Physical & chronic illnesses
Chronic physical conditions often present particular challenges in everyday school life – such as fluctuating levels of stamina, absences or the need for increased protection against infection. A school support worker can provide structure, pass on observations and ensure the child’s participation. Every situation is different, which is why we offer personalised advice.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a congenital metabolic disorder in which thick secretions primarily affect the lungs and digestive system. At school, the focus is often on limited stamina, absences due to treatment and consistent infection control to ensure successful participation and reintegration. A school support worker can help structure the daily routine, monitor signs of stress and support participation – however, medical and nursing measures such as inhalation therapy or physiotherapy are part of treatment and require specialist care; a school support worker does not replace this. Legally, a school support worker may be considered as a service to facilitate participation in education (Section 112 of SGB IX). We assess on a case-by-case basis whether and how such support is appropriate.
Congenital heart defect
A congenital heart defect refers to malformations of the heart that can limit physical capacity to varying degrees. In everyday school life, the focus is often on reduced physical stamina, absences following surgical procedures, reintegration after hospital stays, and successful participation. A school support worker provides assistance through structure, calm management of break times and physical exertion, and close observation – acute medical interventions or treatment-related care are the responsibility of specialist nursing staff and cannot be undertaken by a school support worker. As a service designed to facilitate participation in education, support is, in principle, a viable option (Section 112 of SGB IX). We assess on a case-by-case basis whether and how such support is appropriate.
Metabolic disorders
Metabolic disorders comprise a diverse group of conditions in which the processing of certain substances is impaired, often requiring a special diet, medication and close monitoring. At school, this manifests as fluctuating levels of resilience, absences, the need for infection control where necessary, and support with reintegration following crises. A school support worker can help structure daily life, observe and report any concerns, and ensure participation – however, the provision of medical and nursing care remains the responsibility of specialist nursing staff and is not the role of the school support worker. Support may be considered as a service to facilitate participation in education (Section 112 of SGB IX). We assess on a case-by-case basis whether and how such support is appropriate. For diabetes, you will find further information on our page dedicated to diabetes.
Condition following an organ transplant
Following an organ transplant, the body is often particularly susceptible to infection and less resilient due to long-term medication. In everyday school life, the focus is on infection control, reduced resilience, absences and a gentle return to school. A school support worker can help structure the daily routine, monitor protection needs, observe the pupil’s condition and facilitate participation – medical and nursing tasks and the administration of medication in the strict sense constitute treatment care and require specialist nursing care; these are not replaced by a school support worker. Legally, a support worker may be considered a service to facilitate participation in education (Section 112 of SGB IX). We assess on a case-by-case basis whether and how such support is appropriate.
Cancer/tumour
Cancer or a tumour and its treatment often involve prolonged periods of therapy, causing significant stress and extended periods of absence. At school, this involves highly variable levels of resilience, frequent absences, increased protection against infection and, above all, a gradual, patient return to school with guaranteed participation. A school support worker can provide structure, monitor the pupil’s stress levels, act as a liaison between the school and the family, and thus support the return to school – medical and nursing care remain the responsibility of specialist care staff and are not part of the school support service. As a service to facilitate participation in education, support is generally available (Section 112 of SGB IX). We assess on a case-by-case basis whether and how such support is appropriate.
How Splash provides support
We support children and young people with chronic physical illnesses on an individual basis and in a way that is closely aligned with their everyday lives – with support staff trained at our own Splash Academy. The focus is on providing a reliable structure for the school day and close cooperation with parents, the school and treating organisations. We maintain a clear distinction from medical care: school support provides structure, observation and participation, and does not replace specialist medical care.
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Our own Splash Academy · Multi-stage selection process · Support at mainstream and special schools
This page is for information purposes only and does not replace medical or legal advice. The decision as to whether school support is suitable and eligible for funding is made by the relevant funding body on a case-by-case basis.