Diabetes in schools Program

The Diabetes in Schools program is a nationally funded program, developed to provide information, training and support for schools and families to better support students living with type 1 diabetes. The RCH was one of 3 diabetes centres from around Australia chosen to pilot the program from early 2020 with Diabetes Educators visiting schools to support staff learn how to help children to manage their diabetes at school. 

If you would like information about training to support diabetes care, visit: www.diabetesinschools.com.au . School principals can click here to request training.

Parents or health professionals may tell you about the program by completing the “Tell a School about the program” link.  

Diabetes in schools online learning modules for school staff

The Diabetes in Schools online education package has been developed by Diabetes Victoria, working together with The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) and Monash Children’s hospitals. Before any meetings with a diabetes educator, the online learning modules must be completed. 

The package consists of self-directed learning modules that can be easily accessed by all school staff. The modules help to ensure that all school staff understand type 1 diabetes and how it impacts on a student’s day to day life, are aware of Diabetes Action and Management plans and know how to respond appropriately to students experiencing hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. There are also a number of resources available on this platform for staff wanting to expand their knowledge of type 1 diabetes.

The program is not yet funded for childcare and kindergartens, however centres who would like access to the learning modules can do so from the website above. You will need a specific access code so please ask the young person's carers to contact their diabetes educator to obtain this.

School camps 

A diabetes school plan prepared by the child's diabetes team will help teachers attending the camp plan how to best support the children in your care. Preparing plans takes time, so as soon as camp dates are confirmed, please let the parents know when you need it. Of note, from the time we receive a request, it may take us up to 4 weeks to prepare and send this to the parents, so please consider this when advising parents of dates. 

The link parents use to request a plan is: fill in the required information 

Diabetes Victoria teachers seminars

Seminars are run each month by Diabetes Victoria to offer teachers and other school staff the opportunity to expand their knowledge and become more confident in supporting and facilitating the day to day school experience for children with type 1 diabetes. Sessions will include information about diabetes and diabetes management with practical workshops covering a variety of specialised topics in detail, including glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, and camps.

Seminars are run in Melbourne, Geelong and in regional Victoria.

For more information please visit the Diabetes Victoria website and scroll down to the group program section

Last updated December 2022