AQW 6140/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 12/02/2024
Answered On Date: 20/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether he will consider increasing the number of counselling sessions available in schools.

Answer:

The Independent Counselling Service for Schools (ICSS) provides counselling services for all post primary aged pupils in mainstream schools, special schools and EOTAS provisions.

The current ICSS contract ends on 31 August 2024. The Education Authority (EA) is progressing the governance and procurement requirements for a new contract to commence on 1 September 2024.

This process will take account of the needs of children and young people. Of course, any enhanced or additional provision is likely to require additional investment and will be subject to budget.