Two reports launched today by the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee support what Diabetes UK Cymru has been saying for many years – children in Wales are not getting the care and support they need to participate fully in education.
In their report, titled 'Do Disabled Children and Young People have equal access to Education and Childcare', the Committee found that “a significant number of children and young people’s rights to an education as set out in Articles 28 and 29 of United Convention on the Rights of Child are currently being breached in Wales. These children and young people are being fundamentally let down".
More than 1,600 children are living with type 1 diabetes in Wales, and many don’t currently get the support they need to safely participate in school life. Type 1 diabetes requires glucose monitoring and management to prevent very low or high blood sugar levels, both of which can be extremely dangerous and lead to life-threatening complications including diabetic ketoacidosis, also called DKA.
For many young children this means they will need adult support to manage the condition and make sure their blood sugars remain at a safe level. This support should be available within the school community from a dedicated member of staff, trained and competent at managing health conditions including diabetes.
Diabetes UK Cymru regularly hears reports from parents who must fight to get their child the care they need in Welsh schools, with many feeling their child is not being cared for adequately, often resorting to leaving paid work to manage their child’s condition, moving schools or taking on home education.
Seven-year-old Toby Beasley from Rumney in Cardiff was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged 18 months. Mum Zoe has been fighting for his care since he began school. She’s had to move Toby’s school from Newport to Cardiff, home school for a period, and is now once again facing losing the support Toby needs to a lack of funding.
Zoe started a petition about this issue in 2023, which received 350 signatures, and contributed evidence to the Committee’s recent inquiry.
Zoe said:
"I’m incredibly grateful to the committee for raising the concerns I’ve had for a long time about long time about the poor levels of provision and support for my Toby within the Welsh education system. We’ve had to remove my son Toby from his first primary school, battle with a second and are now considering home-schooling as a long-term solution due to the failure to meet his needs.
“This failure has not only impacted Toby’s learning, but us as a family as I’ve had to give up work to make sure I’m there when Toby needs me. It affects his ability to learn, play and develop at school and makes getting into a routine a challenge daily.
“My story is not just mine but that of many families in the same situation struggling with the lack of support and funding.”
Rachel Burr, Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said:
"As a charity, we are deeply concerned by the experiences outlined in these reports. These reports underscore the urgent need for reform to ensure no child is denied their right to a full and inclusive education.
“No child should feel unsupported or face additional educational challenges due to a condition they live with. The Welsh Government must hear the clear calls for reform and act quickly to address these serious gaps. Diabetes UK Cymru stands ready to work with the Welsh Government to ensure children living with Diabetes receive the care and support they need to thrive in the classroom."
Read the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee's reports.
