Counselling Policy
RATIONALE
Belfast Boys’ Model school is committed to ensuring the physical, emotional, spiritual and moral well being of all of its pupils. To support this commitment, a well defined and easily available pastoral support and guidance service is provided. The Counselling team exists as a dedicated, whole school organisation, attending to the needs of all pupils.
PURPOSE
The school’s pastoral support and guidance service will ensure:
• that all pupils are aware of the pastoral support service, not just the stigmatised few.
• that pupils gain in confidence through assuming responsibility for decision making and problem management.
• that there is an emphasis on developing self esteem and self image.
• that all staff are aware of counselling issues, in particular, the issue of confidentiality.
GUIDELINES
G1 Counsellors will assume the role of ‘significant adult’ for the individual pupil in this large institution and aim to establish the core conditions of empathy, congruence and (unconditional) positive regard.
G2 Counsellors, when dealing with the issues of Child Protection will consider information from all relevant staff, (teaching and non teaching). They will seek to identify, support and initiate appropriate action where pupils are considered to be in actual danger (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect). The designated teacher should immediately be informed.
G3 The role of counsellor will be promoted as facilitator - not problem solver - acting in the pupils’ best interests.
G4 The Counselling department will identify and develop links with outside agencies and highlight its work and philosophies with parents, enlisting their help and support where appropriate. Staff will be kept informed of progress regarding referrals.
G5 Counsellors are responsible for secure, adequate and confidential record keeping, the organisation of an appointments’ system and attendance at appropriate case conferences. They have a pastoral responsibility concerning internal school decisions which affect their year.
G6 The school believes in the importance and uniqueness of each pupil - consequently each year has a dedicated counsellor.
G7 The year 8 counsellor has a static role due to the need for continuity with primary schools and initial induction to the school. Counsellors for years 9, 10, 11 and 12 follow their charges throughout Junior and Middle school years.
G8 The demands of Senior School, (years 13 &14) with an emphasis on Higher and further Education links and a new series of pressures has again led to the senior Counsellor becoming a static position.
Refer to :
The school vision
The child protection policy
The bullying policy
The bereavement policy
The suicide policy
The drugs education policy
The sex education policy