ISP
+ Initial call to introduce school-based counselling to parents or carers and reveiw of work emails
Benefits to your school:
- On-site, expert mental health support without staffing overheads.
- Targeted intervention aligned with EHCP and pastoral priorities.
- Improved pupil wellbeing, behaviour and readiness to learn.
- Pupil's wellbeing and mental health becoming embedded within the culture of your school.
What the school provides:
- A private, confidential room
- A named contact for referrals and liaison