Illness in School Support – A Guide
School support is important assistance in the daily school life of children with special needs. But what happens when the school support person falls ill? Or when the child itself cannot attend school? In this article, we show how families, schools, and providers can work together effectively in such situations – clearly, understandably, and practically.
If the child is ill: What applies?
If the child falls ill at short notice, parents should inform the school, the school support person, and ideally the provider of the school support as early as possible in the morning – ideally by phone or email. This ensures that the school support person can be fully informed and, if necessary, cancelled. By providing early information, parents give us, as the provider, the chance to deploy the school support person elsewhere at short notice, for example, as a substitute for a sick colleague.
If the school support person is ill
If the school support person is ill, there is a fixed procedure:
- The support person reports sick immediately, but no later than 45 minutes before the start of classes – to the school and the provider, and ideally directly to the parents.
- The provider attempts to organize a substitute.
- Parents are informed.
What substitute solutions are available?
- Substitute by the provider: We, TeamLike Schulbegleitung, always strive to have reserve staff available. However, if sick reports are very short-notice, a substitute cannot always be guaranteed. In all cases: the faster communication occurs, the better we can adapt to the new situation and develop alternative solutions.
- Important: School support persons are not permitted to take over teaching – they exclusively assist in the area of individual support and accompaniment.
School’s duty of supervision
If the child is already at school and the school support person’s sick report reaches parents and the school only at short notice, the institution is responsible for ensuring that all students are supervised and cared for during class time – even if the school support person is absent. This means: The school must ensure that the child is not left unsupervised until pick-up and that appropriate care is provided. If no substitute can be arranged by the provider, the school, together with its staff, examines whether temporary integration into another learning group or support by another accompanying person is possible. Exclusion from class – for example, due to lack of support – is only permitted in extreme exceptional cases and must be well-justified and documented. The goal is always to enable the child to participate in class.
How cooperation works – Tips for parents, schools, and providers
What schools can do:
- Create an emergency plan: Who is responsible? Who will be informed?
- Regular consultations with parents, school support persons, and providers.
- Document all procedures and substitutions in the support plan.
What parents should consider:
- Early communication with the school and the provider, as well as the responsible school support person.
- The procedures discussed jointly in advance should be adhered to as best as possible to give all parties involved room to maneuver.
Illness is part of life – we are here for you!
Illness is part of life – even in daily school life. It is important that parents, schools, and providers work well together and that everyone knows what to do. With clear procedures, understandable communication, and some flexibility, periods of illness can also be managed effectively.
Do you have questions or need support?
We at TeamLike Schulbegleitung are happy to help you with all your questions – with heart, experience, and a clear structure. Feel free to contact us!
📞 Contact us now – we will be happy to advise you personally.
