At Addenbrooke’s Hospital Education we provide education to children and young people admitted as inpatients for a wide range of physical health needs. Our dedicated and enthusiastic team of teachers and support staff provide the children and young people access to high quality education and support, ensuring that they are able to access education throughout their stay but also be given support they need to have a smooth transition back to school when they are ready to do so.
We provide daily lessons in a small group or 1:1 bedside setting for each child who is well enough to access learning. These are planned according to the frameworks of the National Curriculum and adapted to the individual needs of the child.
For long-term pupils this will usually involve regular liaison with the child’s school as well as daily communication with the family and the individual pupil during their stay. We place a strong emphasis on motivation, and take into account individual pupils’ interests, likes and dislikes and special needs so that each pupil is able to achieve and enjoy their learning.
We are available to support parents and pupils in planning the return to school and with any concerns regarding the continuity of schooling and, where relevant, exams.
We offer a personalised education service to all school-age children who stay in Addenbrooke’s Hospital for any length of time above two days. We are based in an office near two of the children’s wards, and teaching takes place both in the schoolroom and at the bedside, depending on the needs of the child. The school is open Monday-Friday 9.00-3.30pm during Cambridgeshire school terms.
The team comprises three teachers and one teaching assistant, who have a wide range of experience and skills across all Key Stages.
The teaching staff based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in conjunction with medical staff organise an annual Study Day which aims to provide support and information for staff involved with the education of pupils with cancer. The annual programme, which has been well received in previous years, includes talks by a consultant and senior nursing staff on the treatment, effects and outcomes, as well as contributions from a wide range of other professionals who care for young oncology patients, both in the hospital and the community.
During the day there is also the opportunity to discuss any problems which the young people themselves or their siblings may experience in school and to see some of the work completed by students whilst they are in hospital.
The event is held in November and schools eligible to attend will be sent an invitation during the first term of the academic year. Positive feedback on the importance and value of attending the event has been received.
