Many Pt England students access counselling from 2 local service providers. Students are selected for counselling by the Special Needs Committee, Management, Specialists or whanau members when deemed to be an appropriate intervention. Written parental permission must be gained before any contact is made with the counsellor. The B.O.T. is informed of service providers working in the school.
Below are the service providers used at Pt England.
Tamaki Community Development Trust
Glen Innes Family Centre
Hours of Work
Counselling occurs during normal school hours on set days with students being withdrawn from class for regular weekly sessions of up to an hour in length. Glen Innes Family Centre counsellors collect the students from school and take them to their rooms in Elstree Avenue and return them to school at the end of each session.
Communication
Counsellors are expected to communicate regularly with the interested parties including parents, teachers, SENCO, the Principal, Specialists and Professional Supervisor as appropriate. They are also invited to attend Special Needs Meetings twice each term. Any confidential informations is only shared when necessary for the safety or well being of the student.
Primary Objectives
To offer counselling opportunities for students and whanau as required within the NZ Association of Counsellors Code of Ethics.
To network within and outside the school to ensure that individuals are assisted to find appropriate information and support.
To help establish a safe and inclusive climate in the school in accordance with the School Values Programme and the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi.
To act as an agent for change in the lives of students and whanau by providing support and coping strategies.
Key Tasks
Accept appropriately permissioned referrals from Special Needs Committee or Specialists and Whanau.
Work with students in a safe environment regularly.
Keep appropriate records of sessions ensuring they are kept secure and confidential.
Meet weekly with the Deputy Principal to give relevant feedback and receive support. (in-school only)
Meet regularly with Professional Supervisor.
Administration
Complete documentation in relation to referrals to outside agencies/community groups.
Contribute to development of policies and practices in relation to guidance activities.
Liaison
Liaise with outside agencies with permission from the school (e.g. CYF, health providers, Police).
Always consult with Mrs Nua, Chris Bush, Russell Burt before making any major decisions about students.
Comply with school policies/procedures
Counselling sessions will always be held in a room with a glass panelled door.
Familiarisation with school policies, structure, codes of conduct and reporting systems.
Advise Deputy Principal Toni Nua of all clients seen.
Confidentiality/Ethics
All Counsellors must have Provisional or Full membership of the NZ Association of Counsellors and abide by the Codes of Ethics which is the foundation of the codes of practice that are implemented in the practice.
An ongoing commitment to bi-cultural learning, experience and knowledge.
Work professionally with a commitment to cultural sensitivity and in accordance with the Principles of the Treaty - Protection, Participation, Partnership.
Work within the New Zealand law.
Concerns Arising
Counsellors, Toni Nua and Russell Burt will work collaboratively along with the other members of the crisis team when there are safely/at risk issues with a client.
If such an incident does occur the Counsellor shall contact Toni Nua, Russell Burt or a member of the crisis team as soon as practically possible to report the incident.