Listen with Eyes, Ears & Heart
Channel: Irish Hospice
Date: 24/08/2021

Teachers and school staff are in a unique position to support children in their class or school community. 

School and its routine provide stability, security, continuity, and above all a familiar structure and routine to a child whose world might be in turmoil and confusion due to significant change and loss in the family.

When a bereaved child returns to school, it's important that the school climate is supportive and understanding of their needs. Bereavement can impact hugely on the emotional and social well-being of the child, and on their ability to concentrate and conduct their studies. 

Most grieving pupils don't need a bereavement expert, just the support of people who care. 

Teachers can make a real difference to bereaved pupils by acknowledging their loss and by offering opportunities for them to talk about their experiences if they want to, and by listening and responding to a pupil’s spoken and unspoken messages.

For more information & resources for teachers, visit www.childhoodbereavement.ie

The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network is proudly supported by Irish Hospice Foundation and Túsla.