If you have a pupil in your class who has medical needs then it is important that you have a thorough knowledge of the school’s policy on administration of medicines or aid.  Adherence to this is vital.  You might like to take your Union’s advice on this. Even if the school policy does not normally …
Read More Medical Conditions: a brief introduction

People with Noonan Syndrome are often characterised by short stature and as having heart problems. Children with the condition are likely to have mental, physical and behavioural problems. Sometimes they don’t like noise and can easily get disturbed by large crowds .There can be a tendency to irrational outbursts when he/she can turn very white …
Read More Noonan Syndrome

We have probably all known or heard of children falling asleep in class. This has often resulted in jokes and sarcasm by teachers and others but some children may genuinely not be able to stop themselves. Narcolepsy is a disorder of the sleeping/waking mechanism in the brain. When the pupil falls asleep the priority is …
Read More Narcolepsy

This condition can be so severe that some pupils can miss up to a few years of schooling. Their return is likely to be on a part-time basis and there is always concern about how they can be helped to adapt to school life again and how to cope with the curriculum, particularly if they …
Read More Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This is a condition which causes fingers, feet, noses or ears to go blue when a person is cold or emotionally upset. It can be quite difficult to accomodate the needs of the person with Raynauds within a school environment when there are other pupils who may feel too hot. Things to consider are the …
Read More Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Accept the student “as is.” The tic is not deliberate nor an attempt to get attention or disrupt the class. Similarly, other behaviour that is not related should not be excused. Observe and record behaviour on both a short and long term basis. If it is acceptable to parents and the student, explain to the …
Read More Teaching pupils with Tourette’s Syndrome

Do not leave pupils with epilepsy out of any activity unless they have been medically restricted – even non-educational activities are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. Although a very small minority of pupils with epilepsy are photosensitive and might be affected by computer screens, this is not a reason to exclude all pupils with …
Read More Teaching pupils with Epilepsy

With a young child make sure all adults who are in contact with him/her know that she/he should not be eating flour products.  It might be a good idea for schools only to allow eating in certain supervised areas. Have some gluten-free biscuits handy in case he/she forgets his break. Use science and other aspects …
Read More A child in your class with Coeliac Disease

Although there is considerable variation among individual children, the most common educational implications for children with Down’s Syndrome are as follows: Strong visual awareness and visual learning skills Desire and ability to learn from peers Delayed gross and fine motor skills (with subsequent difficulty with writing, using scissors etc) Hearing and visual impairment is common …
Read More Down’s Syndrome – Classroom strategies

It is important to realise that fractures can be caused by normal behaviour such as shutting a door; teachers will not be held responsible if such a fracture happens in school. A child with this condition may have to spend a lot of time in hospital so it is important to try to provide continuity …
Read More Teaching pupils with Brittle Bone Disease