Going back to school can be scary for both you and your child, but it’s important for their mental wellbeing. It helps them to feel ‘normal’ and lessens the isolation and loneliness which many children with cancer face. It gives structure to their day, a focus on the future and is where they can learn and develop social skills and make friends.
Q: Is it safe for my child to go back to school if they are immunosuppressed as a result of their treatment?
A: The risk of infection shouldn’t stop children going back to school because the main sources of serious infection during this time are from their own body and not from catching things from other children.
It’s safe for the majority of children to return to school and enjoy their usual activities. However, if you are worried about your child returning to school, then talk to your child’s health team about your concerns.
Q: How should my child’s fatigue be managed when they’ve returned to school?
A: Some children or young people are listless and lethargic when they first return to school, and often tire easily and suffer lapses in concentration. Fatigue is greatly underestimated. It’s more than just feeling a bit tired and affects mood as well as energy levels. It can also last a long time over many months, even years.
You may want to arrange a phased return with teachers so your child can attend school for just a couple of hours at first. Being flexible with expectations and school attendance can be really helpful.
Extreme tiredness can also be a problem after treatment and talking to your child’s teacher about setting them fewer active tasks can help. Most children know their own limitations and will participate as much as they feel able to.
Q: Can they still take part in PE?
A: Yes, unless the doctor has advised otherwise, such as in the case of swimming and contact sports. Most children enjoy physical activity, and don’t want to feel left out or different from the rest of the class. They can be encouraged to do as much as they can cope with comfortably.
Exercise is important for healthy living and, unless there are any obvious reasons why your child can’t be physically active, exercise can be encouraged for at least one hour per day as recommended by experts. However, some drugs can cause a child to have weak ankles and muscles, and they may also get tired more easily, so allow them to set their own limits and to stop when they are ready.
Q: Can my child still go on school trips?
A: It’s important that, where possible, your child is included in as many class functions as possible (eg. assemblies, parties, performances) throughout their treatment period. However, you and your child can decide whether to take part by considering their levels of stamina and wellbeing at the time.
Trips are an important part of the school experience and it’s valuable for children to have these experiences with the rest of their class. You can liaise with the school to assess whether your child is up to going.
Adapted from the publication ‘Supporting your pupil’, written and edited by CCLG’s Information Advisory Group, comprising multi-professional experts in the field of children’s cancer, with contributions from pupils, teachers and medical staff.
