Schools 'failing to provide epilepsy support'

A report published by Young Epilepsy found that more than half of children with medical conditions, including epilepsy, are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, state schools in England are legally required to support children with medical conditions such as epilepsy.

Young people with medical conditions should have an individual healthcare plan (IHP), but a survey by the charity of 661 young people with epilepsy, and their parents and carers, found that more than a third of young people do not have one.

The research also found that, where IHPs are in place, two out of three plans do not include details on how epilepsy might affect a child's learning.

The report also highlights that staff may not be getting the training they need, with only half of families who have children with epilepsy saying that school staff had been trained in how to provide support.

Carol Long, chief executive of Young Epilepsy, said: "It is deeply concerning that many schools in England still aren't complying with the legislation that was intended to give parents reassurance their child will be properly supported whilst in school."

"We heard from one family that their child was asked to wear a sash in the playground so they could be easily identified."

"Schools should also be required to publish their policies online to assure parents and young people of the support that is available to them."

The charity is calling for schools to ensure that all young people with epilepsy have an IHP, and they have a policy on supporting pupils with medical conditions that complies with government requirements.

It also wants a requirement to be placed on schools for them to publish medical condition policies on their websites, and school inspections to include a routine check for support for pupils with medical conditions.