“Whether the adults in a school attend a funeral depends firstly on the family’s wishes.”

This may depend on who has died and the relationship with the family.

For some pupils, having members of staff from school can be reassuring, others may see it as an intrusion.

A family may wish to keep a funeral private or may welcome members of the school community. It is important to communicate with the family to find out what they would prefer, just asking this will show that the school cares.

If a member of staff has died, the head may take the decision to close the school to enable all colleagues and friends to attend.