Admissions
Alder Hey is one of the busiest children’s hospitals in Europe covering the Northwest of England, North Wales, and the Isle of Man. 
Children present with a wide variety of complex medical conditions for which they may spend long, short, or recurring periods in hospital.

Who do we teach?
We teach inpatients of statutory school age – up to 19 for those children with an EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) – and who meet one or more of the criteria listed below. Our aim is to teach your child if he/she:

• Is likely to be in hospital longer than 15 days
• Has a recurring or chronic illness/diagnosis
• Has a Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)
• Is following an examination course and due to take exams that year (e.g. SATs, GCSE)

Teachers monitor ward lists daily and may come and see parent/guardian to offer lessons.
The length of teaching sessions is variable and depends on a number of factors including children’s medical conditions, emotional and psychological issues, and length of admission period.

Our Teaching Areas

Wards
Patients are taught at the bedside on a one to one basis. The length of a teaching session will vary depending on age, ability level, and medical/emotional need.

Oncology Unit
Oncology patients attend the classroom and/or are taught at the bedside depending on their medical conditions.

The Neurological Rehabilitation Education and Assessment Unit.
Patients are referred by the Head Injury Rehabilitation Team or Consultant Neurologist and a timetable is planned for them to attend the unit classroom.

Sunflower House
In-Patients attend the classroom base within the unit on a daily basis.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
We have a dedicated SEND team which aims to meet the needs of patients with special needs and disabilities.

Curriculum 
Teachers focus on English, Maths, and children’s special interest subjects according to National Curriculum guidelines and maintain continuity with pupils’ own school work where possible.

Particular consideration is given to those children studying for SATs and GCSE examinations that year.
Activities and targets for pupils in the specialist units are planned according to need.

Where applicable, post 16 pupils are supported to enable them to continue to progress with their educational targets including:

• Arranging examinations 
• Providing laptops and iPads with access to the internet
• Liaising with schools or colleges

ICT and Resources
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is integral to the delivery of the curriculum, along with a wide variety of paper-based and practical resources. Teachers use laptops, iPads, and a range of educational software, including games and puzzles, to make learning fun – particularly important for children and young people in hospital.
In the classroom bases, pupils experience the latest technology such as interactive iBoards, touch screens, and switches.
Pupils are encouraged to maintain links with their teachers and peers online via their school websites and virtual learning environments.

Public Examinations
Where appropriate, arrangements can be made to enable pupils to take part in external examinations while in hospital.