A BRADFORD primary school has received a national award for its care of a pupil who has epilepsy.

Worthinghead Primary School, Wyke Lane, Wyke, has been handed Yeadon-based charity Epilepsy Action’s Edward award.

It was given in recognition of its work with caring for pupil Esme Dufton, six, who has epilepsy.

She was diagnosed with the condition in July last year and has two types of epilepsy; absence seizures and photosensitive epilepsy. The side effects mean she can be left extremely tired, lose concentration and suffer from headaches and stomach pains.

One of Esme’s teachers, Amy Frost, watched a video of Esme having a seizure and was then able to spot her when she had an absence seizure the following day.

Esme’s mother Kirstin was given a tour of the school’s first aid room, so it felt familiar to her in case she woke up in there following a seizure.

The school has also set up a school-to-home diary, recording Esme’s seizures.

Other steps see all of its pupils receive epilepsy awareness training in class so the know what can trigger seizures.

Medical notes are also kept in each class to record any child who has a medical condition.

Kirstin said: “Esme absolutely loves going to school.

“Miss Frost has really just thought of everything to keep her safe.

“With Miss Frost’s and Miss Beth Stanley’s gentle and caring approach, she has flourished and is doing well in her lessons.

“She’s confident, happy and popular which is so lovely to see.”

Headteacher Lillian Allen said: “We are delighted to accept this award.

“Esme is a delightful little girl and we work to support her in any way we can.

“It is lovely to receive recognition for our work.”

Kirstin was also invited into the school to look at its epilepsy policy and encouraged her feedback from a parent’s perspective.

Other provisions include a helper available to stay with her, in case she is feeling unwell and needs reassurance from an adult.

The annual Edward awards celebrate the nation’s epilepsy education leaders. They are presented by Epilepsy Action to nurseries, schools, colleges and universities who have supported students or pupils with epilepsy.

Philip Lee, chief executive of Epilepsy Action, who presented the award to the school yesterday, said: “It’s an honour to present Worthinghead Primary School with an Edward in honour of the fantastic work they have done to support Esme.

“Epilepsy Action works with education professionals so that the correct provision and support can be put in place for children and young people with epilepsy.

“Our ambition is to ensure that all children and young people with epilepsy are able to reach their full potential.”

Epilepsy affects an estimated 63,400 children and young people aged under 18 in the UK. One in every 220 children will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

This works out at an average of one child with the condition in every primary school and five in every secondary school.

Epilepsy Action has produced a free online course for school staff to help them improve support for students with epilepsy. Go to epilepsy.org.uk/schools for more information.