A Barnton nursery and school has won an award for its work in supporting children with epilepsy.
Barnton Community Nursery and Primary School was presented with its Edward award by the charity Epilepsy Action as part of National Epilepsy Week (May 15-21).
They are presented by the charity to nurseries, schools, colleges and universities who have gone above and beyond in supporting students or pupils with epilepsy.
The Barnton school was presented with its award by charity trustee Ian Walker, because of its work with brothers Jenson King, five and William King, two, who both have the condition.
Jenson has absence seizures on a regular basis, as well as tonic-clonic, focal and atonic seizures.
William not only has absence and partial seizures but also has pica, an eating disorder which makes him crave non-food substances, which means he needs constant supervision.
Staff are dedicated to ensuring both Jenson and William can overcome these hurdles and challenges to minimise disruption to their learning time.
The school recognises the importance of regular communication with Jenson and William’s parents to talk through and record any issues or concerns.
The boys’ epilepsy specialist nurse gives staff regular training on how to deal with their seizures and there are plans in place to care for other pupils, should they have an epileptic seizure.
This means that the boys can learn and play with their fellow classmates without feeling different or isolated.
The school held a special day in March this year to mark Purple Day, a global day for epilepsy, to raise further awareness among staff and pupils.
Head teacher Annette Williams said: “We are delighted to accept this award. Jenson and William are delightful boys and we work to support them in any way we can. It is lovely to receive recognition for our work.”
Rachael King, Jenson and William’s mum, nominated the school.
She said: “We are all so pleased that Barnton has won an Edward. The staff at the school really deserves this recognition for all the support and hard work they put into looking after our two amazing and brave boys. They are a huge support to us and I honestly can’t thank them enough.”
Epilepsy affects an estimated 63,400 children and young people aged under 18 in the UK.
For more information about Epilepsy Action and the Edward awards, visit epilepsy.org.uk/edwards
