Developing a school bereavement policy and procedures
Schools will inevitably encounter children, young people, and adults who have been impacted by death in some way. While the urgency and impact of these experiences may differ, schools play a crucial role in providing positive support to those affected.
It is recommended that all educational institutions have a Bereavement Policy in place to ensure appropriate and effective responses in the event of a death within the school community.
A school with a bereavement policy is well prepared and has plans in place ahead of time to deal with a critical incident as well as supporting pupils and their families through grief and bereavement.
Each school is unique, so the bereavement policy should be tailored to fit the school’s size, structure, and organisation, while also aligning with its culture and ethos. The approach following the death of a pupil or staff member will differ from the support provided to individual bereaved students, and the policy should account for these differences.
Please download our template policy and procedures here, which schools can adapt and modify based on their structure, specific needs, and circumstances.
