DEALING with death is a difficult and often lonely process that affects everyone differently, no matter your age. During their career most teachers will have to deal with at least one bereaved child, usually associated with the death of a family member.

But what happens when there is a desk standing empty in the classroom because tragedy has struck and a pupil has died? And teachers have to explain this to a room full of bereaved children?

It may have been a medical condition that classmates have seen their friend battling against. Or - in the case of a number of schoolchildren in Worcester in recent years - a tragic car crash, which suddenly takes one of those young lives.

The school friends they leave behind are often ill-prepared for the shock of dealing with such a trauma. So what can schools do to help them come to terms with their loss?

At Christopher Whitehead Language College in Worcester, a special Peace Garden has been set up, providing a quiet place for students and teachers to sit and reflect. It was created following the deaths of pupils Joanne Bibby and Stephanie Goodall, who died in a car crash, along with Martyn Pickering and Kyle Gadsby, on the A449 in December last year.

Their deaths had a huge impact on students at the school. "It was a very traumatic time for everyone," said Neil Morris, headteacher at Christopher Whitehead. "Both staff and students were deeply affected."

Pupils and teachers at the school were offered counselling and support to deal with their grief, a service that is still offered to help youngsters with all types of bereavement. But, following conversations with Joanne and Stephanie's families, the school decided to create a special area where the girls could be remembered, and pupils could take time to deal with their own losses.

"Last year, we had 13 children and one teacher who suffered a personal loss," Mr Morris said. "Then, of course, there was everyone who knew Joanne and Stephanie. We wanted the Peace Garden to be a place where anyone at the school could visit to take time to reflect and remember." Assistant headteacher Sairah Archer, who co-ordinated the setting up of the garden, said: "The Peace Garden is a tranquil place, with a sculpture called Reflections. It was created by the whole community, not just the school, and is a wonderful place. It is used by both pupils and teachers."

As well as the Peace Garden the school also works closely with the Noah's Ark Trust, which supports children and young people. There are also counsellors on site that pupils can talk to.

"There is always somewhere to go, or someone to talk to at the school," said Mr Morris. "We feel it is important to offer as much support as we can."

Pupils and teachers at The Chase in Malvern organised a special variety show following the death of student Tammatari Tammy' Holmes, in February this year.

Tammy died suddenly of multiple organ failure, aged just 15.

"Tammy's death came as a huge shock to everyone at the school," said Andy Collard, Tammy's head of year. "No matter how much preparation you do on bereavement, something like this just knocks you back."

Teachers at the school informed pupils of her death, and two psychologists were made available.

"Tammy was such a fantastic girl," Mr Collard said. "Everyone wanted to pay tribute to her in different ways. We asked her parents and the students what they would like to do and decided on a variety show.

"Our approach was to give the students something to focus on and give them something positive to work towards.

"It's difficult to know what is the best thing to do in such tragic circumstances."

BEREAVEMENT: STRATEGIES FOR COPING

Some advice from the education union ATL about helping support pupils who have been bereaved:

Education staff need to recognise their limitations, without shutting off completely. Some students may need professional help, but staff will be the most immediate adult contacts for a large part of a student's day, and can offer some support.

Creating a secure environment for learning is obviously a core task for schools and colleges, but is also therapeutic in itself for students.

By providing a structure in which the school/college day and week go on as usual, education staff can give students a familiar routine to hold on to.

Handling bereavement as a non-expert' can be a little like first aid: while doing nothing is hardly possible, doing entirely the wrong thing could be disastrous. Well-meaning expressions like crying won't bring them back' or you must pull yourself together', can do more harm than good.

Be sensitive to the religious and philosophical beliefs, or lack of them, of the student or their family.