Role of school staff
School staff help create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with type 1 diabetes. This includes supporting them with their diabetes management and making any agreed reasonable adjustments.
Some staff will take on greater responsibility for supporting these students on a day-to-day basis. These staff are called designated staff.
Key responsibilities of school staff
- Have a basic understanding of type 1 diabetes to be able to recognise the signs of low and high blood glucose levels.
- Understand the student’s diabetes management plan and where it is kept.
- Understand when urgent or emergency assistance is needed and the actions to take.
- Communicate any concerns or questions with principals, parents/carers or designated staff.
- Support reasonable adjustments to help the student fully participate in school activities.
- Know which school staff are designated staff that provide specific support for students with type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes in Schools training for school staff
To help all school staff develop a basic understanding of type 1 diabetes they should complete the Diabetes in Schools training (Level 1).
Role of designated staff
The principal appoints designated staff to support students with type 1 diabetes during the school day and school-related activities such as camps, excursions and sports. This role is usually held by staff who have regular contact with the student.
Designated staff require a higher level of knowledge about type 1 diabetes and its impact on students so they can confidently assist a student with their diabetes management at school.
Schools are encouraged to have multiple designated staff so there is consistent support and enough coverage during absences. The principal decides the number of designated staff based on the school size and number of students with type 1 diabetes.
Key responsibilities of designated staff
- Complete the appropriate training required to be able to confidently implement the student’s diabetes management plan.
- Keep the student safe and support them with their diabetes care at school as outlined in their diabetes management plan such as supporting them to give insulin or treat a low blood glucose level (hypo).
- Understand and support the reasonable adjustments needed for the student, such as changes to routines or schedules.
- As a key point of contact at the school, work closely with the student’s parents/carers and health professional(s) to support the student as outlined in their diabetes management plan.
- Ensure diabetes equipment and medications are stored as per school policy and made available to the student as outlined in their diabetes management plan.
- Stay updated on any changes to the student’s diabetes management.
Diabetes in Schools training for designated school staff
Designated staff should have the diabetes knowledge to safely and confidently support a student with their diabetes management at school. It is recommended designated staff complete Diabetes in Schools training (Level 2, and if required Level 3).
Resources and links for school staff
- Diabetes management plans
- Glucose monitoring
- Sport and physical activity
- Type 1 diabetes and food
- Insulin at school
- School camps and excursions
- School exams
- About type 1 diabetes
- Program FAQs
- Reasonable adjustments
- Disability standards for education – professional learning
Visit the resource library for guides and checklists to help school staff confidently support a student with type 1 diabetes at school.
Last updated: September 2025