School Counsellor

Contract Type: Part time - 3 days per week during school term time and INSET and as required during school closure periods.

Are you a compassionate and dedicated professional looking to make a positive impact on children and young people’s well-being? We are seeking a skilled School Counsellor to work closely with students, parents, and staff to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment that fosters learning, personal growth, and well-being.

What you’ll be doing:

·      Provide 1:1 and group counselling sessions for pupils with SEMH and/or ASC.

·      Use a range of therapeutic techniques to support emotional regulation, self-esteem, resilience, and social development.

·      Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff, and external agencies to develop and deliver personalised support strategies.

·      Help create a safe, calm, and supportive school environment that promotes wellbeing and inclusion.

What we’re looking for:

• Relevant counselling qualification (min BACP Diploma in Counselling)
• BACP/UKCP registration
• Qualification in an aspect of therapeutic intervention (e.g. music therapy, play therapy, art therapy, CBT, DBT) desirable
• Relevant, recent post-qualification experience of working in a school setting or with children age 11-17 as a practising therapist or counsellor

Why work for us?

• A competitive salary (reviewed annually) and generous pension contributions for qualified clinicians
• Clinical supervision will be offered and will be discussed at interview
• Supportive and friendly school community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact!

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care. 

When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including;

• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Generous life cover

Who are we?

Leaways School is an independent specialist day school in Clapton, for children and young people aged between the ages of 7 and 17. The school provides a safe learning environment for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs including autism and an EHC Plan. We also have a dedicated primary unit taking children from 7 years old. We aim to offer as close to a mainstream experience as possible but provide the additional care and support needed around each young person to enable them to thrive.

Leaways School is part of Kedleston Group. We specialise in providing specialist education and care for children aged 7-19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These include autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure.

We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.