To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the development of a new programme to provide counselling services in primary schools.

My department is not, at present, developing a programme for counselling services in primary schools. The challenging financial context across the education system means that budgets and investments are severely constrained. As with all services that are not statutory, investment is limited to budget availability.

Schools continue to have flexibility to use their individual budgets to best meet the needs of their pupils. In some circumstances this can include employing the services of a counsellor or therapist from existing funds. Any immediate and appropriately assessed need for counselling or therapy support for primary age children continues to be available through health services, including CAMHS and associated pathways and support services.