Summary of supporting children after a major incident

In this course you have:

• Gained an understanding of the ways in which a major incident may affect a child or young person.
• Explored how you can help support a child or young person after a major incident.
• Considered how a major incident related bereavement affects a child or young person.
• Found out when to seek more help and how you can do this.

Course summary

This course has provided information about the ways in which a major incident may affect a child or young person. For most children their responses to the trauma they have experienced are normal. Given time and the right support they will successfully resume their previous family and school lives.

You have been informed about how you can help support individual children. And also the wider school community after a major incident. Effective partnership working with parents and carers is key. As is sensitive help in class by responding to the impact of the trauma. All of which creates a supportive school culture.

For children who have experienced loss and bereavement prior to a major incident. We have discussed how this places them at risk of increased traumatic grief which may mean they need additional support.

Creative approaches to managing and understanding behaviour have been explored. Suggestions made as to how best to respond to challenges presented in class.

The importance of looking after yourself and drawing on support networks has also been highlighted as this is essential self-maintenance.

Additional resources and how to access further sources of support have also been provided.