A bereaved pupil appears happy at school; they spend time with their friends and school work is up to date. They do not mention the death, and neither does anyone else.

Consider:

• Although a bereaved pupil may appear to be fine, many put on a “mask” for school and friends so they fit in and do not seem different to their peers.

What might help:

• Check in with the pupil to see how they are coping, and to remind them that people around them have not forgotten the death.
• As long as it is done sensitively, bereaved pupils may welcome the opportunity to talk about the person who died. Many pupils do not like to instigate these conversations.
• Create a less threatening environment by providing activities for a pupil to take part in, rather than simply getting them to talk.