News

Schoolchildren with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) are being issued with identity cards that allow them to leave lessons when they feel unwell.

The Tymes Trustcard also allows pupils to wear dark glasses and extra clothes, to use a school's disabled facilities or to obtain other assistance.

The Secondary Heads Association is supporting the card. It said the card will help schools comply with the government's statutory guidance on access to education for children with medical needs.

The Tymes Trust, which is issuing the cards, says that ME affects 25,000 children and young people in the UK, and is the biggest cause of long-term sickness absence from school.

Jane Colby, executive director of the Tymes Trust, said: "If children with ME have to expend precious energy explaining why they feel ill, this makes them even more ill.

"Currently, they are often refused the help they need. Schools and teachers who do not understand ME are a key cause of relapse in children."

- More at www.youngactiononline.com