Returning to school after a hospital admission

Communication is important when returning to school after medical treatment. When your child returns to school after an operation or procedure, school staff will need to be informed of any changes in your child’s health needs or special educational needs (SEN) provision.   

Parents and carers are often the first line of communication on return to school.  

A Return to School Meeting is a good idea to update staff on changes. This could include teachers, support staff, dinner supervisors and transport escorts 

An Individual Healthcare Plan or IHP could be required to alert staff to your child’s health needs.  

The head teacher, classroom teacher, and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo) will need to know the health details and the possible effects of the medical treatment your child has received in hospital.   

Teachers form a crucial link to the school for parents and carers and should share information whilst maintaining your child’s privacy. 

Teachers also like to be made aware of changes in a child’s needs or particular approaches that you have been advised of by health professionals.  

If a child has hydrocephalus, staff should be made aware of some of the possible effects of an operation connected with hydrocephalus. Some of these effects may not emerge until weeks or months later.  

The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for England makes explicit the need for parents and educational professionals to work in partnership. Keeping lines of communication open will benefit everyone. 

Useful information to share on return to school 

• Have any sensory difficulties emerged after the medical procedure? 
• Are there any physical difficulties that might affect your child in school, such as access to classrooms or PE lessons? 
• Are there any activities such as school trips that might be difficult? 
• Does your child have any difficulties with concentration or communication? 
• Does your child have any therapy requirements, which might have an impact at school? 
• Are any special devices or equipment required? 
• Does personal care need extra supervision?  
• Should prescribed medication be given at school? 
• Does your child have seizures? 
• Are there any safety precautions to take? 
• Do you have any particular concerns about the return to school?  
• Are there siblings at the school, who may be affected by all the changes that have taken place? 

Advice to give to school staff 

You may notice changes in your child so you may need to advise teachers to: 

• Be flexible as your child settles back into the routine of school 
• Be prepared to change your child’s learning programme or assignments 
• Celebrate any improvements, no matter how small they may be 
• Continue to monitor progress, looking for ways to maintain engagement in activities 
• Communicate with you about progress through a more detailed home/school diary system, as well as regular face-to-face meetings
• Keep in mind structure and routine  
• Use reminders and memory aids 
• Give extra guidance to maintain concentration 
• Provide greater care when communicating instructions and giving feedback 
• Be aware of changes in social and emotional needs 
• Maintain good hydration and nutrition 
• Pay your child greater attention when moving around school where balance, co-ordination and tiredness are concerned. 

If you are concerned about any changes in your child’s health, then contact their medical team. For further advice, information or support once your child’s health has stabilised contact Shine.