Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that where it is necessary medical aid is immediately available to diabetic pupils.

Schools’ responsibilities to support pupils with medical conditions such as diabetes are set out in statutory guidance which is published online. The guidance helps to ensure that schools take action to support pupils and help parents feel confident that the right support will be put in place, typically through an individual health care plan. The guidance was drafted with support from Diabetes UK and other members of the Health Conditions in Schools Alliance, school leaders, teacher and support staff unions, Department of Health and young people and their parents.

The guidance specifies that any member of school staff providing support to a pupil with medical needs must have received training. Staff need an understanding of the specific medical conditions they are being asked to deal with, their implications and preventative measures.

Schools are also advised that policies in place to support pupils with medical conditions should set out arrangements for whole-school awareness training so that all staff are aware of the school’s policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions and their role in its implementation. In this regard, Diabetes UK provides helpful information for schools on its website. As part of the primary science curriculum pupils should be taught how to recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function. Teachers can choose to include aspects of diabetes in any part of the curriculum they feel appropriate, such as personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.

In addition to specific support for the medical needs of a pupil with diabetes, all schools should have at least one first aider. The number of first aid personnel will be based on local circumstances, considered as a part of a first aid needs assessment. A qualified first aider must complete a training course and hold a valid certificate. The department publishes health and safety advice for schools and signposts further information on first aid from the Health and Safety Executive.