1. Confidentiality

• You have a right to expect what you talk about in counselling will be kept confidential. There are three exceptions to this:
  1. If child abuse is suspected or reported.
  2. If there is a risk of harm to yourself or other people.
  3. If there is suspected or disclosed criminal acts.

In each case the counsellor may have to contact Mrs J Clarke – Designated Teacher who may have to contact relevant support agencies, such as Social services or your G.P. Where possible we will let you know if this has to happen.

2. Records

• We keep a written record of your counselling in a locked file.
• You have the right to read your file at any time.
• You may not read the files of other people unless they give their consent.
• Parent(s)/guardians of children under 12 years may request access to their child’s record; I will always discuss this with your child.

3. Releasing Information

• We will ask your permission to make a referral to another agency.
• You can see any report we write before we send it.
• If another service asks for information about your counselling, we will ask for your permission in writing before sending it.
• If you are involved in a court case we may have to pass on information. We will let you know beforehand if this has to happen.
• Our GDPR and Privacy policies can be found here.

4. Complaints

• If you are not happy with your counselling it is your right to make a complaint.
  1. First you can speak to Mrs J Clarke Assistant Principal for student wellbeing for learning.
  2. If your complaint needs further attention, please refer to the school’s Complaints policy here.