Diabetes Trust launches new Parents Passport for Schools

Launched by the InDependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT), the booklet is available to teachers across the country in a move to help schools meet new legislation and improve diabetes care.

The Parents Passport for Schools has been designed to provide a means by which parents can formally let schools know how to manage their child’s diabetes and in turn support schools to comply with special educational needs (SEN) regulations, as well as informing teachers about the condition.

It comes following the introduction at the beginning of the current school year of a legal duty for schools in England to support youngsters with long-term health conditions, including Type 1 diabetes.

“Children with diabetes deserve to have their needs looked after while at school, but unfortunately we are well aware of the difficulties that children with diabetes and their parents face in everyday life when managing the condition,” said Jenny Hirst, co-founder of the charity.”

“One area that proves particularly problematic is managing the condition at school.”

“With this in mind, IDDT has produced a new, free booklet, the Parents Passport for Schools.”

“IDDT hopes that the passport will prove to be a valuable tool for families with a child with diabetes, teachers with a child with diabetes in their class, school nurses and SEN co-ordinators.”

The passport contains a wide range of information on how a child’s diabetes is managed, including dealing with high and low blood sugar levels, food and mealtimes and insulin administration and blood testing.

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, schools need to have a medical conditions policy in place, along with an individual healthcare plan for any children with Type 1 diabetes.

IDDT works across the globe helping families and people with diabetes to manage their condition and live positive, healthy lives.

The charity provides information booklets and other support, such as collecting unwanted insulin to help adults and children in developing countries who cannot afford the insulin they need for survival.

To order copies of the Parents Passport for Schools call 01604 622837 or email [email protected]