UPFRONT

School trips and camps: caring for our children

As the school year begins, a survey sheds important light on how children with diabetes are cared for during school trips and camps.

Diabetes NZ collaborated with the New Zealand Clinical Network for Children & Young People with Diabetes to conduct this survey. Of the respondents, 227 were parents and caregivers of students with diabetes and 267 were school staff. Diabetes clinics were also asked about the School High Health Needs Fund and education sessions.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

• Parents, caregivers, and schools engage positively with Diabetes Action and Management Plans (developed by the National Clinical Diabetes Network).

• It’s generally recognised that home/school partnership is essential, which these plans help facilitate.

• Concern exists that these plans don’t address trips and camps to ensure children with diabetes are not missing out.

• There is confusion about the High Health Needs Fund and how to support children to manage their diabetes without this support.

• Many schools are not aware of education sessions run by diabetes teams.

• Parents are concerned about the level of knowledge that schools have about the complexities of diabetes management.

• Schools want more information and support for excursions, particularly overnight camps.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• That management plans and a checklist for school excursions be developed.

• That a national education package for managing diabetes at school, particularly for excursions and camps, be developed.

• That the Clinical Network for Children & Young People with Diabetes engages with the Ministry of Education about the School High Health Needs Fund.

These recommendations are being actioned.

For more information on the survey, see: www.diabetes.org.nz/news-andupdate/schools-survey-results-2020

TAKE SMALL STEPS – MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

On 28 February, Team Diabetes Auckland will hit the streets for New Zealand’s biggest fun run, the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

They’ll raise money for Diabetes Auckland and help to change lives.

Want to join the team? There’s still time to sign up. You can also make a big difference simply by donating any amount, large or small.

To run or to make a donation, go to: https:// rtb21.grassrootz.com/ diabetes-new-zealand