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Question asked by: Natalie (37) ---NSW

Question: My daughter's school feels there is no need for me to talk to staff as a whole once a year on her care. This is her 6th year at this school, and she has had type 1 diabetes since she was 4. She has recently received a pump (Nov 2010). Common errors are made at the school. I spoke to the staff as a whole 2 years ago. I feel a recap once a year is necessary. The school is reluctant. We live in country NSW and have little support. At all the diabetes information sessions I have been to they have recommended a once a year talk, Is this still the recommendation?

Answer:

Dear Natalie

Thank you for your question to the forum.

If at all possible the ideal is for schools to have an update on the management of children with type 1 diabetes once a year as they do forget and also managemet changes as with your daughter going on a pump. As you live in the country and may not have an educator to help you with this (you may feel able to do the education yourself) you may want to show your daughter's school our virtual school visit podcast. Go to our website www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.u to the teachers and schools section and follow the prompts for username and then password to access the podcast. This podcast is a general overview of diabetes so does not go into detail about pump management - you would have to teach the staff how to bolus providing they are willing.

Should you need backup in dealing with the school's reluctance please call Angie Middlehurst, Paediatric Manager, on 1300 342 238 for support.

Angie Middlehurst
Paediatric Diabetes Educator
Australian Diabetes Council