Pre-school and primary school
Starting pre-school or primary school can be an exciting and daunting time for parents, particularly if your child has cystic fibrosis (CF). Whether you're a parent, or a teacher expecting a new student with CF, the information in our primary and pre-school pack is full of useful information and real-life examples of how people have managed the transition, with top tips for making the journey as smooth as possible.
Cystic fibrosis shouldn’t stop your child enjoying a full and rewarding school experience. Compromises may need to be found, and minor adjustments made, but working in partnership with the school and your CF team will help ensure your child’s education is not limited by cystic fibrosis.
Read on to download our pre-school and primary school pack or an Individual Healthcare Plan, or watch our video for teachers and parents, which gives an overview of how one family found the experience of their child starting at a new school. The video features a nurse, teachers and the parents - it's important to remember that this is just one family's experience, and every family will have unique preferences on how the school should approach issues such as infection risk and care giving.
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Our pre-school and primary school pack
Parents, teaching staff and CF professionals have shared their experiences and expertise in the hope that they will be helpful to you and your family as you get ready for the school years. As one dad pointed out: “everyone is on their own journey”. Having CF doesn’t mean that your child’s experience of life, including school, will be the same as that of any other child with the condition, but the stories in this pack highlight that there are often common issues.
The booklet is designed to outline some of the concerns or challenges that may come up when your child starts pre-school or primary school, including infection control, diet management and your relationship with the school. The parents in this pack all have their own approaches to these issues, and no two experiences will be the same - as you know, your child is completely unique and over time you'll work out the best way to help the school meet their specific needs.
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Download the pack
- Download the pre-school and primary school pack
- Download an Individual Healthcare Plan
Our resources are free to download and order, but we would be very grateful if you would consider making a donation to help us continue our important work.
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More information for parents
You can also watch the extended interviews with the teachers or nurse to find out a bit more about them. Time flies - don't forget to take a look at our information for parents of children who are about to start secondary school when the time comes!
If you need more information, please contact our Helpline, or speak to your CF team.
If you need more information, or want to share tips, support and advice, check out our Forum. You will need to sign up to access the Forum.
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Information for teachers
Need help supporting a student with CF in your class? Creating a lesson plan on CF and want to find out more about the condition? Take a look at our information for teachers.
The primary and pre-school pack
Designed for parents, by parents - and CF clinicians, teachers and the Trust!
Schools factsheets
Take a look at our new factsheets for primary and pre-schools - top tips for teachers expecting a student with cystic fibrosis.
Healthcare plan
Download a template Individual Healthcare Plan to help plan your child's care with the school.
Here to help
If you’re struggling with any aspect of cystic fibrosis, we’re here to help. Contact our Helpline for support, a listening ear or just someone to talk to.
Page last reviewed October 2024
Next review date: October 2025