Carnwath Primary wins diabetes care award

Diabetes UK’s Good Diabetes Care in School Award recognises schools providing excellent care for children with diabetes.

The school was nominated by Joan and Paul Kane for supporting two of their daughters.

Joan said: “The school have been great with the girls. It is the one place we can send them and know we don’t need to worry.

“Eilidh, who is in primary five with her twin sister Iona, was diagnosed before she started school and her little sister Grace, in primary one, was also diagnosed with Type 1 in January this year.

“The diabetic nurse specialists and the school staff have worked together to ensure neither of the girls misses out on any aspect of school life.”

NHS Lanarkshire’s paediatric diabetes team provides training and support for schools so they have the necessary skills and knowledge to look after children with type 1.

Fiona Wilson, paediatric diabetes nurse specialist, said: “We work with pupils, parents and school staff to ensure that the right care is in place.

“This enables Eilidh and Grace to have the same opportunities as their peers who do not have the condition and ensures that they are able to fully participate in their education.

“Carnwath Primary School’s excellent efforts show that diabetes shouldn’t stop anybody from achieving their potential.”

Head teacher, Pamela Easton, said: “We are delighted to receive the Diabetes UK’s Good Diabetes Care in School Award.

“We take our responsibility to provide our pupils with the support and care they need to thrive in school very seriously.

“This exciting award recognises that we are making sure children and young people with Type 1 diabetes get the most out of their time at school.

“Supporting children to manage their diabetes is crucial to allow them to get the best from their education and school activities.”

Diabetes UK has been vocal about the importance of ensuring that children and young people are supported in school. The Good Diabetes Care in School Award shows that good diabetes care in schools is achievable.

Rupert Pigot, Diabetes UK external engagement manager, said: “Carnwath Primary School have demonstrated that they are meeting best practice in the support they provide for children with type 1 diabetes, which is why they have become a recipient of our award.

“We urge all schools across the country to follow the school’s example as good care in schools means that children and young people with diabetes stay healthy and get the best from their education.”