Free Epilepsy Training For Primary School Staff, UK

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 01 Mar 2005 - 1:00 PDT

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An epilepsy awareness pilot-scheme aimed at primary school staff is being launched by Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation. The charity plans to deliver free training sessions to primary schools in 10 Local Education Authorities (LEAs) across England. The short sessions will provide all staff with vital facts about epilepsy as well as guidance on seizure first aid, managing learning in children with epilepsy and addressing stigma. Parents of primary school children with epilepsy in the 10 LEAs are being urged to ensure that their child's school has received one of Epilepsy Action's flyers and has requested a training session at the earliest opportunity. Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition affecting 42,000 children below the age of 16 in the UK. This means that every average sized primary school in the UK will have at least one child with epilepsy. Simon Collister, education officer for Epilepsy Action, comments: "Every primary school teacher will teach a child with epilepsy at some point in their career but there is no statutory epilepsy awareness training provided for teachers. As a result many teachers don't know what to do if a child in their class has a seizure. Given the significant impact epilepsy can have on a child's health and learning, it is essential that schools register for Epilepsy Action's free training." The LEAs taking part in the pilot scheme are Barnet, Buckinghamshire, Croydon, Lancashire, Liverpool, Lewisham, Sheffield, Swindon, Suffolk and York. Epilepsy Action will be contacting schools in these areas with information about the vital need for school staff to learn about epilepsy. Schools that request training will be contacted by one of Epilepsy Action's Accredited Volunteers to arrange a suitable time to run a session, which can last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the school's requirements. To request a training session, or for more information, please contact Richard Edgar, volunteer co-ordinator for Epilepsy Action, on 0113 210 8800. Epilepsy affects an estimated 1 in 200 children. There are 42,000 children under 16 who have epilepsy in the UK. Studies show that over half (51%) of children with epilepsy experience educational difficulties. After leaving school, the unemployment rate for people with epilepsy is 2-3 times higher than the general population. As well as campaigning to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of the condition, Epilepsy Action offers assistance to local people in a number of ways including a national network of branches, accredited volunteers, regular regional conferences, a Freephone Helpline (0808 800 5050) and website http://www.epilepsy.org.uk. All Epilepsy Action's Accredited Volunteers (AVs) are required to complete Epilepsy Action's Accredited Volunteer Training Programme and receive ongoing support from the charity. Locally based, AVs provide one to one support, advice and information to people with epilepsy and/or their families/carers.

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