Advice for schools on the death of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Following the announcement that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has sadly passed away, we are providing further guidance on how to support your school community, including communicating with parents.
Suggested guidelines to share with the staff in your school, for informing children and young people about the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
If you can, talk to pupils in small groups so that you can respond to them.
Preparation
Whilst most pupils will be aware of the death of the Queen, there may some who are not aware.
Consider pupils with additional needs who may have difficulties understanding (you may wish to adapt this: 96885-NHSCT-Client-Booklet-2016.pdf (hscni.net). Please also consider pupils of different nationalities. Be aware of pupils who have recently been bereaved or who are particularly vulnerable.
If any member of staff feels unable to talk to their group, they need to know that this is okay and alternative arrangements should be made.
With class/group (including some suggested wording):
You are likely to be all aware, but we do want to share with you all that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has died.
You will want to say something about the Queen here. BBC Newsround has some short videos/life in pictures that maybe useful.
Acknowledge that different people will react/feel differently. All possible responses are fine. Tell pupils they should talk to someone if they feel really upset, worried, anxious, etc. Say that it is also okay to be happy and have fun, or not feel anything. Encourage pupils to take care of/look after each other – and be aware of other’s feelings.
Allow pupils to talk about Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Consider facilitating means of expressing themselves including painting, drawing, writing, etc.
Make a decision about whether this is appropriate depending on the response of the pupils and the impact this has had on them.
“There will be opportunities for us all to have time to think, talk and remember Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We will talk to you again at some point about how we want to do this.”
“Normal routines will continue.” Talk about any exceptions and arrangements, e.g. support available for pupils who are very upset, how to access this support. Inform pupils that there will be a letter/email home to parents/carers.
Signposting for pupils who may require additional support:
Nelson’s Journey | Child Bereavement Help for Norfolk | (nelsonsjourney.org.uk)
Winston’s Wish – giving hope to grieving children (winstonswish.org)
Communicating with parents:
Attached is a sample letter that you may find helpful to contextualise when communicating with parents.
Further resources:
https://padlet.com/Trainer2021/n37ibv8alvmv6gl6
https://www.norfolkepss.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Queen-death.jpg
The-queen-has-died-story.pdf (norfolkepss.org.uk)
Talking with children about death and dying: https://www.norfolkepss.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Dying-matters-talking-with-children.pdf
For additional guidance:
Critical Incident Lead Officer: bianca.finger-berry@norfolk.gov.uk; 07887 832413
RSHE curriculum resources: inclusionandsend@norfolk.gov.uk
Growing in Grief Awareness toolkit, Teaching about death and loss lesson plans: For schools (childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk)
Guide on traumatic bereavement for children: Dealing with loss and bereavement | Grief and Loss guide for young people | Anna Freud Centre
Please see here letter to go for parents/carers: https://www.norfolkepss.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/sample-letter-080922-amended.docx
