In the event of a sudden or unexpected death affecting a child or young person, Child Protection Coordinators play a key role in ensuring a safe, coordinated, and trauma-informed response. A sudden death is a critical incident requiring immediate action, clear communication, and multi-agency collaboration.
Coordinators should work with the Headteacher to ensure that accurate information is verified with appropriate agencies (e.g. Police, Social Work) before any communication is shared. It is essential to avoid speculation and to respect the wishes of the family regarding what information can be disclosed.
You should support the coordination of an immediate response, including briefing staff with agreed factual information, reinforcing confidentiality, and providing guidance on how to communicate sensitively with children and young people. Pupils should be informed in a calm, age-appropriate way, with careful consideration given to those most affected.
Child Protection Coordinators must also ensure early engagement with key services, including the local authority, Educational Psychology Service, and relevant safeguarding leads, in line with Dumfries and Galloway child protection procedures. Ongoing multi-agency working and contribution to any Child Death Review or Learning Review processes will be required.
In the days and weeks following the incident, you should support the identification of vulnerable pupils, facilitate access to appropriate support, and maintain structured routines to promote emotional safety. Monitoring wellbeing and contributing to longer-term planning and review are essential to ensure sustained support for the school community.
