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Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 4 December 2012.

Schools: Diabetes and Epilepsy

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what efforts are being made to ensure that both staff and pupils are aware of (1) the nature of diabetic and epileptic attacks that take place in schools, and (2) the best ways to assist sufferers in emergencies.[HL3556]

Answer

The Department for Education has produced Medical Conditions at School: A Policy Resource Pack to complement its guidance Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings.

We want relevant school staff to be competent in managing pupils' health needs, and to feel confident in doing so. Schools should ensure that staff understand the school's responsibilities, have appropriate training and are able to access continuing support. Paediatric diabetes specialist nurses from local health services are able to give guidance and training on care of children with diabetes in the school environment for staff and pupils.

We also welcome the resources produced by the Medical Conditions at School Partnership, of which Diabetes UK and Epilepsy Action are members.

The Diabetes UK website holds specialist advice about pupils with type 1 diabetes to help schools and school healthcare professionals to support such pupils. Diabetes UK has information on diabetes in school, which discusses insulin injections, diet, snacks, hypoglycaemia reaction and how to treat it. It contains a downloadable version of its school pack, Children with D iabetes at S chool—What all S taff N eed to K now. Copies of this can also be ordered from Diabetes UK Distribution, telephone 0800 585088. Further information is available from Diabetes UK care line, telephone 0845 120 2960 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm) or on the Diabetes UK website.

Epilepsy Action (British Epilepsy Association) has specific information for education professionals on its website. This looks at classroom first aid, emergency care, medication and school activities. Further information is available from the freephone helpline on 0808 800 5050 (Monday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm) or via email enquiry form. Epilepsy Action recommends that all pupils with epilepsy should have an individual healthcare plan, even if their seizures are well controlled and that general awareness training to help school staff understand epilepsy and specific training on the administration of medication are provided if staff are to feel properly equipped to support pupils with epilepsy.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
741 cc147-8WA; HL3556
Session
2012-13
Subjects
Diabetes First aid Health education Epilepsy Pupils Staff Schools
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk