Creating a ‘normal’ environment within the most ‘abnormal’ of situations is the hardest challenge any children’s department within a hospital is faced with.

Whilst addressing the clinical needs of the most unwell children, it is no less important to consider the overall emotional, developmental and mental wellbeing of the child and their family. The complete upheaval, change of environment away from ‘normal’ family life, coupled with the fear of uncertainty all play a huge role in this hugely distressing time for both the child and, just as importantly, their family.

Piggles Trust aims to bridge some of these gaps by creating more of a ‘home from home’ experience, specifically through education.

When children are in hospital they suffer considerably by missing out on vital education that ordinarily they would receive. They should not fail to experience the benefits of education due to their confinement in hospital. Children who are unwell deserve, need, and will benefit from education just as much as their peers.

Education is currently provided within hospitals on a very rare and ad-hoc basis, with little or no awareness of this. Across the board, no provision at all is made for pre-school aged children despite this being such a crucial learning stage. Outside of the hospital environment it forms an integral part of their development as well as a means for them to form friendships and most importantly, being a child.

We all know that education starts from home and we cannot allow the circumstances beyond our control to prohibit this.

Piggles Trust is committed to offering pre-school children these vital educational stepping-stones within the hospital environment.

No child should be left behind