An estimated 10,000 schoolchildren currently struggle with chronic fatigue, pain in their limbs and mobility issues as they navigate juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – yet most teachers remain unaware of its prevalence.

JIA is the most common type of arthritis among children and teenagers, and typically causes inflammation in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows and wrists. However, given that arthritis is an autoimmune disease usually associated with old age, the warning signs are often ignored.

In Jessica Ward’s case, she was just six years old when her parents became increasingly concerned in the year after she developed blood poisoning following appendicitis, when she continued to have swelling in her joints.

For 14 months, she was a regular visitor at the hospital, enduring countless blood tests and appointments and suffering from instability and pain in her knees.

Upon being referred to the rheumatology department at Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool, one of the few in the country, she was diagnosed within minutes of walking through the door.

“They knew immediately from the way I walked,” she said. “It’s not as well taught or heard of unless you’re a specialist working in this area with children.”

While her parents were relieved she had finally received a diagnosis, the following years became increasingly difficult to navigate as her school teachers in Wirral struggled to understand her condition.

This included struggling to write due to hand pain and needing crutches and adapted shoes to walk.

“I didn’t have the greatest time in primary or high school, it was the denial factor of everybody,” she said. “In school, I found it extremely difficult due to my trauma response to hospital, which meant I missed a lot of school.

“In high school, there was a change in my medication and my immune system was completely battered. I struggled with friends, and I remember one day, my nan had to carry me home as my knees were that bad.

“People found that quite entertaining, some students and kids can be cruel. It wasn’t pleasant and it wasn’t great. I just don’t think teachers got it.

“I did have a lot of instances of being bullied for not being able to be included in things.”

On one occasion, nursing staff from Alder Hey even visited her school to give a talk on juvenile arthritis, to help students and staff understand.

As a result of changes to her medication during her GCSE years, she became unwell and struggled to achieve the grades she wanted, despite passing all of her exams.

After moving to a different sixth form and prioritising vocational work, her grades improved and she decided that she wanted to become a teacher.

Now aged 27, she works in a primary and a high school supporting students with physical and special educational needs.

“To be completely honest, being a teacher myself now, and trying to explain arthritis, it is still not understood,” she said.

“There’s never a one size fits all. Not everybody has the same condition, not all of them are the same. It may be a case of asking more questions, my biggest problem in school was having to repeat myself constantly to the same teachers.

“Feeling believed and understood is the biggest thing. You can’t see arthritis and it is hard.”

JIA is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. While there is no cure, there are a number of different treatements available to manage symptoms, such as painkillers, steroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

In Ms Ward’s case, she has recently had to take several weeks off work after suffering with a recent flare up.

Arthritis UK are hoping to raise awareness of the condition within educational settings, and are encouraging schools to become aware of the side effects and to show compassion for missed classes.

Methotrexate is a drug commonly given to children with arthritis yet can make pupils feel nauseous and exhausted, often resulting in school absences.

Lynne Woolley, Head of Young People and Families at Arthritis UK said: "Going through school is one of the most important aspects of a young person's life and we know that not getting the right support when living with arthritis can make many aspects of school life very difficult.

“Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is an often invisible and unpredictable condition. Learning to manage appointments, medication side effects, pain, and the impact on your mental health can be challenging alongside learning and being a young person!

"Jessica’s story is like many we have heard before, but just like she suggests there are several ways that school staff can help.

"Staff can take the time to understand their individual needs, working closely with them and their families can make a huge difference. Creating a safe, supportive and understanding environment encourages open communication and helps the school provide the right support as their needs change.

"We want schools to feel confident to open up the conversation with young people with JIA and their families. Often, relatively simple adjustments can prevent children from missing school and make an enormous difference to their wellbeing, confidence and ability to thrive. Arthritis UK’s website has free resources such as Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) templates, films, teacher guides and a webinar for school staff which all can help.”