EDC/2025/4334 School Counselling Service

Location

Counselling services to be delivered in Primary & Secondary Schools across the East Dunbartonshire Council area

Description

East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Education Service is seeking a provider to deliver a counselling service for its children and young people aged 10 and over. The outcomes of the counselling service are to improve the mental wellbeing and resilience of children and young people living in East Dunbartonshire, following the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). The counselling service will complement existing wellbeing support and provision already available for children and young people in East Dunbartonshire schools.

Total Quantity or Scope

Key Requirements to be Delivered: Provision of a 1-2-1 counselling service for children and young people aged 10+ Children under 12 will require parental consent to engage with the service Referral process to include self-referral supported system for children, young people and parents/carers in addition to via schools This service will form part of a range of supports to help children develop positive wellbeing within the context of GIRFEC National Practice Model A range of wellbeing issues can be discussed including stress and anxiety, low mood, family issues Provision of a school-based counselling service with the flexibility to deliver counselling via virtual platforms or telephone Counselling to continue to be available over the whole calendar year Provision and update of a personal plan and records for each young person. Provision of a service that takes account of any particular needs and details these (such as health, education, culture, ethnic background, faith, young carers, care experienced, language, sexuality, ability and any disability or additional support need). Provision of a service for all children and young people including those with significant additional support needs Promote and encourage schools to make appropriate referrals Support and encourage service users to engage with the service All conversations will be confidential unless child protection or other safeguarding concerns are identified. When such issues arise, the school child protection coordinator will be informed by the counselling service Liaison with school staff in relation to supporting well being Quarterly evaluation report will be provided and will comprise impact measure(s) including the Stirling Children’s Wellbeing Scale (or equivalent) as well as progress in relation to wellbeing indicators The service provider will have experience of and a proven track record of working in primary and secondary schools in an integrated way with school staff and partner agencies The service provider will be able to integrate into existing school systems Single session models implemented (50 mins) 6 – 12 session model delivery, with room to expand if the need dictates Clear breakdown and recording of vulnerable and at-risk groups such as care experienced, young carers and LGBTQ+ Provide family sessions and interventions around supporting the emotional wellbeing of the child On site professional consultancy and advice for teachers, senior leaders, support and wellbeing staff in supporting the emotional wellbeing of the child Tailored programme of Mental Health Ambassadors for children and young people, with training for school staff to deliver Professional learning opportunities for staff teams in the development of mental health skills and knowledge Waiting times must be met within 6 – 8 weeks of referral

Renewal Options

Subject to budget availability this contract will likely be tendered in Q1/Q2 2030.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85312320 - Counselling services
• 85312300 - Guidance and counselling services

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Renewals are available.
• Performance considerations apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Award on basis of price.

Other Information

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=826825. The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx. Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-pr... A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: Potential Providers are encouraged to offer a contribution towards Community Benefits, which will be provided as part of the contract. Opportunities for community benefits may include: i)Generating employment and training opportunities for priority groups; ii)Vocational training, work experience and modern apprenticeships; iii)Up-skilling existing workforce; iv)Equality and diversity initiatives; vii)Building capacity in community organisations; viii)Education support initiatives; ix)Working with schools, colleges, universities to offer work experience or educational/professional advice; x)Community engagement events or providing value to the local community; (SC Ref:826825) Download the ESPD document here: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ESPD/ESPD_Download.aspx?id=826825