Parents and carers of children who have been diagnosed with cancer often have many questions about school and education. Keeley McEvoy, Lead Assistant Headteacher of the Medical Needs Teaching Service working at Leeds Children’s Hospital, explains more about what to expect from hospital teaching, ongoing education support and transitioning back to school.
Naomi Duxbury’s daughter, Mia, was aged four when diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September 2021. Here, she tells us about the importance of working closely with Mia’s school to create a safe, supportive and ‘normal’ learning environment for her.
Lauren Bryce’s son, Alfie, had just begun his final year of school when he was diagnosed with leukaemia, aged 15. Here, she tells us about their struggles with the education system after his diagnosis and what could have helped him as he prepared to take his GCSEs.
Parents of children who have been diagnosed with cancer often have many questions surrounding schooling and education. Lucy Gwynne, Neuro-Oncology Lead Cancer Nurse Specialist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, explains more about what to expect.
Research project: Access to and experience of education for children and adolescents with cancer: a scoping review consultation exercise
Sophie Angell, 15, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in November 2018. She tells us about her return to school, what she’s learned from her experiences and offers some advice to others.
Here, a teacher shares their experience of having a child with cancer in their school and how they’ve created a safe, supportive and, importantly, ‘normal’ environment for them.
Going back to school can be scary for both you and your child, but it’s important for their mental wellbeing. It helps them to feel ‘normal’ and lessens the isolation and loneliness which many children with cancer face. It gives structure to their day, a focus on the future and is where they can learn and develop social skills and make friends.
Kerry Brown, mum to Felix who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in 2016, explains how her family navigated the challenges of Felix’s education during treatment
