Bereavement in the School Community - for Primary School Staff

Description

Teachers and school staff are in a unique position to support bereaved children in their classroom. This bereavement workshop can be a valuable opportunity for professional development and personal growth., equipping teachers and school staff with the knowledge, skills and awareness to provide a nurturing supportive environment for a bereaved child.

This workshop will focus on the key factors involved in children’s grief, develop an awareness of the role of a teacher and the importance of the wider school community.

The workshop will provide opportunities for active discussion and interaction.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the workshop participants will:

• understand the importance of a safe and supportive classroom environment that can acknowledge and accommodate a grieving child’s needs
• develop an increased understanding, empathy and compassion in relation to the key factors in relation to children and bereavement
• access an overview of the theories in relation to bereavement
• have an awareness of impact of bereavement in a child’s life at different ages and stages of development
• develop a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological impact that can manifest in the classroom and school environment when a child is bereaved
• build awareness and understanding of the role of a teacher and other school staff in relation to a bereaved child in the classroom and the wider school community

Presenter Profile

Anne Staunton (B.A. B.Ed., M.A.) is CEO of Rainbows Ireland since 2008. Rainbows Ireland works to support children and young people with loss resulting from bereavement, parental separation and family change. Prior to 2008 Anne worked as a primary teacher for many years. Anne holds an M.Sc. (Hons) in Loss and Bereavement from the Royal College Surgeons and Irish Hospice Foundation. Recently, Anne has authored the new Rainbows Bereavement and Parental Separation programmes at Primary and Second level and she delivers training in these nationwide. Anne regularly networks with and presents to other services and people working with children and young people in relation to the impact of parental separation and bereavement. She aims to encourage best practice in the field of childhood bereavement and loss and to bring the voice of the child into the discourse around this topic.

Host or Publisher Irish Hospice Foundation