HOSPITAL EDUCATION, TUITION AND OUTREACH SERVICE (HETOS)
Our staff of Primary and Secondary trained teachers can provide expert teaching in a range of subjects, with the aim of creating an enriching and enjoyable learning experience for all pupils. Staff liaise directly with schools to maintain continuity and progression. We seek to provide through education some normality through a child's time of illness and help to reduce their anxieties about school work.
What happens when a referral has been accepted?
Once a referral from a school, with a supporting medical professional's letter, has been accepted, an initial meeting is called by the home school/academy with representation from HETOS, parents/carers and other appropriate professionals to set up a personalised plan, for an initial period of assessment, and the intended outcome. A reintegration timeline will also be agreed as soon as possible.
What information does school need to provide?
The school is responsible for providing the HETOS staff with information about: prior and predicted attainment, current curriculum delivery and entry for any external examinations. A curriculum advice form will be issued by HETOS for school to complete prior to tuition commencing. A key member of staff is identified from the home school who will liaise with the HETOS tutor.
How often is tuition reviewed?
A review meeting is usually held once every 6 weeks with key stakeholders in attendance: parent/carer, school representative, Associate Lead/Tutor from HETOS. This meeting could be brought forward if required. In addition, a regular ILP will be sent to parents/carers and the home school to report on progress.
When does tuition start?
The tutor will arrange with the family the best times for lessons to take place and start as soon as they have received the completed curriculum advice form from school.
What we can offer?
HETOS can provide:
- Direct teaching and tracking of progress back to school
- Support and mentoring to students with a medical need
- Support reintegration/transition when returning to education
- Advice and support to schools according to individual case needs
- Liaison with appropriate educational, medical and health colleagues to promote a joint approach to decisions about the educational needs of the student
- Advice for exceptional cases when a student is not on roll at a maintained school. Each case is discussed involving HETOS admissions teams as necessary. Examples include: a student attends school in the independent sector, a student with a medical need who has recently moved into the County and is awaiting a place in a school, a student is awaiting a place at a suitable school after a medical condition which has significantly altered his/her physical, cognitive, or communication and educational needs.
It is not usual that students from special schools are referred to HETOS as special school staff are usually best placed to meet these students’ needs. However, each case is discussed on an individual basis.
There may be some instances where it may appropriate or necessary for HETOS to withdraw support. Examples of this are, students who do not attend when medically able or refuse to co-operate with medical, therapeutic, psychological advice or treatment regimes. In these circumstances a final report or letter will be sent to the school and parents or carers, and we will endeavour to work with other professionals to identify a more appropriate educational provision. HETOS cannot support young people beyond the statutory leaving date, but we will liaise with other agencies in the transition process eg. IAG support.