Children living with long-term health conditions to receive extra support at school, Government announces
- 20 July 2015
- News
We have welcomed the announcement made in Parliament that the Government will endeavour to ensure children with long-term health conditions, such as severe allergies, diabetes and asthma, receive the support they need at school.
The Children and Families Bill will be amended so that all schools, including free schools and academies, will be required by law to make appropriate arrangements for supporting pupils with long-term health needs. This will be supported by new 
statutory guidance that will be issued next year.
statutory guidance that will be issued next year. This is a great result following months of campaigning by the Anaphylaxis Campaign and the Health Conditions in Schools Alliance
Mandy East, National Co-ordinator at the Anaphylaxis Campaign said; "Lord Nash’s decision will bring real hope to many families of children who live with severe allergies and who are struggling to get the support they need. We do have to remember however that this will need to be backed up with statutory guidance that shows schools exactly what is needed to support children with health conditions as they progress through their education."
Lynne Regent CEO, the Anaphylaxis Campaign said; "Our members feel very strongly about this campaign and will be delighted by this positive step forward. We will now campaign to ensure the new statutory guidance includes comprehensive information on the needs and care of the allergic child, including appropriate policies, individual care plans and training and support for school staff.”
Under the current system, school children with long-term health needs do not always get the additional support they need as a result of their condition. While many schools already offer excellent support for children with health conditions, there are many examples where children experience avoidable ill health and are effectively excluded from fully participating in their education and hindered in meeting their full academic potential.
