Counsellor & Learning Support Teacher (Whole School)

Context & Main Purpose Of Job:

To provide essential support to our students, helping them overcome emotional, personal, and social challenges that may impact their learning and overall wellbeing. This role is crucial in fostering a supportive school environment and plays a key part in our safeguarding efforts. All provision will align with the standards set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Counsellor Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategic Development

● Co-lead our school's counselling provision, shaping its direction and ensuring it effectively meets student needs.

● Take responsibility for relevant school policies related to counselling and student wellbeing, ensuring they are current and effective.

● Develop and deliver staff training on counselling-related topics, promoting a whole-school approach to student support.

● As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), you'll be a vital member of our Inclusion Team, actively contributing to and upholding our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.

● Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in counselling practices, procedures, and relevant local laws, especially concerning safeguarding.

Administration & Communication

● Maintain detailed, confidential counselling records for all students receiving 1:1 support, strictly adhering to BACP guidelines.

● Prepare and share reports and documentation with teachers as needed, ensuring relevant information supports student progress.

● Communicate effectively with parents, arranging meetings and discussions in line with the Counselling Policy.

● Collaborate on the development of whole-school policies as required, contributing expertise to broader school initiatives.

● Forge and maintain strong links with external support agencies, ensuring seamless referrals and comprehensive support for students.

Direct Student & Staff Support

● Provide individual and group counselling sessions to students, addressing their social and emotional needs.

● Offer "drop-in" availability for students who require immediate support.

● Guide and inform students, staff, and parents on mental health and well-being topics.

● Liaise closely with teachers to ensure integrated support for students who need it most.

● Meet with parents to discuss their child's support plan and progress.

● Deliver training sessions for staff, enhancing their understanding of counselling issues and promoting good practice across the school.

Learning Support Responsibilities:

Direct Student Support & Learning Facilitation

● Implement individualised support strategies for students with Learning Support Action Plans (LSAPs), counselling, and coaching plans.

● Deliver targeted instruction to individuals and small groups, ensuring all students receive the specific support they need to learn effectively.

● Differentiate learning materials and activities to cater to diverse abilities and learning styles.

● Adapt language and vocabulary when teaching, acknowledging that English may not be the native language for all students.

● Maintain clear and accurate records of student performance and progress, using this data to inform future planning and grouping.

Classroom Environment & Collaboration

● Foster a positive and conducive learning atmosphere where children feel safe, confident, and happy to learn and are always appropriately supervised.

● Contribute to the creation of stimulating and engaging classroom displays.

● Manage transitions effectively, ensuring students are promptly collected from and returned to Learning Support sessions.

● Promote and uphold high standards of behaviour both within and outside the classroom.

● Collaborate closely with teachers, department heads, and the Inclusion Team to integrate support seamlessly within the curriculum.

● Attend team and staff meetings, contributing to discussions about student progress and support strategies.

General Contributions & Safeguarding

● Make a positive and active contribution to the overall development and ethos of the school.

● Promote and ensure adherence to relevant school procedures and policies among staff.

● Serve as a positive role model for children in terms of behaviour, dress, attitude, and manners.

● Participate in the Extra-Curricular Activities programme and occasional events outside of regular school hours.

● Actively support and adhere to the Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy, including attending annual safeguarding training.

Skills, Competencies and Characteristics Required:

Essential Skills & Attributes

● An enjoyment of working with children and young people.

● Highly trustworthy, honest, dependable, and a proactive team player.

● Positive, approachable, well-organised, and eager to learn about the UK curriculum and school operations.

● Excellent command of spoken and written English.

● A willingness to engage actively in the wider life of the school beyond the core responsibilities.

Desired Experience

● While not essential, 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field would be beneficial.

● Experience working in an international school setting is also a plus, though not required.

● Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications:

● A graduate degree in a relevant area is the minimum academic requirement for this role (counselling related).