School Counselor

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate School Counsellor to join our small, nurturing school community. The majority of our students are in the Early Years and Primary sections, so this role focuses on student well-being, emotional development, and overcoming barriers to learning rather than career or higher education guidance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting young children and students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Experience in SEN support is essential, and any additional qualifications or certifications in this area will be highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Counselling & Well-being:
  Provide individual and group counselling sessions, crisis intervention, and social-emotional learning lessons. Prior experience with frameworks such as RULER is highly regarded.

• Safeguarding & Child Protection:
  Act as the school’s Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

• Support for Diverse Needs:
  Collaborate with the SEN support teacher to assist students with language barriers and special educational needs, including contributing to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

• Academic Access & Progress:
  Help students overcome emotional or psychological challenges that impact learning, and work with teachers to implement appropriate support strategies.

• Collaboration:
  Work closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to coordinate referrals and ensure holistic student support.

• Administrative Duties:
  Maintain accurate records, analyze data to identify student needs, attend meetings, and engage in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.

• Proven experience working with young children and students with SEN.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Additional certifications in SEN or child psychology are highly desirable.

Reporting Line and Team Collaboration

The School Counsellor reports directly to the Head of School and works as part of a small inclusion team alongside the EAL/SEN Support Specialist. While the Counsellor leads on student wellbeing, safeguarding, and emotional support, the EAL/SEN Support Specialist leads on instructional support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Given the small size of the school, flexibility is essential. The exact scope of responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of the student population and the qualifications and experience of both professionals. In some cases, the Counsellor may assume additional responsibilities related to SEN coordination or targeted interventions, working closely with the EAL/SEN Support Specialist to ensure a holistic approach to student support.