Policy Pack Helps Schools Support Children With Health Conditions, UK

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 30 Nov 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Eight out of 10 schools surveyed in England have created or amended their medical policies since receiving the 'Medical Conditions at School: Policy Pack' created jointly by Diabetes UK, Asthma UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign and Epilepsy Action.

The survey of 300 schools also showed that more than three quarters of respondents who have used the pack feel that it has already had a positive impact on staff, pupils or parents.

Help for schools to set up policy

The pack enables schools to set up one overall policy to ensure school-wide measures are in place to protect the health of children with medical conditions. It includes useful materials such as templates for healthcare plans, out-of-school visits forms and staff training records.

The four charities united to develop the policy pack in 2007 as Government legislation does not currently require schools to have a designated medical policy in place. This meant that many schools either did not have a policy at all, or where medical policies did exist they were often basic and poorly maintained.

Helping children with diabetes get the best start

"There are more than 22,000 children and young people aged 17 and under with diabetes in England," said Cathy Moulton, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK.

"It is vital that every one of them receives the appropriate support at school to manage their condition and protect their health and wellbeing.

"Our policy pack has proved crucial in doing this and we would encourage all schools to download it. Join us in helping to give all children and young people with diabetes the best possible start in life."

Get your copy of the pack

The Medical Conditions at School: Policy Pack and other helpful resources can be downloaded from the Medical Conditions at School website.

Source
Diabetes UK

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