Counselling pilot boosts wellbeing in primary schools
A recent evaluation reveals transformative effects of counselling services on young pupils and their communities. The pilot, initiated in 2023 across Irish primary schools, underscores the vital role of early emotional support in fostering resilience and mental health.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Department of Education and Youth has released an illuminating evaluation of the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot (CPS-P), highlighting its profound impact on the wellbeing of children, families, and school communities. Launched in 2023 to address escalating mental health concerns among young students, the initiative introduced Education Wellbeing Practitioners (EWPs) working alongside National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists to deliver targeted support within schools.
The pilot's evaluation, conducted by the Centre for Effective Services, found that pupils experienced significant emotional relief and improved coping skills. One child described the sessions as pushing "everything bad out of your head," while a principal noted that children built trusting relationships with counsellors, enabling them to openly discuss deep anxieties. Parents echoed this sentiment, praising the early intervention for enhancing their children's happiness and resilience.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton emphasised the importance of these findings, noting the pilot’s success in embedding a shared language of wellbeing and strengthening early support networks. The evaluation also informed the extension of these services through the DEIS Plus scheme, ensuring more schools benefit from EWPs and one-to-one counselling. While challenges remain in scaling counselling due to resource constraints, the sustainable EWP model offers a promising path to nurture emotional health across Ireland’s primary schools.
The pilot's evaluation, conducted by the Centre for Effective Services, found that pupils experienced significant emotional relief and improved coping skills. One child described the sessions as pushing "everything bad out of your head," while a principal noted that children built trusting relationships with counsellors, enabling them to openly discuss deep anxieties. Parents echoed this sentiment, praising the early intervention for enhancing their children's happiness and resilience.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton emphasised the importance of these findings, noting the pilot’s success in embedding a shared language of wellbeing and strengthening early support networks. The evaluation also informed the extension of these services through the DEIS Plus scheme, ensuring more schools benefit from EWPs and one-to-one counselling. While challenges remain in scaling counselling due to resource constraints, the sustainable EWP model offers a promising path to nurture emotional health across Ireland’s primary schools.
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