Parents & Children
Bereavement

At Brinscall St John’s, we understand that the death of someone special can have a profound impact on a child and their whole family.

Grief is different for everyone. Children may show their feelings in many different ways and their emotions can change from day to day. They may feel sad, angry, worried or confused; they may ask lots of questions, or they may appear to carry on as normal. There is no single ‘right’ way for a child to grieve.

Our aim is to ensure that no child or family feels they have to face a difficult time alone.

School Support

School Support

  • How can school help

    If your family experiences a bereavement or significant loss, please let us know when you feel able to do so. We will work sensitively with you to understand what your child needs.

    Support in school may include a trusted adult to talk to, additional check-ins, a quiet space when things feel overwhelming, support with friendships and emotions, adjustments to expectations where appropriate, and help maintaining the reassuring routines of the school day.

    We will always try to be led by the child and family. Some children want to talk; others do not. Some find comfort in memories, photographs, drawing or writing, while others simply need school to remain a familiar and predictable place.

    As a church school, our Christian vision, “Shine with the light of Jesus,” reminds us of the importance of surrounding one another with kindness, compassion, hope and love, particularly during the most difficult times.

  • Supporting your child at home

    It can be difficult to know what to say to a child following a death, particularly when you are grieving too.

    Children generally benefit from simple, honest and age-appropriate explanations about what has happened. Give them opportunities to ask questions, but do not worry if they do not want to talk. Reassure them that they are loved and cared for, and try to maintain familiar routines where possible.

    Remembering someone can also be comforting. Your child might like to make a memory box, look through photographs, draw pictures, write down favourite memories or create something special in remembrance. The NHS specifically suggests memory boxes as one way families can help children maintain a connection with someone who has died.

    Children can move in and out of grief very quickly. They may be deeply upset one moment and playing happily the next. This does not mean that they have forgotten the person who has died or that they are not grieving.
Useful organisations and resources

Useful organisations and resources

  • Child Bereavement UK

    Specialist support and resources for children, young people and families experiencing bereavement. Their resources include information specifically for grieving children as well as advice for the adults supporting them.

  • Cruse Bereavement Support – Children and Young People

    Advice for children, young people, parents and carers, including information about how grief may look at different ages and how families and schools can help.

  • NHS – Children and Bereavement

    Practical NHS guidance for parents and carers supporting a child who has lost, or is about to lose, someone important to them.

  • Cruse Bereavement Support

    Support is also available for adults who are grieving. Cruse provides information, a national helpline and access to local bereavement support.

Please talk to us

Sometimes the most helpful first step is simply letting us know what is happening.

If your child or family is experiencing bereavement, loss or a particularly difficult time, please contact school. You do not need to know exactly what support you need before speaking to us.

We can listen, support your child in school and, where appropriate, help you find additional support.

You and your child do not have to navigate bereavement alone.