Counselling to be provided in Tipperary primary schools from September

Primary schools in Tipperary are to be included in a €5 million government pilot scheme to provide counselling to children.

Last week, Minister for Education Norma Foley announced that from September, some schools in seven counties would receive counselling and new mental health supports.

Minister Foley said the ‘landmark programme’ is being implemented in recognition of the impact Covid-19 has had on children.

“Well-being is at the very heart of all that we do in the education system. Developing and promoting well-being is essential to allowing children to learn and grow to the very best of their abilities.

“This new pilot project aims to support, enhance and nurture well-being in our primary schools with two new support models,” said Minister Foley.

The first model consists of one-one counselling sessions from department-approved professionals.

Each child will be given access to eight sessions which they hope will mean further intervention is not needed. Parents and teachers are to be given guidance on how to support children in school and at home.

The second strand will be announced shortly. The counties chosen for the pilot scheme are Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, and Tipperary. These counties were chosen because they have enough counsellors and access to National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) teams locally.

The Irish Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (IACP) welcomed the programme. In a statement on their website, IACP CEO Lisa Molloy said that their members had taken part in the assessment for the programme and were happy to see it being rolled out.

“Counselling services available through schools have been a top priority for our organisation for many years. I am delighted to hear the news that the pilot programme will be launched this autumn in primary schools in seven counties, “said Ms Molloy.

IACP Cathaoirleach Séamus Sheedy said the pilot programme was a “good start.”

“We have seen time and time again that early intervention helps people gain coping mechanisms and often keeps small issues from becoming larger ones that require more intense intervention. We hope that counselling supports for all children in schools will be available across the country, once the pilot’s results are analysed, and a similar programme can be rolled out in secondary schools,” said Mr Sheedy.

The Irish National Teacher Organisation (INTO) also issued a statement. They welcomed the plan but also said more was needed to support children’s well-being, saying:

“The INTO has been advocating for age-appropriate supports to be funded for all children experiencing mental health and emotional issues, strongly arguing that in addition to what the Minister has announced, an increase in resources for the National Educational Psychological Service and the reinstatement and expansion of the in-school and Early Years Therapy Support Demonstration Project are crucial steps in providing the necessary assistance to pupils.”

They are also calling for the Government to fund a full rollout of this programme in Budget 2024.

INTO General Secretary John Boyle said:

“Having qualified counsellors available within schools will ensure timely and accessible assistance for children in need.

“By implementing this pilot program, we can provide vital mental health services directly to students, enabling them to receive the support they require in a familiar and nurturing environment.

“We commend the Minister for Education for acknowledging the urgency of this matter and taking concrete steps toward improving the mental well-being of our young learners.

“We look forward to working closely with the Government to develop and refine these services, ensuring that every child in Ireland has access to the necessary mental health support they deserve.

“Together, we can create a brighter and healthier future for our students.”