Across the UK schools are increasingly viewed as integral to providing an accessible, non-stigmatising environment in which to support children experiencing emotional, psychological and behavioural difficulties. School-based counselling is now one of the most prevalent forms of psychological therapy for young people in the UK (Department of Education, 2014). A growing body of evidence also indicates that emotional well-being is an important foundation for learning and educational achievement.
In Northern Ireland, pupil well-being is supported through the school curriculum linked to a statutory duty to teach personal and social education in all NI schools. This first paper in the In Focus series highlights what we have found to be effective in school-based counselling for primary school pupils in Northern Ireland through our ‘Time 4 Me’ service.