Supporting bereaved children and creating a bereavement friendly school
It is estimated that 3% of all children have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. According to a questionnaire of two Norfolk high school year groups (186 pupils), 7% of pupils had experienced the death of parent and sibling, less than 2% had never experienced bereavement (including pet deaths) before.
An overwhelming majority of young people wanted death and bereavement to be taught in school (93%), though very few schools include this topic in the curriculum.
We know from a local bereavement charity in Norfolk that there are still some young people who do not feel they are supported well enough in their school.
For a sample bereavement policy and other guidelines please log in below.
This booklet was written on behalf of the Norfolk Bereavement Partnership and provides guidance for anyone supporting bereaved children and young people.
Further reading available here: Book List
Sometimes bereavements can also be traumatic. Please have a look at this guidance on traumatic bereavement: https://www.norfolkepss.org.uk/traumatic-bereavement-schools/https://www.norfolkepss.org.uk/traumatic-bereavement-schools/
In Norfolk, support to children and young people can be offered by the bereavement charity Nelsons Journey.
For children and young people who are experiencing mental health problems following bereavement please contact ‘Supporting smiles’ (Ormiston Families).
Children and young people with an adult family member with a life-limiting illness can access support via the Psychological service for specialist palliative care
East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH) offers support for families where a child has a life-threatening or life-limiting condition.
Support for adults is available via Cruse.
