ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the impact of bereavement on children and families and looks at the challenges that arise for teachers and schools in dealing with bereavement in their community. From a school’s perspective, death and bereavement may be discussed as part of religious studies or PSHE. Researchers have pointed to reducing parental distress as one of a set of tactics and strategies for helping children deal with bereavement. The charity Child Bereavement UK supports children, schools, families and professionals in coping with death and bereavement. In Scotland, the Curriculum for Excellence references bereavement under inclusion and supporting children with different needs, while in Northern Ireland, it is referenced as part of religious education. Cruse, the bereavement support charity, works closely with schools and provides training for staff in how to support young people when a death happens in the school.