Planning for the child with diabetes

Meeting the child’s parents/carers

Personal contact between the school, parents/carers and child is essential. Once a child has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that a meeting is arranged between the parents/carers, the child, the head teacher and the class teacher or tutor before the child joins or returns to school. At this meeting the parents/carers can give you information about their child’s diabetes and they can provide you with the information you need to complete the Diabetes record sheet (see page 9). The parents/carers may be able to attend with the child’s DSN. Close liaison with the child’s diabetes care team, especially the DSN, is important. The parents/carers will have contact details.

This meeting should be an opportunity for the parents/carers and child to describe the child’s diabetes care, covering:

·        hypoglycaemia or ‘hypos’ (low blood glucose levels) – symptoms and individual treatment (see pages 6 and 10)

·        meal and snack times – what should be eaten and when (see page 4)

·        exercise and activity – what preparation is necessary before and during physical activity (see page 5)

·        emergency contacts – who should be contacted in the event of emergencies (see page 9)

·        explaining diabetes – how to explain to the class that the child has diabetes and why snacks need to be eaten.

Informing school staff
After meeting the parents/carers, an early meeting of relevant school staff should be arranged to inform them about the child with diabetes. At this meeting questions can be answered and decisions made regarding the care for the child at school. It may be helpful to invite the child’s DSN to attend this meeting.

In this meeting, the following should be covered:

·        Make sure that all staff know about the child with diabetes. Place the Diabetes record sheet (see page 9) in the staff room where it can be seen and make photocopies for staff who need them.

·        Establish where supplies of quickly absorbed carbohydrate (sugary foods) are to be kept (to treat hypoglycaemia). This must be allowed to be kept in the child's classroom. Ensure that these supplies are clearly marked and accessible at all times. Establish whether the child will carry some sugary foods him/herself to treat early symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Ensure that staff are aware of the symptoms and treatment of hypoglycaemia (see pages 6 and 10).

·        Make sure that staff know the importance of NOT sending the child out of the classroom or anywhere alone to treat hypoglycaemia (see page 6)

·        Ensure that all staff are aware that the child can be fully involved in all school activities, including school trips (see pages 5 and 7). Consult the child’s family if there are any particular queries.

·        Inform your colleagues that the child will probably have a good understanding of the management of their diabetes, and will usually be aware of their own needs. If you have any questions of concerns, contact the family.

·        Discuss how diabetes can be explained to the rest of the children and why the child may need to eat snacks in class or during exams.

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