Cancer Research UK main site

School support to family with parent with cancer diagnosis

Sarahteacher
Offline

Hi,

I am an assistant head of a small primary school and the mother of two of our pupils has had cancer for a few years and is coming to the later stages. The community has been wonderful and really gathered around and supported the family. 

As a staff team we are all devastated for the family and want to do anything we can that will help and support them. Does anyone have any experience of things schools have done to support their family? Or anything that you would have liked a school to have done? 

Thank you so much.

  • Offline

    Hi there ...

    I just wanted to say how wonderful a school and teacher you are ... it is amazing you care so much to come on here .. l really hope you get more replys ... l know McMillan do books that explain cancer to kids so it's not so scary ... they may help if read to the other children in the class ...

    I think letting a child chat about feelings, would really help too .. l know we want to take away their pain and it helps knowing you can't take it away ... but letting them talk honestly ... Will really help ...

    We talked to my then 6 year old granddaughter with gentle honesty ... and if they ask something you don't have the answer too, don't be scared to say l don't know to them ... then they will know they have a safe place to share tears and feelings ...

    I wish they could have things like your doing in every school ... so thank you so much ... it is so needed .. children are stronger then we think ... given the answers to their questions ... and done gently ...

    Thank you so so much ... Chrissie x

  • Offline in reply to Chriss

    Thank you. This is really helpful. Thanks for replying. I'll definitely use your advice. 

  • Offline

    Hi, 

    a beautful little girl in my class last year lost her mum to cancer. In the time leading up, we gave her lots of little jobs to do to keep her occupied (helping TA with a new display etc). Although we were all there for her, one member of staff was like her go to person, and if things go too much- we allowed her to go to that person. 

    Agree with above post, sounds like you and you’re school school are doing a great job. 

    With best wishes xxx

  • Offline in reply to SophieN

    Thank you. That's really helpful. We will definitely make sure the TA moves with her next year at school. 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.