Evaluation of a pilot bereavement support training programme in schools

Recent policy making in the United Kingdom focuses on engaging communities to change attitudes and develop capacity in end-of- life care and bereavement (Scottish Government 2008, Department of Health 2008). In Scotland, engaging with schools to equip children with skills and knowledge to cope with death and bereavement has been emphasized (Scottish Government 2010). Based on findings of a PhD research project exploring how Strathcarron Hospice can develop work in this area with primary schools, providing bereavement training to school staff was identified as a high priority.
This poster presents the results of a pilot bereavement training workshop offered to two primary schools in Forth Valley. The training was delivered to 47 teaching and support staff. Confidence levels and beliefs/attitudes were measured pre and post workshop. A significant upward trend in confidence was clearly evident across all domains of the training compared with pre-workshop scores. Participants noted the training positively influenced their ability to engage with bereavement experiences. This is significant given school staff experience anxiety in relation to their role in bereavement support and currently no undergraduate teacher training is provided. Recommendations include longitudinal evaluation as the workshop is rolled out to all schools within Forth Valley.