Bereavement

Pupils should be told as soon as possible of a person’s death. This is to prevent them learning from some other, possibly inappropriate, source.

Whenever possible they should hear the news from someone close to them, in familiar surroundings.

It is very important to tell the truth as far as it is known. Even ‘white lies’ will have to be renegotiated later on.

Children may not take everything in at this stage. They will go over and over the facts later, asking more questions and gradually assimilating the information. Do not worry about having to keep on giving the same answers.

These points encapsulate the overall message in helping bereaved children:

Try to maintain feelings of security, of being cared for and loved.
Maintain all the necessary practical care.
Be honest at the child’s level of understanding.
Continue to talk and communicate.
Do not pretend to believe what you don’t believe.
Try to understand the child’s feelings and reassure where possible.
Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’.
Don’t be afraid to share your own feelings.
Remember there are others who can help.
Don’t be afraid to admit to colleagues and family that you can’t cope at any particular time.

Source: Dealing with Bereavement, Salford Educational Psychology Service, 1992.

School emergency-management plan Health and safety in schools School security Educational visits First aid Evacuation procedures Calling emergency services Counselling Bereavement Media handling Communicating with parents	Bereavement Pupils should be told as soon as possible of a person’s death. This is to prevent them learning from some other, possibly inappropriate, source. Whenever possible they should hear the news from someone close to them, in familiar surroundings. It is very important to tell the truth as far as it is known. Even ‘white lies’ will have to be renegotiated later on. Children may not take everything in at this stage. They will go over and over the facts later, asking more questions and gradually assimilating the information. Do not worry about having to keep on giving the same answers. These points encapsulate the overall message in helping bereaved children: Try to maintain feelings of security, of being cared for and loved. Maintain all the necessary practical care. Be honest at the child’s level of understanding. Continue to talk and communicate. Do not pretend to believe what you don’t believe. Try to understand the child’s feelings and reassure where possible. Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’. Don’t be afraid to share your own feelings. Remember there are others who can help. Don’t be afraid to admit to colleagues and family that you can’t cope at any particular time. Source: Dealing with Bereavement, Salford Educational Psychology Service, 1992.	Cruse Bereavement Care
The advice contained on this site should not be taken as an authoritative interpretation of the law. That is a matter for the courts.