Epilepsy is a neurological condition affecting approximately 600,000 people in the UK, with around 1 in 100 children diagnosed. For schools and carers, understanding epilepsy and knowing how to respond to seizures is not just best practice, it’s a legal and moral obligation.
The Children and Families Act 2014
This Act places a clear responsibility on schools to support pupils with medical conditions, including epilepsy. It mandates that schools must have:
- A clear medical conditions policy: This policy outlines how the school will support pupils with epilepsy, including procedures for managing seizures and administering medication.
- Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs): Every child with epilepsy should have an IHP, developed in partnership with parents, healthcare professionals, and the child themselves (where appropriate). This plan details the child’s specific needs, including seizure triggers, first aid procedures, and any necessary adjustments to their learning environment.
- Trained staff: The Act requires schools to ensure staff have the appropriate training to support pupils with epilepsy. This includes recognising seizure types, administering first aid, and understanding the potential impact of epilepsy on learning and behaviour.
Why is Epilepsy Training So Vital?
Epilepsy training equips school staff and carers with the knowledge and confidence to:
- Identify seizures: Seizures can manifest in various ways, from subtle absences to convulsive episodes. Recognising the signs ensures a swift and appropriate response.
- Provide effective first aid: Knowing how to safely manage a seizure, including positioning the child, protecting them from injury, and when to seek emergency medical assistance, is crucial.
- Reduce anxiety and stigma: Training helps to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for children with the condition.
- Support learning and participation: Epilepsy can affect a child’s learning and social development. Training helps staff understand these challenges and implement strategies to ensure the child thrives.
Real-life Consequences: A Case in Point
The tragic case of a 13-year-old boy who died after a seizure on the school bus in 2016 underscores the critical importance of epilepsy training. While the school’s name and specific details are often withheld in such cases, an inquest found that the school had not provided adequate training for staff on how to deal with seizures. An inquest revealed that the school lacked adequate training for staff on how to respond to seizures. This case led to increased awareness of the need for epilepsy training in schools and highlighted the potential consequences of failing to provide proper support for students with epilepsy. It serves as a powerful reminder of why schools must take their responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014 seriously.
Invest in Epilepsy Training Today
Health Academy offers an Epilepsy Training for Schools & Carers. This training covers all the essential aspects of epilepsy management, including:
- Understanding epilepsy and its different types
- Recognising seizure types and triggers
- Providing appropriate first aid for seizures
- Supporting children with epilepsy in school and at home
- Legal responsibilities of schools and carers
By investing in this training, you are not only fulfilling your legal obligations under the Children and Families Act 2014 but also demonstrating a commitment to the safety and well-being of children with epilepsy.
Additional Resources
- Epilepsy Action: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/
- Young Epilepsy: https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/
- Epilepsy Society: https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/
Don’t wait for a crisis. Equip yourself and your team with the knowledge and skills to make a difference.
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