Diabetes

Shared responsibility

Schools, students, parents or carers and the diabetes treating teams all share the same goal of ensuring students with type 1 diabetes are safe and supported at school to participate fully in their education and enjoy everyday school life.

The department’s Diabetes policy highlights the importance of collaboration to achieve optimal care and support.

The day-to-day management of a young person with type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 job. When they are at school this responsibility is shared between the student, parent or carer, school staff and diabetes treating teams. The student is at the centre of this collaboration and it is important that they are encouraged to play an active role in managing their condition. System supports are provided by the Department of Education and Diabetes Victoria.

Shared responsibility roles

Every student with type 1 diabetes is different. The level and type of health support needed at school will vary from individual to individual and change over time as the student develops and increasingly gains independence in managing their own care. Those involved in supporting a student with diabetes have the following roles:

Students should be involved in their own care. As they mature and progress toward diabetes self-management, students should be encouraged to participate in decisions about their treatment and develop the confidence to state what help they need and when.

Parents or carers are advocates for their child in the school setting. They keep the school updated about their child’s condition by providing current Diabetes Management and Diabetes Action Plans, notifying the school of changes in their child’s condition and prescribed treatment, and working with the school to develop a tailored Student Health Support Plan.

Diabetes treating teams prescribe Diabetes Management Plans and Diabetes Action Plans, tailored to each student’s needs. They have a role in providing information, advice and training to students, parents/carers and school staff.

Diabetes Victoria provides foundational professional development and information to schools and establishes peer support networks for families of children with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Victoria also provides policy advice to the department and advocates for evidence-based practice change.

The department works in consultation with peak bodies and treatment services to set school policy and provide leadership, advice and support to assist schools to meet their legal and policy obligations.

The department’s regional offices provide an interface between the department’s central office and schools to support policy implementation and best practice within schools.