Many children and young people who don’t attend school are on a trajectory to be economically inactive as adults and ultimately fail to achieve the best version of themselves. The Department of Work and Pensions and Bank of England are concerned about economic inactivity in young adults and have realised that the origins (and solutions) lie in childhood.
School attendance is no longer an “education-only” issue. It is an important indicator of wellbeing, health and adversity. I am regularly surprised to learn that a child with seemingly adequately controlled asthma, constipation or headache is missing as much as one day a week for medical reasons. As clinicians, we are well placed to spot this apparent mismatch between symptoms and school absence, and look to identify other factors, eg anxiety, low mood, bullying, learning difficulties and parental factors.
For many of us, this has meant developing new skills at pace. To support you in this, we have published a new RCPCH resource on the role of paediatricians in promoting school attendance. It brings together key evidence, practical advice and suggested approaches to conversations with families.
Perhaps the most important message for us is to be curious about attendance. Just as we routinely ask about sleep, diet and development, attendance should be a standard part of the history for school-aged children. I would encourage you to start routinely asking “What was your child’s school attendance last term?”. This single question can help identify hidden challenges, prompt earlier intervention, and support children to thrive, not only in their education, but in their long-term wellbeing and life chances.
Over the last week we have helplessly watched awful images across the Middle East, close to many international members and their families. I really hope the situation is resolving by the time you read this. The College has made a brief statement and we will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.
#WDYCD4U – An update on the assessment review within Progress+
Medical education is a constantly evolving activity which is delivered by the Medical Royal Colleges, including RCPCH, and their members under the watchful eyes of the General Medical Council. The aims of the current assessment review are to ensure that our assessment strategy aligns with the curriculum and also that our assessments in the workplace and in our exams are fair, effective, and sustainable.
As part of the review we are also exploring how best to support learning throughout training. This includes earlier assessment of clinical examination skills, new workplace-based assessments focused on entrustability and a refreshed MRCPCH Clinical exam that is more reliable and sustainable.
Cathryn Chadwick, our VP for Training and Assessment, is leading this work and has shared an update on why the review was needed, progress so far and next steps. Pilots have been hugely encouraging, and a full consultation will open soon so everyone can have their say before final plans go to RCPCH Council and then the General Medical Council later this year.
Update from Scotland
I am delighted that Dr Lynn Macleod has been appointed as the new Officer for Scotland. Lynn is a consultant paediatrician based in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I have known Lynn for many moons; she was previously a Regional Representative on the Scottish Executive Committee and was secretary of the Scottish Paediatric Society for seven years. Across the college we look forward to working with her as she provides leadership for our work and champions the needs of paediatricians, children and families. On behalf of the college and our members I would also like to extend my huge thanks to Dr Mairi Stark for her dedicated service and contributions during her five years in the role. I know Mairi will still keep busy.
Staying North of the border, at the end of February, we attended ended both the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour party conferences ahead of Holyrood elections. We had excellent conversations with MSPs, MPs and prospective candidates about the priorities set out in our Prescription for Change manifesto and the importance of putting children’s health at the centre of decision-making. This follows months of sustained engagement across political parties in Scotland. We will build on this strong cross-party engagement in the run up to the election on 7 May, continuing to champion our key asks on child health, wellbeing and the paediatric workforce.
Update from Northern Ireland
As part of our programme of regional paediatric visits, Dr Jan Dudley (RCPCH Registrar), Dr Thomas Bourke (Officer for Ireland) and members of the RCPCH team recently visited two hospitals in Northern Ireland; the Ulster hospital and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The College team hugely enjoyed the visit and were grateful to meet the committed teams and to hear openly about their experiences, challenges and priorities in paediatric and neonatal care.
I’d like to highlight two achievements: The Ulster hospital was the first in Northern Ireland to implement the Encompass system, allowing clinicians full access to patient records electronically, anywhere in Northern Ireland, while also supporting other trusts as they adopted the system.
Meanwhile, the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children introduced the B-Hive; a 270-degree interactive room originally designed for education and training. They have expanded its uses remarkably, for example helping to reduce patient anxiety around MRI scans and supporting physiotherapists in getting children up and moving after surgery.
If you would be interested in College representatives visiting your hospital/paediatric setting, please do get in touch with dawn.stokes@rcpch.ac.uk.
Update from Wales
Last week we hosted our annual St David's Day Conference in Cardiff. It was a brilliant day bringing together RCPCH members, stakeholders and exhibitors for a day dedicated to paediatrics and child health in the digital era. The programme was packed with expert-led sessions showcasing how digital innovation is reshaping child health in Wales. A huge congratulations is needed for our outstanding St David's Day Committee – Dr Sam Jeffreys, Dr Namita Shanbag, Dr Claire Davies, Dr Chelsie Waters and Dr Malcolm Gajraj – for shaping such a forward-thinking programme.
With the Senedd election also happening on 7 May, we’ve also recently welcomed candidates standing in the election for a panel discussion. Attendees had the chance to hear directly from politicians about their priorities and how they would improve child health services in Wales. With commitments on workforce planning and investment in child health from all parties, we look forward to continuing to work with them in the next Senedd and ensuring the health and wellbeing of babies, children and young people is prioritised.
Update on the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill
The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill aims to prioritise UK medical graduates for foundation and specialty training posts across the UK. This has implications for many members, including those who are International Medical Graduates. We have issued a short statement and will update our member briefing as the implications become clearer.
In case you missed it...
I hope you have seen our birthday campaign: Your Paediatrics, Your Future. This is part of our 30th anniversary celebrations and will capture member lived experiences to help shape the future of the sector. We are asking members of all ages to share a memorable day or event, reflecting on its importance. Let us know a moment that mattered to you. Or, even better, submit a video for us to share. Use your voice to inform the future of paediatrics and child health. Even if you don’t submit something right now, please have a think, perhaps chat with colleagues over a cuppa.
Best wishes all round,
Steve
This message was emailed on 9 March to all RCPCH members who are opted in to receive College updates / professional updates. You can update your contact preferences at any time - log in to your RCPCH online account, go to My account | Your contact preferences, then make sure you've ticked College updates / professional updates.