AQW 52049/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 15/09/2026
Answered On Date: 23/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether any consideration has been given to introducing an age-appropriate module on grief and bereavement within the school curriculum, in light of recent changes in England.

Answer:

Schools have pastoral care policies and structures so that children and young people know who they can contact if they require support, for a range of reasons, including bereavement. Further to this, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has provided a range of resources which address grief, loss, and bereavement both at primary and post primary level for schools to use within their curriculum as appropriate.

The statutory curriculum does not currently include a discrete module on grief and bereavement. The proposed Personal, Social, Civic and Careers (PSCC) curriculum framework does however include learning relating to emotions, mental and emotional wellbeing, resilience, supportive relationships and the human life cycle. The statutory curriculum is a minimum entitlement, and schools have flexibility to go beyond this entitlement at a school level.

The draft framework is currently the subject of public consultation and all consultation responses will be carefully considered before final decisions are taken. Amendments will be made, where appropriate, in light of the evidence and feedback received.

In addition, further work is planned on Key Stage 4 PSCC content and a post-16 enrichment curriculum. These future workstreams will provide further opportunities to consider how important issues affecting the wellbeing, personal development and life experiences of children and young people are reflected across the curriculum.