Learning through health challenges
NURTURE INFORMATION HUB
Evidence
Lum A, Wakefield CE, Donnan B, Burns MA, Fardell JE, Marshall GM.
Abstract: Serious chronic illness can have a detrimental effect on school attendance, participation and engagement, leaving affected students at risk of failing to meet their developmental potential. An improved understanding of factors that help to explain or mitigate this risk can help educators and health professionals deliver the most effective support.
Education
Children born premature or sick may have more health challenges during childhood than children born full term and healthy. They may be more likely to get chest infections, such as pneumonia, and common illnesses affecting the nose, throat and sinuses. Some children may need to go to hospital for treatment.
Many children born premature or sick do not have long-term health or developmental concerns. However, knowing about possible challenges during the school years can help families feel informed and ready to support their child if extra help is needed.
Many states have hospital school services linked to children's hospitals. Qualified teachers provide education in hospital classrooms, at the bedside or online while a child is in hospital or unable to attend their usual school. Referrals are usually made by your child's healthcare team or ward staff.
Continuing school during illness or a hospital stay can help children keep a routine, stay connected with learning and friends, and support their emotional wellbeing.
Hospital Schools Around Australia
Hospital schools across Australia are organisational members of the Health Educators Learners & Parents (HELP) Alliance where a directory can help in locating hospital schools in your location.
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
- School of Special Educational Needs: Medical & Mental Health (SSEN:MMH) is a statewide, inclusive K-12 school with a main administrative centre at the Perth Children's Hospital and multiple campuses across WA. This includes regional CAMHS clinics, outreach available to all WA hospitals and online classes for learning at home over authorised periods.
New South Wales
Victoria
Northern Territory
ACT
Tasmania
Ronald Mcdonald house has a free Learning Program that supports over 1,620 students each week, helping them catch up on missed education and making the return to school less stressful. Ill or injured children and their siblings have access and most children will receive up to four terms of one-on-one tuition with a qualified teacher, plus an educational assessment, speech, or occupational therapy if needed.
To find out more visit https://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.au/how-we-can-help/learning-program/
In-home support
Sometimes, children cannot attend school for a period of time due to their health but are not sick enough to be in hospital. During these times, learning can continue at home.
In-home support can look different depending on your child’s needs:
- Hospital or Department of Education outreach teachers may provide learning at home if your child is unable to attend school for medical reasons.
- Online learning may be offered by your child’s school or hospital school.
- In Home Care (IHC) is a government-supported program that provides early learning in your home. If you are eligible a trained educator works one-on-one with your child, based on your family’s needs and routine.
When children are well enough, support should focus on helping them stay connected to their school and return when ready.
Good communication between your child’s school, any home-based educators and your family help keep learning consistent and supportive.
Empowerment
If your child has been away from school due to illness, hospitalisation or ongoing medical appointments, planning their return gently and gradually can make a big difference to their confidence and wellbeing. Returning to school after time away can feel overwhelming for some children, both academically and socially, so taking small steps can help ease the transition.
Working together with your child’s teacher, school wellbeing staff and where involved, the hospital-school team can help create a supportive return-to-school plan tailored to your child’s needs. This may include shorter school days to begin with, rest breaks during the day, reduced workload, flexibility with homework, extra learning support, or a quiet space your child can access if they become tired or overwhelmed.
Open communication between families, schools and healthcare teams can help ensure everyone understands your child’s strengths, challenges and recovery needs. It can also help teachers recognise when adjustments may be needed as your child rebuilds stamina, confidence and routine.
Useful Links
Perth Children’s Hospital
https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-patients-and-visitors/During-your-stay/School-in-hospital
The Royal Children’s hospital, Melbourne
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Chronic_illness_and_school/
Australia’s leading home care agency (ALHCA)
https://www.australiasleadinghomecareagency.com.au
The Kids Research Institute
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Confirmation Content
Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances.To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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