Flares at School

An IBD flare can make school feel much harder for a student.

They may need to use the toilet frequently, experience stomach pain, feel exhausted or struggle to concentrate. They may also feel worried about having an accident, missing work or drawing attention to themselves.

eachers can make a big difference by creating a classroom where the student feels safe, understood and supported.

🚽 Make toilet access simple

During a flare, toilet urgency can be sudden and difficult to control.

• Let the student leave the classroom when they need to.

• Don't make them ask in front of the class.

• Agree on a discreet signal if this helps the student.

• Don't question or delay them when they need to leave.

• Make sure they know where they can go if they need a toilet urgently.

• Never draw attention to how often they are leaving.

Knowing they can get to the toilet quickly can reduce a lot of anxiety.

🤍 Keep their dignity and privacy

A student may already feel embarrassed or worried about their symptoms.

Try to:

• Speak to them privately.

• Avoid discussing their IBD in front of classmates.

• Don't make jokes or comments about toilet trips.

• Let the student decide what they want their classmates to know.

• Check in quietly rather than asking, "Are you having a flare?"

A student doesn't need to explain their symptoms every time they need support.

📚 Reduce pressure when needed

During a flare, symptoms and fatigue can make it harder to concentrate and keep up with schoolwork.

Where appropriate, consider:

• Giving extra time for assignments.

• Reducing non-essential work.

• Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps.

• Providing notes or missed classwork.

• Allowing the student to take short breaks.

• Prioritising essential learning rather than expecting them to catch up on everything at once.

These adjustments aren't about lowering expectations. They're about recognising that the student's capacity may temporarily change.

💤 Understand fatigue

Fatigue during a flare can be significant.

A student may look fine but still have very little energy.

They may:

• Struggle to concentrate.

• Work more slowly than usual.

• Become tired during the school day.

• Need additional breaks.

• Find physical activities more difficult.

Try not to interpret this as laziness or a lack of effort.

❤️ Check in without putting them on the spot

A quick private check-in can help a student feel supported.

You could say:

"How are you going today? Is there anything you need from me?"

Or:

"If you need to take a break or leave for the toilet, that's okay."

Sometimes knowing that a teacher understands is enough to make the school day feel safer.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Help them stay included

A flare doesn't necessarily mean a student wants to sit out of everything.

Where possible, help them stay involved in:

• Classroom activities.

• Group work.

• Sport and physical activities.

• Excursions.

• Social activities.

• School events.

Ask what they feel comfortable doing rather than automatically excluding them.

They may need an adjustment, but they may still want to participate.

🏫 Plan for difficult days

If a student has frequent or severe flares, work with their family and school support team to understand what might help.

This could include an agreed plan for:

• Toilet access.

• Rest breaks.

• Catching up on missed work.

• Assessments and deadlines.

• PE and sport.

• Excursions and camps.

• What to do if symptoms suddenly become worse.

Knowing what to do before a difficult day happens can help everyone feel more prepared.

🌱 Remember that a flare is temporary

A flare can affect a student's attendance, learning, energy and confidence, but it doesn't define them.

When they are feeling better, they may return to their usual routines and workload.

Try to be flexible during difficult periods without making the student feel singled out or different.

Most importantly

A student having an IBD flare doesn't need their teacher to fix their illness.

They need to know that they are safe, believed, respected and supported at school.

Small things — allowing a quick toilet trip, giving extra time, checking in privately or simply showing understanding — can make a very difficult day feel much more manageable.