Paediatric palliative care in school

Attending school helps children maintain a sense of normality and routine, and allows them to socialise with their peers. Later, as their illness progresses, brief attendance at school each day may still be possible. When children can no longer attend school, contact with peers can be maintained through letters, email, social media and visits.

A meeting between teachers, parents and the community nurse or general practitioner may be useful to discuss the needs of the child and family, and what the school can offer. Schools may need advice on how to support staff and students, and to identify those at risk of severe reactions to the illness or death of the child. The child and their parents should be consulted before staff discuss the child’s illness with other parents and students.

Detailed information on how schools can support children and families is available in A practical guide to palliative care in paediatrics.