Parents advocate for epilepsy training in schools
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Lyndsey, a mother in Cornwall, England, is urging all schools and childcare facilities to provide epilepsy training for staff after her five-year-old daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with the neurological condition.
Lyndsey initially feared how Grace’s epilepsy would affect her schooling, but Biscovey Primary Academy reassured her by training all teachers to respond to seizures and administer emergency medication. The school’s proactive approach, including inviting Lyndsey to explain Grace’s specific needs, allowed Grace to have a positive first year.
Existing laws require schools to support students with medical conditions and provide some staff training, but the charity Epilepsy Action wants this training to be mandatory for all school personnel. Simon Privett of Epilepsy Action noted that one in 100 people in the UK lives with epilepsy, yet no official legislation requires schools to train staff on how to respond to seizures.
Lyndsey also found it difficult to locate safe holiday clubs for Grace, highlighting a broader need for training in all childcare settings. She believes many children experience their first seizure at school, making preparedness crucial. The Department for Education stated that schools should ensure pupils with medical conditions are safe and supported, and governing bodies are responsible for ensuring staff receive appropriate training.
