Head of Site Welcome

I joined Ellern Mede in 2010, from a high achieving mainstream school.  Over the years, I have seen many young people come through our doors with a disrupted education and devoid of self-belief, only to transition back to their ‘home school’ reengaged with their education. As Head of Site, I have the pleasure of directing and managing the school to continue to be an excellent SEMH education provider. 

Ellern Mede School is a hospital school for pupils aged 8 – 18. We provide education for young people who are inpatients at Ellern Mede Ridgeway & Barnet Eating Disorders Hospital. Most often our students are on a dual roll and are with us until they are discharged and can reintegrate into their ‘home school’.

We provide an exceptional personalised education so that all pupils can achieve educational outcomes, and feel valued, nurtured and respected during their time with us. We have been rated ‘outstanding’ over three consecutive OFSTED inspections, with recognition that ‘staff show immense care and help all pupils to thrive.’

We understand that whilst a young person is in hospital away from their home it is a very difficult time. As part of the multidisciplinary team, we work in partnership with medical professionals, families and teaching staff to put in place the best educational support for the young person. This also includes consistent and strong links with the ‘home school’ to ensure that the young person has a smooth and successful reintegration when they leave us. We put a tremendous amount of work into this process.  

Our teachers are exceptionally skilled at delivering lessons tailored to each individual child’s needs. The curriculum is rich and diverse with a range of subjects including Art, Music, and Textiles. We also believe that, if a child is in hospital, they should not be disadvantaged by missing out on diverse experiences and so we have a strong cultural capital programme where we bring the outside world in. 

Our vision at Ellern Mede School is that every child, regardless of the barriers they are facing, should still receive an outstanding academic and creative education. 

We are very proud of our school and all the young people who go through it. 

Samreen Shah
Head of Site, Ellern Mede Ridgeway