Training
The Diabetes in Schools program provides free, online training for teachers and school staff to better understand how they can support students with type 1 diabetes while at school.
Principals, teachers and school staff can access information and support through online video-based modules and hands-on training to help students with type 1 diabetes thrive at school.
Create a Diabetes in Schools account to access the training, or read more about the levels of training below.
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Level 1 - Introductory Training
Level 1 training is designed for all school staff and provides basic information about students living with type 1 diabetes. Level 1 training includes 3 online modules each consisting of an educational and interactive video, downloadable resources, plus learning questions and activities that each person needs to complete:
- Module 1: Diabetes 101 – Provides a basic overview of what is type 1 diabetes and how it is managed
- Module 2: Low and Highs (First Aid) – Explains the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia (lows and highs) and how to respond in an emergency
- Module 3: Roles and Responsibilities – Explains the roles and responsibilities of school staff in supporting and managing students with type 1 diabetes.
Level 1 training takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes to complete, and you will be provided with a certificate at the end of Level 1.
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Level 2 - Intermediate Training
Level 2 training is designed for staff who do supervise or teach a student with type 1 diabetes. The online training includes nine modules each consisting of an educational and interactive video, downloadable resources, plus learning questions and activities that each person needs to complete.
- Module 1: Supporting a student with type 1 diabetes – Describes how diabetes management will differ for each student with type 1 diabetes
- Module 2: Food and diabetes – Explains the role of carbohydrate food and its impact on a student living with diabetes, and what schools can do to help a student with their food requirements.
- Module 3: Monitoring glucose levels – Monitoring glucose is an essential tool in managing type 1 diabetes
- Module 4: Insulin – Understanding the different modes of delivery and making reasonable adjustments to a student’s routine
- Module 5: Low glucose levels – Understanding the impact of a low and how actions plans help to treat a hypoglycaemia glucose level
- Module 6: High glucose levels – Understanding the impact of a high and how actions plans help to treat a hyperglycaemia glucose level
- Module 7: Being active – How physical activity impacts a student’s glucose levels and making reasonable adjustments to support students participating in physical activity
- Module 8: Planning for camp – Understanding the importance of pre-camp planning and implementing a detailed camp plan
- Module 9: Planning for change and communication – Identifying when changes in communication or support are required and awareness of the importance of communication strategies between all stakeholders
Level 2 training takes approximately 1 – 1.5 hours to complete, and you will be provided with a certificate at the end of Level 2.
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Level 3 - Individualised Skills Training
Level 3 training is a practical training program for designated school staff that focuses on the individual student’s diabetes management. This training is hands on and delivered face to face by a qualified healthcare professional (where appropriate the clinical treating team). Training will be prioritised for students who are newly diagnosed and who are unable to self-manage administer insulin.
Level 3 training takes 2-3 hours to complete per student, a minimum of 2 and up to 8 staff can attend the training, and each person will be provided with a certificate at the end of Level 3.
For more information about this level of training, you can contact a member of the Diabetes in Schools team.
It’s recommended:
- All school staff complete Level 1 training so that they have a basic understanding of type 1 diabetes and how it impacts students
- All school staff are familiar with the actions that they must take when students with type 1 diabetes require urgent or emergency assistance due to their health condition
- Staff are aware of the responsible people in the school who are designated to provide specific assistance to students with type 1 diabetes and can administer insulin when necessary, and
- Principals ensure that an appropriate number of designated staff, relative to the size of the school and the number of students with type 1 diabetes, undertake Level 2 training to have the knowledge and skills to assist with supporting students with type 1 diabetes. Level 3 practical (face-to-face) skills training may also be appropriate for school staff who are supporting a student who is newly diagnosed or unable to self-administer insulin.
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Support & Resource Hub
Managing type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 job. It impacts everything a child does from what they eat, to the sport they play, to sleepovers and even playtime.
Type 1 diabetes can place families under significant stress as they do everything they can to keep their child safe and healthy – especially when they go to school.
It can also be challenging for teachers and school staff to know how they can best support a student with type 1 diabetes and their family.
The Diabetes in Schools resource hub provides fact sheets, checklists, how-to guides and expert insights to help guide and inform parents or carers, school staff, principals and health professionals.
Tell a school
A parent, carer or a health professional can tell a school about the Diabetes in Schools program by submitting an online referral form. Once the form has been submitted, a member of the Diabetes in Schools team will follow up with the principal to offer them any further support they need to register their school and take full advantage of the training program.