Five Pillars of Involvement
Schools & JIA Awareness
Understanding young people. Supporting participation. Moore Than Arthritis works with schools, parents and carers to raise awareness of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and help children and young people stay included.
Why schools awareness matters
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children and young people in the UK. It can affect joints, mobility, energy levels and the ability to participate in everyday school activities.
Many children with JIA face barriers to full participation — not because of their condition alone, but because of a lack of understanding in their school environment. With the right awareness and practical adjustments, schools can make a significant difference.
Moore Than Arthritis works to support schools, parents and carers in understanding JIA and creating environments where every young person can thrive.
Who we support
Schools and educators
Guidance on understanding JIA, supporting pupils with fluctuating symptoms, and making reasonable adjustments in the classroom and during activities.
Parents and carers
Information to help you advocate for your child, communicate with school staff, and access resources that support your family.
Children and young people
Age-appropriate information and community connection to help young people understand their condition and feel less alone.
The emotional impact of JIA and long-term conditions
Living with a long-term condition affects much more than physical health. For children and young people with JIA, the emotional impact can be significant — and it extends to the whole family.
Children and young people
Pain, fatigue and unpredictable symptoms can affect confidence, friendships, participation in activities and school attendance. It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious or different from peers. These feelings deserve to be acknowledged and supported.
Parents and carers
Caring for a child with a long-term condition can be emotionally demanding. Worry, uncertainty and the practical challenges of managing appointments, medication and school communication can take a toll on wellbeing.
Siblings and wider family
Brothers, sisters and other family members may also be affected — sometimes feeling overlooked or uncertain about how to help. Open, age-appropriate conversations can make a real difference.
Schools: Schools should listen to the needs of the individual child and work closely with parents, carers and relevant healthcare professionals. Flexibility, understanding and clear communication are among the most important adjustments a school can make.
On 9 October 2026, the UK Government announced plans to expand mental-health support in schools and communities, with an ambition for support teams to reach every school and college by 2029. These are planned reforms and do not mean that every proposed service is currently available everywhere.
Resources and information
Our document library includes factsheets on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and related conditions, suitable for sharing with school staff, parents and young people.
Get in touch
If you are a school, parent, carer or organisation interested in our Schools & JIA Awareness work, we would love to hear from you.