Clive Jones, the Liberal Democrat member of parliament for Wokingham, attended a key parliamentary event last week, joining colleagues and stakeholders to champion better support in school for children and young people living with epilepsy.
Hosted by national charity, Young Epilepsy, and the right honourable Claire Coutinho MP, the event, ‘Understand My Epilepsy – Safe and Included in School’ highlighted the urgent need for improved understanding, inclusion and safety for children with epilepsy in education.
During the event, MPs heard first-hand from young people about the barriers they face, and the changes needed to ensure every child can thrive at school.
Young Epilepsy pointed to research showing that 1 in 3 children with epilepsy are not supported to fully participate at school.
The charity is calling for stronger guidance ensuring schools have an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) in place for every child with epilepsy detailing their seizure type, triggers, medications and side-effects as well as the impact of their learning and behaviour.
During the event, Clive Jones engaged in discussions with young people and their families, including one young constituent and his mother.
The Wokingham MP also spoke with education professionals and campaigners, learning about the importance an Individual Healthcare Plan can make in improving epilepsy support in schools.
Speaking after the event, Clive Jones, said: “I attended this event to ensure the voices of children and families in Wokingham are heard at the highest level.
“It’s vital that we continue to work together to make schools safe and inclusive for every child with epilepsy.
“I was particularly struck by my conversation with a young constituent named Cash, who spoke about how his epilepsy is affecting his school attendance and the need for an IHP to ensure his school understands how to support his needs.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen the current guidance to ensure every child with epilepsy has a current IHP in place and I look forward to working with local schools to ensure children in Wokingham feel safe, supported, and included.
“Events like this are invaluable for sharing knowledge and driving positive change for children throughout the UK.”
Young Epilepsy’s campaign aims to support inclusion and understanding on the impact of epilepsy on each individual young person.
The condition is often widely misunderstood, stereotyped and stigmatised meaning children and young people are left without the right support tailored to their individual needs. There are many different types of seizures and each person’s epilepsy is unique to them.
Schools and families can access practical guidance and resources on the Young Epilepsy website, including downloadable template Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) designed to support children with epilepsy in education.
Visit www.youngepilepsy.org.uk for more information.
