Grief does not follow a timetable, and for children it can surface in unexpected ways — through behaviour, learning difficulties, social withdrawal, or physical symptoms. Teachers and school staff are often the first adults outside the family to notice when a child is struggling after a loss.
Ormiston Families’ Stars Bereavement service has been supporting bereaved children and young people for over a decade. In this post, we share what schools can do to create a compassionate environment for grieving pupils.
Recognising grief in the classroom
Children grieve differently depending on their age, the nature of the loss, and their existing support networks. Younger children may not have the language to express their feelings and instead act out or become clingy. Teenagers may appear withdrawn, dismissive, or unusually irritable.
- Sudden drop in academic performance or concentration
- Increased absences or reluctance to attend school
- Withdrawal from friendships and previously enjoyed activities
- Physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches with no medical cause
How schools can help
Creating a consistent, named point of contact for bereaved pupils is one of the most impactful things a school can do. Our Stars team offers training for school staff and can provide direct one-to-one support for children referred through the school.