Policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that schools support students diagnosed with epilepsy and students having a non-epileptic seizure event appropriately.
Summary
- For each student diagnosed with epilepsy, schools must have in place:
- Epilepsy Management – signed by the treating doctor and provided to the school by the student’s parents/carers
- Emergency Medication Management (if required) – signed by a doctor and provided by the student’s parents/carers
- Medication Authority Form – for a student who requires regular (non-emergency) medication(s) to be administered at school and ensure a log is kept of any medicine administered
- Medication Log or an equivalent official medications register – to record any regular (non-emergency) medication(s) administered at school.
- Schools must refer to the Guidance tab for further advice on the management of students with epilepsy and for students who have a seizure.
- All relevant school staff who work directly with a student with epilepsy are required to receive training to understand and manage epilepsy, and (as required) administer emergency medication. Refer to Training of staff for more information.
- For each student that has been prescribed emergency medication, an up-to-date individual emergency medication kit must be easily accessible.
- Schools must provide a first aid response and post seizure support when a student has a non-epileptic seizure event. This includes preventing them from injuring themselves and staying with them until the seizure has finished. An ambulance should be called if the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, or if the person is unresponsive for more than 5 minutes.
- Schools should call an ambulance immediately if:
- you do not know the student
- it is the student’s first seizure
- there is no epilepsy management plan
- a serious injury has occurred
- the seizure occurs in water
- you have reason to believe the student may be pregnant
- other factors outlined on the epilepsy management are occurring.
Details
All schools have a duty of care to provide a safe learning environment for all students and ensure they accommodate the needs of all students.
Epilepsy is considered a disability under both state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 schools have an obligation to make reasonable and necessary adjustments for students with epilepsy, to enable them to access and to participate in their education on the same basis as their peers. This legal obligation arises whether or not they are funded under the Program for Students with Disabilities or Disability Inclusion.
Schools must implement strategies to assist students with epilepsy according to their specific needs. Schools may use Disability Inclusion Tier 2 school-level funding for epilepsy-specific professional learning activities for school-based staff.
Schools are required to ensure an appropriate plan is in place to support the needs of students with epilepsy. For each student diagnosed with epilepsy, schools must have a current written:
- Epilepsy Management – developed by parents/carers in consultation with the treating health team, and signed by the treating doctor. It describes:
- the student’s epilepsy diagnosis
- potential seizure triggers
- appropriate seizure response, including whether emergency medication is prescribed
- how the student wants to be supported during and after a seizure
- identified risk strategies (such as water safety, use of helmet)
- Emergency Medication Management – required where the student’s Epilepsy Management Plan states that emergency medication has been prescribed. It:
- must be signed by a doctor and provided by the student’s parents/carers
- provides information on the dose, route of administration and emergency response required in the event of a seizure
- authorises appropriately trained staff to administer emergency medication as per the Epilepsy Management Plan
- Medication Authority Form – authorises staff to administer any regular (non-emergency) epilepsy medication(s) at school
- Medication Log or an equivalent official medications register must be used and maintained by the person administering medicine by a student during school time (this is not intended for emergency epilepsy medications).
Note:
- A Student Health Support Plan is not required if the school and parents/carers are satisfied with the provided Epilepsy Management .
- Epilepsy management documentation must be readily accessible to all relevant school staff who work directly with a student with epilepsy.
- Epilepsy management documentation must be reviewed at least annually. Schools must communicate with the parent or carer to ask for updated medical or health advice if available, or written confirmation that documentation is current.
Definitions
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Epileptic seizures
Epileptic seizures are caused by a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain resulting in a temporary disruption in the normal messages passing between brain cells. Seizures can involve loss of consciousness, a range of unusual movements, odd feelings and sensations or changed behaviour.
Most seizures are spontaneous and brief. However, multiple seizures known as seizure clusters can occur over a 24 hour period.
Non-epileptic seizures (NES)
Also known as dissociative seizures. There are 2 types of non-epileptic seizures:
- organic NES which have a physical cause
- psychogenic NES which are caused by mental or emotional processes.
Seizure triggers
A term used to describe known circumstances where the individual may have an increased likelihood of having a seizure. Seizure triggers are unique to the person and are not always known. Common seizure triggers can include stress, lack of sleep, heat, illness or missed medication. The Epilepsy Foundation has a detailed description of seizure and seizure .
Related policies
- Disability Inclusion Funding and Support
- Duty of Care
- First Aid for Students and Staff
- Health Care Needs
- Medication
- Students with Disability
Relevant legislation
Reviewed 22 January 2026