WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL
The Devon Hospitals Short Stay School provides education for children in hospital in Devon.
We teach on two sites
Bramble Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter
Caroline Thorpe Ward at the North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple
We also have our Home Tuition and Outreach service which offers continuity of education for young people who are unable to attend school. Our aim is to support them as they get better and help them build their confidence to return to their own school. This is based at the West Exe Children's Centre but we also work in homes and remotely.
Mission Statement
Devon Hospitals Short Stay School aims to ensure that young people have their right to education preserved whilst they are unable to attend their home school for medical reasons. DHSSS is committed to providing a personalised education that meets social, emotional and physical aspects of the young person’s needs within a safe, positive and nurturing educational environment. It aims to:
- keep the young person in contact with the familiar world of school,
- provide an enriching and stimulating curriculum,
- promote social integration wherever possible,
- help pupils to keep up with schoolwork and make the best possible progress,
- support pupils in their return to a school.
- Provide support for families where needed.
Safeguarding is a high priority at our school. As employers we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and, in that regard, have appropriate policies and procedures in place.
If you would like to find out more about our school or discuss any aspect of our provision, please contact the Head teacher, Julia Allen at the Exeter site. (01392 402675)
Paper copies of any information on our website can be provided should you require it in this format. Please contact the Head teacher, Julia Allen or our administrator, Karen Squires, for details.
Latest News
We are in! We have just moved into our new accommodation at the West Exe Children's Centre. Hooray! As well as classroom we have a kitchen and use of the lovely grounds. There are lots of green spaces close by too! Here we'll be able to offer social and learning opportunities to our outreach pupils as well as a place for parents to check in.
We are surrounded by boxes as we speak but hope to be sorted in the next few weeks.
- On line safety
Please find a link to Thinkunow resources, just click on the heading. - PHONICS
RWI Phonic sessions via you tube follow the link for times and details. - TELESCOPE Scopes4SEN have granted the school a telescope! For more information look at their website here
- THEATRE ALIBI have kindly produced and donated an animation and short film to the school all about life in space. A fantastic resource, thank you!
Staff News
We are pleased to welcome 3 of our teachers on a more permanent basis this year.
Anna Breen has been appointed as our Outreach Coordinator and will be working hard on that side of things. Penny Myles and Sue Beasley have been appointed on 0.5 contracts across the service so you may see them in any number of places!
We are delighted that Sam Collett, Carol Walters, Naomi Alexander and Natasha Turner will continue working with us on a casual basis; we'd also like to welcome Tina Parkin who will join them!
The garden takes shape at the RDE with many thanks to..
Izzy, Paul and Thomas for their voluntary efforts,
Hele's Trust fund that has funded this work,
and Ikea for their kind donation.
We have now joined the 21st Century and have a Facebook page! Thanks Jo and Kat!
Find us at https://www.facebook.com/Devonhospitalsshortstayschool
Comments from parents and pupils
'I have been so impressed with the effort Kat and Jo have gone to, to get my teenager working every day. I'm thrilled he finished his maths work set by school and learnt new skills with these fabulous ladies!'
'Thank you for the amazing care, enthusiasm and understanding while attending your school'
'The school has been a real life line this week and a fantastic distraction between treatments.'
'The school helped my daughter with her confidence and independence.'
'My son had lots of opportunities to do anything school related but fun.'
'I felt as though if I didn't know something I wouldn't feel embarrassed to ask.'
'I actually enjoyed that maths"
'The school is a fantastic asset to Bramble Ward'
'I'm positive that my daughters stay has been made more enjoyable and productive'
'Thank you for the great support'
'You were all very kind and helpful'
Events
Keep checking our website for updated news and events.
Mental Health Awareness Week 10-16th May
Get Back to Nature!
There are lots of tips about how to do that here:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Ikea kindly donated trellises and some other useful items for the garden.
