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.
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.
Mr Robert Wheeler, Consultant Neonatal & Paediatric Surgeon at Southampton Children’s Hospital whose main interest is children’s cancer surgery, tells us how his passion for watercolour painting helps educate and inform families about procedures.
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
Research project: Access to and experience of education for children and adolescents with cancer: a scoping review consultation exercise
Louise Robinson, Neuro-Oncology Outreach Nurse Specialist at East Midlands Children’s and Young Persons’ Integrated Cancer Service, tells us about educational support for young brain tumour patients.
Leukaemia, lockdown and learning… Vicky Newman, whose daughter Alexandra has leukaemia, writes on how lockdown actually helped to reduce gaps in Alex’s education and the isolation she had felt previously when away from school.
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.
The specialist learning mentor for the Medical Needs Teaching Service (MNTS) at Leeds Children’s Hospital (LCH), talks to us about his role supporting young cancer patients
