Redbridge SERC

Brittle bones- implications for school

Resource type: Frequently Asked Questions  —  Date posted: January 19th, 2012   Number of views: 2177


What are the factors to consider in school?

  • Care and emergency plan— outlining procedures if pupil has a suspected fracture / injury
  • If a fracture is suspected– do not move the pupil and phone for an ambulance.
  • Attendance can be affected due to hospital stays and fractures—try to plan / support pupil to catch up
  • Train peers to ensure classroom/ corridors are always keep tidy with no items that could cause the pupil to trip
  • Consider using a disabled toilet or provide grab rails in classroom toilet.
  • Coat peg/ school tray/ locker to be positioned on the end of line/ top tray
  • Pupils with OC to be positioned at the end or beginning of line, or move around school ahead of class group.
  • Seek support with chair/ table adaptations from OT / Physio
  • Handwriting can be difficult over time– consider gel pens, access to computer, scribe, extra time in tests.
  • Supervision / alternative provision at break time to ensure interaction with peers safely.Adapted cutlery/ scissors/ pens to promote independence.
  • Multiple fractures can make writing difficult - consider ICT/ scribe/ Cloze procedure/ slope board
  • Additional set of books to save carrying them in school.
  • Art/ DT/ Science/Drama lessons may require adult support as often these lessons can involve movement within the classroom & equipment can be heavy.
  • Peer awareness of condition and how to support ( with student's permission)