9 Jul 2026
This report, which covers England, Jersey and Wales, looks at the first year of care for children and young people following a first paediatric assessment undertaken between 1 December 2023 and 30 November 2024.
Epilepsy is the most common significant long-term neurological condition of childhood, affecting an estimated 112,000 children in the UK
It shows improvement in some aspects of care, and highlights areas where progress appears limited. Focusing on three key themes of inclusion, localised care and care planning, key successes include:
- An increase in clinical data submission
- More children and young people aged five years and older now have documented evidence of a school individual health care plan within their first year of care
- Children and young people with epilepsy are experiencing improved access to epilepsy specialist nurses during their first year of care
- Greater involvement of mental health services in supporting epilepsy care.
The key areas for exploration are:
- There is still limited formal mental health screening and provision, as well as inconsistent use of structured transition resources
- How to best strengthen epilepsy care in more deprived areas, particularly as research highlights poorer outcomes in these communities
- The importance of transition and the potential mental health support needs of young people as they move into adult services.
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