Back to School Checklist

Along with the usual checklist of uniform and equipment, children and young people with epilepsy and their parents will be thinking about the support they will get from the school or college at the start of the new academic year.

In September you or your child may be starting a new school, college or university, or a new year group. Whether or not you have a new teacher and a new peer group or you're going back to familiar faces, there are a few things to think about before starting back:

  • Do you have one?
  • Is it up to date?
  • If you're unsure of what an IHP is, you can find our more information here.
  • Have you had a change in seizure type or activity?
  • Have you had a change in medication?
  • Have you had a change of diagnosis?
  • Do they know how to help you if you have a seizure? 
  • Do they know how to support you in the classroom?
  • Do they know how to support you at social times in school eg. break time, dinner time, in the playground?
  • If you have emergency rescue medication, have the appropriate members of staff been trained?
  • Do all members of staff know who can administer the emergency medication?
  • Do all members of staff know where the emergency medication is stored?
  • Is it stored safely rather than locked away?
  • Our Guide for Schools is for people who work in schools or other educational settings. It provides information on supporting young people with epilepsy to ensure they are safe and included in all aspects of school life.

Did you know that we have free online epilepsy awareness training for educational professionals in schools, colleges and universities? Our team of Support Workers also run virtual training sessions for school staff and our Nursing Team can deliver Emergency Medication training. You can find out more about our training offer to educational professionals by emailing us at epilepsytraining@youngepilepsy.org.uk. 

With September just around the corner, enjoy the rest of your summer holidays, and remember that there are people out there to help you do the best you can. Now that you are armed with all the important stuff that will help you stay safe at school, enjoy the rest of your summer holidays, and when September arrives, and you head back to the classroom, good luck from us all at Young Epilepsy!

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