This high standard of provision is especially significant following a breakthrough in the government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. As highlighted by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), new amendments to the Bill aim to ensure that school-based mental health support is delivered by practitioners on a professional Accredited Register. Risedale has been meeting this gold standard since Lisa Smith joined the "Risedale Family" as a registered counsellor in February 2021.

A Comprehensive System of Support

While having a registered counsellor is a key asset, it is only one part of Risedale’s "Whole School" approach. The school prioritises early intervention, offering a robust network of first-line support available to all pupils before a referral to 1:1 counselling is considered.

Through an integrated in-house referral system, staff and parents can request targeted support for pupils, including access to:

• The Hub: A central space for social skills, friendship groups, and resilience building.
• Creative Arts Therapy & Thrive: Helping pupils explore emotions and build mental fitness in a supportive environment.
• The Risedale Centre: A specialist area specifically designed to support pupils with SEND and those with more complex emotional or mental health needs.

School Counsellor and Senior Mental Health Lead, Lisa Smith, commented, "Being a registered counsellor within the school means I can provide a safe and professional space for our pupils, but the real strength of Risedale is that I am part of a much wider team. Our system ensures pupils get early help, and if more intensive support is needed, I am here to step in. If required, I can then manage the transition to specialist external provision like CAMHS. It means we see the 'whole picture' of every child. My goal is to ensure that no pupil feels they have to face their struggles alone, and being a permanent part of this community since 2021 has allowed me to build the trust necessary to make that happen."

This layered approach—from peer support via Pupil Mental Health Ambassadors to clinical counselling—ensured Risedale achieved the "Silver" School Mental Health Award from the Carnegie Centre in 2025.

Headteacher, Mrs Greenwood, commented, "At Risedale, we believe that for a child to be their ‘BEST’ self academically, they must first feel supported emotionally. We are incredibly proud to be the only school in the area with a registered counsellor, but we are just as proud of the daily work done in our specialist support areas. As the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill moves forward, it’s clear that Risedale’s comprehensive model is already doing what the national government is now asking of all schools. Lisa’s expertise is a cornerstone of our 'Risedale Family' ethos, ensuring our pupils are resilient, happy, and ready for the future."

>> Please visit our dedicated Health and Wellbeing page for more information and support. We are committed to ensuring every member of the Risedale Family has access to the right help at the right time.

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️ #BEST

RESPONSIBILITY  RESPECT  RESILIENCE  RELATIONSHIPS