Supporting brighter futures through personalised education in mental health care

As schools across the country prepare for the summer holidays, Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is highlighting how children and young people receiving specialist inpatient mental health care continue their education through personalised learning at The Rosewood School.

Based within the Kent and Medway Adolescent Hospital in Staplehurst, The Rosewood School provides education for all inpatients from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. Young people can join the school at any point during the academic year, with learning tailored to their individual needs, abilities and recovery goals to help them remain connected to education and prepare for a successful return to school or college following discharge.

Roopa Sharma, Head of School at The Rosewood School, said: “Education is fully integrated with the mental health team here. We work closely together and get to know our young people really well. Every education programme is tailored to the student, giving them routine, structure and a sense of normality while they are in hospital. We want young people to continue developing academically while supporting their recovery and feel confident returning to education when they leave our care.”

Teachers work alongside psychologists, nurses, doctors, occupational therapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team, attending ward rounds and clinical meetings to ensure education complements each young person’s therapeutic programme. The school’s small, nurturing environment, together with a timetable that runs alongside therapeutic activities, helps young people rebuild confidence, maintain educational progress and develop valuable life skills during their admission.

Young people also play an active role in shaping the education they receive through regular pupil voice sessions, where they can share feedback, discuss ideas and influence future developments.

Sara Boorman, Interim Service Director for Children’s and All-Age Eating Disorders Services at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “Being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and uncertain time for young people and their families. Continuing education alongside treatment helps maintain a sense of normality, supports wellbeing and gives young people the confidence and skills they need to successfully return to school or college when they are ready.”

As the academic year draws to a close and many students look ahead to exam results and the next stage of their education, the trust’s integrated approach demonstrates how personalised education can play a vital role in supporting recovery, maintaining aspirations and improving long-term outcomes for children and young people receiving mental health care.