Integration of children and pupils with special health needs

1. Overview

The public school system is committed to every child receiving schooling appropriate to their capabilities and needs. This is particularly relevant if your child suffers from a health problem, a chronic illness or a temporary or permanent physical disability that requires special measures to be taken so that they can pursue their schooling in the best possible conditions. Similar provisions exist for integrating children into childcare facilities (crèches, nurseries, etc.).

If your child suffers from a health problem or physical disability – either temporarily or long term – it is important for you to make contact in the first place with the school nurse, so that the child’s needs can be assessed. The aim is to work with everyone involved so that the child settles in well and can pursue their schooling smoothly.

In some cases, if your child’s state of health needs the support of a third party at the school because of the risk of a crisis (such as an allergic reaction, epileptic fit or other), for frequent care or for assistance if the building needs to be evacuated, the school nurse will suggest creating an individual support plan (PAI).

What is a chronic illness? A chronic illness is a long-term disease that may change over time. Examples include conditions such as diabetes, allergies, food intolerances, epilepsy or asthma but there are many others.

2. Who is involved?

The school nurse and the school doctor are responsible for welcoming children and young people who have a chronic disease and/or a disability and helping them to settle in. They are specially trained and report to the service de santé de l'enfance et de la jeunesse (SSEJ).

These health professionals work in conjunction with all school partners, the teaching team and the school leadership team, as well as extracurricular activities staff and the various individuals and services that make up the network in Geneva.

The school nurse and school doctor are bound by medical confidentiality. Information about your child’s health will only be passed to the other professionals involved with your consent.

3. What is an individual support plan (PAI)?

An individual support plan (PAI) is a document suggested by the school nurse and produced at your request. It is discussed with you and your child's doctor. It contains the information needed to prevent the risk of a crisis, ensure the right actions are taken in an emergency and/or support your child in their day-to-day life. However, their medical diagnosis only appears in the PAI if you give your consent.

The PAI is shared with teaching or other educational staff, along with everyone involved with your child, such as school integration assistants and extracurricular activities coordinators.

The aim of the document is to prevent any complications arising from a health issue, promote quality of life at school and encourage the school and social integration of pupils with a chronic illness or physical disability. It is accompanied by information and in some cases, training for the adults looking after them, and sometimes includes offering information and engaging in discussions with their classmates.

A simplified version of the PAI in the form of a behaviour guide, known as a CAT, may be used in childcare facilities, depending on the circumstances.