James Cook University Hospital

At River Tees Hospital School, we are dedicated to engaging school-age inpatients in learning while they receive ongoing medical treatment. Our goal is to minimise the impact of their illness on their education and wellbeing, ensuring they stay connected with their learning during their time in the hospital.

To achieve this, we provide tailored educational support to patients who are admitted to the hospital. Teaching is primarily conducted on a one-to-one basis at the bedside, allowing our staff to develop personalised learning programmes that cater to each child’s unique needs.

For patients who are medically able, we also encourage participation in small group educational settings based on the ward. This collaborative approach helps foster a supportive learning environment, enabling pupils to continue their education and maintain their academic progress while in hospital.

At James Cook, River Tees Hospital School provides educational support across two wards. While the average length of stay is less than one week, we recognise that some children may require longer periods of treatment or have frequent admissions.

Our education staff cater to children aged 5-18.

Whenever possible, the education team collaborates with the child’s home school to plan a curriculum that addresses both academic and emotional needs.

Education is available to pupils starting the day after their admission, provided they are well enough to engage. Our staff work closely with parents and medical professionals to create an individualised educational offer that is tailored to each child’s circumstances.

Curriculum

At River Tees Hospital School, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, caring, and nurturing environment where our pupils can thrive. We maintain high expectations for all learners while being considerate and sensitive to their medical and emotional needs, inspiring them to achieve their best.

Our curriculum is bespoke and tailored to the interests of our pupils. We take the time to build strong relationships with each child and their families during their hospital stay. By developing professional links with their home schools and external agencies, we ensure that everyone involved is regularly updated on the pupil’s progress. This collaborative approach facilitates a smooth transition back to their mainstream school or alternative provision upon discharge.

Each intervention programme is uniquely designed to strike a balance between academic support, emotional wellbeing, and the requirements of the child’s medical care package.

Celebrating Bravery Beyond the Classroom

We’d like to honour the incredible courage and resilience of our pupils who continue their education while receiving treatment in hospital.

Our classrooms don’t always have four walls. Sometimes, they have heart monitors, IV poles and teddy bears.

In Hospital School, courage is forever part of our curriculum!

These incredible young people are not only facing significant health challenges – they are also choosing to continue their learning, with resilience and hope every single day.

It’s nothing short of inspirational!

Learning from a hospital bed takes more than academic ability – it takes bravery, patience, and an inner strength. We are so proud of every single pupil who faces these medical challenges head-on and so grateful to our passionate, skilled staff who ensure that education remains a constant. 

The pupils in our Hospital School are an inspiration. Their dedication reminds us of all the true meaning of perseverance.

To our pupils: you are the definition of courage.
To our families and NHS colleagues: thank you for walking beside them.
To our staff: you make the impossible possible.

Curriculum

Celebrating Bravery Beyond the Classroom

In Hospital School, courage is forever part of our curriculum!

It’s nothing short of inspirational!

Here’s to celebrating the quiet courage that often goes unseen, but never unfelt.

Let’s keep creating spaces where learning can meet recovery.