A DORCHESTER school has been recognised for its support of a young girl with epilepsy.

Prince of Wales First School was presented with an Epilepsy Action education award, known as an ‘Edward’, after being nominated by the parents of seven-year-old Eleanor Hodges.

The awards recognised educational establishments that demonstrate good practice in supporting pupils with epilepsy.

Eleanor’s parents Gavin and Sarah nominated the Prince of Wales School as they felt it had gone above and beyond to support their little girl.

They felt it had accepted recommendations from them and demonstrated a passion and commitment to go further than the standard practice, making them confident Eleanor is safe and well cared for during the school day.

A medical expert from Southampton Hospital has been in to provide staff with epilepsy training and offer advice about administering emergency medication and staff have kept up to date with epilepsy training and epilepsy issues. An individual healthcare plan has also been drawn up for Eleanor.

Dad Gavin said: “The Prince of Wales School thoroughly deserves to win the Epilepsy Action Edward award for its outstanding commitment and support to Eleanor.

“We are really pleased that as a school they are being recognised for their inclusive policy of a child with both educational needs and medical needs and the remarkable way they maintain that balance to ensure that Eleanor is made to feel like any other child.”

Headteacher at the Prince of Wales School Peter Farring-ton said: “We are thrilled to be awarded an Epilepsy Action Edward.

“To be one of the schools picked from entries across the UK is a great achievement. The work of our senior teaching assistant for children with medical needs, Emma Hibberd, has been outstanding.”

Hattie Hodgson from Epilepsy Action said: “The Edwards are awards we give to schools who show excellence in how they deal with people with epilepsy.

“We are really pleased and happy to be able to recognised all they are doing and hope they continue to do it into the future.”

Epilepsy affects an estimated 63,400 children and young people aged under 18 in the UK.
One in every 220 children will have a diagnosis of epilepsy.
On average, there will be one child with epilepsy in every primary school and five in every secondary school.
Epilepsy Action works with the education sector so that the correct provision and support can be put in place for children and young people with epilepsy.
Epilepsy Action aims to ensure that all individuals with epilepsy are able to reach their full potential. 
For more information about Epilepsy Action and the Edward awards, visit epilepsy.org.uk/edwards