What skills and experience we're looking for
Essential:
• Qualified Counsellor or Psychotherapist: Recognised qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (Level 4 diploma or higher).
• BACP/UKCP Registration: Full membership or accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), or an
equivalent body.
• Experience with Children: Proven experience working with children in a school or educational setting, ideally with children aged 9–12 (Key Stage 2/3).
• Knowledge of Child Development: Strong understanding of child development, mental health issues, and the emotional needs of children in a school environment.
• Safeguarding: Familiarity with safeguarding policies and practices in educational settings, with up-to-date safeguarding training.
• DBS Check: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required.
Desirable:
• Experience in Schools: Prior experience working in a primary or secondary school as a school counsellor or in a similar pastoral role.
• Specialised Training: A recognised qualification in Children’s Counselling. Additional training in specific therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution
Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, or Art Therapy.
• Experience with Special Educational Needs (SEN): Experience supporting children with SEN, including autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Crisis Management: Experience in dealing with crisis situations, such as self-harm, suicide ideation, bullying, or bereavement.
What the school offers its staff
Inclusive work environment and excellent CPD
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.