Chapelgreen picks up an 'Edward'

Chapelgreen Primary School was presented with its 'Edward' award by local MP Gregg McClymont as part of National Epilepsy Week.

The Epilepsy Action 'Edwards' were launched to mark the charity's 60th anniversary and aim to recognise good practice in education for people with epilepsy. Chapelgreen Primary School was chosen as a winner because of the school's work in supporting one of its pupils who has epilepsy, five-year-old Ruth Murphy.

Ruth has had epilepsy since she was a baby. She has spent two years at Chapelgreen nursery and a year in the primary school. All the staff are trained to know what to do if Ruth has a seizure. All telephones have a script beside them to make sure staff are able to get the right help in an emergency. Ruth has an 'angel' cushion which she takes everywhere to protect her head in case of a seizure. The school has also had bathroom doors turned outwards and new plastic coat pegs fitted to protect Ruth if she has a seizure.

Ruth's mum, Frances Murphy, said: "It is brilliant that Chapelgreen has been awarded an Epilepsy Action Edward. The school's support has been incredible, nothing is too much hassle to make sure Ruth's education is not affected. Her transition from nursery to school was amazing, and she is involved in every aspect of school life without question. We can't thank the school enough."

Barbara McNaughton, headteacher at Chapelgreen Primary School, said: "We are delighted to have won an Epilepsy Action Edward award and are very grateful to Ruth's mum for nominating us. It's fantastic to see that we are doing the right things for children with epilepsy."

Gregg McClymont, MP for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East, said: "Chapelgreen Primary School successfully made practical changes to give children with epilepsy a safe and inclusive learning environment. Not only have they done Ruth a great service – they have set an example for other schools to follow. That is why I was so happy to present this award and that is why I think the whole school should celebrate this fantastic achievement."

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition affecting almost 60,000 young people (under 18) in the UK. One in every 242 children will have a diagnosis of epilepsy. On average, there will be one child with epilepsy in every primary school and three or four in every secondary school. Epilepsy Action works within the education sector to ensure that correct provision and support is 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 www.epilepsy.org.uk