Concussion education for schools

Concussions are common in children and young people — around 37% of concussion claims in Aotearoa are for those under 19. Even when injuries happen outside school, the effects often show up in the classroom.

Concussions can significantly impact a student’s learning, behaviour, mood, and ability to participate in sport and daily life. Schools often become the central point of support during a student’s recovery, and without clear systems, this can be overwhelming.

Many schools report challenges such as:

• Unclear Return-to-Learn (RTL) and Return-to-Play (RTP) processes
• Limited external support when managing students with a concussion
• Uncertainty around who should take the lead for managing concussions
• Lack of clear guidance on how to support students and communicate with
  whānau

This uncertainty can place pressure on teachers, school leaders and our whānau. Our aim is to reduce that pressure by providing clear, practical guidance that helps schools feel confident supporting students through concussion without adding additional workload.

Headway has partnered with HeadSmart Schools NZ to offer a practical, free programme to strengthen how concussion is recognised, managed, and communicated within school communities.

We begin with short, practical education workshops that can be delivered to:

• Whole staff groups
• Specific departments (e.g. sport, pastoral care, health)
• Students
• School nurses

Sessions focus on recognising concussion early, supporting recovery, and understanding students’ needs as they return to learning and activity.

For schools wanting to strengthen their systems further, we provide ongoing, tailored support using our evidence-based concussion management framework, developed by specialists who understand the realities of school environments.

This support may include:

• Clarifying Return-to-Learn (RTL) and Return-to-Play (RTP) pathways
• Supporting a designated Concussion officer or key staff member
• Providing practical resources for staff, students and their whānau

We’ll work alongside your school to build simple, consistent systems that make concussion management clearer and more manageable.

Schools across Aotearoa have already partnered with us, valuing:

• External support from concussion specialists
• Clear processes for managing concussion
• Practical guidance for returning students to learning and sport
• Support with monitoring recovery

We’re here to ensure your school feels confident managing concussion, with clear, easy-to-implement systems that support students returning to learning, sport, and everyday life.