NEW
Schools Programme
Our fully funded training programme equipping school and education staff with the skills and confidence to support students through anticipatory grief and bereavement.
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A NEW PROGRAMME DESIGNED FOR EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS working in schools. 
”Our Schools Programme was born from the insights we gained from the parents we have been supporting and the challenges they faced getting much-needed, consistent support for their children in school."
Deepa DoshiDirector of Services
The Challenge Today
The Difference You Can Make
The Ruth Strauss Foundation supports families where a parent is facing an incurable cancer. Our new Schools Training Programme builds on that expertise and our experience working with families, but goes wider – ensuring it is suitable for any cause of grief (from any illness) and bereavement, including preparation for bereavement.
With our Responding in the Moment training, you as an education professional can be ready to respond – and help bring this compassionate approach to your whole school.
46,300
Children and young people face parental bereavement each year in the UK.
1 in 29
Children experience a significant bereavement in their childhood.
1 in 2
People will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Our Response
A Whole-School Approach
With 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, and 46,300 children bereaved of a parent each year in the UK, grief and (pre) bereavement understanding and support in schools is essential. Research shows that children are most vulnerable before bereavement, yet often focus on grief support comes after death.
Responding in the Moment is the Ruth Strauss Foundation’s fully funded, expert-designed and evidence-based training programme that transforms how schools and education settings support students through anticipatory grief and bereavement.
This is not just training – it is a proactive, whole-school approach. Every adult in the school and education community, from caretaker to headteacher, gains the skills and confidence to respond with care, as a child could confide in anyone. We equip everyone so they can respond when it matters most.
Our Vision
Our vision is that every school and education setting becomes a place of compassion and confidence, where every child feels supported by the community when they are facing anticipatory grief or bereavement. And it could start with you. By taking part, you gain the confidence to respond when a child turns to you.
About the Training
E-Learning Training
We know how busy school days can be, so our e-learning is modular and can be done at your own pace. Each module is created by experts, that helps all staff build knowledge and confidence.
What Does the Training Cover?
- Understanding of anticipatory grief and bereavement.
- Building knowledge and confidence to respond in emotional moments.
- Addressing complex needs, cultural inclusion and neurodiverse support.
- Aligning with Relationship, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) statutory guidance.
- Practical tools to create a compassionate, whole-school approach.
Who can take part?
Anyone working in a UK school or education setting. Sign up as an individual for our training and share this opportunity with your colleagues so they can register too.
Why it Matters for You
The Impact on Your Students, School & Education Setting
Respond in the moment
You will know how to support the students facing anticipatory grief and bereavement.
Support with confidence
You will feel more confident and knowledgeable to respond in the moment.
Whole-school approach
Together, your school can build a culture of support for all children and young people.
Flexible expert training
Our training is free, CPD accredited, expert-designed and can be done at your own pace.
Meet RSHE guidance
Discuss anticipatory grief and bereavement in line with statutory RSHE requirements.
Interactive Learning
Detect & Diagnose:
RSF Minecraft Education World
We have created a digital resource to support our schools programme, an RSF Minecraft Education World: Detect & Diagnose. For ages 8-14, this interactive game helps children understand cancer and its diagnosis in a safe, engaging and age-appropriate way.
Co-designed with children with lived-experience, NHS oncology experts, child bereavement researchers and specialists, the game builds empathy, resilience and emotional skills. It also introduces NHS careers and includes lesson plans and teacher resources to support confident, inclusive teaching.
Bring learning to life in your classroom with this curriculum-linked, interactive game where students can:
- Explore the human body – see inside and understand how it works
- Discover how cancer is detected and diagnosed
- Develop empathy and emotional intelligence through storytelling and play
- Gain age-appropriate knowledge to feel confident and informed
- Engaging, educational, and empowering – helping children and young people learn about cancer in a safe, supportive way.
Watch Video
This game was developed with generous funding from Elizabeth’s Smile, the charity set up by the late visionary entrepreneur Nick Hungerford.
Please Note:
If you are a parent living with incurable cancer, or someone working with a family in this situation, please contact our Family Support Service here.
First Hand Feedback
What They Say About The Programme
Developed with Our Partners
