Counselling - Narrative for Parents & Caregivers

Narrative for Parents/Carers around Counselling and Therapy Opportunity - if it is helpful. Hopefully, this will allow for a common/similar message that we give across our schools.

Please adapt according to your own school context.

Highlight everything the school has been doing to support the child
Suggest that there is the possibility that through the Trust there is the possibility of access to some therapy and counselling
Highlight/discuss why counselling/therapy might be an option and the possible/hopeful impact that therapy could have. Reinforce, remind parents/carers about what the school has already done, is doing to support.
With therapy there is an expectation that parents/caregivers will engage and be supportive of the process and follow guidance and advice given by the therapist. Advise that this might be time consuming for the parent/caregiver and might require input at home.
Trust has no statutory obligation to provide therapy/counselling but have some provision with an offer that might possibly be able to provide some support. As with all public sector services, capacity and budget is extremely stretched. Size of Trust, around 4500 pupils and as such spaces and capacity are regrettably really limited. Referral might not be successful but can at least try.

If unsuccessful, there is no right to Appeal, but referrals can be re-referred in a subsequent round
Reiterate that spaces are really limited because demand is high, but lose nothing by trying
Describe process of referral - completing a form (minimal personal information given, just initials school, and year group and then reasons why the referral is being made……Shared with a Panel consisting of HT’s, DHT’s, SENCo’s who then allocate a space according to highest priority cases)
Will make the referral but please try not to be too disappointed if it is not accepted
Will notify of progress, but re-emphasise not to be too disappointed if unsuccessful.
Reiterate levels of school support already being given and re-emphaises how parents/caregivers can also help