Overview of Service
The-Exchange is now providing counselling and emotional and psychological support in all Primary schools within East Ayrshire. From 19th April 2022, this service is now available to all primary school children, from P1-P7.
specialises in providing psychological support to children [4-11 yrs] and their families. Our therapeutic interventions focus on helping children develop resources that they need in order to cope more effectively with adverse circumstances and life events and we use the same framework to support parents/guardians of the child. In this way, families can develop the skills they need to support one another and improve the overall resilience and psychological wellbeing of the family.
has a team of experienced practitioners who specialise in providing psychological interventions to primary school children. Primary school counsellors are accredited by a governing body [usually BACP] and are skilled in creative interventions such as theraplay, drama therapy, play therapy techniques and many more.
Most of our work takes place in Primary Schools. This is because the school offers a neutral and nurturing environment for child and parent. The school is a ‘soft’ setting for the child to meet with their counsellor. The school also forms an important part of the child’s support system and is neutral ground for parents, teachers and counsellors to work together to support the child and family. If children or parents do not want to be seen in the Primary School then we can offer a space at our offices.
For more info about the Exchange in primary schools including different interventions and programmes used please have a look at The Exchange – PRIMARY – EAST AYRSHIRE
What does counselling look like in a Primary school setting?
The concept of ‘counselling’ has been adapted by The-Exchange to provide a “Whole school Approach” to promoting and supporting psychological wellbeing in Primary Schools. The-Exchange model is highly collaborative, focusing on resilience building interventions aimed at developing emotional intelligence, self-regulation, building confidence, self-esteem, optimism, problem solving and social competence in the child. The-Exchange focus on the “protective factors” and the strength resources a child needs to manage adversity, “bounce back” and strengthen their psychological wellbeing so as to thrive into the future by managing their own mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Where does counselling fit in with the continuum of other MH and wellbeing supports
Counselling is only one of a range of supports available within schools to support children and young people’s emotional and mental health needs. Some of the supports may include regular check-ins with a trusted adult, a peer mentor/befriender, targeted group such as Seasons for Growth, access to the school nursing service or support from 3rd sector agencies. Educational Psychologists can support schools in identifying the right type of support through Team Around the Child meetings.
Although counselling can have a positive effect on improving emotional and mental health it is rarely the ‘only solution’, the agenda of psychological wellbeing is broad and evidence indicates that the contribution of others (such as; having access to emotional wellbeing expertise within a school context) is critical to the ongoing healthy emotional development of young people. Counselling will target those who require additional input but this will be within the context of whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.
It is therefore important to ensure that when considering whether counselling is to be offered to a child or young person that a range of alternative universal and targeted supports have already been offered.
Inclusion Criteria
There are a range of reasons why pupils may be considered for requesting assistance from the counselling service. They may be experiencing emotional distress which has persisted over time or have experienced a traumatic event or crisis with recognised consequences. Some examples could be:
- Breakdown of relationship/s
- Depression
- Panic Attacks/anxiety
- Self-harm
- Anger/frustration
- Body image/self-esteem
- Abuse
- Suicidal thoughts
- Health problems
- Sexuality/Gender Identity
- Bullying
- Mental health issues
- Trauma
- Bereavement
Requesting Assistance from the Counselling Service
Once a member of school staff is clear that a Request for Assistance is appropriate, then they need to contact the child/young person’s Named Person or Lead Professional who has the responsibility for obtaining parental consent. For children under the age of 12, parental consent is required in order for the child to attend the counselling or psychological support sessions. The Name person will then contact the counselling service. For information on how to request assistance please refer to the Primary School Counselling Guidance 2024 which is also available on the East Ayrshire School Counselling GLOW tile.
You can also refer to our quick guide Checklist ChecklistEA (1) Primary Final and The Exchange Process documents.
For more information about how the Exchange work in Primary schools please have a look at this short film.
Tracking and Monitoring System
The T&M system is now being used for all counselling requests and we ask that any teacher making a request to the Exchange also updates the T&M system. This is crucial to ensure we can monitor the impact and effectiveness of the service and is used to influence service direction and improvements.
The East Ayrshire School Counselling Service – T&M System document should be read and followed by all school counselling coordinators and be shared with any other members of school staff making a request to the service.
Communication with CAMHS
It is important that we work effectively with other services and that young people receive the right support, at the right time for them. To ensure this happens, we have produced a document that explains what School staff should do if they are considering requesting assistance from the School Counselling Service where the young is engaged with CAMHS. If the Young Person is currently receiving support from CAMHS for mental health and wellbeing, a request CANNOT be put into the School Counselling Service however where they are on a waiting list or being assessed we recommend contacting CAMHS. Please see the document below for further information.
East Ayrshire School Counselling Service CAMHS procedure primary
