After much campaigning by Diabetes Australia state member organisation, Diabetes Australia – Victoria, the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development have developed diabetes management plans for children in school and preschool. This is just the beginning for school/preschool support across Australia, so watch this space!

A more consistent approach to diabetes management in school and preschool age children will result from pending changes in school health plans.

Three new plans were developed by a working party led by Diabetes Australia – Vic in collaboration with Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital representatives. The new plans have been endorsed by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to ensure that more than 2560 school-age children in the state with diagnosed type 1 diabetes are safe and well supported when attending school.

The three new plans relate to the type of insulin routine being used by the child (twice daily or multiple daily injections, or an insulin pump). Each child will have two plans which detail the diabetes care and support they need while at school or preschool; a more detailed management plan and a one page, flow-chart style coloured action plan.

With these revised plans the working party thought it was important to have the parent, diabetes educator and school representative agree and sign a document to prevent inadvertent or inappropriate use of the plans without the full consultation and involvement of all relevant parties.

The intention of the new plans will promote teacher confidence, reduce parent anxiety and ensure children with type 1 diabetes are safe and supported at school and preschool.

Visit the Diabetes Australia – Vic website to find out more.