A PRIMARY school has been described as a ‘shining example’ to others in the town after being presented with a special award.

Burtonwood Community Primary School has been chosen for the Diabetes UK ‘Good Diabetes Care in School Award 2020’ because of the support it provides to pupils with type-one diabetes

As well as providing great care to children and young people with the condition, the Green Lane school ensures pupils with the condition can manage it safely while still being able to take part in all school activities.

The recognition scheme aims to raise awareness of the vital role good diabetes care in school plays in keeping students safe, supporting them to achieve full academic potential and promoting their personal development.

Over the last year it has been especially important in ensuring school children with type-one diabetes are being kept safe and still receive an education.

Heather Muttock, headteacher at Burtonwood Community Primary School, said: “We are delighted to receive this award.

“It is not only recognition of how seriously we take type-one diabetes in our school, but also of our commitment to ensure all children and young people have access to the same opportunities, no matter if they have a long-term health condition or not.

“Our staff work very closely with parents and the students themselves to make sure that the right care is in place so that they can participate in all activities and reach their full academic potential.”

Clare Howarth, north of England head at Diabetes UK, added: “Congratulations to Burtonwood Community Primary School for doing a fantastic job of supporting students with type-one diabetes throughout 2020.

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“We urge all schools in Warrington to follow their shining example so that children and young people stay healthy and get the best from their education.

“Every child and young person with diabetes deserves to have the same opportunities as their friends, and their parents should be confident they are looked after properly in school.”

Type-one diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where blood glucose levels are too high because the body cannot make a hormone called insulin, which is required to be injected into the body.

No one knows exactly what causes it, but it is not to do with being overweight and it is not currently preventable.

But with the right treatment and care, the long-term effects of diabetes and high glucose levels can be managed.