Royal Children’s Hospital unveils new school

The school will provide individualised teaching that caters to young patients’ needs, keeping their learning on track during extended hospital stays.

On July 15, Yalingbu Yirramboi school was opened at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Through $3.6 million of government funding, the school will provide patients with a full prep to Year 12 education following the Victorian Curriculum and VCE during their stay.

This will include classroom sessions, small group sessions, individual bedside support and remote learning for students who are recovering at home but are not yet well enough to return to school.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the school, which is opt-in for patients, would ease the transition to and from hospital for young people experiencing chronic or acute health issues.

“The opening of the Yalingbu Yirramboi – a new school at the Royal Children’s Hospital will ensure that young patients don’t miss out on the good quality education they deserve,” Mr Carroll said.

As of its opening, the school employs 22 teachers and six education support staff.

The name, “Yalingbu Yirramboi,” means “today and tomorrow,” in the languages of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung peoples.

Prior to the new school, the hospital offered educational support through its Education Institute.

The Institute serviced an average of 70 students per day, whereas the new school will support up to 200 students per day, with a view to expand.

It will be led by principal Naomi McBride and governed by a school council.

A 2021 study from the University of New South Wales found that children hospitalised with chronic health conditions were 30 to 60 per cent more likely to fail to meet national minimum education standards.

Acting Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt said that no child should miss out on their education while in hospital.

“We’re giving Victorian children access to a world-class education, easing the burden on parents to keep their child on track while they are unwell or recovering,” Ms Stitt said.