Stand-by-me Bereavement Support welcomes new 2026 RSHE statutory curriculum
At Stand-by-me, we are encouraged to see that conversations about death, grief and how to cope when things go wrong in life will become a statutory part of the new RSHE curriculum in primary and secondary schools from September 2026.
We welcome this recognition within the national guidance, in particular the importance of ensuring that pupils understand how to seek help from a trusted adult. As a specialist childhood bereavement charity, we see this as an important step forward.
However, while this development is positive, supporting bereaved children is not only about what is taught in lessons. It is about fostering a whole-school culture where grief is acknowledged and where every bereaved child feels heard, understood and less alone.
It is essential that this guidance is backed up by ongoing support for schools, so school professionals feel equipped and confident to engage in discussions on complex and emotional matters, rather than overwhelmed.
Stand-by-me works closely with schools to support them when helping children navigate their grief. Our Contact-me programme promotes a whole-school approach, ensuring that bereavement is recognised and supported consistently. We are proud that the vast majority of primary and secondary schools in North Herts and Stevenage have signed up to our Contact-me programme. They have received training and are achieving the support recommended by Child Bereavement UK, which is alluded to in the new statutory curriculum.
Through Contact-me training, school professionals gain a deeper understanding of how children and young people grieve, along with the confidence to have meaningful conversations about death and loss. We believe that grief support should be part of everyday school life, ensuring that no bereaved child slips through the cracks.
Sadly, bereavement is something many children will experience, whether now or later in life. Every child deserves compassion, understanding and the right support throughout their time in school.
For more information about our Contact-me programme or to book refresher training please email contact-me@stand-by-me.org.uk.