Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department provides to schools on supporting siblings of children with life-threatening or terminal illness; and whether this includes consideration of partnership working with community-based social palliative care services.

The department recognises the significant impact that serious or life‑threatening illness can have on children and their families, including siblings. Schools play an important role in supporting pupils through these difficult moments in life through the pastoral care they provide. While the department does not issue specific guidance on supporting siblings of children with life‑threatening or terminal illness, a range of departmental guidance on issues like safeguarding, disabilities, mental health, and wellbeing set expectations that schools should identify and support pupils facing additional challenges, including those arising from family circumstances. Schools are also encouraged to work with relevant local services where appropriate, including health and social care partners, to ensure pupils and families can access the support they need.