No child with cancer left out executive summary - CLIC Sargent

Ways forwardPolicy and influencing Proposed changes to SEN and disability provision across the UK, in particular the Children andFamilies Bill in England, must take into account the needs of children with cancer. CLIC Sargentwill seek to raise awareness of their needs and influence policy makers to ensure that childrenwith cancer receive the support they need in education to achieve their full potential Government funding reforms must ensure that hospital school and home tuition fundingarrangements allow children with cancer to access appropriate, quality provision. We willcontinue to work together with hospital schools to ensure that government funding reformsare informed by the needs of children with cancerInformation Good information for children, parents and professionals on how they can support continuededucation during cancer treatment and beyond is vital. Parents must be empowered withinformation about how the education system works, their child’s rights and how to accessthe support that they need. CLIC Sargent will signpost families and professionals to existinginformation and work in partnership with others to develop resources where there are gaps Our research illustrates a number of good practice examples of how to support children learningin hospital, at home and when they return to primary school. We will share these ways of workingwith policy makers and education professionals to help them gain new insights and inspirationCommunication and engagement Primary schools, hospital schools and families play a vital role in helping children with cancerstay in touch with classmates when they are absent from school. CLIC Sargent will seek to raiseawareness of good practice, such as encouraging phone calls and letters and by maximisingthe use of technology Our research shows that by primary schools adopting an individualised and flexible approachto supporting the child, the experience of children returning to school during and after cancertreatment can be greatly improved. CLIC Sargent will share examples of good practice andprovide information to schools encouraging them to deliver the reasonable adjustments that achild with cancer might need on their return to school Our research highlights the importance and benefits of improving communication betweeneducation and other professionals involved in a child’s cancer journey, and CLIC Sargent willshare the findings and best practice to support a more integrated response. In particular, we willpromote the use of Teachers’ Days as a particularly effective tool in improving primary schoolteachers’ understanding of childhood cancer.To download a copy of No child with cancer left out go toour website www.clicsargent.org.uk/nochildwithcancerleftoutor email info@clicsargent.org.ukRegistered charity number 1107328 and registered in Scotland (SC039857)12SM159c