Why it matters

All school staff need to understand what Type 1 Diabetes is and how to help manage it during the school day.

Even if a child has already been attending the school, it’s important to update staff regularly especially at the start of a new school year or when the child has a new teacher.

For Primary School Pupils, the HSE prepared a comprehensive guideline: Meeting the Care Needs of Primary School Children with Type 1 Diabetes.

Key Actions for Schools

1. Meet with parents

Organise a meeting with parents, class teacher, principal, and SNA (if involved). Discuss the child’s diabetes care needs. Ensure chosen staff complete training if needed (insulin, pump, Glucagon).

2. Create a personal pupil plan (PPP)

Develop a written plan with parents and the diabetes team, covering: blood glucose checks, hypo/hyper management, meal/snack supervision, insulin administration, when to contact parents. Update regularly.

3. Train and inform all staff

All staff should know who the child is, how to recognise/treat a hypo, what to do in emergencies. Substitute teachers must also be informed. Provide access to training where possible (see Diabetes in Schools sessions).

4. Support daily diabetes management

Ensure easy access to supplies, provide private spaces, supervise younger children, manage sharps disposal, include diabetes needs in school policies, and maintain open communication with parents.

5. Emergency preparedness

Have quick-acting glucose available in classroom, office, playground. Emergency kits should include: glucose meter, ketone strips, snacks/drinks, Glucogel/Glucagon (if prescribed), wipes and gloves.

What Parents Need to Do

Parents/guardians are responsible for:

Informing the school their child has diabetes
Attending meetings and sharing the Personal Pupil Plan
Updating the school on changes to care
Providing supplies: diabetes kit, hypo treatments, insulin, sharps container, gloves, meal/snack schedules, emergency kit (restocked as needed)