TP-14.4

www.teachwire.net | 39 F EATURES SEND aspects that may be involved. Is the child at a higher risk of being bullied by peers? Are they likely to be absent from school more often? Full inclusion Schools should also be sensitive to the impact epilepsy can have on a child’s learning. Seizure symptoms and the side effects of medication needed to control them can leave children feeling fatigued. They might develop memory problems or additional behaviour challenges. It may be that reasonable adjustments need to be put in place, such as alternative arrangements for homework deadlines or adjustments to the pupil’s timetable. Older pupils might require extra time during formal tests. Above all, ensure that pupils with epilepsy are properly integrated into every aspect of school life. We’ve often heard of pupils being told they can’t partake in PE or join school trips – in fact, those activities are perfectly appropriate for children with epilepsy, so long as due care is taken in terms of the response plan in the event of a seizure. Plan ahead It’s our belief that all schools should have a medical conditions policy – ideally one containing a section on epilepsy – that’s made available to parents and staff. We appreciate that teaching staff are increasingly overworked, but it’s far better to develop your epilepsy response plans ahead of time, than to do so reactively if a child happens to develop epilepsy while attending your setting. There should already be a policy in place if that happens. We’d also recommend that schools regularly review any policies of this type, and that they maintain frequent communications with parents/ carers of children with epilepsy. It’s a fluctuating condition that can and will change over time. Our preference would be to see formal policies like this implemented and reviewed annually, accompanied by staff refresher training. This is a best practice scenario – one that we know isn’t realistic for some settings now, but certainly what we should be aiming towards. TP Louise Cousins is campaigns manager at the national charity Epilepsy Action. @epilepsyaction epilepsy.org.uk What to do if a child has a seizure 1 CREATE SPACE Move the child out of danger if it looks like they’re about to fall off their chair or hit their head. Create space around them and cushion their head so that they don’t injure themselves. 2 TIME IT If possible, time the seizure. The longer it lasts, the harder it will be for the child to recover, and the more likely it is that they’ll require emergency medical assistance. Consider keeping a stopwatch in the classroom for timing seizure durations. 3 BE PRESENT It’s then largely a case of waiting. Once the seizure is over, place the pupil in the recovery position and avoid restraining them. Don’t put anything in their mouth or give them any food or drink. Stay with them. If a seizure lasts for more than five minutes, call an ambulance. Seizures with a lengthy duration are dangerous – if there’s a possibility that these may occur, it should be clearly recorded in the pupil’s IHP.