Churchill Academy

Churchill is the first school in the county to win one of Diabetes UK's Good Diabetes Care in School Awards which recognise schools across the UK who are providing good care and support to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes. The school was chosen by an assessment panel which included parents and representatives from Diabetes UK. It has been recognised for the support it provides to pupils with diabetes. Churchill Academy was presented with the special award which is valid for two years. It is extremely important that children and young people with diabetes receive good care in school to help them keep their blood glucose to target levels. In the short-term, high or low blood glucose levels can make a child extremely unwell, and in the long-term, high blood glucose levels can increase risk of serious complications such as amputation, blindness and stroke later in life. Supporting children to manage their diabetes well is also key to enabling them to get the best from their education and school activities. The charity says that the Good Diabetes Care in School Award shows that good diabetes care in schools is achievable and presents an opportunity to share best practice amongst schools, helping to ensure that all students with diabetes get the support they need and can therefore achieve their full academic potential. Recognising that some schools will have concerns about how to support students with diabetes, as part of its Type 1 diabetes: Make the Grade Campaign, Diabetes UK has created free resources to help parents and schools get the right care in place. Along with this the charity has launched a Care in Schools Helpline which provides parents of children and young people with Type 1 diabetes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with information and support around the care their child is entitled to receive at school. Chris Hildrew, Headteacher at Churchill Academy said: "We are delighted to become one of the first schools in the county to win Diabetes UK's Good Diabetes Care in School Award. We take our responsibility to provide children with the support and care they need to manage their condition safely in school very seriously. We have worked closely with children, parents, healthcare professionals and school staff to ensure that the right care is in place, and that children and young people with Type 1 diabetes have the same opportunities as their peers." Annika Palmer, Influencing Manager for Diabetes UK South West said: "Churchill Academy are providing outstanding care and support to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes which is why they have become the first school in the North Somerset to receive our Good Diabetes Care in School Award. We urge all schools, both here in North Somerset and across the country, to follow Churchill Academy's example as good care in schools means that children and young people with diabetes stay healthy and get the best from their education. The fact that Churchill Academy is doing a such fantastic job of supporting students with Type 1 diabetes shows that good care is achievable in all schools." "The award will run until summer next year so it's not too late for other parents, healthcare professionals and school staff to nominate schools who are providing outstanding care. We want all children and young with Type 1 diabetes to get the care and support they need to lead full and active lives."