Your School Needs a Bereavement Policy | Kat Goodwin

Kat Goodwin is a teacher and campaigner who lost her husband and has since watched her own daughter navigate school life after bereavement. Drawing on that experience, she joins John Adams to make the case for a statutory bereavement policy in schools, alongside a "pupil bereavement passport", a working document designed to follow a child through their entire education.The conversation explores why grief support in schools tends to fade after the initial weeks, how a lack of consistent guidance can leave pupils and staff unsupported years later, and what a more structural, whole-school approach to bereavement could look like. Kat also sets out what's already available free to teachers and parents now, including support from Child Bereavement UK and The Good Grief Trust and how to support her petition for change.⸻⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:06 The case for a statutory bereavement policy3:06 A personal story: losing a husband, and a daughter's ongoing struggle5:36 Why grief remains difficult to talk about in schools10:00 Practical steps schools can take right now12:14 Answering resistance: "we're already too busy"14:33 Signposting gaps and what the bereavement passport contains21:21 Faith's reflection, and how to support the petition⸻🙌 OUR SPONSORSPrincipal Sponsor National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) (https://nafd.org.uk)A progressive and inclusive voice for the funeral profession and bereaved people across the UK, the NAFD leads with integrity, advocacy, and education.GreenAcres (https://greenacresgroup.co.uk/)With six beautiful Living Memorial Parks across the UK, GreenAcres offers families natural, uplifting places to reflect, remember, and reconnect with those they've lost.FuneralBranch (https://funeralbranch.com/)FuneralBranch websites help funeral directors rank higher in search, clearly present their services, accept online payments, and convert early interest into meaningful enquiries.Westerleigh Group (https://westerleighgroup.co.uk/)Westerleigh Group provides high-quality cremation services in calm, thoughtfully designed spaces, putting care, respect, and choice at the heart of every farewell.MuchLoved (https://muchloved.com/)MuchLoved helps families create lasting online memorials. A place to share memories, light candles, and honour lives with love and connection.⸻📌 ABOUT THE PODCASTDeath: A Changing Industry explores the people, stories, and ideas shaping the future of funerals, bereavement, and remembrance.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📺 Subscribe for new episodes