Description

This short, practical film offers teachers and school staff clear, compassionate guidance on supporting a grieving pupil - recognising that each child expresses loss differently. With one in 29 children experiencing the death of a parent, most classrooms will include someone coping with bereavement, yet many educators feel unsure how best to help. Through seven evidence‑informed tips, the film demonstrates how to communicate sensitively with families, acknowledge a child’s loss, use honest age‑appropriate language, create safe spaces and trusted adults, respond to grief‑related behaviour, recognise when additional support is needed, and adjust routines to promote emotional security. The key message is simple: teachers cannot “fix” grief, but their steady presence, predictable routines and empathetic responses can make a profound difference to a pupil’s wellbeing and school experience.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how grief presents in different behaviours and emotions, and why these changes occur in the classroom.

2. Learn practical strategies to communicate sensitively, create safe spaces, and provide consistent routines that help grieving pupils feel secure.

3. Recognise when a child may need extra support and know how to work collaboratively with families and school teams.