Download our model policy
This model document is designed for you to adapt to suit your school’s context. It's been approved by Forbes Solicitors.
This is not a statutory policy.
Please note that bereavement is extremely personal and must be tailored to your individual context. This model provides a framework from which you can design a bereavement policy that's unique to your school.
If you're looking for help on what your approach should be, the following charities provide guidance on best practices for schools:
- Child Bereavement UK has a dedicated section on its website for the education sector, broken down into phases:
- Winston's Wish has bereavement support for schools which includes:
- A strategy for schools
- Charter for bereaved children
- Guide to supporting grieving children in education
- Cruse Bereavement Care has bereavement support for schools including:
- How to recognise the impact of bereavement on children
- Behaviour changes that result from grief
- Managing crises
We also have practical guidance on how to support your pupils and staff through bereavement.
