Yes, most children with an ICD return to school, though the timing and any restrictions will depend on the underlying condition and your child’s recovery. Your child’s cardiologist will advise on when it is safe to return and what limitations, if any, apply.
Before your child goes back, it is important to meet with the school to share relevant medical information and agree an emergency plan. This should cover what to do if your child collapses, who is responsible for calling 999, whether a member of staff should be trained in CPR, and the location of the nearest AED. Schools in England are now required to have an AED on site.
Activity restrictions vary. Some children with ICDs can participate fully in PE and sports; others may need to avoid high-intensity or contact activities. This is a conversation to have with the cardiologist, not one to leave to the school to decide. A written medical summary from the cardiac team can be very helpful for the school to have on file.
It is also worth considering the emotional side of returning to school. Your child may feel anxious, self-conscious about the device, or worried about what peers will say. Speaking with a clinical psychologist before return, and giving your child some choice about what to share with classmates, can help significantly.