Letter templates

Dear parents and carers, I am very sorry to tell you that [pupil's first name], a pupil in [class or year group], died on [day]. [One short sentence agreed with the family about how they died, or leave out.] Our thoughts are with [his/her/their] family. Today we told the children in [class or year group], gently and simply. Your child may want to talk about it, ask the same questions more than once, or show no reaction at all. All of these are normal. It helps to use the words "died" and "dead" rather than "lost" or "went to sleep", to answer questions honestly, and to say "I don't know" when you don't. If your child has been bereaved before, this news may bring those feelings back. Staff are available in [place] if your child needs time out. If you are worried about your child, please contact [name, role] on [phone or email]. The family have asked that [any request, for example privacy, no social media posts]. With sympathy, [Name] [Role]

Dear parents and carers, It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that [staff member's name], [role] at [school], died on [day]. [He/She/They] had been part of our school for [time] and will be greatly missed by pupils and colleagues. We have told the children in school today. Many will be sad, and some may be confused or worried. Please let your child talk about [name] if they want to, and answer questions simply and honestly. We will let you know about any plans to remember [name] together. Arrangements for [his/her/their] classes are [brief cover arrangements]. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact [name, role] on [phone or email]. With sympathy, [Name] [Role]

Dear [family name or parent's first name], Everyone at [school] was so sorry to hear that [name of person who died] has died. We are thinking of you all. [Pupil's first name] is a [warm, specific detail, for example: kind and funny member of our class]. We will be here for [him/her/them] whenever [he/she/they] is ready to come back, and there is no rush. [Name of named adult] will be [pupil's first name]'s go-to person in school. We would like to plan [his/her/their] return with you when the time feels right. Please call [name] on [phone] whenever it suits you. If there is anything we can do, please tell us. With our deepest sympathy, [Name] [Role], on behalf of everyone at [school]

Confidential: for staff only [Pupil's first name and initial], [class or form], has been bereaved. [His/Her/Their] [relationship, for example: dad] died on [day] [cause, only if the family agreed to share it]. What the class has been told: [agreed words]. The family would like: [any requests]. Expected return: [date]. Named adult: [name]. Back-up: [name]. Time-out: [pupil] has a [card or signal]. Please let [him/her/them] go to [safe space] without questions. Please avoid: [lessons, topics or activities to handle carefully]. Grief can show up as tiredness, anger, poor concentration or seeming completely fine. If you are worried, speak to [name, role]. Any safeguarding concern goes to the DSL as usual. Thank you. [Name]

This is [pupil's first name]'s time-out card. When [he/she/they] shows this card, please let [him/her/them] leave the lesson for up to [10] minutes without questions. [Pupil's first name] will go to: [safe space] and see: [named adult or back-up] Thank you. [Named adult's name and signature]

Dear [parent or carer], On [date], [class or year group] will have a PSHE lesson about [life cycles and change / feelings and loss / grief and supporting a friend]. It is a gentle lesson about something that happens in every family, and we hope it will help children understand their feelings and look after each other. We know [child's first name] has been bereaved, so we wanted to let you know in advance. [He/She/They] is very welcome to take part, to join for some of it with an adult nearby, or to spend the lesson doing something else with [name]. Please let us know what you think would be best, and do talk to [him/her/them] about it too. If you have any questions, please contact [name, role] on [phone or email]. Kind regards, [Name] [Role]