Bereavement and Loss

Many children and young people experience bereavement and loss when someone close to them dies. Other losses might include family change due to parental separation, other family circumstances, personal illness, change of school and friends.

It is recognised that bereavement and loss may impact on a pupil's ability to achieve in school. While most children and young people are resilient and with support learn to cope with significant change and loss, some may require more specialised help.

The Pupil Personal Development Services Team can offer a range of support:

Schools

Support with policy development and training of staff in strategies and practical approaches which can be used in helping these pupils.

Group support: With the consent of pupils and parents/carers schools may refer pupils where significant concerns remain following usual pastoral support.

Some indicators which might mean that pupils might need additional help include:

• If they are unable to handle the intensity of their feelings and reactions
• If their normal ways of coping are not working
• If they do not seem able to move on with their life following a reasonable period
• If they believe there is no one they can talk to about how they are feeling