New hospital school hub opens in Hinckley

A school which helps young people return to their mainstream school has opened in Hinckley.

The Children's Hospital School has launched The Phoenix Learning Centre at the Atkins Building in Hinckley town centre. The centre offers 12-week placements for young people aged 11-16 who have been unable to attend school for health reasons, mostly anxiety and other mental health conditions.Children who are inpatients at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and the Beacon Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Glenfield Hospital are also taught by the school. They also have three alternative provision schools in Leicester.

A new base has been established in Hinckley because of increasing referral numbers in the area. It means children referred in Hinckley and Bosworth will no longer have to travel to Leicester for their education.

It improves students' chances of successfully reintegrating back to their school if they remain in their community. A base in Hinckley also reduces travel times, costs and associated impacts on the environment.

Stephen Deadman, Executive Headteacher at The Children's Hospital School, said: "We are delighted to open a new learning centre within the Atkins Building to support those from the local area who are unable to attend their school due to physical and / or mental health issues.
"The Children's Hospital School has supported young people from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for many years and having a centre locally means that students are able to remain within their community which we know increases a successful transition back into school. We are grateful for the welcome we have received and look forward to seeing the Phoenix Learning Centre grow over the coming years."
Cllr Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, said: "The Children's Hospital School provides excellent education and is recognised for their high levels of understanding towards pupils' social, emotional and mental health needs and I am delighted to welcome them to Hinckley. The Phoenix Learning Centre will be of great benefit to children across Hinckley and Bosworth as they work towards getting back into their regular school."

For more information on the Phoenix Learning Centre, visit www.childrenshospitalschool.leicester.sch.uk