Epilepsy Awareness Day 2015

Today, 26 March, is the International Epilepsy Awareness day. To mark the day, Epilepsy Action has organised a Purple Day to encourage awareness and understanding of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a brain condition which causes repeated seizures or ‘fits’. The NHS estimates that approximately 500,000 people in the UK are affected by epilepsy – almost 1% of the national population.

Epilepsy can start from any age, but is most common in childhood. It can also develop as a result of an acquired brain injury, stroke or brain tumour. Epilepsy is usually managed by anti-seizure medication.

Often the focus of support for epilepsy will be medical and the educational impact of the disability may not be a primary concern. There is, however, substantial legal basis to support children with epilepsy in school.

Epilepsy is a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010. This means that any child with epilepsy can expect to receive additional support from their school. This support will be considered a ‘reasonable adjustment’. Reasonable adjustments may include measures to avoid any triggers of seizures. For example, light-bulbs may need to be changed if exiting ones could trigger photo-sensitive epilepsy. The Equality Act will also likely require schools to provide medical support and action plans and ensure that members of staff are trained and briefed on the appropriate measures to take in the event of a seizure.

As epilepsy is a disability, it may also result in the child having special educational needs. The legal definition of special educational needs is that the child has a disability which causes an enhance difficulty with learning. If, for example, the impact of epilepsy is to cause repeated absences from school, ‘absent’ episodes, forgetfulness or a difficulty concentrating, it may well mean that the child has special educational needs.

In our experience, epilepsy is normally managed through an agreed medical action plan which the school implement further to the Equality Act 2010. In addition, children with epilepsy may well require additional support in school via SEN Additional Support.  In some cases, where a child’s epilepsy causes significant difficulties accessing learning, such as frequent and severe seizures, a child may require the additional support of an Education, Health and Care Plan.

As with all special educational needs, early intervention is very important. If a school does not respond quickly to a diagnosis of epilepsy, it may be appropriate to seek special educational needs advice.