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The loss of a parent, friend, relative or a much loved pet can have a profound impact on a child, and the death of anyone within a school community can give rise to strong emotions and can disrupt the learning of children.
Principles and Vision
The policy fits into the framework of the Oakgrove College Pastoral Policy, with the main aim of the College being self-esteem.
Staff have a role to play in the healing process that follows bereavement. The relationship between the Form Teacher and the Student is seen as central to this.
Aims of the Bereavement Policy
§ To heighten staff awareness of how young people grieve.
§ To be proactive in our approach to bereavement and loss, recognising that it can have a major impact on the learning and happiness of the student.
§ To have clear guidelines and procedures for staff and pupils so that both receive appropriate support.
Separation and Divorce
It is recognised that a young person may experience difficulties due to a significant person leaving the family home. These difficulties can be exacerbated by conflict and the private nature of the loss. The College will, as much as possible, respond to this type of loss in the same way as to bereavement.
Guidelines for School Response:
See attached flowchart.
Roles and Responsibilities
Form Teacher
§ Is available to the young person if they need to talk.
§ Monitors the young person on a daily basis.
Year Head
§ Keeps an overview of how the young person is managing.
§ Supports the form teacher.
§ Liaises with home.
Pastoral Team
(Gail McCullagh, Sean Doherty, Julie Ballantyne)
§ Support the form teacher.
§ Contact outside agencies, if required.
§ Resource area offered as “Time Out” area, if needed.
§ Provide material on bereavement and loss.
Appendices
1. Flowchart on steps taken when bereavement occurs.
2. Observable grief reactions in adolescents.
3. How to treat the child in the classroom.
4. School record of bereavement.
Appendix 1
Observable Grief Reaction in adolescents
§ Intense emotional reactions, confusion, guilt, anger and depression
§ Antisocial behaviour
§ Contradiction between the need to grieve and the need to be ‘grown up’
§ Eating difficulties
§ Sleeping difficulties
Behavioural Changes
§ Sad all the time or depressed
§ Cannot relax or relates differently to friends
§ Not interested in appearance
§ Tired but unable to sleep
§ Health is suffering
§ Wants to be alone or withdraws from social events
§ Uninterested in school
§ School refusal
§ Low self-worth
§ Angry outbursts
§ Aggression
School Concerns
§ Poor attendance and punctuality
§ Lack of work
§ Less participation in activities
§ Withdrawal from friends
§ Behavioural difficulties (aggressive, change in attitude etc)
Other Important Factors to Look Out For
§ Drug/alcohol abuse
§ Suicidal tendencies including self-injurious behaviour
§ Eating disorders
External Support Should be Considered if:
§ You observe changes in the child’s personality and/or behaviour
§ The changes are severe
§ The changes are prolonged
Appendix 3
How To Treat the Pupil In the Classroom
· Make allowances for behaviour e.g. occasional upset, lack of homework, lateness.
· Be sensitive to certain classroom activities, holiday times, anniversaries.
· Be patient, offer encouragement, let them know it is OK to express emotions.
· Support is important but do not give too much special attention.
· Be aware of information given by the parent(s) to children regarding the death.
· Be sensitive to parental wishes regarding this information.
Changes to the Bereavement Policy
1. Additional introduction.
2. Change of names to Pastoral Team.
3. Additional appendices:
· Tips for teachers in the classroom
· Record of Loss for school files – records details of the bereavement.
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