Around one pupil in every classroom has been bereaved of a parent, brother or sister. It’s a bigger number than many of us imagine, but despite the figures, this devastating experience can leave children and young people feeling desperately lonely. This loneliness can take many forms.
There is plenty that schools can do to support grieving children. Checking that bereavement is included in relevant policies (for example, crisis incident or pastoral support) helps schools to be prepared for a death in the school community.
Arranging training for staff, either face-to-face or online, including training a named bereavement contact, can improve confidence in knowing how to reach out to a bereaved pupil. Local child bereavement services can offer twilight and consultation sessions, and can also help schools plan to include death and bereavement within the curriculum.
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