A third of children with epilepsy are not getting the support they need to participate fully in school life, with many not even having an Individual Healthcare Plan in place, a survey of families has revealed.
Epilepsy can have a significant impact on a child’s experience of school. Students may depend on staff to recognise and respond to seizures, but also to understand the wider impact that the condition can have on learning and behaviour.
However, a survey conducted by the charity Young Epilepsy and involving more than 1,000 families finds that 36% feel they do not get proper in-school support for their children. The survey was based on experiences during the 2021/22 academic year.
It is estimated that 112,000 children and young people in the UK are living with epilepsy. It is one of the most common long-term conditions that affects children.
