Epilepsy Policy 
Best Practice – Quality Area 2
Purpose
This policy will outline the procedures to:
•	ensure that educators, staff and parents/guardians are aware of their obligations and required strategies in supporting children with epilepsy to safely and fully participate in the program and activities of Florence Rd. Preschool.
•	ensure that all necessary information for the effective management of children with epilepsy enrolled at Florence Rd. Preschool is collected and recorded so that these children receive appropriate attention when required.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy.
Policy statement
1.	Values
Florence Rd. Preschool is committed to:
•	providing a safe and healthy environment for all children enrolled at the service
•	providing an environment in which all children with epilepsy can participate to their full potential
•	providing a clear set of guidelines and procedures to be followed with regard to supporting children with epilepsy and the management of seizures
•	educating and raising awareness about epilepsy, its effects and strategies for appropriate management, among educators, staff, parents/guardians and others involved in the education and care of children enrolled at the service.
2.	Scope
This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Parsons with Management and Control, Nominated Supervisor, Persons in Day to Day Charge, educators, staff, students on placement, volunteers, parents/guardians, children and others attending the programs and activities of Florence Rd. Preschool.

3.	Background and legislation
Background
Epilepsy is a common, serious neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While about 1 in 200 children live with epilepsy, the impact is variable – some children are greatly affected while others are not.
“Epilepsy is unique: There are virtually no generalisations that can be made about how epilepsy may affect a child. There is often no way to accurately predict how a child’s abilities, learning and skills will be affected by seizures. Because the child’s brain is still developing, the child, their family and doctor will be discovering more about the condition as they develop. The most important thing to do when working with a child with epilepsy is to get to know the individual child and their condition. All children with epilepsy should have an Epilepsy Management Plan” (Children with epilepsy: A Teacher’s Guide, Epilepsy Foundation– refer to Sources).
Most people living with epilepsy have good control of their seizures through medication; however it is important that all those working with children living with epilepsy have a good understanding of the effects of seizures, required medication and appropriate first aid for seizures.
The Epilepsy Foundation (refer to Sources) has a range of resources and can assist with the development of an Epilepsy Management Plan. The foundation also provides training and support to families and educators in the management of epilepsy, and in the emergency administration of midazolam or rectal Valium.
Legislation that governs the operation of approved children’s services is based on the health, safety and welfare of children, and requires that children are protected from hazards and harm. Regulation 136 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 requires the Approved Provider to ensure that there is at least one educator on duty at all times who has a current approved first aid qualification. As a demonstration of duty of care and best practice, ELAA recommends all educators have current approved first aid qualifications.
Legislation and standards
Relevant legislation and standards include but are not limited to:
•	Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010: Sections 167, 169, 174
•	Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011: Regulations 79, 85, 86, 87, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 98, 101, 136, 137
•	Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)
•	National Quality Standard, Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety
•	Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)
•	Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
•	Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic)
•	Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 (Vic).
4.	Definitions
The terms defined in this section relate specifically to this policy. For commonly used terms e.g. Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Regulatory Authority etc. refer to the General Definitions section of this manual.
Absence seizure: Occurring mostly in children, this consists of brief periods of loss of awareness, most often for less than 10 seconds. Some children can experience these types of seizures multiple times during the day which may compromise learning. Absence seizures can be mistaken for 
day-dreaming. They are no longer called ‘petit mals’.
AEDs: Antiepileptic drugs used for the treatment of many epilepsy syndromes. AEDs do not cure epilepsy but most seizures can be prevented by taking medication regularly one or more times a day. For many people, medication makes it possible to live a normal, active life, free of seizures. Others may continue to have seizures, but less frequently.
Approved First Aid Qualifications: First aid qualifications that meet the requirements of Regulation 136(1) and have been approved by the National Authority.
Duty of care: A common law concept that refers to the responsibilities of organisations to provide people with an adequate level of protection against harm and all reasonable foreseeable risk of injury.
Emergency epilepsy medication: Medication that has been prescribed for the treatment of prolonged seizures or a cluster of seizures. The most common type of emergency medication prescribed is buccal or nasal midazolam. Rectal Valium has been used in the past, but is not often prescribed for use as an emergency epilepsy medication. Medication information is included in a child’s Emergency Medication Management Plan, and this must be kept up to date. Only staff who have received child-specific training in the emergency administration of midazolam can administer this medication.
Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP): Completed by the prescribing doctor in consultation with the individual and/or their family/carer. This medication plan must be attached to the individual’s Epilepsy Management Plan which has been signed by the child’s treating doctor. The preferred template to be used by the prescribing doctor can be found at: www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au 
Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures (abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that scrambles messages) that are unprovoked.
Epilepsy Management Plan (EMP): Designed to help people recognise when seizures are occurring, and gives clear directions about appropriate first aid. The plan is developed by the person who has the most knowledge and experience of the individual’s epilepsy and seizures, and should be less than 12 months old. The management of epilepsy requires a team approach and the plan should be reviewed and signed by the individual’s treating doctor. An Epilepsy Management Plan and Support Package has been designed by The Epilepsy Foundation: www.epilepsyfoundaton.org.au
