Supporting a child with type 1 diabetes at school is complex and it takes time for everyone involved to get used to it
It is common for teachers and support staff to feel unsure about how to support a student who is living with type 1 diabetes. Training and education in diabetes management can help school staff feel more confident with helping a student to manage their condition while at school.
The Diabetes in Schools program provides training to to support schools and school staff to help students to manage their type 1 diabetes while at school.
The program provides three levels of training for schools.
Level 1 Introductory training
Designed for all school staff and provides basic information about supporting students with type 1 diabetes while at school. The training includes three short online modules. It’s recommended all staff undertake level 1 training.
Level 2 Intermediate training
Designed for designated school staff who volunteer to be directly involved in supporting students with type 1 diabetes. Training is available via nine online modules (for all schools) or via group education workshops (in some states). Training covers type 1 diabetes and food, monitoring glucose levels, insulin, managing lows and highs, physical activity, school camps and planning for changes. Training is general and is not specific to the needs of individual students.
Level 3 Individualised Skills training
Designed for designated school staff and focuses on the individual student’s type 1 diabetes management. This practical face-to-face training is delivered in the school by a qualified healthcare professional (where possible this will be a member of the student’s diabetes treating team). This will be available in some states from March 2020 and will be prioritised for schools with students who are newly diagnosed or who are unable to self administer insulin.
Its important to remember that type 1 diabetes might be new to school staff and they may need time to learn the basics and understand how to properly support a child.
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