Exploring the lived experience of pupils who have received support in school, including Seasons for Growth, following a grief and loss experience

Bereavement and loss significantly impact upon children’s educational and emotional outcomes. This paper explores the effects of bereavement on children’s aspirations, emotional health, and overall well-being, emphasising the need for schools to provide effective bereavement support. A whole school approach to supporting pupils with grief and loss is recommended, involving policies, staff training, and partnerships with local bereavement services. There is a need for schools to consider how to broaden pupil peer support and also change the narrative that grief and loss support is something that happens out-with the classroom. The paper also demonstrates the positive outcomes for pupils who have attended Seasons for Growth groups and promotes the wider impact of this programme can have if regular reconnector sessions and normalising grief and loss at a whole school level are implemented.