Focal (previously called simple or complex partial) seizures: Focal seizures (previously called partial seizures) start in one part of the brain and affect the area of the body controlled by that part of the brain. The symptoms experienced will depend on the function that the focal point controls (or is associated with). Focal seizures may or may not cause an alteration of awareness. Symptoms are highly variable and may include lip smacking, wandering behaviour, fiddling with clothes and feeling sick, ‘edgy’ or strange.
Focal seizures where a person has full awareness were previously called simple partial seizures.  Focal seizures where a person has an altered sense of awareness were previously called complex partial seizures. Focal seizures can progress into a generalised seizure.
Generalised seizure: Both sides of the brain are involved and the person will lose consciousness. A Tonic Clonic seizure is one type of generalised seizure.
Ketogenic diet: A high fat, low carbohydrate, restricted-calorie diet that may be prescribed as additional therapy. This is an effective therapy for some children, although its mechanisms are not well understood. When introducing this diet, a child is usually hospitalised, as such radical dietary changes have the potential to cause serious problems for the child. Once the child is stabilised on a ketogenic diet, they can return home, with the diet managed by the parents/guardians or carers.
Medication record: Contains details for each child to whom medication is to be administered by the service. This includes the child’s name, signed authorisation to administer medication and a record of the medication administered, including time, date, dosage, manner of administration, name and signature of person administering the medication and of the person checking the medication, if required (Regulation 92). A sample medication record is available on the ACECQA website.
Midazolam: Also known as Hypnovel, midazolam belongs to a group of pharmaceuticals called benzodiazepines. Its main purpose is as a sedative or hypnotic, and it is used for medical and surgical procedures. In epilepsy, midazolam is used for emergency management of seizures, as it has the ability to stop the seizures quickly. Once absorbed into the blood, midazolam travels to the brain, attaching to brain receptors that control electrical impulses that are firing at an unusually rapid rate. Midazolam also works by relaxing muscles, which is particularly beneficial in many types of seizures. The effect of midazolam should occur rapidly.
Not all individuals living with epilepsy require emergency medication, but for a small group of people whose seizures are difficult to control, or for people who are isolated from emergency care, midazolam is an excellent medication. It is most commonly administered bucally or nasally.
Midazolam is fast-acting and can be easily administered by family and carers in a variety of settings. Only staff specifically trained to the requirements of a child’s Emergency Medication Management Plan can administer midazolam.
Midazolam kit: An insulated container with an unused, in-date midazolam ampoule/s, a copy of the child’s Emergency Medication Management Plan and Epilepsy Management Plan (which includes a picture of the child), and telephone contact details for the child’s parents/guardians, doctor/medical personnel and the person to be notified in the event of a seizure requiring administration of midazolam if parents/guardians cannot be contacted. Midazolam must be stored away from light (cover with aluminium foil) and in temperatures of less than 25ºC. EFV Administration flyer – e.g. buccal, gloves, tissues, pen and paper, +/- stopwatch.
Seizure record: An accurate record of seizure activity, which is important for identifying any seizure patterns and changes in response to treatment.
Seizure triggers: Seizures may occur for no apparent reason, but common triggers include: forgetting to take medication, lack of sleep, other illness, heat, stress/boredom, missing meals and dehydration. Flashing or flickering lights can trigger seizures in about 5% of people living with epilepsy.
Staff record: Must be kept by the service and include details of the Nominated Supervisor, the Educational Leader, other staff members, volunteers and the Responsible Person. The record must include information about qualifications, training and details of the Working with Children Check (Regulations 146–149). A sample staff record is available on the ACECQA website: www.acecqa.gov.au 
Tonic Clonic seizure: A convulsive seizure with loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, falling, followed by jerking movements. These types of seizures are no longer called ‘grand mals’.
5.	Sources and related policies
Sources
•	The Epilepsy Foundation: www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au or phone (03) 9805 9111 or 1300 852 853
•	Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA): www.acecqa.gov.au 
•	Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011, ACECQA
•	Epilepsy Smart Schools initiative and resources: www.epilepsysmartschools.org.au 
Service policies
•	Administration of First Aid Policy
•	Administration of Medication Policy
•	Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy
•	Emergency and Evacuation Policy
•	Excursions and Service Events Policy
•	Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy
•	Inclusion and Equity Policy
•	Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
•	Staffing Policy.
Procedures
The Approved Provider or Persons with Management and Control is responsible for:
•	providing all staff with a copy of the service’s Epilepsy Policy and ensuring that they are aware of all enrolled children living with epilepsy
•	ensuring that all staff have current CPR training and are aware of seizure first aid procedures (refer to Attachment 1) when a child with epilepsy is enrolled at the service
•	ensuring that all staff attend training conducted by The Epilepsy Foundation on the management of epilepsy and, where appropriate, emergency management of seizures using emergency epileptic medication, when a child with epilepsy is enrolled at the service
•	providing parents/guardians of children with epilepsy with a copy of the service’s Epilepsy Policy (Regulation 91) and Administration of Medication Policy, upon enrolment/diagnosis of their child 
•	ensuring that all children with epilepsy have an Epilepsy Management Plan, seizure record and, where relevant, an Emergency Medical Management Plan, filed with their enrolment record. Records must be no more than 12 months old
•	ensuring a medication record is kept for each child to who medication is to be administered by the service (Regulation 92)
•	facilitating communication between management, educators, staff and parents/guardians regarding the service’s Epilepsy Policy
•	ensuring that children with epilepsy are not discriminated against in any way
•	ensuring that children living with epilepsy can participate in all activities safely and to their full potential
•	immediately communicating any concerns with parents/guardians regarding the management of children with epilepsy at the service
•	ensuring that medication is administered in accordance with the Administration of Medication Policy
•	following appropriate reporting procedures set out in the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy in the event that a child is ill, or is involved in a medical emergency or an incident at the service that results in injury or trauma.

