The Diabetes in Schools program aims to provide nationally consistent information and training for parents and families, principals and school staff and health professionals so students with type 1 diabetes can be supported to manage their condition at school.
There are about 11,000 school aged children living with type 1 diabetes, including more than 1000 school age children who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the past year. For these students and their families going to school can be overwhelming and challenging.
It’s common for teachers and support staff to feel unsure about how to support a student when they’re living with type 1 diabetes.
This is why the new Diabetes in Schools program has been developed to provide information, training and support for schools and families to better support students with type 1 diabetes.
The program provides access to a range of tools, resources, information and support to help parents and school staff better understand how to support students with type 1 diabetes while at school.
The program has been co-designed by diabetes health professionals, parents, principals and school staff and is supported by Australia’s leading diabetes health professional and consumer groups including Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group, the Australian Diabetes Society and JDRF Australia.
Suggested Links
September 2018: More support for children living with type 1 diabetes |
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September 2018: Schools across Australia get help to support children with type 1 diabetes |
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January 2019: New school year poses extra stress for parents of kids with type 1 diabetes |
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November 2019: World Diabetes Day – $6 million initiative to be ready for new school year |
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November 2019: New national Diabetes in Schools program to start early 2020 |
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OUR PARTNERS
Diabetes in Schools was developed by Diabetes Australia with support from the Australian Government,
the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australian Diabetes Society,
the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group and JDRF Australia.
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Many parents, teachers, school staff, school nurses, principals, and health professionals gave up their time and expertise to participate in the development of the Diabetes in Schools program.
Diabetes Australia would like to acknowledge and thank all of the stakeholders who contributed to the Diabetes in Schools program including representatives from state and territory Departments of Education, state and territory Departments of Health, Catholic and Independent associations, Principal associations, peak health groups, paediatric diabetes specialist services and diabetes consumer organisations.
Diabetes Australia would like to give special thanks to Education Queensland and the State School Nursing Service for their contribution to the development of the Diabetes in Schools training materials.
Stakeholder engagement
The development of the Diabetes in Schools program has been informed by an extensive consultation process which began in late 2018 and involved more than 1000 families, 700 school staff and over 320 health professionals from across the country. More than 2000 people also participated in an online national survey.
The consultation process found that lack of access to a nationally consistent schools training program was a major issue for many schools and parents. While some schools were working well with families to support students with type 1 diabetes, many schools were reluctant to assist with the administration of insulin and other tasks for students with type 1 diabetes during school hours.
What teachers and school staff say about this program
“I think the main message is one of positivity – positive action leads to positive health.”
~ School Principal ~
“Loved the online training program – it’s very engaging, simple and left me wanting more.”
~ Clinician ~
“As a health care professional already supporting students, families and schools to help all concerned manage diabetes in schools, I love this training system. It is logical and concise. Repeated messages that reinforces management and provides guidelines for action if necessary. Congratulations on the development of an amazing resource.”
~ Clinician ~
“Diabetes in Schools is a comprehensive, evidence based program to support students, parents, principals, school staff and health care professionals in managing diabetes in order for students to fully enjoy school life.”
~ Clinician ~
“It has been an absolute privilege to be involved in this project. I am so impressed with the work that has been done and what National significance the program will have for families.”
~ Clinician ~
“The training was very comprehensive and clear.”
~ Teacher ~
“Clear and simple training that is informative. I feel that the training hits the right areas and is pitched at the right level.”
~ Assistant School Principal ~
“I really like this. It’s playful, friendly, and eye-catching but also stresses the importance of good diabetes management in schools. The tagline ‘It takes a team to support their dreams’ is great.”
~ Parent ~