Epilepsy in the classroom

Safety

If a student has a type of seizure where they fall to the ground, they may knock against furniture or hard surfaces. Padding on hard corners and surfaces could help, as well as seating them where there is more space around them.

Some subjects such as science and cookery may need restriction for reasons of safety. However, the way epilepsy affects each student should be assessed on an individual basis, including seizure type, warnings, frequency and pattern. This information would be available from the student themselves, as well as their parents or carers and epilepsy specialist doctor or nurse. more information

Learning and behaviour

Most students with epilepsy are just as capable of learning as other students and some are high achievers. Some students with epilepsy have behavioural problems and/or learning difficulties, some do not. Possible causes of behavioural/learning difficulties include: frequent and/or prolonged seizures, damage to the brain, side effects from medication and sub-clinical seizure activity. As with any other student, psychological and social factors may also affect behaviour and learning. more information

Memory

It is not uncommon for students with epilepsy to complain of a poor memory and the reasons for this may vary. Damage to the part of the brain responsible for memory or on-going epileptic activity in that area may be responsible. Some of the ‘older’ anti-epileptic drugs may cause a slowing of the mental process and subsequent memory problems. This is more likely to happen if the drug is taken in high dosages and/or over a long period of time. more information

Exams

Some students with epilepsy may be entitled to extra time in external exams, as a reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act. It is important for schools to be aware of this, make sure that students, parents and carers know the situation, and apply in good time to the relevant exam boards. An epilepsy specialist healthcare professional may be able to give some advice and support on whether extra time is needed.

• A factsheet on exams is available.

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Stress

Students with epilepsy may experience stress at school, and stress can be a trigger for seizures. Several factors can influence the levels of stress experienced at school, for example making sure that young people know whether they are entitled to extra time in exams, and making sure that staff are trained and understand the individual needs of a student with epilepsy.

• More information about epilepsy and stress

The Disability Discrimination Act

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is a law that makes it illegal to discriminate against disabled people in many areas of life, including education. Students with epilepsy are covered by this Act. In addition to ensuring that discrimination does not occur, it may be necessary to make adjustments for them. Reasonable adjustment may mean providing an LCD or TFT computer for a student with photosensitive epilepsy or giving priority accommodation to a student with on-going seizures.

• More information about the Disability Discrimination Act

Teaching epilepsy awareness

Personal, social, health and education (PHSE) or science lessons can be good opportunities to make students aware of epilepsy and its effects. This can be done without referring to an individual student with epilepsy, but if they are happy to talk about their experiences this can be very valuable.

Resources

• Information for children and teenagers