Seizure Smart Schools

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BECOME A CERTIFIED SEIZURE SMART SCHOOL

Why? Because every school has a duty of care to provide a safe learning environment, and to ensure they meet the needs of every student.

  • There are approximately 40 different types of seizures. Would you be able to recognise these?

  • Do you know the appropriate first aid to respond to a seizure?

  • Have you completed an individualised Seizure Management Plan for each child with epilepsy in your care?

For students living with epilepsy, the effects of seizures and medications may affect their learning experience. Staff can help manage and understand the needs of students in their care by developing their knowledge through epilepsy-specific training.

Seizure Smart Schools ensures that individualised Seizure Management Plans are developed for all pre-schools, primary and high school students, and children in childcare centres that live with epilepsy

DON’T BE WITHOUT THE VITAL KNOWLEDGE AND BASIC FIRST AID. MEET YOUR DUTY OF CARE TO STUDENTS WITH TRAINED & CERTIFIED STAFF.

First introduced in 2017, Epilepsy Action Australia pioneered the Seizure Smart Schools program. Its a comprehensive program designed to to support your school, teachers and students most effectively.

If you have any questions, please check the FAQ’s below or contact our Customer Service Team on 1300 37 45 37, option 2

The Seizure Smart Schools program is backed by an extensive list of  resources for teachers and schools to be found on our website.

 

3 STEPS TO BECOMING A SEIZURE SMART SCHOOL.

1. Make a SEIZURE MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Seizure Management Plans

Everyone who lives with epilepsy, needs a Seizure Management Plan (SMP).

A SMP is a set of documents that provide essential information to anyone who may be in a position to assist a person having a seizure. This is a practical tool that can be used by all caregivers in all settings to manage seizures and seizure emergencies, treatments and safety.

Epilepsy Action Australia provides a FREE online tool to help families to create their own SMP. Get started here or call us on 1300 37 45 37 (select option 1) for further assistance.

2. GET YOUR STAFF TRAINED

2. Epilepsy Training for Teachers & Staff

Beyond a Seizure Management Plan for each student living with epilepsy, your next step in Seizure Smart Schools certification is ensuring your staff are properly trained.

We provide professional development training in Epilepsy Essentials and Emergency Medication for Seizures. These courses can be delivered face to face, via webinar or completed online through our Online Academy.  We are the ONLY ASQA accredited epilepsy trainers in Australia. Get started here or call us on 1300 37 45 37 (select Option 2) to discuss your training needs. 

3. RAISE AWARENESS

3. Raise Awareness

Help us to raise awareness by holding an event at your school or online to dispel myths, decrease stigma, raise much needed funds and create an epilepsy friendly and informed community.

Visit our Community Fundraising page for activity suggestions and register your event, or if your event is ready to register, go straight to the registration form. If you can share information to raise awareness about epilepsy or promote Epilepsy Action Australia in your newsletter, school information board or anywhere else you can think of, that would be truly appreciated.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Complete the form below and one of our Customer Service staff will be in contact to to get you started with our Seizure Smart Schools program. Alternatively, call us on 1300 37 45 37 (select Option 2) to get started.

Got Questions? We've got answers. Check our FAQ's

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy Action Australia is the leading Service Provider for those living with and caring for those who live with Epilepsy. Our website provides a wealth of information, starting here, but in a snapshot:

  • Epilepsy is disease of the brain characterised by the tendency to have spontaneous, recurrent seizures. It is the fourth most common brain disorder after migraine, stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Although it is more likely to be diagnosed in childhood or senior years, it can be diagnosed at any age. It affects people of any intelligence, gender, or race.
  • There is no identifiable cause in about half of the people with epilepsy. It can sometimes be caused by head trauma, stroke, infectious disease of the brain, or existing abnormalities of the brain from birth. Genetics also play a role in some people.

Need more help ? Contact us on 1300 37 45 37 (Select Option #2)  for assistance

We've already got First Aid training. Why do we need this?

First Aid training is a great start, but our Epilepsy Essentials course provides information about epilepsy and seizures, including videos of different seizure types, seizure first aid and management strategies. For supporting those who need Emergency Medications for Seizures, you’ll learn about seizure emergencies: common medications used and why; how to manage seizure emergencies; your responsibilities; and how to administer the medication in a safe and timely manner. This includes practical competency assessment.  These courses are best-of-breed training from evidence based-research. Epilepsy Action Australia is the ONLY ASQA accredited Epilepsy training organisation in Australia

Our staff already have epilepsy training, must we undertake another course?

To become recognised as a Seizure Smart School by Epilepsy Action Australia we recommend staff undertake EAA courses Epilepsy Essentials and Emergency Medications for Seizures to ensure the breadth, depth and accuracy of information provided.

If however, your school has recently done training with us, you can be fast-tracked into the Seizure Smart Schools program. Call us on 1300 37 45 37  (Select Option 2) to enquire.

We're not aware of any children in our school with Epilepsy. Can we still become accredited?

Yes you can! Statistically 1% of children experience epilepsy and a child could have their first seizure at school at any time. By having good knowledge staff may recognise seizure activity, be able to provide effective first aid and play a key role in diagnosis. Staff can complete the Epilepsy Essentials course, ensure they are aware how to develop an individualised Seizure Management Plan and hold an event to create epilepsy awareness at the school.

What happens when we've completed all 3 requirements

Upon successful completion of all 3 steps, your school will receive a Seizure Smart School certificate.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of all communities who also work and live on this land.

We are committed to providing a child-safe environment, prioritising the well-being and protection of every child in our care.

Important Message: This information is not intended as medical advice. Do not make changes to treatment or medications without first discussing with your treating clinician.