The resource has been created by charity Sudden, which offers emotional and practical support to people bereaved unexpectedly, and is based on its experience working with children during the pandemic.
It has been produced in conjunction with clinical psychologist Dr Laura Williams and aims to help schools support the emotional and physical wellbeing of pupils and their families, from the early days of an unexpected bereavement onward.
It covers suggested procedures to enable schools to communicate and support pupils, and their families, before and after a child’s return to the classroom.
The document offers practical advice, such as establishing a core group of staff responsible for communication with the family, suggestions around when and how to inform other pupils, and signposting appropriate training for teachers. Sudden also offers free books and other resources for schools.