Talking Type 1: JDRF calls on schools to understand type 1 diabetes

Make Sure Your School and Staff are Prepared with Help from New Toolkit

The world’s leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has updated and re-launched its toolkit ‘Talking T1 - Learning about Type 1 Diabetes’ which is  designed to help schools support children with type 1 diabetes in the classroom. The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children aged under five has increased five-fold in the last 20 years.

“If you do not already have a child in your school living with type 1 diabetes you can expect one soon,” Katy Pickering, Head of Outreach at JDRF said. “It’s vital that schools are prepared and able to support children with the condition.”

The charity is re-launching the comprehensive cross-curricular resources and management pack to ensure the resource is compatible with the national curriculum. Originally launched in 2009, the pack has been redeveloped and redesigned by education and health professionals. With new and improved content, the toolkit will enable teachers, head teachers and school nurses to understand the needs of children with type 1 diabetes in the classroom and to successfully integrate them in their learning environment. It complements Department for Education and Department of Health guidance – Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Year Settings.

The resource is supported by Lilly, a leading healthcare company with a long heritage in diabetes, and, is available FREE to all primary schools helping to meet statutory requirements for admissions and provision of education for children with the condition. You can order a pack now by calling JDRF on 0207 713 2030.

The free cross-curricular resources include a head teacher management guide, parent information guide, assembly plan with fundraising ideas and activity plans enriching the curriculum for:

• Science – understanding the link between health, diet and exercise
• PSHE – understanding differences and demonstrating care for others
• Literacy – reading, writing, speaking and listening
• SEAL – helping children develop social and emotional skills in relation to understanding the inclusion of children with individual needs
  

“The pack is well laid out and easy to apply in the classroom setting,” said Lesley Sydenham, Primary and Reception teacher at St Peter's School, South Devon. “As a teacher and a mother of a child with type 1 diabetes, it's vital that educators make provision to engage every child as an
individual. I would encourage all practitioners working in the Primary age phase and Foundation stage to order their copy for the new term.”

Katy Pickering, Head of Outreach at JDRF, added: “Not only does the resource support schools but it reassures parents that the school can meet the medical and educational needs of the increasing number of pupils with type 1 diabetes. One of the most pressing concerns for parents and their school-aged children with type 1 is the relationship between the family and the school.”

Dr. Rowan Hillson MBE, National Clinical Director for Diabetes, Department of Health commented: “It is vital that children with type 1 diabetes can lead the same full, active life as children without diabetes. We know that with proper support, children with diabetes should be able to participate fully in school life, enjoy time with their friends and not feel left out,”

“Education lies at the heart of any winning strategy in the fight against diabetes,” said Ian Dane, UK Senior Director, Lilly Diabetes. “At Lilly we believe that empowerment through education shapes each and every person’s own journey with diabetes, helping them, no matter what their age, to live healthier, fuller lives. We are extremely proud to be able to work with JDRF on such a vital project for children with type 1 diabetes.”

To register for your FREE toolkit which helps prepare your school and staff telephone 0207 713 2030 or The website address for teachers to register is:   www.jdrft1.org.uk/schoolsprogramme

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