The Nominated Supervisor or Persons in Day to Day Control is responsible for:
•	ensuring that all educators’ first aid qualifications, including CPR training, are current, meet the requirements of the National Law (Section 169(4)) and National Regulations (Regulation 137), and are approved by ACECQA
•	ensuring that only staff who have received child-specific training in the administration of emergency medications are permitted to administer that medication
•	ensuring that medication is administered in accordance with the Administration of Medication Policy
•	compiling a list of children with epilepsy and placing it in a secure, but readily accessible, location known to all staff. This should include the Epilepsy Management Plan, seizure record and Emergency Medical Management Plan for each child with epilepsy
•	ensuring that induction procedures for casual and relief staff include information about children attending the service who have been diagnosed with epilepsy, and the location of their medication and management plans
•	organising epilepsy management information sessions for parents/guardians of children enrolled at the service, where appropriate
•	ensuring programmed activities and experiences take into consideration the individual needs of all children, including any children with epilepsy.

Educators and other staff are responsible for:
•	ensuring that they are aware of the service’s Epilepsy Policy and seizure first aid procedures (refer to Attachment 1)
•	ensuring that they can identify children displaying the symptoms of a seizure, and locate their personal medication and Epilepsy Management Plan
•	maintaining current approved first aid qualifications (refer to Definitions)
•	identifying and, where possible, minimising possible seizure triggers (refer to Definitions) as outlined in the child’s Epilepsy Management Plan
•	taking all personal Epilepsy Management Plans, seizure records, medication records, Emergency Medication Plans and any prescribed medication on excursions and to other offsite events
•	administering prescribed medication in accordance with the service’s Administration of Medication Policy
•	ensuring that emergency medication is stored correctly and that it remains within its expiration date
•	developing a risk minimisation plan for every child with epilepsy, in consultation with parents/guardians/The Epilepsy Foundation
•	being aware of, and sensitive to, possible side effects and behavioural changes following a seizure or changes to the child’s medication regime
•	assisting parents/guardians to complete the enrolment form and medication record for their child
•	consulting with the parents/guardians of children with epilepsy in relation to the health and safety of their child, and the supervised management of the child’s epilepsy
•	communicating any concerns to parents/guardians if a child’s epilepsy is limiting his/her ability to participate fully in all activities
•	ensuring that children with epilepsy are not discriminated against in any way
•	ensuring that children with epilepsy can participate in all activities safely and to their full potential.

