The overwhelming response to our recent petition calling for governments to ensure every child with epilepsy has an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) in school has shown just how critical this issue is.
Every child with epilepsy deserves to be safe and included at school.
Ruben, the star of the #UnderstandMyEpilepsy petition
My son was diagnosed when he was 5 the school thought he was just ignoring them until he had a big one.Parent
Many of you were shocked to discover that 1 in 3 children with epilepsy are left without the crucial support they need at school.
Every child deserves an equal chance to succeed, to have their epilepsy understood and to be supported to reach their potential.
IHPs are a lifeline. They help school staff understand each child’s epilepsy, ensure their safety, and pave the way for full inclusion in every school activity.
Children are being blocked from things they are capable of doing and are missing out on their childhood. Let down by a lack of understanding about epilepsy and how it can be different for everyone.
Seizures missed or mistaken for not paying attention. School staff unaware of what to do when a seizure happens. Children unnecessarily excluded from learning, sports and trips.
Shame my son's school wasn't as understanding.. didn't want to know half the time, had to fight for everything for him .Parent
We asked the Youth Voice Network how different their lives would be if they had the right support in school
Understanding someone with epilepsy means understanding their seizure type, their triggers, their medication side-effects, the impact on their learning. Understand their epilepsy and support them to be safe and included at school.
There is still time to sign the petition if you haven’t already or share with your family and friends. Every signature counts.
Over the next few months, we will be taking our petition right to the heart of education in each of the four nations. We are demanding change for every child living with epilepsy in the UK and we need to see definitive action from education ministers on this issue.
