On 17 February 2016, the Department for Education (DfE) updated its guidance on counselling in schools.
New sections on pages 28-30 of the updated guidance set out information and advice on mental health issues for "vulnerable" children, and:
- Children with "diverse identities and backgrounds", including those with protected characteristics
- Children with special educational needs and disabilities
- Looked-after children and children adopted from care
Other changes to the guidance include an update to the DfE's list of useful resources and guidance, the inclusion of more recent research on child mental health, and the addition of an explanation of what counselling is and what it aims to achieve.
We want schools to develop qualities like confidence, resilience and motivation in their students. ... These character traits support academic attainment, are valued by employers, and support children and young people
