We are delighted to report that for the first time in over a decade the Department for Education has published updated draft guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions. Our Children and Families Service has been closely involved throughout the review process, ensuring the voices and experiences of young people with liver disease are represented.
How the new guidance will affect children with liver disease
- The guidance has now made clear that any child with a health condition, including liver disease, that needs supportive arrangements should have an Individual Healthcare Plan.
- The strengthened guidance now includes a specific section on health conditions such as childhood liver disease, which reinforces that IHPs are essential for children and young people with childhood liver disease in education.
- The draft guidance includes more practical “how to” detail, and cross references safeguarding and equality duties.
- Education settings are now expected to publish their medical conditions policy on their website. This helps young people, parents and staff have a clear understanding of how support is managed.
- Previously only covering schools, the guidance now expands to colleges and early years settings for the first time.
- The guidance also signposts education professionals to the information and support which our Children and Families Service provides.
Head of Children and Families Services, Michelle Wilkins, says: “So much of the support we provide is education related, whether it’s concerns before a child starts school or nursery or issues concerning attendance once they are there. In our recent survey of families and young people, 48% of respondents felt that having a childhood liver condition had a negative effect on educational attainment.
“The new guidance is a welcome step towards making sure children with liver disease are safe and included in education. Because childhood liver disease affects every young person differently, we know Individual Healthcare Plans are vital in helping staff understand their needs and respond appropriately. So we’re pleased to see more clarity in the statutory guidance around which children should have Individual Healthcare Plans, recognising how essential they are.
“We welcome the opportunity we’ve had to feed into the draft guidance, and we’re pleased to see it broadened to include early years settings and colleges.
“We hope this review continues to move us closer to a future where all education settings consistently recognise and support long-term health conditions, so no child is overlooked due to a chronic health condition.”
The new guidelines are open for consultation until May 1st and parents can make their views known here Policy papers and consultations – GOV.UK
We have a useful guide available for anyone who would like help completing the consultation. Please email families@childliverdisease.org for your copy.
