Many
of the children in our care are likely to encounter the death of a pet,
grandparent, other relative or family friend, also, they may experience a
change to their lives ( such as moving house, new baby, parents break up etc) during
their time in the Playgroup. For a few
the loss or change will be more immediate and traumatic, involving the loss of
a parent, sibling or personal friend or a change in circumstance.
Purposes:
1. To foster a caring attitude to those
suffering a bereavement/change in circumstance.
2. To encourage a consistent, yet flexible
approach to the situation.
3. To inform all those concerned, including
staff and parents of possible approaches.
Guidelines.
These
guidelines are particularly relevant and appropriate in cases where the loss or
change concerned is of a close relative or friend but can, and should be
adapted according to all individual circumstances.
1. Children should be allowed time to grieve and
know that tears are often an outward sign of that grief.
2. It should be made known that staff will find
the time to listen and talk and will do their best to comfort when necessary.
3. Children should be aware that staff will try
to help them to come to terms with their feelings.
4. A distressed child should be allowed time and
access to materials in order that he/she may express their feelings in their
own way.
5. Within playgroup a resource bank containing
reference materials for staff, parents and pupils should be developed and
maintained.
6. All staff and assistants involved in the care
of a bereaved or a change of circumstance child should be aware of the
situation.
7. The possible fears, insecurities and emotions
of other children which may arise from the situation should be recognised and
addressed sympathetically.
8. Religious, cultural and social backgrounds,
as well as parental wishes, should be taken into account when considering
appropriate responses.
Conclusion
A
bereaved or change of circumstance child, especially if the death concerned is
that of a close relative, parent, sibling or friend, is likely to be feeling
confused, anxious and insecure. At playgroup
we should aim to provide a stable and supportive environment in which he/she is
able to gradually come to terms with the loss or change. It is recognised that this process is lengthy
and support is likely to be required long term.
This
policy was originally adopted at a meeting of Winyates Playgroup
Pre-school
19/05/11
Held
on (date)
Julie Skipp
Signed
on behalf of the pre-school