Education Authority highlights grief support for pupils ahead of awareness week

TL;DR: The Education Authority is highlighting grief support for pupils ahead of Children’s Grief Awareness Week, which runs from 16 to 22 November 2026. This year’s theme is “Keeping Connected”.

The Education Authority (EA) is drawing attention to bereavement support for pupils as schools prepare for Children’s Grief Awareness Week. The week offers school communities a chance to recognise grief and make information easier to find.

Grief support for pupils: “Keeping Connected”

The EA’s feature recognises that every child’s experience of grief is different. It highlights the value of helping pupils stay connected to trusted people and the support available around them.

Children’s Grief Awareness Week runs from Monday 16 November to Sunday 22 November. Its 2026 theme, “Keeping Connected”, places a focus on relationships and support during bereavement.

Guidance and training for schools

The Education Authority points to school resources, staff training, its Being Well Doing Well programme and a roadmap for schools. These materials are intended to help school communities respond when a pupil is bereaved.

The EA also provides information about bereavement and critical incidents. Schools can review the guidance to understand what support is available and how to access relevant resources.

How parents and carers can find information

Parents and carers who want to understand what support is available can speak with their child’s school. The school can explain its approach and direct families to the relevant Education Authority information.

Support needs can differ from one child to another. The EA’s resources provide a starting point for school communities looking for practical information during the awareness week and beyond.

Read the Education Authority’s full bereavement-support feature and follow its links to school guidance and further resources.

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