Everyday

School day

The school staff care for the child according to the parents' written instructions. Plan the arrangement well in advance, ideally during the spring of the previous school year.

Responsibilities and plan

School staff carry out the care according to the parents' instructions. The actions are written into the medication plan or the plan for supporting self-care. It is worth raising the topic already during the previous spring. Before school starts, a joint meeting is held with the parents, the school staff and often the clinic.

Source: Diabetesliitto · Terveyskylä

The arrangement is supported by the joint model of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Education and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, ”Verksamhetsmodell för vården av ett barn med diabetes under skoldagen (2010)” / ”A model for caring for a child with diabetes during the school day (2010)”.

Source: Diabetesliitto

Materials for school staff

  • Diabetesliitto's free brochure ”Koulurepussa diabetes” (Diabetes in the school bag)
  • The brochure ”10 asiaa diabeteksesta” (10 things about diabetes)
  • The guide ”Koululaisen diabetes: opas ala- ja yläkouluille” (A school-aged child's diabetes: guide for primary and lower secondary)
  • Diabetesliitto's paid training: online course (1.5–3 h, €20) and the diabetes nurse Teams training (3 h, €35)

Source: Diabetesliitto · Terveyskylä

If skilled staff are not available

"Children have even ended up in life-threatening situations, or had to be taken out of daycare or school. That cannot be allowed. – Laura Tuominen-Lozic, Diabetesliitto (press release 17 Sept 2024)"

Source: Diabetesliitto

Regional guidance

Regional practices vary

Check the practices of your own wellbeing services county or school separately, as they are not uniform across Finland.

Sources: diabetes.fi (Diabetesliitto, the Finnish Diabetes Association) and terveyskyla.fi (Diabetestalo / Lastentalo). This app does not replace the individual instructions you receive from your clinic. Insulin doses, correction factors and sick-day rules are always agreed with your own care team.