Information for Schools and Colleges

At the Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Children’s Hospital School provides education for inpatients between EYFS and KS5. Children and young people are admitted to the LRI for many different reasons, and on average will stay for approximately 2 weeks. However, some children may have a condition which requires frequent admissions to hospital, or an extended stay.

When a young person is admitted to the LRI, they will be offered school after the first week of their admission. Parents must complete a pupil information for in order for us to work with their child.  We are then able to contact the student’s home school and start working with them.  If the young person is too unwell, parents may choose not to enrol in the school or to delay enrolment until a later date. The education staff aim to marry academic and therapeutic progress by working closely with the medical professionals, families and schools.

HOW CAN SCHOOLS HELP?

• Nominate a named contact within school.
• Provide information about current topics, texts and themes.
• Provide an indication as to the current levels of attainment so that we can plan appropriate lessons.
• For students who may be missing key pieces of work whilst in hospital, for example a piece of coursework or exam, provide us with information.   We are often able to support the student in completing them.
• Keep in touch with student’s parents/carers and keep them in the loop re parents’ evenings, letters etc.

The Education Team at the LRI is made up of teachers and HLTAs. We have subject specialists in a number of areas and across all key stages.

We offer up to a maximum 5 hours of education/contact time a week. The actual amount of time will vary depending upon the needs of the child at any one time.  Most of our lessons are taught 1:1 at the bedside to a programme specifically designed for each student.  Homework is only set if the young person is considered well enough to engage with it.

We endeavour to send any completed work home with the student following their discharge. Should they have been in hospital for an extended period, we will send a report to the parents and to the school about their progress during their lessons.

Schools/colleges are welcome to visit their student by prior arrangement with the family.  Should you have any questions about your student, do not hesitate to contact us at the office by phone or by email.