Welcome to the Bereavement, Loss and Grief Page
In this page you will find a comprehensive package of information, resources and guidance aimed to enhance the support you offer to children, young people, families and colleagues who have, or are experiencing, bereavement or loss. To get the best from these resources we advise that you take some time to familiarise yourselves with the information, make relevant documents visible and readily available to children, young people and families and display posters in your establishment.
We endorse the Bereavement Charter for Adults and Children in Scotland. Click on the charter mark to find out more information.
If you are seeking further advice or information regarding bereavement, loss and grief please contact Ainsley McGoldrick at Educational Psychology Service: ps@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or David Duncan at Mearns Primary: DuncanD@mearns.e-renfrew.sch.uk.
A Community Approach to Supporting Bereavement, Loss and Grief: Guidance for Educational Establishments
In this comprehensive guidance you will find information relating to bereavement theories, impact of childhood bereavement, how children understand death at different ages, the role of education staff and how you can support bereaved pupils. You will also find sector specific resources, books, information on developing a bereavement policy and local and national support organisations.
Use the contents page to quickly access the information that is relevant to you.
NEW FOR 2022 – BLG Curricular Resource
Find everything you need to deliver the new BLG lessons in the Glow App Library – Bereavement, Loss and Grief Curricular Resource.
When a Suicide Happens: Supporting Young People, Families and Staff
In this guidance you will find information relating to practical preventive and responsive approaches with the aim of reducing the risk of suicides and supporting the school community when a suicide happens.
Supporting Children and Young People through Anticipatory Grief
Grief can be felt even before someone dies. For example, in the case of a terminal illness, family members and friends will experience strong emotions in anticipation of the loss. This brief guidance will provide you with information about how you can support children and young people through this difficult time.
Leaflets
These leaflets should be made readily available to young people, families and professionals
Supporting Organisations – Where to Find Help
This is a handy guide to a range of local and national support organisations. Print out in A5 and keep a supply in the reception of your setting for easy access for visitors.
Posters
The Supporting Children who are Bereaved Poster is designed as a quick reference for adults of the key points to remember when supporting a bereaved pupil. Display in staff rooms as a reminder.
This Healthier Minds Poster was designed to provide people with quick access to the contact details for support organisations. Display around your establishment for children, young people, staff and visitors.
A5 Diary Insert or Poster
Bereavement and Additional Support Needs
Quick Access Resources, Books
Here you will find age appropriate fiction books, workbooks, guides for parents and professionals regarding supporting bereaved children and young people and whole class lesson planning resources.
Books, Resources, Lesson Planning Preschool
Books, Resources, Lesson Planning Primary
Books, Resources, Lesson Planning Secondary
Books, Resources, Lesson Planning Additional Support Needs
Resource Compendium
This compendium has been compiled from resources designed by popular and reputable bereavement support organisations. They should be used to complement the East Renfrewshire resources and as required by your setting.
Cbeebies Film – Our Family Alexa’s Memories of Mummy
Cbeebies Film – Archie
The death of a loved one can be hard for young children to understand. These 2 short Cbeebies films can help introduce the topic and provide advice on how to talk to young children about death.
Information Documents for Parents, Carers, Staff and Visitors
Info Sheet When a Grandparent Dies
Info Sheet Understanding of Death and Age Stage
Info Sheet Supporting My Child after a Death
Info Sheet Supporting Children after a Frightening Event
Info Sheet Supporting Bereaved Young Children
Info Sheet Explaining Funerals and Memorials
Info Sheet Bereavement Support for a Surviving Parent
Supporting Young Children and Families through a Bereavement Anna Freud
Books and Resources for Parents Carers Preschool
Books and Resources for Parents Carers Primary
Books and Resources for Parents Carers Secondary
Coping with Death Social Story
Coping Strategies and Practical Ideas for those Bereaved and those Supporting Them
Grief Support Ideas for Me Upper Primary Secondary
Grief Support Ideas for Parents Carers
Grief Support Ideas for Friends
When Someone Special Dies Booklets for Children
These booklets can be used by children to help them understand the death and personalise their own experience. Children should be supported by a trusted adult to complete the booklet and could be provided to parents to work on at home.
When Someone Special Dies Personal Book Children under 7
When Someon Special Dies Personal Book Children 7-11
Remembering Dad Personal Booklet for Children
The Lost for Words Book has been created by bereaved children to provide support and reassurance to other bereaved children
Resources for those at risk of Suicide
These posters and leaflets should be readily available and publicised in your setting.
Bereavement Letters for use by Schools
Template Letter to Parents Death of their Child
Template Letter to Parents Death of Staff Member
Template Letter to Parents Death of a Pupil
Case Studies
As a team you may want to explore your understanding of children’s experience of bereavement and how you can support children, young people, families and colleagues. Use these case study exercises to explore your own systems and processes and identify how you will improve support planning for those experiencing bereavement and loss.
case study exercise early years