Parents/guardians are responsible for:
•	reading the service’s Epilepsy Policy
•	informing staff, either on enrolment or on initial diagnosis, that their child has epilepsy
•	providing a copy of their child’s Epilepsy Management Plan (including an Emergency Medication Management Plan where relevant) to the service. This plan should be reviewed and updated at least annually
•	ensuring the medication record (refer to Definitions) is completed in accordance with the Administration of Medication Policy of the service
•	working with staff to develop a risk minimisation plan for their child
•	where emergency medication has been prescribed, providing an adequate supply of emergency medication for their child at all times
•	notifying staff, in writing, of any changes to the information on the Epilepsy Management Plan, enrolment form or medication record
•	communicating regularly with educators/staff in relation to the ongoing health and wellbeing of their child, and the management of their child’s epilepsy
•	encouraging their child to learn about their epilepsy, and to communicate with service staff if they are unwell or experiencing symptoms of a potential seizure.

Volunteers and students, while at the service, are responsible for following this policy and its procedures
Evaluation
In order to assess whether the values and purposes of the policy have been achieved, the Approved Provider will:
•	regularly seek feedback from everyone affected by the policy regarding its effectiveness
•	monitor the implementation, compliance, complaints and incidents in relation to this policy
•	keep the policy up to date with current legislation, research, policy and best practice
•	revise the policy and procedures as part of the service’s policy review cycle, or as required
•	notify parents/guardians at least 14 days before making any changes to this policy or its procedures.

Attachments
•	Attachment 1: Seizure first aid
•	Attachment 2: Enrolment checklist for children prescribed midazolam
•	Attachment 3: Sample risk minimisation plan for children prescribed midazolam
Authorisation
This policy was adopted by the Approved Provider of Florence Rd. Preschool on June 2020
Next Review date:   June  2022
Acknowledgement
Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) acknowledges the contribution of The Epilepsy Foundation in developing this policy. If your service is considering changing any part of this model policy, please contact The Epilepsy Foundation to discuss your proposed changes (refer to Sources).
Attachment 1
Seizure first aid
Tonic Clonic seizure
A convulsive seizure with loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, falling, followed by jerking movements.
•	Note the time the seizure started and time until it ends.
•	Protect the head – use a pillow or cushion, if available.
•	Remove any hard objects that could cause injury.
•	Do not attempt to restrain the person, stop the jerking or put anything in their mouth.
•	As soon as possible, roll the person onto their side – you may need to wait until the seizure movements have ceased.
•	Talk to the person to make sure they have regained full consciousness.
•	Stay with and reassure the person until they have recovered.
Absence seizure
Occurring mostly in children, this consists of brief periods of loss of awareness. Can be mistaken for day-dreaming.
•	Timing can be difficult – count how many happen daily.
•	Reassure the person and repeat any information that may have been missed during the seizure.
Focal seizure
A non-convulsive seizure with outward signs of confusion, unresponsiveness or inappropriate behaviour. Can be mistaken for alcohol or drug intoxication.
•	Note the time the seizure started and time until it ends.
•	Avoid restraining the person and guide safely around objects.
•	Talk to the person to make sure they have regained full consciousness.
•	Stay with and reassure the person until they have recovered.

Call an ambulance
Call an ambulance:
•	for any seizure if you don’t know the person or if there is no Epilepsy Management Plan
•	if the seizure continues for more than five minutes
•	if the seizure stops but the person does not regain consciousness within five minutes, or another seizure begins
•	when a serious injury has occurred, if a seizure occurs in water, or if you believe a woman who is having a seizure is pregnant.

