Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed the government's decision to include bereavement as an additional topic in updated RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) guidance.
The last government launched a review on whether content on bereavement is needed in the statutory guidance. The consultation ran until 11th July, meaning that the General Election was called before the consultation has finished.
It has now been revealed that 89% of respondents to the consultation agreed with the proposed additional topics. In a response published on 15th July 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) stated:
"DfE welcomes the support for the inclusion of these additional subjects as they will help to ensure the guidance remains useful by keeping pace with societal and landscape changes children are often required to navigate, as well as help to provide opportunities for children and young people to develop the skills and knowledge they may need for adulthood."
Stuart has consistently supported the campaign, having spoken in favour of its inclusion at a Westminster Hall debate on 2nd December 2024.
The debate followed a petition launched by Bridgnorth funeral director, Mr John Adams. As former president of the National Association of Funeral Directors, John collected 11,322 signatures for a petition supporting the campaign.
A total of 1,699 signatures came from Ludlow, Bridgnorth and the surrounding areas in South Shropshire. Co-author of ‘Don't Tell The Children‘, John said the change would help families and foster compassion and empathy in the classroom.
A survey commissioned Child Bereavement UK found that 85% of teachers have experienced a death in the school community, but 90% of them have had no bereavement training.
Schools will be expected to start teaching in line with the revised guidance from September 2026. Officials have stated that they are now considering how best to support teachers to deliver the content.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Having personally experienced childhood bereavement, I am proud to support Bridgnorth funeral director John Adams' inspirational campaign on grief education, which is being added to the RSHE guidance. I know from my own experience how much of an enduring impact childhood bereavement can have. I also know just how many others in South Shropshire feel the same way, with almost 2,000 having signed his petition. I welcome this necessary change, which will deliver better outcomes for our children, young people, and their families who are dealing with death and grief."
John Adams said:
“I am truly grateful that society, Government and the Depart for Education has recognised the importance of bereavement education within the education system. Now children will grow up in a society where death is more normalised, resulting in a more compassionate, kinder and aware World. These children will go on to become adults, and again will be more aware of what their family, friends and colleagues might be going through when the suffer a bereavement or any form of separation. A huge thanks To Stuart Anderson and Philip Dunne for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. Finally, thank you to my late Mum, Maria, who has been the fuel since the campaign started in May 2022, the sadness of her dying when I was 12, can now result in children all over our Nation receiving a better level of support than previous generations.”
