Back to School
By Robyn Perlstein, Diabetes in Schools Program – Victorian State coordinator
A new school year can result in a range of mixed emotions and new challenges, especially when you have a child who lives with type 1 diabetes. On one hand, you’re excited to see them start a fresh new school year. On the other hand, you may feel exhausted having to explain your child’s management to new teaching staff all over again.
Remember that schools have a legal obligation to make “reasonable adjustments” for students with diabetes to enable them to participate in their education on the same basis as their peers.
Diabetes is considered a disability under the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). There are many useful Victorian Government websites that provide information for school staff so that they can support students with diabetes.
Read more about reasonable adjustments here.
In these Guidelines, it refers to different levels of training required by school staff. You can find this information on page 8.
Here are some ideas to help parents and carers make a smooth transition into the new school year.
Background preparation
A great checklist to help you plan your child’s return to school.
Speak with your child’s diabetes treating team about getting a 2024 School Diabetes Action and Management plan. Once you have this, make a meeting time with key staff at the school to give them a copy of the plan and go through it.
- Organise a meeting
If you haven’t already done so, organise a day and time to meet with the Principal or Vice-Principal, classroom teacher and any other key staff/teachers at the beginning of Term 1. This meeting will take at least 1 hour, so make sure that the school allocates you sufficient time. To ensure you are confident with what needs to be discussed at this meeting, check out the Meeting with your child’s school information from Diabetes in Schools website.
- Diabetes supplies
Make sure you have your child’s school hypo kits fully stocked, labelled and ready to go. Ensure your child has enough diabetes supplies needed at school such as blood glucose monitoring strips and ketone strips (if applicable).
Professional development for school staff
It is important that school staff know about type 1 diabetes and how they can best support your child during the school day. The new National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) Diabetes in Schools program is available to help school staff learn more about type 1 diabetes and how they can best support your child. The website has free online learning modules, together with a range of other resources that can be accessed by families and schools. To let your school, know about the support available, complete the online ‘Tell a school’ form.
- Communication
Clear communication channels between home and school are very important. Talk with school staff about how you will communicate with each other. Discuss the following – what will be communicated, how often and by what method. More information on communication with schools can be found here.
- School camps
School camps are a great way for your child to make new friends and increase their independence. Having type 1 diabetes should not stop your child from taking part in school camps. Discuss any camp dates with your school early. You will then need to discuss camp preparation with your child’s diabetes treating team. It’s important to start this process early with the school staff to allow adequate time for them to prepare and undertake any Professional Development needed. This may be online; however, a practical training session will be required if insulin administration and/or glucagon injections are needed. Find out more information about school camps here.
Conclusion
Taking the time to plan and prepare for your child’s return to school helps towards a smooth transition.
Please contact your child’s diabetes treating team or contact the NDSS helpline on 1800 637 700 if you need help and advice about how to prepare for your child’s return to school.
Good luck for a safe and successful 2024!
Article current as of January 2024.
