Chronic illness and school

Beginning school, or transitioning to secondary school, can be a challenging time for any student and family. This can be made worse when the student has a chronic health condition. To achieve the best possible educational outcomes, students with a chronic illness need ongoing and coordinated support from their families, schools and medical carers.

Effects of chronic illness on schooling

Prolonged or recurrent absences from school due to hospitalisation, convalescence at home or medical appointments may result in:

Difficulty completing work requirements or undertaking examinations
Decreased academic performance
Difficulty maintaining peer relationships
Difficulties with mobility and access within the school environment
Difficulty participating in some school activities (for example, physical education or excursions)
Negative impact on self esteem, body image, confidence and motivation

How schools can support students with a chronic illness

A whole-school approach to supporting a student with a chronic illness is important. It is important that the family and the school work together to establish and maintain clear levels of communication and cooperation from the outset.

In order to effectively support the student, there needs to be consistency of attitudes and expectations. Both the family and the school need to set clear parameters around what activities and duties they can and cannot do, and jointly be aware of what is realistic and achievable by each party.

Sharing information

With family and student consent, relevant information about the student's condition should be shared with appropriate school staff. It is important to determine how much information needs to be shared with school staff, classmates and the wider school community. Consideration should be given to the need to provide adequate care and support for the student, while being mindful of their right to confidentiality and privacy.

Determine who will be responsible for the giving of information, to whom, in what way and when. This could be the student themselves, a family member, a friend, another parent nominated by the family, a staff member who works closely with the family or a support group or association.

Developing a care plan

In consultation with the student's medical carer, family and school, a school-based care/management plan should be developed. This plan should be available to relevant staff, and reviewed annually or whenever there is any significant change to the student's condition or treatment.

It is also important to ensure that relevant information is communicated to casual replacement teachers and other staff who have occasional care of the student.

Maintaining communication

When a student is absent for a prolonged period due to their health condition, there are several measures that can be taken to lessen the educational and social impact of that absence. For example:

sending work home
establishing email contact
referring to the Visiting Teacher Service
organising a Program Support Group

Maintain regular communication between the school and family about how the student is coping at school and home (academically, socially, physically and emotionally). For example, with younger students, it may be helpful to write daily observations in a home/school communications book. Teachers and parents can communicate their observations regarding the student's level of fatigue, participation in activities and emotional state.

In addition to regular communication between the parents/caregivers and school, the school should immediately inform the parents/caregivers if the school has needed to provide the student with any additional medical care.

Making modifications

Determine whether adaptations to the physical environment will be necessary to allow full access to school facilities and activities. For example:

ramps
rails
adaptive equipment
disabled toilets

Determine whether modifications to the curriculum, work requirements, timetable or subject choice might be necessary. For VCE students, determine whether school will need to apply for Special Provision on behalf of the student. (see link below)

Seeking additional support

Determine whether the school would be eligible to apply for additional funding/ support for the student (Refer to fact sheet 'Chronic illness and school- Support services').

Provide staff with professional development opportunities or information regarding the specific condition or chronic illness in general. (Refer to fact sheet 'Chronic illness and school- Support services').

Where to get help

Your family doctor
School principal
Royal Children's Hospital
Royal Children's Hospital Education Institute
Chronic Illness Peer Support, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital http://www.rch.org.au/chips Tel. (03) 9345 6616

Things to remember

A whole-school approach to supporting a student with a chronic illness is important.
Relevant information about the student's condition should be shared with appropriate school staff
Maintain regular communication between the school and family regarding how the student is coping at school and home
Explore possible sources of additional support

For more information

Royal Children's Hospital - Kids Health Info for Parents www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo

Royal Children's Hospital Education Institute www.rch.org.au/edinst

Department of Education and Training (DE&T) - Support in Schools
www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwellbeing/support

VCE Special Provision www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/exams/specialprovision/specialprovision.html

Chronic Illness Peer Support, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 6616 www.rch.org.au/chips

www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/wellbeing

www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/wellbeing/disabil/

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/stuman/wellbeing/FinalPSD2007June.pdf

The content for this fact sheet has been contributed to by the Royal Children's Hospital Education Institute. First published in May 2007.