- 24/03/2014
- Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
- Category: News
On Monday 24 March 2014, Valerie signed Young Epilepsy’s manifesto for change.
Valerie said:
“I was pleased to be part of Young Epilepsy’s campaign to get every child with epilepsy the support they need at school which was launched in Parliament. Epilepsy is the most common childhood neurological disorder. On average there is one diagnosed child in every primary school and five in every secondary school.”
“The CHESS (Children with Epilepsy in Sussex Schools) research project found that 95% of school pupils with epilepsy also have to cope with learning and behavioural problems. Epilepsy is often misunderstood or ignored in schools.”
“Young Epilepsy have launched a teacher and parent screening tool for all school aged pupils with epilepsy and related conditions called ABLE – Assessment of Behaviour and Learning in Epilepsy. Young Epilepsy can provide training and resources to help schools ensure all pupils reach their potential.”
“In November 2010 I tabled the Epilepsy and Related Conditions (Education and Health Services) Ten Minute Rule Bill. This Bill asked for immediate referral to a specialist clinician for anyone experiencing a suspected seizure. It also asked for an annual assessment in schools to identify the additional needs of children with epilepsy and to help them achieve their potential. In October 2011 I met with the Prime Minister to discuss my Ten Minute Rule Bill. In the Children and Families Act 2014, which received Royal Assent in March 2014, the Government included a local authority requirement to secure for a child, educational, health and care plans, in light of a having an assessment of their education, health and care needs.”
https://youngepilepsy.org.uk/news-and-events/news/11865-young-epilepsy-launches-education-campaign-at-house-of-commons
Information relating to the Children and Families Bill can be found here: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/childrenandfamilies.html
Epilepsy and Related Conditions (Education and Health Services) Bill provisions:1. Immediate tertiary referral to a specialist clinician;
2. Individual assessments in schools
http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/epilepsyandrelatedconditionseducationandhealthservices.html