Bleeding disorders and school

Supporting Children with Bleeding Disorders at School: A Guide for Parents and Educators

Balancing independence with safety

Parents of children with bleeding disorders work tirelessly to ensure their children can live everyday lives. While they understand the need for school staff to be involved in their child’s care, entrusting someone else with monitoring their bleeding disorder can be a challenge.

Children want to feel normal

Children with bleeding disorders, especially when with friends, simply want to be treated like everyone else. They can participate in most activities, and many have learned to manage their condition since birth. Older children may even recognise the signs of a bleed before symptoms appear.

Expertise lies with parents and children

Remember, the parents (and often the child/ren themselves) are the true experts on their specific condition. They can provide detailed information on how the disorder affects their child.

Working together for a safe school environment

The child’s haemophilia treatment centre can offer invaluable support. A haemophilia nurse can collaborate with the school and visit in person to help develop a personalised care plan. This plan ensures everyone at school feels confident in what to do in different situations.

Focus on common bleeding disorders

While all inherited bleeding disorders are rare, our Bleeding disorders and school booklet concentrates on the two most common: haemophilia and von Willebrand disease (VWD). The actions schools need to take for any bleeding disorder are generally similar.

Creating a supportive school environment

Our booklet aims to equip teachers and parents with the tools to create a care plan specifically tailored to the child’s needs. The ultimate goal? Happy, healthy children and school staff who feel confident providing the necessary support.

Addressing teacher needs

Many teachers will have never encountered a child with a bleeding disorder. Our booklet offers support and information to effectively empower them to meet the child’s needs.

Communication and availability are key

Schools are dynamic environments, so several staff members must understand the child’s bleeding disorder. This ensures there’s always someone available to help if needed.

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