CGM’s in schools

[HayleyW80]

Hi, this is my first time here so apologies if this has already been asked. I work as a supply teacher and haven’t been in school since I was given a CGM. I have been given insulin 4 times a day. Usually when I’m in school my phone is kept in my bag/in the office (depending on the rules for that particular school). For my CGM to work properly I will now need to keep my phone in my pocket. Has anyone had any issues regarding this?

 

[Antje77]

Hi, this is my first time here so apologies if this has already been asked. I work as a supply teacher and haven’t been in school since I was given a CGM. I have been given insulin 4 times a day. Usually when I’m in school my phone is kept in my bag/in the office (depending on the rules for that particular school). For my CGM to work properly I will now need to keep my phone in my pocket. Has anyone had any issues regarding this?

Hi @HayleyW80 , welcome to the forum.

I don't have experience with this, but I expect this would be a 'reasonable adjustment' under the Equality Act 2010.
Having your phone on you in a school doesn't hurt anyone (provided you only use it for your diabetes during work) so I'd expect no issues.

 

[mouseee]

I agree that it's a reasonable adjustment.
I teach and I would definitely expect to be able to have a phone in my classroom if I needed to check bs.

I presume having an ipad might be seen as less of an issue so perhaps an ipad with the app would be an option if there is a problem.

 

[jaywak]

If the rules are so strict that you can't have your phone in your pocket , I;me shaking my head in disbelief that that can be right , you could always just use a reader couldn't you ?

 

[HayleyW80]

To be honest I’ve not faced this issue yet so not sure how it will pan out. I only have my phone but not a reader. I’m sure it will be ok. If not I’ll tell them that I need to check my phone at regular intervals.

 

[Jaylee]

Hi, this is my first time here so apologies if this has already been asked. I work as a supply teacher and haven’t been in school since I was given a CGM. I have been given insulin 4 times a day. Usually when I’m in school my phone is kept in my bag/in the office (depending on the rules for that particular school). For my CGM to work properly I will now need to keep my phone in my pocket. Has anyone had any issues regarding this?

Hi,

OK. I work in places that due to “digital distraction” (a new scheme in my last position.) no phones are allowed…

I’m not a “phone fiddler,” (pick up messages on my own time.) but a factual explanation of what a CGM does to a boss usually shrinks the room regarding “reasonable adjustments?” Some bosses have T1 relatives & on realisation respond with “not a problem.”

All allerts with exception of the CGM are switched off. It’s gone off in a briefing/meeting? “Who’s that? Don’t panic it’s me… low alarm. But I’m on it..”

 

[EllieM]

The whole point of a cgm is that you need it near you so you get the alerts before you go too low/high. I'd be surprised if the school had issues as long as all the alerts apart from the cgm were turned off. eg put the phone in aircraft mode and turn bluetooth back on for the cgm.

 

[Jaylee]

eg put the phone in aircraft mode and turn bluetooth back on for the cgm.

Or turn off all all audio message alerts alerts apart from the CGM…? Easier to pick up during a lunch break on the personal missed calls or messaging.

 

[mariavontrapp]

Why not just speak to them about it. You could be worrying unnecessarily

 

[HayleyW80]

It was all ok in the end. The nursery had a no mobile phone policy but after speaking to them it was agreed that I could keep my phone up on the shelf.

 

[Jaylee]

It was all ok in the end. The nursery had a no mobile phone policy but after speaking to them it was agreed that I could keep my phone up on the shelf.

Hi,

From experience. Keep the phone discreetly about your person.(in order to maintain signal connection.)

Lucky for me I wear “builder’s trousers,” but you may find you could be walking away & leaving it behind? I’ve worked in schools as maintenance. I’ve learned never to leave anything (tools. Kids for some reason can’t help the lure of drills & saws? Also had school issue walkie talkie.) that isn’t in my hand unattended?

 

[Tony337]

Hi
I'm a school caretaker and the school has a no mobile phone policy.
I am an exception to it and signed it accordingly.
Its not a problem.

Fifty years ago i was diagnozed aged just 6.
It was almost unheard of back then but now its not uncommon to have at least one type 1 child in schools.
I am popular with the children who suffer and have got to know parents as i can offer advice and sympathy.

Interestingly it helps parents who have a little one when they find the caretaker has had it fifty years as i'm still working driving and in good shape particularly when i'm shinning up a ladder retrieving a ball off the roof!

The future is bright.....

Tony