It’s midway through August and many parents out there might be starting to think about getting their children ready for school. From new pencil cases, school shoes and uniforms, there’s lots to sort out. If your child has a pituitary condition then you also need to be aware of how you can make the school and teachers aware of your child’s additional needs.
Talk to the school
No matter if your child starts school or comes back after being diagnosed, it’s important to make sure that the school is prepared to deal with your child’s condition. This way, your child can have a trouble-free education and experience at school and you can rest assured that their condition is managed well.
Communicate regularly with the school officials and your child’s teachers to ensure that they are aware of the needs and individual health plan of their pupil. If you approach them about this topic for the first time, set up a meeting and prepare your individual health care plan together (what is an individual health care plan (IHCP)?).
Prepare a meeting
When planning the meeting, make sure that all relevant people will be present. This includes:
- Both parents or caregivers if possible
- Your child if you feel they are old enough
- School members of staff, including the headteacher, relevant class teachers or other members of staff who would provide care in an emergency situation.
- After school club staff that will be around outside of school hours.
If your child is moving from primary to secondary school, it might be useful to have a member of staff who has supported them before present at the meeting as well.
Before the meeting, it’s worth speaking to your endocrinologist or endocrine nurse about the care that the school should be providing. Start writing down basic information about your child’s condition by filling out our individual care guide for schools before handing it over to relevant members of staff. The care guide includes details about your child’s condition, medication and what to do in an emergency. You can get a free copy at our website:
Hydrocortisone care guide for schools
Diabetes Insipidus care guide for schools
Resupply medication
After discussing the necessary medication for your child’s need, resupply the school with in-date hydrocortisone emergency injection kit and other medication prescribed.
Check that relevant teachers and members of staff know how to use emergency injection kits. If your child is old enough, you can support them making sure they know how to use these kits themselves as well.
Additional information
A smooth school experience without any medical emergencies isn’t the only thing your child will be worried about when living with a pituitary condition. We have some booklets specifically for teens to support them through their pituitary journey. They can go through the booklet in their own time and discuss with their parents, caregivers and/or medical professionals.
General information about Diabetes Insipidus/ Hypopituitarism especially for teens and young adults can be found and ordered on our website:
Living with Diabetes Insipidus Booklet (For Teens)
Living with Hypopituitarism Booklet (For Teens)
If you need further advice then our helplines and other support services are available.
Have a good start into the new school year!