How to support your child with JIA at school

Managing JIA in school

Your child's arthritis doesn't have to stop them enjoying school and doing well there. Some early planning, plenty of communication with teachers and listening to your child can make a big difference.

Talk to teachers

Regular two-way communication with your child’s school will help your child to manage their condition in school. Tell school staff about your child’s arthritis and the symptoms they're experiencing as soon as possible so that teachers can look out for any difficulties they're having, whether physical or emotional, and find ways to help.

School staff sometimes struggle with the fact that arthritis in young people can vary so much from day to day and also that many of the symptoms are invisible. Highlighting these facts, as well as how the condition and medication may make your child tired or lethargic if this is true, can help understanding. 

School meetings

An early meeting with the school, involving your child and possibly a member of your rheumatology team, would help. The sooner you can do this after diagnosis, or before your child is about to start at a new school, the better.

Your child's teachers may never have heard of a young person having arthritis before so this will be a good chance to tell them about your child’s condition and how staff can help your child. It might be helpful to make notes in advance so you remember to discuss:

• your child's symptoms and what staff should watch out for
• the medication your child is taking
• whether your child has restricted movement, difficulty getting around school or taking part in activities
• if your child struggles with fatigue or 'brain fog'
• arrangements for time off for medical appointments
• plans for school trips.

Keep school informed if your child's condition or treatment changes and there are different symptoms to watch out for.

Know your rights

Teachers have a responsibility and even a legal duty to provide the best standard of teaching, and schools are obliged to encourage inclusivity. Your child’s arthritis mustn't mean that their experience of school life is any less supported, successful, fulfilling or enjoyable than their peers'. Anything you can do to help support your school to make sure that happens will benefit your child.

Encourage teachers and school staff to read our information for schools for more on how they can best help young people with arthritis.

We have collaborated with fellow charities – CCAA and NRAS – to design a dedicated healthcare plan for young people with arthritis. This comes with a comprehensive guide with hints and tips on how to support a young person in education.

Absences from school

Your child will need to visit hospital regularly for check-ups and exercise advice. Usually this means going every 3-6 months to an outpatients department for specialist advice.

Young people with arthritis rarely have to stay overnight in hospital. This usually only happens if they’re very ill with systemic-onset JIA or if it’s more convenient to stay a few days while having various tests and treatments.

Hospitals will encourage you to stay with your child and will also provide facilities for play and school lessons.