CHILDREN at a Southampton school are being comforted after an eight-year-old pupil mysteriously died suddenly.

Teachers said Shanique Edwards’ “wonderful smile” will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Pupils at Ludlow Junior School in Woolston have been offered support to help deal with her “sudden and unexpected” death.

An inquest has been opened into the tragedy, but so far no official reason for the youngster passing away has been given.

Staff at the Peveril Road school said that Shanique was “a very friendly, supportive and kind member of Year 4”.

Earlier this term, Shanique had been named as a ‘Ludlow Superstar’ in the school’s reward scheme after being nominated by class teachers for her good behaviour.

Children were informed of the sad news of her death in special classes, and letters have been sent to all parents telling them of the tragedy.

Alongside Shanique’s family, teachers said they are working with youngsters to plan the best ways to remember her in school.

Several tributes have been paid to the youngster on social networking sites, with messages of condolence to her mother, Keesha Edwards, of Thornhill.

Ludlow Junior School head teacher Simon Watkins said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very distressing time.

“We have encouraged the pupils to be kind and considerate to each other and to understand that some pupils and adults may appear upset at times in the near future.

“As the Ludlow Junior School community this is a time for all of us to join together to support each other as we deal with this tragic news.”

The 500-pupil school, which was praised earlier this year by Ofsted inspectors for having a “very positive climate” in which youngsters feel safe, has called in experts from Southampton’s educational psychology team to support staff in talking to children upset about the tragedy.

Pupils identified as being particularly affected by the distressing news are being given individual or group support in a bid to help them cope.

An inquest into the circumstances of Shanique’s death, at Southampton General Hospital on November 16, was opened this week at Southampton Coroner’s Court.