For pastoral leads, SENCOs, teachers, classroom assistants and whole staff teams, this HIP Psychology service gives practical, school-sector support without clinical claims or one-size-fits-all advice.
The need
Pupils often need adults to respond consistently before they can name feelings, recover from setbacks and return to learning.
How HIP Psychology can help
HIP Psychology training helps staff use calm, repeatable language while keeping boundaries, expectations and safeguarding responsibilities clear.
What schools can expect
- Agree practical scripts staff can use in everyday school moments
- Spot patterns without applying fixed labels to pupils
- Connect emotional regulation support to pastoral and safeguarding routes
- Plan whole-school follow-up so emotion coaching does not depend on one adult
Delivery team and credentials
- Cormac Venney, Director and Founder of HIP Psychology. Over 20 years of experience working with school pupils; degree in Sports Science and a Master's in Psychology.
- Karen Parsons, Support and Admin. Eighteen years in post-primary education; degree in Psychology with Computing and PGCE in Education.
- Paul Mone, Workshop Facilitator. Former international school teacher; degree in Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Master's in English.
- Carlos Sanha, Workshop Facilitator. Psychology graduate with workshop delivery experience and a Performing Arts background.
Proof and delivery confidence
HIP Psychology lists partner primary and post-primary schools publicly on its website. Public testimonials include schools in Ballymoney, Belfast and Ballymena.
The activities were fun and engaging and taught valuable lessons on responsibility and friendships.
Dalriada High School, Ballymoney
The facilitators were knowledgeable and compassionate, creating an environment of trust and openness.
St Malachy's College, Belfast
The workshop was engaging, enjoyable and provided practical insights that we could immediately apply.
Ballymena Primary School, Ballymena
Safe educational framing
This work is designed for school training, pastoral planning and organisational support. It does not diagnose pupils, provide individual clinical advice or replace safeguarding, clinical or statutory referral routes.
Useful reference points
Schools can align planning with Department of Education emotional health and wellbeing guidance, Department of Education safeguarding and child protection guidance, UNESCO guidance for generative AI in education and research.
Related HIP resources
Bystander behaviour and bullying, Pupil wellbeing strategy, Pastoral care in schools, Emotion coaching in schools. Related service and topic pages include /emotion-coaching-in-schools/, /emotion-coaching-training-schools/, /emotional-regulation-activities-for-children/.
Enquiry route
Use the short HIP enquiry route with your name, school or organisation, role and what you need. Contact HIP Psychology.
FAQs
What does emotion coaching mean in school?
It means helping pupils notice and name emotion, then move towards a safe next step once they are calmer.
Does it replace behaviour expectations?
No. It supports pupils while keeping clear expectations, boundaries and school procedures in place.
Can it be adapted for primary and post-primary?
Yes. HIP Psychology can adapt examples, scripts and activities for age group, setting and staff role.