We are honoured to welcome Deborah Leek Bailey OBE, a distinguished figure in the realm of education and grief support. Deborah is a leadership consultant (DLB Leadership) and also Director of Schools for the Education Development Trust.
With a rich background as a teacher, headteacher, government advisor, and education advisor for Child Bereavement UK, Deborah brings a wealth of experience and compassion to our discussion on the critical intersection of grief, education, and societal support at a critical time.
Throughout the episode, Deborah shares her journey from witnessing the profound impact of death and bereavement on children within educational settings to her pivotal roles in shaping policies and support systems that address these challenges head-on.
Her insights into the necessity of proactive versus reactive conversations about death, the development of bereavement policies in schools, and the importance of embedding death education into the national curriculum are both enlightening and thought-provoking.
Deborah's stories and reflections underscore the profound need for a societal shift towards greater openness, understanding, and support for those navigating the complex journey of grief.
From the tragic loss of a child on a school trip to the nuanced emotions surrounding difficult familial relationships, Deborah highlights the diverse experiences of grief and the critical role educators play in providing a compassionate and informed response.
As we delve into the potential for policy changes and the importance of age-appropriate grief education, this episode serves as a powerful call to action for more compassionate, informed, and inclusive approaches to death and bereavement support within our schools and communities – which we hope to soon achieve.
Join us as we explore how, through collective effort and shared understanding, we can foster a society better equipped to support each other in times of loss and grief.
