Counselling Pupils Policy         

This policy applies to Junior School, Senior School & EYFS

See also Pastoral policy & Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Stepping in: we aim for every girl to feel known, supported, confident and able to shine at Wimbledon High.

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the provision of counselling services within the school setting. It aims to ensure that all children have access to safe, ethical, and effective emotional support, and that staff and parents understand the principles, procedures, and responsibilities involved.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All students accessing counselling services
• Parents and carers
• School staff and leadership
• School-based counsellors and the Lead Counsellor

3. Principles of Counselling Provision

• Counselling is available to any child in the school who wishes to access it.
• The service is designed to support emotional wellbeing, personal development, and mental health in a confidential and respectful environment.
• All counselling is delivered in accordance with an ethical framework, ensuring professional standards of care, boundaries, and safeguarding.

4. Access and Referral

• Children may self-refer, be referred by staff, or be supported by parents to access counselling.
• The Lead Counsellor in the Senior School oversees triage and allocates clients to appropriate school counsellors based on need, availability, and specialism.
• The Assistant Heads Lower and Upper Junior School work together the Junior School Counsellor to allocate sessions. Allocation times are based on a combination of factors, including the pupil’s specific needs and availability. This structured approach helps ensure that each pupil receives timely and tailored support from the counsellor and Junior pastoral team.
• Counselling sessions in the Senior School are charged at £60 per session, with fees added to Parent Pay at the end of each half term for settlement.
• Counselling sessions in the Junior School are charged at £45 per session, with fees added to Parent Pay at the end of each half term for settlement.

5. Parental Involvement

• Wherever possible, the school will inform parents or carers of a child’s intention to begin counselling and offer a discussion prior to the start of sessions.
• In cases where informing parents may pose a risk to the child’s wellbeing, the school reserves the right to proceed without prior parental notification, in line with safeguarding principles and the child’s best interests.

6. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

• Counselling is conducted in a safe and private space, ensuring confidentiality and emotional safety.
• Confidentiality is respected within the counselling context. However, the school has a legal safeguarding duty. If a counsellor becomes aware of a safeguarding concern during sessions, they will:
• Discuss the need to break confidentiality with the child
• Refer the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Follow school safeguarding procedures in full

7. Session Reviews and Monitoring

• Counselling cases are reviewed half-termly or termly, depending on the nature and complexity of the case.
• Reviews may involve the Lead Counsellor, the allocated counsellor, and where appropriate, the child and/or parent.
• The purpose of reviews is to assess progress, adjust support, and ensure the counselling remains appropriate and beneficial.

8. Ethical Practice and Supervision

• All counsellors operate under a recognised ethical framework (e.g., BACP or equivalent).
• Counsellors receive regular clinical supervision to support reflective practice and maintain professional standards.
• Record keeping is maintained securely and in accordance with confidentiality and data protection principles.

9. Boundaries and Professional Conduct

• Counselling is a professional relationship with clear boundaries. Counsellors do not engage in dual relationships or offer support outside of agreed sessions.
• Sessions are scheduled and managed by the counsellor, with respect for the child’s timetable and wellbeing.
• Counsellors are responsible for managing their own diaries and workload, and for liaising with the Lead Counsellor regarding caseload and triage.

10. External Therapeutic Support

• Where a student is accessing external support, this support should be provided – wherever possible – outside of the regular school day.
• This ensures continuity of care without a regular impact on the student’s educational experience.
• Where external sessions are held online, these should be not be held at school without prior permission from Deputy Head Pastoral.
• This ensures students are able to receive adequate wrap-around care often required following therapeutic support.

11. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Lead Counsellor and school leadership team to ensure it remains aligned with best practice, school needs, and evolving mental health guidance.