Returning to school after stroke may feel like a scary prospect, but see it as an achievement; it is a milestone in your child's recovery. It is also an opportunity for your child to see their friends and participate in class.
Our guide 'Supporting children after a stroke: Toolkit for teachers and childcare professionals' contains useful information for parents and carers as well as education professionals. It covers learning and development, communication and emotional changes. It also includes resources to develop individual health and learning support plans for a child’s return to school.
To make your child's return to school as smooth as possible, contact your child's headteacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) well in advance of the return to school. In Wales, the role is referred to as an ALNCO (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator), in Scotland it is an ASN Coordinator (Additional Support Needs Coordinator) and in Northern Ireland a LSC (Learning Support Coordinator). Let the school know about the stroke and how your child has been affected. Ask for a meeting with all the professionals involved to discuss in more detail the support your child will need in the classroom and at break times. If your child is in secondary school, make sure that all of their teachers are made aware of the situation.
Schools must offer staged support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This is called additional learning needs (ALN) in Wales, additional support needs (ASN) in Scotland, and special educational needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland. If those needs are particularly complex you have the right to request a formal assessment from your local education authority or education board.
It might be helpful for the school to speak to other pupils about any physical effects of your child's stroke, if your child agrees. It may be helpful if the other children know what changes to expect and how to support their classmate. The classroom can be a noisy place and it can be tiring to return to school and learning, so a gradual return may be advisable.
It might be a good idea for your child to sit in a quieter position in the class, so it's easier for them to concentrate. Any therapy your child is still receiving should be planned in as part of their school day.
If you would like your child's school and teacher to have more information, we also offer an online information session for teachers and staff to support them in the classroom. View more information on working with children and young people section.
Email childhoodstroke@stroke.org.uk to arrange a session. Or you can share the SENCO's email address, and we’ll contact them.
You may find our questions to ask leaflet useful as you prepare your child for school.
Research shows that children with SEN/ASN or disabilities are more likely to experience bullying. If you would like to talk about how bullying is affecting you and your child please contact our helpline on 0303 3033 100. We can signpost you to appropriate sources of support.
The information on this page can be accessed in the following formats:
- Download this information as a PDF
- To request a braille copy, email childhoodstroke@stroke.org.uk
Find out more
About childhood stroke
Diagnosing and treating childhood stroke
How will my child recover?
Useful tips for you and your family
Useful Links
Questions to ask when your child starts or returns to school
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