Newark charity the Children’s Bereavement Centre launches grief guidebook for teachers in 450 Nottinghamshire schools

A guidebook to help teachers support grieving pupils has been distributed to more than 450 schools, thanks to a Newark charity.

In response to Child Bereavement UK statistics which show 127 children lose a parent or sibling every day in the UK, the Children’s Bereavement Centre has launched a new booklet containing vital guidance for teachers and school staff.

The figures show that by the time they turn sixteen, one in every 29 children will have experienced a loss of this kind — which the charity believes highlights the urgent need for schools to be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support grieving pupils.

While some children may require professional bereavement support, many simply need a safe, trusting, and empathetic environment to help them cope — and the new guidance booklet is designed to empower teachers with practical advice and strategies to support grieving pupils effectively while also prioritising their own well-being.

“Many schools contact us in times of crisis — when a death has occurred within the school community — and staff are often unsure of what to say or do. Our new booklet aims to provide clarity and confidence, ensuring that school responses are handled sensitively and effectively,” said Kate Baxter, chief executive of the Children’s Bereavement Centre.

The publication was made possible by grants from Mansfield Building Society and Westfield Health, and the booklet has now been distributed to hundreds of Nottinghamshire schools.

In addition to the booklet, the charity offers bereavement support workshops for teachers, as well as advice and practical guidance when a school experiences the loss of a pupil or staff member.

It is also encouraging schools to join its new Schools Grief Awareness Partnership, which fosters collaboration between schools and the charity to create environments where bereavement is understood and sensitively addressed.

Kate added: “We believe that by working together with schools, parents, and carers, we can ensure that every bereaved child gets the support they need.

“Not everyone needs to be an expert in bereavement, but having a basic understanding can make a huge difference in helping grieving children not just survive, but thrive.”