Bereavement

Legislation
• The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Act 2018

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we recognise that children and their families may experience grief and the loss of close family members or friends or their family pets whilst with us in the nursery. We understand that this is not only a difficult time for families, but it may also be a confusing time for young children, especially if they have little or no understanding of why their family is upset and why this person or pet is no longer around.

We recognise that every child, family and adult experiences grief differently and that bereavement can have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships, learning and development. We are committed to providing a compassionate, nurturing and supportive environment where children, families and staff feel valued, respected and supported during times of loss.

We aim to support both the child and their family and will adapt the following procedure to suit their individual needs and family preferences:
• We ask that if there is a loss of a family member or close friend that the parents inform the nursery as soon as they feel able to. This will enable us to provide appropriate support, respond sensitively to the child’s needs and understand any changes in behaviour, emotions, wellbeing or development that may occur during the grieving process
• The key person and/or the manager will talk with the family to ascertain what support is needed or wanted from the nursery. This may involve informal discussion, a planned meeting or ongoing communication to ensure support remains responsive to the family’s wishes and changing needs.
• The child may need extra support or one-to-one care during this difficult time. We will adapt staffing arrangements where possible to ensure continuity of care and emotional security through support from familiar and trusted adults, including the child’s key person whenever appropriate
• We will be as flexible as possible to adapt the sessions the child and family may need during this time.
• Staff will work closely with families to ensure care is sensitive to cultural, religious and personal beliefs regarding death, bereavement and remembrance
• Appropriate books, stories, play experiences and resources may be used to help children express feelings, ask questions and develop an age-appropriate understanding of loss and grief.
• Staff will respond honestly and sensitively to children’s questions, using language appropriate to their age and stage of development.
• Any significant concerns regarding a child’s emotional wellbeing will be discussed with parents and additional support services signposted where appropriate.

We will adapt the above procedure as appropriate when a family pet dies to help the child to understand their loss and support their emotions through this time.

We recognise that the loss of a pet can be a significant bereavement for a child and will treat these experiences with sensitivity and respect.

We also recognise that there may be rare occasions when the nursery team is affected by a death of a child or member of staff. This will be a difficult time for the staff team, children and families.

The nursery will work closely with families and relevant agencies to manage communication sensitively and appropriately, ensuring the wellbeing of children, families and staff remains a priority.

Below are some agencies that may be able to offer further support and counselling if this occurs.

The Samaritans: www.samaritans.org 116 123

Priory: www.priorygroup.com 0800 691 1481

Child Bereavement UK: www.childbereavementuk.org 01494 568 900

Cruse Bereavement Care: https://www.cruse.org.uk 0808 808 1677

British Association of Counselling: www.bacp.co.uk

SANDS: https://www.sands.org.uk/

Death of a child

If an employee experiences the death of a child under the age of 18 or suffers a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, the employee will be entitled to two weeks paid leave, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria having been employed for at least 26 weeks.

The nursery recognises the profound impact of child loss and will provide compassionate support, including reasonable adjustments, wellbeing support, flexible working arrangements where possible and ongoing review of the employee's needs.

Death of a Child (Parental Bereavement Leave)

If an employee experiences the death of a child under the age of 18 or suffers a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, they are entitled to Parental Bereavement Leave in accordance with legislation.

Eligible employees are entitled to Parental Bereavement Leave in accordance with current legislation and statutory guidance.

Parental Bereavement Leave may be taken as either:
• Two consecutive weeks, or
• Two separate one-week periods

The leave must be taken within 56 weeks of the date of the child’s death or stillbirth.

Who Qualifies as a Parent

For the purposes of this policy, an eligible parent includes:
• A biological parent
• An adoptive parent
• A parent through surrogacy
• A legal guardian
• A person who lived with the child and had day-to-day responsibility for them for at least four weeks prior to the child’s death

Notice Requirements

Employees should notify the nursery as soon as reasonably practicable of their need to take Parental Bereavement Leave.

No formal written notice or evidence will normally be required, and the nursery will act with compassion and flexibility at all times.

Miscarriage Before 24 Weeks

In cases of miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy, Parental Bereavement Leave does not apply. However, the nursery may offer compassionate leave and support on a discretionary basis.

The nursery recognises that pregnancy loss at any stage can be emotionally distressing and will consider requests for additional support, flexibility and compassionate leave wherever possible.

Confidentiality and Ongoing Support

All bereavement matters will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to provide appropriate support.

Appropriate support will be offered, including reasonable adjustments, phased returns to work where appropriate, wellbeing discussions, signposting to specialist services and ongoing review of support needs.

The nursery will respect the wishes of the bereaved individual regarding communication and confidentiality wherever possible.

Other Bereavements

In the event of the death of a close family member not covered by statutory entitlement, the nursery may offer paid or unpaid compassionate leave at the discretion of management.

Requests will be considered on an individual basis, taking into account the circumstances, the relationship to the deceased and the wellbeing needs of the employee.

Support for Staff and Children Following a Bereavement

Where a bereavement affects the wider nursery community, appropriate support will be offered to children, families and staff.

Staff may receive guidance, supervision and opportunities for reflection to help them support grieving children whilst also protecting their own emotional wellbeing.

The nursery recognises that supporting bereavement can be emotionally demanding and will encourage staff to access support where required.

Training, Monitoring and Review

Staff will receive appropriate guidance and support to help them respond sensitively and confidently to bereavement and loss.