Teddies on Tour: Bringing Hospital Confidence to Classrooms

A trip to hospital can feel scary for a child, especially when they don’t know what to expect. Ted-ucation, delivered by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, is a fun and interactive learning experience designed to help children feel more confident about hospital visits. Led by staff and volunteers, Ted-ucation brings the Teddy Hospital to schools and nurseries across Scotland.

Through hands-on role-play and open conversations, children learn that the hospital is a safe place and are encouraged to explore real medical equipment like stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, and oxygen masks. The session helps to reduce fear and uncertainty, giving children a better understanding of what might happen if they ever need medical care.

The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow is the largest children’s hospital in Scotland, treating young patients from across the country. To reflect that reach, Ted-ucation sessions have travelled as far afield as Barra in the Outer Hebrides to ensure children from rural and remote areas have access to the same valuable experience.

Since launching in 2023, demand for Ted-ucation has grown significantly.

So far:

• Over 500 sessions have been delivered to schools and nurseries.

• More than 24,000 children have taken part.

• 352 educational establishments have hosted a session, including those supporting children with additional needs.

Due to the high volume of bookings, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity have recently recruited volunteers to help deliver sessions and hand out ‘Ted-ical Degree’ certificates, enabling the charity to reach as many children as possible. In the current school year alone, over 300 requests have already been received for sessions, with the total number of children reached expected to hit 30,000 by June 2025.

“We loved our visit from Teddy Hospital and we have been able to link it to class topics and some real-life experiences of the children. Thank you.”

Machanhill Primary School

For many children, a hospital visit can feel overwhelming. By giving them the chance to handle equipment, and ask questions, Ted-ucation helps turn worry into confidence. Knowing what to expect can make all the difference if a hospital visit ever becomes necessary, helping children approach the experience with a sense of understanding rather than fear.

"I like your hospital. You make sure that everyone is safe and ok."

Primary School Pupil

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity can continue bringing Ted-ucation to as many children as possible. Donations help to fund these valuable sessions, giving children the chance to feel confident and less anxious about hospital visits.

If you would like to help more children receive their ‘Ted-ical Degree,’ you can donate below.