Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Children’s Centre

Teaching hours and subjects: 

Engagement in education is offered from day one of admission; Monday to Friday, from 9.00am - 3.30pm. 

Between day 1-3 of admission (whilst your child is receiving their initial treatment) we will provide them with a range of engagement activities: an age-appropriate activity pack; a book from the Read for Good Charity trolley; quizzes and games, or a ‘getting to know you’ activity with one of the teachers. You are also very welcome to come and say ‘hello’ and familiarise yourselves with the School Room, if you feel that your child is well enough to access. Our teachers are very attuned and experienced with helping students with health issues access educational activities. We are here to talk to parents and students and see how we can help. 

Whenever your child feels able, or from day four of admission (and for any long-term or recurrent pupils) we will provide 1:1 teaching by the bedside or classroom activities based on the timetable below which includes all curriculum subjects alongside wellbeing projects. 

 Our Timetable: 

Access to learning 

The School Room is totally inclusive, providing personalised educational support for all children medically able to access learning, regardless of their mobility or ability.  

We have introduced a sensory tent for students who prefer a quiet space to work or read. We use Makaton signs and Widget symbols to support communication.  

For students with PMLD, we have a range of resources to support their learning. These include sensory stories, Bag Books, story massage, switch-activated toys, music therapy, and sound panels. We have strong links with special schools in the area and will liaise with them when a student is admitted to GRH.  

Our teaching staff work collaboratively with parents/carers, home schools and health professionals to ensure that the educational needs, health and emotional wellbeing of students are met.  

Evening and Weekend Resources 

The teachers have provided Key Stage appropriate activities for outside of school hours.  

These can be found outside the Playroom. Please help yourselves, and pop into the School Room to show us what you’ve done when we are next open. 

Examinations 

Examinations can be taken in GRH Children’s Centre if approved by the medical staff and your child's mainstream school. 

Discharge from hospital 

On being discharged from hospital, those students who are too unwell to return to school (for a period of three weeks or more) may be referred to GHES Outpatients Team by a consultant or tier three CAMHs practitioner, or by a school submitting a Section 19 referral.