Supporting Bereavement in the Education Setting

Course introduction

‘Approximately 1 in 29 school-age children has been bereaved of a parent or sibling, an equivalent of one child in every class.’
Child Bereavement UK

‘A parent of children under 18 dies every 20 minutes. This equates to around 26,900 parents a year, leaving 127 children and young people newly bereaved of a parent each day.’
Child Bereavement UK

‘Many more children have been bereaved of a grandparent, other relative, close friend, or pet.’
Child Bereavement UK

This half day training course is designed to equip educators, school counsellors, and support staff with the knowledge and skills to effectively support children and young people dealing with grief and loss within an educational environment. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the bereavement process and learn practical strategies to create a compassionate and supportive school community. Information and practical resources will be discussed in order to help participants understand how grief affects a child/young person and how to help them by implementing coping strategies. There will also be opportunities to discuss specific challenges with the trainer and network with others.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of bereavement on children and young people;

• Define the stages and common responses to grief;

• Recognise the unique needs and challenges of grieving children/young people;

• Identify signs of grief-related distress in children/young people;

• Gather the tools and resources needed to address and support bereaved individuals in an educational setting;

• Develop and implement a bereavement policy for the school that is sensitive to cultural and individual differences;

• Ensure the bereavement policy aligns with legal and ethical guidelines;

• Create a compassionate and inclusive school/college environment that recognises and respects diverse cultural and individual responses to grief;

• Look at different approaches required for children/young people with SEND/ALN, as well as those bereaved following suicide;

• Implement age-appropriate strategies to support grieving children/young people academically and emotionally;

• Foster an environment that encourages open communication about grief;

• Collaborate with parents, guardians, and local support organisations to provide a comprehensive network of care;

• Develop and implement a bereavement policy for the school that is sensitive to cultural and individual differences.

Target audience

Aimed at anyone who works directly or indirectly with pupils/students and wants to provide support and gain an understanding regarding bereavement and grief.  Ideal for school-based staff including, Headteachers, Teachers, Deputy Headteachers, SENCo/ALNCo, Pastoral Leads, Classroom Assistants, Educational Psychologists, School Counsellors, Mental Health Leads, School Nurses and Safeguarding Leads.

Trainers for this course

Kelly Hannaghan

Kelly puts wellbeing at the heart of education. She is an award-winning motivational speaker and school improvement advisor, published author and founder of ‘Family Matters’ empower...ment programme.

Kelly has worked systemically with some of the most challenging communities, helping families thrive in difficult circumstances. She advises in the development of staff wellbeing to improve teacher retention and embeds purposeful strategies to support School Leader’s emotional health. Kelly is an advocate for Senior Mental Health Leads and helps drive school development processes forward, whilst creating outstanding outcomes and awards for many organisations. She is a trailblazer within the Wellbeing Lead Network for supporting pastoral teams. Her work is recognised by the DfE, NCB, The Anna Freud Centre and The Education Support Partnership as a lead influencer of mental health and wellbeing in education.

Kelly is currently leading on the DFE Wellbeing for Education Return Programme within Kent County Council.Read more

See what others have to say about us

A fantastic course, full of ideas and ways to move forward. Loads of take away that will help me to support our most vulnerable children.

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• The cost is per person.