New research from the Education Review Office has found that primary school students are facing more mental health challenges and this is getting in the way of learning, but counselling in primary schools can help.
ERO is deeply concerned about the increased mental health challenges New Zealand’s children face. This is not only harmful for children’s wellbeing but is also having a significant impact on their learning.
We have found that counselling in primary schools can make a real difference. Eight in 10 students report improvements to their mental health after receiving counselling.
Improvements in mental health are key to improved learning, attendance, and behaviour.
Teachers told us that over half of the students who attended counselling improved in their learning progress, and parents and students agreed. More than three-quarters of teachers, students, and parents also reported that counselling in primary schools improved attendance.
Teachers also told us that counselling improves overall classroom behaviour, with three-quarters of teachers reporting improvements in wider classroom behaviour due to counselling.
We also found that the greatest improvements are for students who experience the most severe mental distress. Two-thirds of students with the highest mental health needs saw improvement in their learning progress.
These improvements last after counselling finishes. Four in five teachers told us that these improvements for mental health are still evident after six months.
ERO’s research looked at a counselling programme that has been piloted over the last three years in 224 primary and intermediate schools with promising results.
We are particularly encouraged that counselling in primary schools is reaching groups who do not typically access counselling such as Māori students, and boys. The research found that counselling being held on site at schools improves access.
These findings are encouraging. Investing in programmes like this is important to help students who are struggling and are also key to boosting attendance, helping manage classroom behaviour, and raising achievement.
You can read the new report on ERO's evidence and insights website: Someone to talk to: Evaluation of Counselling in Schools (ero.govt.nz)