Education Action Plan

In a survey by Birmingham University for Epilepsy Action in 2007, students with epilepsy reported that tiredness was a major effect of their condition. They were worried about being at school and wanted their fellow pupils and school staff to know about the nature of epilepsy, how widespread it is, its impacts – and what they should do if a student had a seizure.

The NCYPE believes that all schools should adjust their existing procedures so that they:

1. Keep careful and appropriate records of those students who have epilepsy, record any changes in behaviour and carefully monitor achievement;
2. Identify and tackle any problems early – they might well be caused by the effects of the student’s epilepsy;
3. Consider a ‘buddying’ or mentoring system to support students with epilepsy and broaden the understanding of the condition;
4. Allow students to take a full part in outings and activities to help the student remain fully integrated in school activities and avoid stigma;
5. Make appropriate adjustments for students with epilepsy, e.g. coursework deadlines, or the timing of examinations;
6. Liaise effectively with health and care professionals - and parents – to ensure the child’s full needs are met;
7. Know exactly what to do in the event the student has a seizure;
8. Raise awareness about epilepsy by providing information to students and staff.

The NCYPE has developed an innovative pilot scheme with a group of schools as part of the Better Futures campaign. The partnership invites each school to identify a member of staff as an ‘epilepsy champion’ and the NCYPE provides these staff with training. The ‘epilepsy champions’ then take the learning back to their schools and make the necessary adjustments to the way they work – to ensure better futures for children and young people with epilepsy. The early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the NCYPE is interested in hearing from any confederations or groupings of schools who would like to find out more about the scheme.