Grief Education Now Part of UK School Curriculum

Grief education is now being introduced into the school curriculum in England. This long-overdue update gives teachers the tools and confidence to talk openly about grief.

The Bodie Hodges Foundation welcomes the recent update to the RHSE framework, which now includes guidance on grief and loss education within schools

This marks a significant and positive step towards fostering open conversations, challenging societal taboos, and supporting children and young people in navigating bereavement – an experience that is too often left unspoken, becoming #TheElephantInTheRoom

Whilst we welcome this important step, we believe it is only the beginning in providing the correct support which is urgently needed for the 46,000 children and young people who are bereaved of a parent or sibling each year.

This equates to approximately one child in every classroom.

Ensuring these children receive the understanding and care they deserve must remain a priority.

As part of the updated RSHE curriculum, children will begin learning about bereavement in a way that’s sensitive to their age and experiences.

With at least one bereaved child in every classroom on average, these lessons aim to normalise grief, nurture emotional wellbeing, and help young people grow in empathy and understanding from an early age.