A hospital admission can affect the whole family. So it's important to get support if you can. Here are some things to consider if the admission is planned.

Keeping in touch.

Let school know as soon as possible about the admission so they can plan how best to support your child while they're away. 

Schools must follow guidance on reporting absence. They should have a policy on reporting absence so  find how and who you must contact while your child is away. 

If you have a key contact person, such as a class teacher or Head of year, keep them informed of any changes to agreed plans. 

School Work 

Someone at school will be responsible for collating work if the adsence is more than a couple of days. This might be arranged online using Google Classroom, Teams or by email. It's helpful if you can discuss this before the admission if it's planned, this will give staff time to get things organised. 

Discuss concerns

If you have any worries about your child being away or about their return to school after a hospital admission talk to someone at school. They may be able to help.

If there are siblings at the same school, it can be helpful to talk to the teacher or tutor of the sibling about the admission so they are aware and ready to support if the sibling finds things difficult or is worried. 

Contact hospital school teachers

If your child has repeated hospital admissions you're likely to know some of the hospital teaching staff. Let them know who the key contacts at your childs school so they can quicky contact them about work and your childs learning needs. 

If your child has special educational needs (SEND) and has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or a communication passport take an up to date copy to the hospital. This will help school and hospital staff. 

Contact the school before the return to arrange a meeting or share any information that will help your child settle in.

• You might need to update or complete an Individual Healthcare Plan.
• Set a return date and discuss if any reasonable adjustments need to be made. These could  include changes to uniform, late school starts, a lift pass, a leave class card, a part time timetable. 
• Discuss any medication and possible side effects. Arrangements will be needed to store and administer medicine. 
• It's really important to let school know of any changes following the hospital admission so they can update records and inform staff. 

Request support from medical or hospital school staff 

Some hospitals will arrange for medical or hospital school/tuition unit to go in and talk to school staff especially where a student's medical or mental health condition requires considerable planning or arrangements for a smooth transition back to school.

Check in with the school nurse

If the school has a  school nurse make sure they have the most up to date information. Talk to them about any worries you have. They may be able to reassure you or support you to talk to the right person at the school.

Discuss a plan for missed work

Simply expecting a young person to make up all missed work is unrealistic. That's why a co-ordinated plan is important. The SENDCO or other identified staff member is a good person to contact to ask who can help co-ordiate a plan.   

Missing work can be a real worry if it's an exam year. Plans may need to be made for exam access arrangements. In some circumstances talking about reducing the number of exams being taken may be helpful. It's really important the views of the student are central to these discussions and any agreements. 

If you have any concerns it's generally best to talk to school as soon as possible.