Charity Calls For Schools To Improve Epilepsy Awareness, UK

Main Category: Epilepsy
Article Date: 09 May 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Children with epilepsy are failing to reach their full potential because of a lack of awareness among teachers of the impact the condition can have on their schoolwork, according to a survey launched as part of National Epilepsy Week (May 14-20).

Less than a quarter of primary and secondary school teachers surveyed by the national charity, Epilepsy Action, believed that their awareness and knowledge of the condition was good. Yet almost half acknowledged that epilepsy could greatly affect a child's educational performance, and a further three-quarters believed that having epilepsy could affect a pupil's relationship with other pupils.

Epilepsy affects an estimated one in 214 children and young people of school age. However, 27 per cent of respondents were not aware or did not know how many of their pupils had epilepsy. Some 74 per cent recognised that all members of staff would benefit from specific training.

"These figures clearly illustrate the fact that many children with epilepsy are struggling unnecessarily at school while much more could be done to help them," said Elizabeth Anderson, education policy and campaign officer, for Epilepsy Action. She continues: "However, with the right help and support, children with epilepsy can enjoy and achieve at school. It is essential that school staff have the knowledge and understanding to make this happen."

The results of the national survey come as Epilepsy Action spearheads a campaign to be launched as part of National Epilepsy Week. One of the themes of this year's event is 'Educational challenges for children and younger people'. The charity is calling on the government to recognise and address the specific needs of young people with epilepsy in the education system and for all staff to improve their understanding of the condition.

The education resources will be launched on a new section of Epilepsy Action's website, www.epilepsy.org.uk, during National Epilepsy Week. Aimed at both teachers and parents, the education section will include information on first aid and seizures, and advice on higher education. It will also provide news of the charity's 'Awareness in Schools' programme, in which accredited volunteers visit schools to offer staff training.

In a separate study carried out by the charity among parents of children with epilepsy, more than half said that their child had difficulties completing class work because of their condition. The most common reasons cited for this were concentration difficulties and fatigue, rather than the seizures themselves.

"If teaching professionals are unaware that a child has epilepsy, or that the condition can affect their learning then they are not making adequate provision," said Elizabeth Anderson. "Achieving their full potential should be a reality for every child with epilepsy and it is vital that schools take advantage of the information and training that is available."

"Education for the future" is the theme for Epilepsy Action's National Conference and Annual General Meeting, which will take place in Birmingham on Saturday 17 June. For further information about epilepsy and education, please call Epilepsy Action's Helpline on Freephone 0808 800 5050 or visit www.epilepsy.org.uk.

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