The thought of going to the doctor or to hospital is often too much to bear for small children but thanks to a joint initiative by The Kingsley School and medical students from Warwick University, hundreds of local youngsters will be less fearful in the future.
For the second year running Kingsley has hosted a Teddy Bear Hospital organised by trainee doctors to help children overcome their fears about hospitals through role play and, at the same time, provide medical students with the opportunity to improve their communication skills with the younger generation.
Using a child’s favourite teddy bear, soft toy or doll as a “patient”, the trainee doctors demonstrated and explained a range of procedures from x-rays and immunisations to plaster casts and bandages. There were other activities for youngsters to learn about hand and teeth hygiene, healthy eating and basic anatomy.
In the Junior School, free refreshments were provided, and Kingsley staff ran activities on a teddy bear theme, including icing biscuits, making cards and face painting.
Acting Head of Kingsley School Mrs Catherine Robbins says: “We are proud to be associated with this very worthwhile event, which is both educational and fun for all involved, and we look forward to working with the students again next year.”