Introduction

At the Leicester Royal Infirmary, we aim to engage inpatients of school age in learning whilst they are in hospital.  Our key aim is to minimise the impact of their stay in hospital on their education and wellbeing, allowing them to keep up to date with their classmates and the learning that they are missing out on in school. Most young people are taught on a one-to-one basis due to medical needs.  This enables us to develop personalised programmes for each student, helping us to meet their individual academic and emotional needs.

“At the LRI, staff are adept at ensuring plans are put in place rapidly to support their education provision. The learning journeys are highly effective in demonstrating personalised learning, supporting with transition and capturing the rich curriculum across all key stages” (Challenge Partners QA Review – April 2023)

CONTEXT

At the Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Education Team provides education and support across nine children’s wards for young people aged 4-18 years.  They work closely with a student’s own school to plan an appropriate curriculum which meets their academic and current health needs.

The average length of stay is around 2 weeks, however there are a number of young people who stay for significantly longer, or are regularly admitted for treatment.  Education is available to students after the first week of their admission, provided they are well enough to engage. The education team liaise with parents and medical staff to devise an offer which is suitable for them. Currently we are able to offer up to 5 hours of education per week, taught on a 1:1 basis.

OFSTED

We are delighted with the feedback from our most recent (October 2023) Ofsted inspection:

‘Staff accurately assess what pupils do and do not know on pupils’ first admission to the school. They then use this to design a personalised, broad, and balanced curriculum, carefully. Over time, pupils make striking progress through the curriculum. This progress is also seen in their engagement in learning, self-esteem, communication and interaction. Staff show high levels of understanding and empathy towards pupils’ social, emotional, and mental health needs.’

Children’s Hospital School University Hospitals of Leicester – NHS Trust Leicester Royal Infirmary – Leicester LE1 5WW
Tel: 0116 497 9993