AQW 35198/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 11/11/2025
Answered On Date: 17/11/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 29265/22-27, to detail whether all education settings are expected to have a bereavement policy, for both staff and pupils.

Answer:

Schools are not required to have a ‘bereavement policy’, however as part of the broader pastoral care arrangements they may have in place a clear structure and process to be followed if a bereavement happens.

The Education Authority provides bereavement resources and information, including a sample bereavement policy for schools to adapt to meet their individual needs.

The Department does not monitor completion of bereavement training in schools.