Experiences of School for Patients at Evelina London

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Exploring the experience of school for patients at Evelina London and the supportive role of the Evelina Hospital School.

• IRAS ID

  190681

• Contact name

  Melinda Edwards

• Contact email

  melinda.edwards@gstt.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Guys and St Thomas' Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 2 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  The latest policies from the Department for Education on inclusion and equality for pupils with medical conditions provide guidance for how to support these children at school alongside managing their health condition. However, there is little published evidence about these children's experiences of school and whether they are receiving sufficient support to achieve their potential.

  The purpose of this research study is twofold; firstly to conduct an extended needs assessment exploring the educational challenges and needs of children served by Evelina London Children’s Hospital (henceforth referred to as ELCH), taking into account the views of patients, parents, clinical healthcare staff and education professionals. We aim to highlight examples of good practice where children have been well supported in managing their medical condition alongside their school life, as well as identifying areas that participants feel could be improved upon and how these improvements might be implemented.
  The second purpose of this study is to explore the role of the Evelina Hospital School in supporting the ELCH population with their education. We aim to highlight opportunities for the Evelina Hospital School to develop its expert role in supporting children to optimise their potential at school.

  The study design includes 3 components; a survey for parents of patients at ELCH about their child's experiences of school, a survey for staff members at schools children regularly attend when at home (henceforth referred to as home schools) who are responsible for looking after children with extra needs in school (such as Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinators or equivalent roles, henceforth referred to as SENDCo’s), as well as focus groups for primary school and secondary school aged patients at ELCH.

  This study is being funded by the Evelina Hospital School.

• REC name

  London - Central Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  16/LO/0715

• Date of REC Opinion

  6 May 2016

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion