Managing bereavement: a guide for schools

This resource is designed to help staff support staff, pupils and the community when a death occurs in the school community, when a school is facing an unexpected death, or when a pupil is facing bereavement.  

It contains practical guidance to help schools and colleges support bereaved pupils and develop a school bereavement policy or charter.  

This includes breaking sad news, guidance for parents and carers, supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) and recommendations of books and resources.  

Staff may wish to signpost this resource to both staff and parents and carers. 

Using this resource

This resource is designed for: 

• use by mental health leads working with students aged 5 to 19.   

• use by staff working in primary schools, secondary schools, colleges (sixth form and FE) and special schools. 

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes: 

• Sustain and continually improve the approach in their setting, working effectively with peers and support networks. 

• Support or signpost relevant evidence-based resources for parents, families and carers so they can develop skills and strategies to support both their child and themselves.