Grief doesn’t discriminate by age, and for children and adolescents, the experience of losing a loved one can be especially confusing and overwhelming. For schools and educators, knowing how to support a grieving student can make a vital difference in their healing journey.
At The Loss Foundation, we believe every school should be equipped to handle bereavement with confidence, care, and compassion. In this post, we’ll share why bereavement training is so important, what signs to look for, and how schools can create a safe, supportive environment for grieving pupils.
Why Bereavement Training Matters in Schools
Children spend a significant amount of time at school, and it often becomes a key environment where they process their emotions – grief included. However, grief in young people can often go unrecognised or misunderstood. A child might not express their feelings in obvious ways, but that doesn’t mean they’re unaffected.
Bereavement training helps school staff understand:
- How grief presents differently in children and teens
- How to respond with empathy and practical support
- How to maintain a stable and safe environment for grieving students
By having a clear framework in place, schools reduce stigma around grief, encourage openness, and better support both the emotional and academic needs of their students.
How Grief Affects Children in the Classroom
Grieving children may not always have the words to express their emotions, so their grief can show up in a range of behaviours and physical symptoms, including:
- Emotional Disruption: Sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion
- Academic Decline: Struggling to concentrate or complete assignments
- Behavioural Changes: Withdrawal, irritability, or acting out
- Physical Complaints: Headaches, stomach aches, fatigue
- Social Isolation: Withdrawing from friendships or peer groups
- Increased Absences: Missing school due to emotional or family-related reasons
- Long-Term Impact: Without support, grief can lead to anxiety, depression, and social difficulties
Supporting Grieving Students: What Educators Can Do
It can feel daunting to support a grieving student, but small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference. Here are a few tips for teachers and school staff:
- Acknowledge Their Loss
A simple, “I’m sorry for your loss” can go a long way in helping a student feel seen and supported. - Offer Flexibility
Grief can make it hard to keep up with schoolwork. Allow extensions on assignments or provide a quiet space when needed. - Encourage Healthy Expression
Some students may want to talk, others may prefer writing or drawing. Give them the space to grieve in their own way. - Maintain Routine
A consistent structure can provide much-needed stability and reassurance during a time of emotional upheaval.
The Role of Mental Health CPD for Teachers
Bereavement training is a form of mental health CPD (continuing professional development) that helps educators build their confidence when supporting emotional wellbeing.
Key areas covered include:
- Spotting signs of distress
- Building emotional resilience
- Creating a grief-informed classroom culture
- Communicating with empathy and understanding
Training gives staff the confidence to support students compassionately while also taking care of their own emotional boundaries.
Should Schools Have a Bereavement Policy?
Yes – having a bereavement policy ensures that your school community is prepared to respond appropriately and compassionately when loss occurs.
A strong policy should include:
- Clear guidance for communicating with families and students
- Academic accommodations for grieving students
- Staff training recommendations
- A designated point of contact for bereavement support
- Resources for external help and counselling referrals
What is “Puddle Jumping” in Grief?
You may notice students seem “okay” one day and deeply upset the next. This is a normal part of grief, often called puddle jumping – moments of happiness or normalcy in between the waves of sorrow. Understanding this can help staff respond with empathy and patience.
Ready to Bring Bereavement Training to Your School?
Our bereavement training is led by Dr. Erin Hope Thompson MBE, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of The Loss Foundation. With decades of experience, she provides evidence-based strategies to help staff feel better equipped when supporting grieving pupils.
What participants say:
“She was so passionate about her work… which made learning from her interesting.” – Training delegate
Get in Touch
If you’d like to bring bereavement training to your school, or if you have questions about supporting grieving students, we’d love to help.
📩Email us via hello@thelossfoundation.org
Together, we can help schools become places of safety and compassion for grieving children.
🌱 Grow with our courses
Explore our courses – including Mental Health: Supporting Ourselves and the Grief Journey Workbook – on our dedicated Grief & Mental Health Training page.
