Management Information Sheet
Pupils with Diabetes
Recent work by the Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee has highlighted concerns about provision for pupils with Diabetes in a small number of Norfolk schools. A 2009 report by a group parents and carers of children with Diabetes in Norfolk suggested that awareness of the condition, and a willingness by school staff to support care needs, was variable.
The report highlighted exclusions from school trips unless a parent could attend, and a child having to wait twenty minutes until lunchtime before being allowed to eat although a test revealed a low blood sugar count. Another pupil was asked to leave class when her diabetes kit beeped to indicate testing time because the teacher thought that it was a mobile phone and didn't want to hear an explanation.
While it is recognised that many schools are providing excellent support for diabetic pupils, it is important that we review our practice to ensure an equality of provision throughout the county.
Diabetes meets the definition of disability in the Equalities legislation. Schools therefore, have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that diabetic pupils are not put at a disadvantage in comparison with their non disabled peers. A pupil with Diabetes cannot be excluded from a school visit or sports activity for a reason related to their disability, for example, nor refused admission to a school.
All pupils with Diabetes should have a Health Care Plan. This should be drawn up in consultation with the family, specialist or school nurse and pupil where appropriate.
Training for staff is available from the Specialist Diabetes Nurses at both the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn.
Guidance for Norfolk schools is available at:
http://schools.norfolk.gov.uk/index.cfm?s=1&m=268&p=195,view_resource&start=1&kw=&el=15&sc=40&id=6372
General information about Diabetes can be found at:
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/
Further information regarding support for disabled learners is available from Kim Barber, Disability Co-ordinator on 07795 332 954, or via e-mail at kim.barber@norfolk.gov.uk.
The report highlighted exclusions from school trips unless a parent could attend, and a child having to wait twenty minutes until lunchtime before being allowed to eat although a test revealed a low blood sugar count. Another pupil was asked to leave class when her diabetes kit beeped to indicate testing time because the teacher thought that it was a mobile phone and didn't want to hear an explanation.
While it is recognised that many schools are providing excellent support for diabetic pupils, it is important that we review our practice to ensure an equality of provision throughout the county.
Diabetes meets the definition of disability in the Equalities legislation. Schools therefore, have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that diabetic pupils are not put at a disadvantage in comparison with their non disabled peers. A pupil with Diabetes cannot be excluded from a school visit or sports activity for a reason related to their disability, for example, nor refused admission to a school.
All pupils with Diabetes should have a Health Care Plan. This should be drawn up in consultation with the family, specialist or school nurse and pupil where appropriate.
Training for staff is available from the Specialist Diabetes Nurses at both the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn.
Guidance for Norfolk schools is available at:
http://schools.norfolk.gov.uk/index.cfm?s=1&m=268&p=195,view_resource&start=1&kw=&el=15&sc=40&id=6372
General information about Diabetes can be found at:
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/
Further information regarding support for disabled learners is available from Kim Barber, Disability Co-ordinator on 07795 332 954, or via e-mail at kim.barber@norfolk.gov.uk.