Every child has the right to school-based counselling
The NASUWT is working in partnership with Citizens UK and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) to call on the UK Government to secure the statutory provision of schools-based counselling in every primary and secondary school in England.
We’re asking members to show their support for this campaign, enabling the NASUWT to demonstrate to the Government the strength of feeling on this important support line for young people.
The case for school-based counselling
The number of children and young people with clinically significant mental health conditions has been rising exponentially year-on-year and the coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated the issue.
A recent study found that the number of children with clinically significant mental health conditions has risen by 50% compared in the last three years alone.
Unlike in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, there is no statutory requirement for, or provision of, school-based counselling in England. This leaves some pupils in England without access to a counsellor.
This is an untenable situation and the NASUWT recognises the positive impact the provision of school-based counselling in every primary and secondary school could have on the lives of many children and young people.
The Union also affirms that teachers cannot be expected to fill the gaps caused by cuts to mental health and wellbeing provision over the last decade.