Did you know that a parent of a child under 18 dies every 22 minutes in the UK? Dealing with the death of a parent or sibling is an incredibly challenging experience for a young person. As a professional, it’s crucial that you provide the necessary support to help bereaved children maintain a sense of normalcy in their school environment. 

Whether you’re a school counsellor or head of pastoral care, this guide will help you develop methods of support for grieving students.

Maintaining regular communication with the bereaved student’s family is fundamental to effective school bereavement support. This open line of dialogue allows educators to gain valuable insights into the student’s emotional state and specific needs. It can help you develop a holistic approach, fostering a supportive partnership between home and school.

Creating a support system within the school environment is paramount. Designating a mentor or counsellor to act as a consistent point of contact for the bereaved student establishes a network for emotional assistance. This approach will help the child recognise school as a crucial part of their support system during the grieving process.

Encourage open communication with the grieving student, be it in counselling or after class. By providing a safe and understanding space for the student to express their feelings, you can help foster an environment of support. Regular check-ins not only help the student feel heard, but will also help you gauge their emotional state and facilitate a more personalised and responsive approach.

Creating individualised support plans is a cornerstone of effective school bereavement support. Recognising the unique nature of each grieving student’s journey, your school should tailor support plans to address the child’s emotional state, coping mechanisms and academic requirements. This personalised approach ensures that the help provided is precisely aligned with the individual needs of the bereaved student.

Investing time in understanding common grief behaviours is crucial for providing effective bereavement support. This will help you recognise changes in behaviour, concentration difficulties or withdrawal, meaning that you can offer a compassionate and informed approach founded on targeted support.

Being flexible is vital for schools aiming to provide compassionate care. Grieving students may need time away from school to prioritise their mental health, attend memorial services or counselling. By establishing clear and compassionate policies for bereavement leave, you can help your school accommodate the unique needs of each grieving student.

Bereavement training is essential for effective school bereavement support. Teachers, counsellors and other professionals must be equipped with tools to recognise and respond to grief in students. This training should encompass both the emotional and academic aspects of support, ensuring the entire school community is well-prepared to assist grieving students in their healing process.

At The Laura Centre, we provide personalised bereavement training for educators. You can learn more about our training days here.

All in all, it’s important that your school community works together to create awareness surrounding the common experiences of bereaved students. By reducing stigma and increasing understanding via education, schools can cultivate a compassionate environment that facilitates healing and resilience for young people who have lost a parent or sibling.

At The Laura Centre, we recognise that school bereavement support is crucial for helping a young person navigate the complex emotions that arise after death. 

Grief is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re seeking bereavement support in Leicester, contact our team of counsellors today.