There are MPs of all parties supporting the Bill.
 
Following the visit to Downing Street Roger Gale said:
 
“It is appalling that some children with health conditions are not receiving the support they need to manage their condition at school. This can have a devastating impact on them for the rest of their lives. All children must have equal access to a full education.”
 
Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of leading health charity Diabetes UK, added: “A lack of training and support for school staff means that pupils’ medical needs are not always met and they miss out academically and socially. We are calling for as many MPs as possible to support the Schools (Health Support) Bill and make a real difference to these pupils’ quality of life.”

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Background

The health and education of many of the estimated one million children and young people with health conditions in England could be at risk because pupils do not always receive adequate support to manage their condition at school and are not being fully included in lessons and activities.
 
A lack of training and support for school staff means that children and young people’s medical needs are not always met and they miss out academically and socially. To address the issue, schools, primary care trusts and local authorities must work together.
 
The Schools (Health Support) Bill aims to ensure:
·        Schools are required to produce and implement medical conditions policies – in line with current guidance and best practice
·        School staff receive appropriate support and training to support children with health conditions
·        NHS bodies, local authorities and primary care trusts help schools fulfil their responsibilities
·        School inspections also look at how a school supports children with health conditions
·        Every child with a health condition has an individual healthcare plan