Bereavement

During childhood, some children will experience the death of somebody they know, whether it is a close family member, grandparent or even a beloved pet. Today’s families are diverse, and young children form close attachments to a variety of people. When someone close to the child dies, whether a family friend or close relative, the life impact can be equally significant.

Children and adults who are grieving are all different and there is a huge range of responses and reactions that bereaved people experience. It is important to realise that every child will move through this bereavement process in a different way. It is very important to know how to talk to, and support children who are about to experience, or who have experienced, a loss. 

Sadly, approximately one in 25 children and young people have experienced bereavement of a parent or sibling. The death of a parent or sibling is one of the most fundamental losses a child will ever face, in some cases, the death will be sudden and in others, there is more time to prepare the child.

Supporting Bereavement in Early Years Settings

The Early Years Service offers

• support to settings and schools who experience bereavement or loss
• signpost to other organisations who can offer more specific support
• signpost to resources that can be used with both adults and children.

Practitioners can ask for our help around any bereavement without feeling that it is too sensitive or too trivial and we aim to respond promptly to offer our support.

What kind of support is available?

• Discussion about the needs of the staff, children and families
• Advice or information for practitioners on strategies which may be helpful
• Advice on the management of grief and loss
• Your key contact is your first port of call to signpost, advise and support.

Please click here for books that may help your children and their families

When to seek support:

• If a child is experiencing significant distress or difficulty coping with the loss.
• If a child's grief is prolonged or interferes with their daily life.
• If a child is struggling with difficult emotions like anger, sadness, or confusion.
• If a child is exhibiting behaviours that are concerning, such as withdrawal, aggression, or changes in sleep or eating habits.

How to access support:

• Contact the helplines or email addresses provided by the organisations mentioned above.
• Visit the websites of Child Bereavement UK, Cruse Bereavement Support, and Winston's Wish for information, resources, and support.
• Consult with a GP or other healthcare professional if you have concerns about a child's mental health or well-being.
• Utilise the resources available through the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service. Bereavement support | Family Information Service