Students With Medical Needs To Be Supported By Healthcare Professionals, Not LSEs

Students with medical conditions such as diabetes, allergies and physical disabilities could receive assistance from healthcare professionals in schools instead of Learning Support Educators (LSEs), under a proposed reform announced by Education and Sports Minister Byron Camilleri.

Speaking during the Budget Estimates in Parliament, Camilleri said the aim is to ensure students receive the most appropriate support for their individual needs.

Under the proposal, students requiring medical assistance would be supported by healthcare professionals, while LSEs would focus on students who need educational support.

The Minister stressed that students who already have an LSE will not see their arrangements changed overnight. The initiative will involve newly identified needs and students who believe a different service would better suit them.

He also clarified that healthcare professionals will be recruited specifically for this purpose and will not be taken away from Malta's hospitals.

Camilleri said the reform aims to provide more specialised assistance while making better use of the resources available in schools.

The Malta Union of Teachers supports the proposal, saying that students sometimes require medical assistance that goes beyond what schools and educators can provide. They also said they welcome the Minister’s reassurance that the new measure will not affect the engagement of LDEs.

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Photo Source: Byron Camilleri