A universal counselling service for pupils across Renfrewshire’s schools has been approved by councillors.
The Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board agreed to award a contract worth up to £761,800 for the delivery of counselling services for children and young people.
The contract will run for an initial eight-month period, with the option of a further 12-month extension.
Council papers state the service will provide counselling support to children and young people across Renfrewshire schools, helping to improve emotional wellbeing and mental health.
The service forms part of wider efforts to support young people and remove barriers to learning by providing access to early intervention and emotional support.
A report to councillors said: “By promoting positive mental health in children and young people from an early age, the range of positive school outcomes such as attainment, learning, better attendance and lower exclusion rates will greatly increase.”
The report added that the Scottish Government continues to support positive mental health provision for children and young people and that the service is focused on prevention and early intervention.
Councillors heard the service will be available to children and young people in primary, secondary and additional support needs schools, with the level of support determined by individual need.
The report stated: “This support includes continued funding to local charities to ensure counselling services to schools continue.”
An evaluation process was carried out before the contract was awarded, with the successful bid identified as the most economically advantageous submission.
The contract was approved without debate at the meeting.