For schools
When a pupil is grieving
A free school pack for teachers, heads of year, SENCos and safeguarding leads: what to do in the first days, what to say to the class, how to plan a return, lessons, letters and special days.
In a typical class, one or two children are living with the death of someone close. Teachers don't need to be grief experts. What helps most is ordinary: honesty, routine, a named adult, and not changing the subject.
When a pupil is bereaved: the first 48 hours
Who contacts the family, what to ask, how to tell staff, and what the class needs to hear.
Talking to the class
What to say, phase by phase, how to answer questions, and how to talk about a death by suicide safely.
Planning their return
A simple plan made with the parent and pupil: who knows, a safe space, a time-out signal and a named adult.
Classroom activities
Gentle, whole-class activities that give grief somewhere to go, for every phase.
Lesson plans on loss and change
Three ready-to-teach PSHE lessons: KS1 life cycles, KS2 feelings and change, KS3 and KS4 grief and supporting a friend.
Special days across the school year
The dates and lessons that can catch a grieving pupil off guard, and small changes that help.
Grief behaviour in school
What's normal, how to respond to anger and withdrawal, and when to refer.
When a pupil or member of staff dies
Crisis steps, the empty desk, the first register, memorials, funerals and social media.
Letter templates
Ready-to-adapt letters for parents, the bereaved family and staff, plus a time-out card and an opt-out note.
Looking after staff
Supporting grieving pupils is demanding work. Who supports the supporters?