About our school

We understand that having a child face significant health challenges and hospitalisation is an extremely trying and complex journey to navigate. Compounded by the disruptions it can cause with work and education for the whole family, it’s a lot. We want to reassure you that you are not alone. We are here to guide and support you (and your child/ren) with expertise and empathy, every step of the way.

At The Hospital School, we believe every learner deserves to be supported, stay connected, and make meaningful progress in their education—no matter their circumstances.

As part of the NSW Department of Education, and Co-located in Westmead Children's Hospital, we collaborate closely with families, census schools and healthcare teams to deliver adaptive learning pathways personalised to each student. These prioritise the key educational milestones in their individual curriculums and are always guided by the wellbeing of the ‘whole child’.

Through a ‘Shared Enrolment’ process, we provide continuity of learning for students (and siblings by arrangement) while they are receiving treatment in hospital. By inspiring them to stay actively engaged in their learning journey, fostering opportunities for connection and empowering them to grow safely with purpose and thrive, we strive to minimise the impact on their broader educational journey.

Vision

At The Hospital School at Westmead, we envision a learning community where every learner—regardless of health challenges or circumstances—is empowered to thrive through adaptive, personalised, and expansive learning approaches that inspire agency, foster connection, and support meaningful growth. Aligned with the NSW Plan for Public Education, we are committed to equity and excellence by providing inclusive, flexible education that recognises and nurtures each student’s unique potential, including those with high abilities through High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE). We strive to create a compassionate, safe environment where students can continue their educational journey with confidence and purpose, wherever they are on their health and learning pathway.

Values

Fluidity- Navigating the challenges of constant flux to meet out learners unique and evolving needs by flowing responsively and purposefully around obstacles toward openings and opportunity.
Agency- Advocating for the autonomy and voice of every learner. By empowering them to stay actively engaged and invested in their learning; it becomes a journey of purpose, confidence, self-determination and growth.
Connection- Cultivating belonging through meaningful connection. Empowering our learners to stay engaged, enrich their progress, grow with purpose and thrive as they navigate their unique learning journey.
Expansion- Delivering expansive learning experiences that channel curiosity encourage exploration, ignite creativity; inspiring learners to safely discover unchartered possibilities, opportunities and potential.

Who we support

The Hospital School at Westmead supports children, young people and families who are admitted to both The Childrens Hospital at Westmead and Westmead Hospital for medical treatment. We cater to students of all school ages and backgrounds, including those with short-term or long-term hospital stays. Our school ensures that every student continues their education during their time in hospital, helping them to stay engaged and make a smooth transition back to their census school when they are ready.

Medical Teams we work with

Psychological Medicine
Eating Disorder
Gastro
Renal
Endocrinology
Hall Ward
General Medicine
Westmead Adults Eating Disorder and Mental Health
Brain Injury Rehab
Oncology
Adolescent Medicine
Deafness Centre
CICADA
CAYAH

Allied Health Teams we work with

Child Life Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Speech Therapy
Long Term Ventilation
Infection Control
WHS
Social Workers

Government and Non Government Agencies we work with

Child Wellbeing
NSW DoE Team Around The School
NSW Health School Link
Ronald McDonald Learning Program

How our school works

We collaborate closely with families, census schools, and medical teams to ensure each child experiences continuity in their education. Enrolment support is available from our school staff or in consultation with the patient and families medical team. Once enrolled, our staff work collaboratively with medical teams, census schools, and families to develop Individual Education Plans tailored to each student’s unique learning needs, ensuring the best possible educational experience. When students leave The Hospital School, we help with transition back to census school or pathway options.

Continuity of education during the admission period is maintained through a variety of flexible learning environments. Students may engage in their studies within one of our four dedicated classrooms, receive personalised learning by the bedside, or participate in the Virtual Hospital Education Program (VHEP), ensuring that their educational progress is supported regardless of their circumstances.

Our program

At The Hospital School, our program is focused on providing a safe and supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of our students. Alongside our curriculum, students take part in programs like: 4C Framework, Trauma Informed Practice, Mind, Body, Brain Education, MeeMo, Life Skills Go, Zones of Regulation.

4C Framework

The Hospital School supports students in developing four key skills of: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. These are essential skills that support deeper learning and encourage our students to adapt to change and challenges.

Trauma Informed Practice

The Hospital School uses trauma-informed practices to provide a safe and supportive environment for students. Staff are trained to understand the impact of trauma, respond with empathy, and build trusting relationships. They adapt teaching methods to meet each student’s unique needs, helping students feel valued and supported. This approach enables learners to engage more fully in their education and achieve positive outcomes.

Mind, Body, Education

MBE is a neuroscience-based approach that enhances student learning by using evidence-based strategies aligned with the brain’s natural development and processing. Recognising that the brain grows from basic survival functions to complex thinking, we create positive, supportive environments that help students achieve their full learning potential.

MeeMo

Staff use MeeMo’s five key features; practical and classroom-friendly, intensive and impactful, flexible, engaging, and inclusive, to enhance students’ working memory through short, interactive sessions that fit seamlessly into daily class activities. Its personalised, adaptive content ensures all students can participate, making learning both effective and enjoyable.

Life Skills Go

Life Skills Go is an innovative K-12 platform that supports student wellbeing and mental health. By providing real-time data, insights, and evidence-based, trauma-informed resources, it enables staff to make informed, data-driven decisions tailored to each student’s needs. This helps staff identify patterns, develop proactive strategies, and create a safe, supportive learning environment.

Zones of Regulation

Zones of Regulation is an evidence-based framework that build emotional regulation and behavioural skills for life. Through the use of common language around emotions, staff are able to effectively support students in identifying emotions and behaviours while providing practical strategies to cope with both stress and challenges related to their learning, wellbeing and health.