To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the Healthy Happy Minds school counselling pilot scheme; and (ii) for her assessment of how such services could benefit primary school children throughout Northern Ireland.

The Healthy Happy Minds therapeutic and counselling service was launched on 2 November 2021. £5m has been made available for 2021/22 to support this service across all primary schools, special schools with a primary cohort, and primary EOTAS provisions. Alongside counselling, it includes a range of therapeutic interventions including play, drama, music, art and equine assisted therapy & learning.

Schools have now received their initial budget allocations to secure appropriate support for their children which can also be used to fund appropriate existing provision. I recognise that the delay in launching this pilot has reduced the time available for schools to provide support so a £2.5m supplementary pressure has been identified with a view to extending the pilot until the end of June 2022.

I am mindful of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the emotional health and wellbeing of our children and young people. Through the Healthy Happy Minds pilot additional support will be available when needed to help them express and manage their feelings in an age appropriate way, supporting them to build their confidence and self-esteem, and help them to engage with learning.

The findings of an independent evaluation will help determine its effectiveness, and provide an evidence base in going forward.