Emergency services: 000
Epilepsy Help Line: 1300 852 853
Attachment 2
Enrolment checklist for children prescribed midazolam
	A risk minimisation plan is completed in consultation with parents/guardians prior to the attendance of the child at the service, and is implemented, including following procedures to address the particular needs of each child prescribed midazolam.
	Parents/guardians of a child prescribed midazolam have been provided with a copy of the service’s Epilepsy Policy and Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy.
	The Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP) and Epilepsy Management Plan (EMP) of the child is completed and signed by the child’s registered medical practitioner and is accessible to all staff (sample documents can be accessed at: https://www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au/epilepsy-management-plans/).
	A copy of the child’s EMMP is included in the child’s midazolam kit (refer to Definitions).
	The midazolam kit (within a visible expiry date) is available for use at all times the child is being educated and cared for by the service, and includes a picture of the child.
	Midazolam is stored in an insulated container (midazolam kit), in a location easily accessible to adults but inaccessible to children, and away from light (cover with aluminium foil) and direct sources of heat.
	All staff who are trained in the administration of midazolam for a particular child, are aware of the location of each midazolam kit and the location of each child’s EMMP.
	Staff have undertaken The Epilepsy Foundation’s training, which includes strategies for epilepsy management, risk minimisation, recognition of seizures and emergency first aid treatment. Details regarding attendance at this training are to be recorded on the staff record (refer to Definitions).
	Staff have undertaken practise with a mock midazolam ampoule at some time in the last 12 months. Details regarding participation in practice sessions are to be recorded on the staff record (refer to Definitions).
	A procedure for first aid treatment for seizures is in place and all staff understand requirements (refer to Attachment 1).
	Contact details of all parents/guardians and authorised nominees are current and accessible.
Attachment 3
Sample risk minimisation plan for children prescribed midazolam
The following information is not a comprehensive list, but contains some suggestions to consider 
when developing/reviewing your service’s risk minimisation plan template in consultation with parents/guardians.
How well has the service planned for meeting the needs of children with epilepsy, and those children who are prescribed emergency midazolam?	
Who are the children?		List the name and room location of each child diagnosed with epilepsy and ensure appropriate privacy is maintained in identifying these names to non-staff.	
What are their seizure triggers?		What are the seizure triggers for the children?
	List strategies that will minimise these triggers occurring (e.g. flickering lights, blowing into wind chimes (hyperventilating), sudden noise, becoming 
over-excited etc.).	
Do staff know what the child’s seizures look like and how to support the child?		List the strategies for ensuring that all staff, including casual and relief staff, recognise what the child’s seizures look like and what support the child may need.
	If the child is prescribed midazolam for emergency use, ensure that trained staff know where the midazolam kit 
is located.	
Do staff know what constitutes an emergency and do they know what to do?		All staff have read and understood the child’s Epilepsy Management Plan (EMP), and know:
•	what constitutes an emergency and when to call an ambulance
•	how to provide support to the child during and after 
a seizure.	
If midazolam is prescribed, how does the service ensure its safe administration and storage?		Record the date on which each family of a child with epilepsy (and who is prescribed midazolam) is provided a copy of the service’s Epilepsy Policy.
	Record the date that parents/guardians provide an unused, in-date and complete midazolam kit.
   Record the date and name of staff who have attended child-specific training in the administration of midazolam.
	Test that all trained staff know the location of the midazolam kit and Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP) for each child.
	Ensure that there is a procedure in place to regularly check the expiry date of each midazolam ampoule.
   Ensure the midazolam kit is maintained according to the instructions in this Epilepsy Policy (refer to Definitions: midazolam kit).
	Display the Epilepsy First Aid poster in staff areas.
	The midazolam kit, including a copy of the EMMP, is carried by an educator/staff member when a child prescribed midazolam is taken outside the service premises e.g. for excursions.	

Do trained people know when and how to administer midazolam to a child who is 
prescribed it?	
	Know the contents of each child’s EMMP and EMP, and implement the procedures.
	Know:
•	who will administer the midazolam and stay with the child
•	who will telephone the ambulance and the parents/guardians of the child
•	who will ensure the supervision of other children at the service
•	who will let the ambulance officers into the service and take them to the child.
	Ensure that all staff have undertaken training by The Epilepsy Foundation.	

Potential scenarios and strategies
How effective is the service’s risk minimisation plan?	
	Review the risk minimisation plan of each child living with epilepsy with parents/guardians at least annually, but always on enrolment and after any seizures occur.	

A child with epilepsy should not be overprotected – many of the risk strategies apply universally to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all children in early childhood environments.	
Scenario	Strategy	Who is responsible?	
Scooters and tricycles are provided by the service for outside play	If the child has Tonic Clonic (convulsive) seizures, bicycle safety is particularly important.
As part of a whole-of-service safe bicycle education program, helmets (with children wearing their own sunhats underneath) are used by all children at the service.
Alternatively, parents/guardians may provide a specific helmet for their child.	Staff	
Water activities (e.g. play troughs, excursions)	Ensure the child with epilepsy is never left unattended near water.	Staff	
	On excursions, ensure that there is no opportunity for a child with epilepsy to approach a body of water unsupervised.	Staff	
	All sink plugs are placed at a height that is inaccessible to children.	Staff	
Individual seizure triggers	For example, if a child’s seizures are triggered by heat, outdoor activities are undertaken in the cooler part of day, in accordance with parents/guardians consultation on temperature monitoring.
An air conditioner is thermostated to maintain constant room temperature.	Staff/parents/guardians