Riversdale Primary Gets Award

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Becomes the only London holder of Good Diabetes Care in Schools award

Riversdale Primary School in Southfields has received a special award that celebrates schools which provide great care and support to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes. It is one of the first schools in the country - and the only one in London - to win a Diabetes UK “Good Diabetes Care in School” Awards.

Roz Rosenblatt (left) presents the special award to headteacher Ms Roberts and children from Riversadale Primary School

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 in delivering effective diabetes care and management. Riversdale Primary School has been presented with the special award which is valid for two years.

It is very 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 achieve their full academic potential.

Ms Amy Roberts, the headteacher at Riverside, said: “We are delighted to win the Diabetes UK’s Good Diabetes Care in School Award. We take our responsibility to provide children with Type 1 diabetes with the support and care they need to manage their condition safely in school very seriously. We have worked closely with students, parents 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 and are able to fully participate in their education and reach their full academic potential.”

Roz Rosenblatt, London Manager for Diabetes UK, said: “Congratulations to Riversdale which is providing outstanding care and support to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes. We want all schools in London to follow Riversdale’s example. Good care in schools means that children and young people with diabetes stay healthy and get the best from their education. The fact that Riversdale is doing such a 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.”

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.

The Good Diabetes Care in School Award will run until June 2016 with the next round winners announced in March 2016.so the charity is urging school staff, parents and healthcare professionals to nominate schools providing good care for the award.