Hunt for epilepsy education superstars

Is your nursery, school, college or university an epilepsy education superstar?
St Lukes CE Primary School , Lowton, Cheshire, was presented with its Epilepsy Action Edwards Award by Ian Walker, vice-chair of the Epilepsy Action council of management:  Aarron Prendergast, six, with the Epilepsy Action Edwards AwardSt Lukes CE Primary School , Lowton, Cheshire, was presented with its Epilepsy Action Edwards Award by Ian Walker, vice-chair of the Epilepsy Action council of management:  Aarron Prendergast, six, with the Epilepsy Action Edwards Award
St Lukes CE Primary School , Lowton, Cheshire, was presented with its Epilepsy Action Edwards Award by Ian Walker, vice-chair of the Epilepsy Action council of management: Aarron Prendergast, six, with the Epilepsy Action Edwards Award

If so, nominate them for an Edward award, which celebrates celebrates establishments which provide a supportive learning environment to pupils or students with epilepsy.

The awards are run by national charity Epilepsy Action.

Previous Edward winners have trained members of staff in epilepsy awareness, held assemblies to tackle any myths, or put a buddy system in place to support pupils with epilepsy. They have also met the standards of care required by the government. All these things can help to make sure that young people with epilepsy receive the right support at school and enable them to reach their full potential.

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Epilepsy affects an estimated 63,400 children and young people aged under 18 in the UK. Past research has suggested that up to half of children with epilepsy underachieve academically in relation to their intellectual ability.

Louise Cousins, campaigns manager at Epilepsy Action, said: “The Edwards are a fantastic celebration of the brilliant ways that schools, nurseries, colleges and universities support children and young people with epilepsy. They have fast become an annual date in the education calendar.

“We know that there are many epilepsy education superstars out there that support children and young people day in, day out. We’re looking for the very best to recognise with an Edward award.”

Anyone can nominate an educational establishment to win an Edward. Nominations can be completed on the Epilepsy Action website at epilepsy.org.uk/edwards

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The awards are free to enter and the closing date for entries is Friday, April 22. Award winners will be notified by Friday, April 29, and the award presented during National Epilepsy Week, which runs from May 15-21.

Epilepsy Action has produced a free online course for staff working in schools to help them improve support for students with epilepsy. This can be accessed at epilepsy.org.uk/schools

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Last year Epilepsy Action directly helped around 1.3 million people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and award-winning website, epilepsy.org.uk

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