Tips for Parents: Managing Your Child’s Epilepsy at School

Epilepsy can present unique challenges for children and their families, especially when it comes to ensuring a safe and supportive school environment. As a parent, your role involves not only advocating for your child’s needs but also equipping school staff to respond appropriately to epilepsy-related situations. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate your child’s epilepsy management in a school setting.

1. Create a Seizure Support / Care Plan

A Seizure Support Plan is a detailed guide that outlines the steps to take if your child experiences a seizure. It includes information about the type of seizures your child has, common triggers, warning signs, and specific instructions for first aid. The plan should also specify when emergency services need to be called.

Share the Support Plan with teachers, the school nurse, and any other staff members who might need to respond to a seizure. Make sure it is updated regularly, especially after any changes to your child’s epilepsy or treatment plan.

2. Educate School Staff

Arrange a meeting with your child’s teachers, the school nurse, and other relevant staff members at the beginning of the school year. During this meeting:

Explain epilepsy and your child’s specific symptoms. Share information about their seizure types, how they present, and any particular triggers. Ensure that key staff members know how to respond if your child has a seizure.

Discuss potential risks and how to minimise them. This might include adapting activities or making changes to the classroom environment. 

Advocate for staff to be epilepsy trained. National Epilepsy Training can help to train school staff where required and ensure they have the latest knowledge on caring for and supporting a student with epilepsy. 

3. Communicate About Medications

If your child takes epilepsy medication during school hours, it’s important that the school nurse or another responsible staff member is aware of the dosage schedule and any potential side effects. Ensure the medication is stored in a safe but accessible place. You may also need to provide written authorization from your doctor for the school to administer medication.

4. Work with the School to Adapt Activities

Your child should have the opportunity to participate in most school activities, but some adjustments might be necessary to ensure their safety. This could include:

Avoiding flashing lights or other potential seizure triggers during activities like school plays.

Providing a buddy system for certain activities, such as swimming or field trips.

Allowing extra time for exams if your child experiences cognitive delays due to seizures or medication side effects.

Discuss any needed accommodations with the school and consider creating a formal plan, to ensure these adjustments are documented.

5. Monitor Stress and Fatigue Levels

Stress and fatigue can increase the risk of seizures for many children with epilepsy. Encourage the school to:

Provide a quiet space for your child to rest if needed. Adjust the workload or schedule if your child is feeling overwhelmed. Keep a consistent daily routine, as sudden changes can be a trigger for some children. Regular communication with teachers about your child’s wellbeing can help identify any issues early on.

6. Promote Awareness Among Peers

Helping classmates understand epilepsy can reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment for your child. You might:

Work with the school to arrange an age-appropriate presentation about epilepsy. This could cover basic information about what epilepsy is and what to do if someone has a seizure.

Encourage a culture of inclusivity where students are taught to be empathetic and supportive.

Your child should feel empowered to decide how much they want to share about their symptoms. Respect their comfort level and involve them in discussions about awareness efforts.

7. Track Progress and Keep an Open Line of Communication

Stay in close contact with your child’s teachers, the school nurse, and other staff members to monitor their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well being. Regularly check in to discuss any concerns and update your child’s Seizure Support Plan or school accommodations as needed.

8. Encourage Your Child’s Independence

As your child grows older, encourage them to take an active role in managing their epilepsy. Teach them to recognize their seizure triggers, how to take their medication, and who to go to for help at school. Gradually involving your child in their own care can help build their confidence and independence.

9. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Despite best efforts, emergencies can still happen. Make sure the school has up-to-date contact information for you and another emergency contact. Consider providing the school with a portable seizure rescue kit that includes items like rescue medication (if prescribed), a copy of the Seizure Support Plan, and other necessary supplies.

10. Advocate for Your Child’s Rights

Your child has the right to a safe and inclusive education. Be proactive in advocating for their needs and don’t hesitate to seek additional support, such as through advocacy groups or legal channels, if the school is not providing reasonable accommodations.

Managing your child’s epilepsy at school requires preparation, communication, and collaboration. By equipping school staff with the knowledge and tools they need, you can help ensure a safe and supportive environment where your child can thrive both academically and socially. With the right strategies in place, epilepsy doesn’t have to stand in the way of your child’s education.

Encourage a partnership between parents, school staff, and your child to make the school experience a positive one for everyone involved.