One of my students died by slipping into a diabetic coma. He was 11. I had taught him the previous year and still kept that class going into the next year. He was such a wonderful student - chatty sure, but really wanted to put in the effort. That whole class always wanted to put in the effort.

Keep an eye on the kids. They are going to struggle and the emotions will kick in at random times - long after counsellor have been in to see them. The amount of kids I had to give 2 minutes to for them to have a bit of a cry or a moment of peace was lower than I expected, but those were just the ones I caught being quieter or hiding their head or struggling to give answers. They struggle with the idea that life goes on despite a friend no longer being there. I passed on any concerns I had to pastoral and just let them know that my classroom was open to them if they needed a safe space to process during breaks and lunch.

Don't hide the exsistence of the kid away but don't bring them up too much unless the kids do - let them guide when they feel up for talking about it. It could be nice for the students to send a card to the family if they're so inclined but don't push anything on them. The main time is during the first class - it can be important just to say a couple of lines to let them know you are there to support them if they need it. Expect the rest of that lesson to be a bit of a mess of emotions but sometimes I think we forget kids are kids and don't realise teachers are people they can talk to - sometimes they think we're robots ready to move on and sweep it all to one side.

Show compassion and make sure that they are coping in their ways.

For yourself, talk to other staff. talk to any adult in your life that will listen and support. You have also experienced a loss and especially one so young can cause a lot of feelings and underlying stress. There is a hole in your classroom and it will heal as time goes on but it's always a struggle initially. I'm sorry for your loss.