News & Updates

An Outstanding Service

The paediatric services provided by the team on Ipswich Hospital’s Children’s Ward have recently been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) pediatric services team provide care to babies, children and young people at Ipswich Hospital. Providing education for young patients as part of this team, are the teachers from the Ipswich Hospital School.

The Ipswich Hospital School is a satellite school of the Raedwald Trust, and provides education for pupils who are in-patients on the paediatric wards of The Ipswich Hospital in a dedicated school room.

Within their report, the CQC gave a special mention to the education provided to young people at the hospital, stating that children do not fall behind with their education when they have to spend a long time on the ward.

The school room on Boxford Ward provides education for any school-age child, offering tuition and activities based on the National Curriculum.

The team also help children who may be missing exams due to being in hospital – a number of young people have taken GCSE and A Level exams in the school room.

Kate Kingsford-Bere, Hospital School Lead Teacher, said: “The children are going through a lot when they come to hospital so we try to make it a very calm and positive experience for them all.

“We don’t have medical intervention here, it’s very separate from the ward. It makes it ‘normal’ for the children and parents find it very supportive too.

“We are delighted with the ‘Outstanding’ rating – we always do our best to give the young people the best possible educational opportunities. I’m really proud of the team.”

For more detailed information about the report, click here to visit the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust website.

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