Alice Ward has an open-plan area suitable for both wheelchair and bed access. There is also flexibility to support patients at their bedside when this may be the most suitable option.

The Hospital Educational Coordinator monitors the educational provision for patients and establishes that they have an educational provider. The Hospital Educational Coordinator supports young people from Year R to Year 11, although not curriculum specialists, they facilitate learning with access to whole service resources at TMBSS. Assessments from TMBSS can be used as required, and further specialist advice obtained from TMBSS subject coordinators as required.

An initial meeting introduces the service to the patient and their parent/carer. This also enables the gathering of relevant medical and educational information, allowing for an understanding of the impact a patient’s medical condition and treatment may have upon their access to education.                                                                                                    

The Hospital Educational Coordinator works with patients to provide a highly flexible approach to their education, balancing medical needs and treatment with mental health and well-being. Communication and liaison with the usual school setting allows for an awareness of information regarding a patient’s strengths and difficulties, attendance, and any safeguarding concerns. This also provides an opportunity to request the provision of appropriate subject work.

The Hospital Educational Coordinator follows up any concerns raised by ward staff related to a patient’s education and acts as a link between medical staff and schools. Working in partnership with the patient, family, medical staff, school and other agencies, the Hospital Educational Coordinator helps to ensure a supportive, positive plan going forward once discharged from hospital.

The Hospital Educational Coordinator spends time with patients, parents and carers throughout their admission to develop positive relationships based on respect, listening, supporting and trust. Patients emotional wellbeing can fluctuate, they may be experiencing pain- both emotionally and physically, appear highly anxious, frustrated or low in mood. This is recognised by staff and responded to appropriately within a holistic, nurturing, and positive environment.

The nature of our educational provision endeavours to maintain a sense of normality for patients whilst in hospital, celebrating their achievements and successes, encouraging resilience and independence.                               

For those patients transitioning back into school after an extended absence, the Hospital Educational Coordinator works in partnership with the patient, family, medical staff, school, and other agencies. This is to ensure a supportive, smooth transition which acknowledges challenges faced by the patient and helps to motivate and nurture their self-esteem and confidence.

The Hospital Educational Coordinator completes a daily record of the intent, implementation and impact of sessions. This reflects the emotional and social impact as well as academic outcomes. Attendance is also recorded on an electronic register. A weekly returns sheet is completed summarising the support provided by the Hospital Educational Coordinator and shared with the Senior Leadership Team at TMBSS. Contact with the patient’s usual school continues throughout the admission.

Ongoing, effective communication is maintained as the Hospital Educational Coordinator attends daily morning handover meetings with nursing staff and physiotherapists.                                                                                                                             

The Hospital Educational Coordinator works closely with other agencies and professionals who are involved with each patient including Medical Staff, Physiotherapy Teams and the Specialist Transition Nurse, attends a monthly Paediatric Clinical Working Party Group and MDT Meetings for Spinal Injury patients.

A collaborative working partnership exists between Hospital Educational Coordinators at RJAH and PRH hospitals, with the sharing of good practice. Regular meetings are held between both practitioners and TMBSS and include:

• Half-termly meetings with TMBSS Line Manager & TMBSS Executive Head.            
• Half-termly in-person meetings /Huddle meetings via Teams between RJAH & PRH Hospital Educational Coordinators.                                                                             
• Attendance at TMBSS Teaching, Learning & Assessment Working Party
• Attendance at TMBSS whole service staff meetings and training sessions.
• Liaison with a patient’s usual school facilitates ongoing communication throughout their admission.