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Advantages of sibling being at same school

S

SophiaW

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,015
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I know this might sounds like a strange request but can anyone say what they feel the advantages are of a type 1 diabetic having an older sibling at the same school. The main thought I have is that the diabetic child will travel to and from school (independently of an adult) with someone who understands their condition and knows how to treat a hypo should it happen on the way to or from school. Can you think of any other benefits to having a sibling at the same school as the diabetic child?
 
I'm sure the younger child wpuld feel more secure and It could be good for the older one too.
Hana
 
Hi,

I found there was loads of benefits-especially in secondary. Zac was diagnosed early last year aged almost 13, his sister was in her last year and she was just fantastic. The staff would even call on her if they were uncertain about something. In return i'm sure she used it on occasions for her own benefit.
Emma
 
Thanks, I appreciate the replies so far. This is important to us because we would like both our children to attend the same mixed school. Our eldest is going into secondary school this September and we need to make sure that we choose the right school to suit us as a family as well of course as his education needs. He has been awarded a place at a boys only school and we are devestated by the decision because we always hoped that they would be at the same school, particularly for the travelling to and from school reason that I stated earlier. We will be facing an admissions appeal later in the year and I want to make sure that I include all possible reasons, even those that I might be overlooking right now. Jess' older brother has always displayed a very keen involved with her diabetes control. He knows how to do her blood tests, how to treat a hypo depending on the severity, what advice to give adults about her treatment etc. They are very close and attend a lot of out of school clubs together. It gives me confidence to know that Jess is with a knowledgeable family member who will be able to help or communicate her needs if she is unable to do so. There are other reasons her brother will be better placed in the mixed school, so this is not just about his sister, but it is one of the reasons and as it impacts the family I think it is worth including in the appeal.
 
hi, my kids are both diabetic & at the same school although they are too young to really take on any responsibility for each other. However, with reference to appealing, I would emphasis the fact that your daughter recieves DLA and state that you and your son are both trained carers for her. It is probably important to stress the bond they have with one another and also the impact that diabetes has on you and the family. I would put it to them that it seems unreasonable for you to have to travel to two different schools and having a sibling at the school will be an advantage to the school (should a situation arise), and some comfort to your daughter that someone she loves and trusts will be there. Moving to a big school can be destressing enough and this may well affect her bg levels, so having someone around from day one will make the transition easier for her. It might be worth getting a letter from the Hospital just to reiterate this. Leggott
 
Thanks Leggott, you raise some good points which I will mention in our appeal.
 
Hi Sophia, I think it would undoubtedly be a benefit to Jess that have big bro around, my sister was 3 years ahead of me and even though things were different back then and I didn't test at school, she was the first person that the teachers would call upon should I need help (much to her embarassment, she was 15/16 and way too cool for school!! :lol:)

I'm not sure, but would hope that your local authorities have a duty of care to Jess to acknowledge your appeal. Appeals are succesful for all kinds of reasons so stick at it and get the hospital/your GP involved should you need to.

Good luck! Keep us posted :D xx
 
Thanks :) I've left a voicemail message for our DN to phone me back as I'm going to discuss with her and see if we can get a letter from the diabetes clinic. Wish us luck and I'll keep you updated. Our appeal date is only in June but I have to submit all my "evidence" by the 22nd of this month.

If anyone feels able to write a personal letter offering personal experience of what it's like to be a type 1 at school and having the reassurance of an older sibling there, or being a parent of a type 1 and having the reassurance of an older sibling at the same school please pm me. I'm not sure if a personal account from someone else with diabetes will offer any help but I'm willing to try if it strengthens our appeal.

I really do appreciate all the advice and support I get here, thank you very much everyone :)
 
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