Schools and colleges

Parents

If your child is HIV positive, you may be unsure of what is in place to protect your child's confidentiality at school. A good starting point is a document produced by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) and the Children's HIV Association (CHIVA).

This can also be useful if your child does not have HIV but sometimes stays home from school because one or both of their parents is HIV positive and needs care.

A child who is infected and affected by HIV has the same right as any child to attend school and access an education. They are also protected by the Equality Act, which means it is unlawful to discriminate against a disabled child.

You are not obliged to disclose that your child or a family member has HIV.

If you do decide to disclose your child’s HIV status, only two teachers need to know about it. This would usually be the head teacher and another member of staff chosen by you and your child.

It is good practice for schools to have procedures in place if a parent tells them a pupil is HIV positive. Any medical information you disclose should be kept confidential.

It can be useful to tell the school if your child has to have frequent time off for medical appointments or to care for other family members.

It can also be a good way to ensure your child has some extra support and pastoral care if they need it. Very young children may need a teacher to monitor their anti-HIV medication, for example.

In 2004 the government produced a document entitled Children Need and Bloodborne Viruses: HIV and Hepatitis (open in new window), which provides guidelines for a range of non-medical professionals who may be involved with your child. It includes some guidelines for schools and teachers around confidentiality and provides some useful information for schools about how HIV is and isn’t passed on.

Students

If you are at school or are about to start college or university, you may also be thinking of disclosing your HIV status to a teacher, tutor or lecturer.

This may be a good idea if you are frequently absent because you are unwell or because you care for a family member. If your own or a family member’s HIV impacts on your education, it may be worth telling someone who can offer you support to complete your work and attend college as much as possible.

Again, you are protected by the Equality Act if you have HIV, which means that if you tell someone at college they cannot discriminate against you and they have to keep your information confidential.

You might find it useful to get some advice from a specialist organisation such as Body and Soul or CHIVA who provide advice and support to children or young people with HIV.

These are all important issues to consider when disclosing your HIV status to your school, college or university. In the end, the decision is up to you and your family. If you need any help, you can call THT Direct for support.