PARENTS in Dorset are being urged to support a campaign to improve care in schools for children with diabetes by taking part in a government consultation.

It follows the first draft of new guidance to ensure schools support children with long-term health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy and Type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes UK is encouraging people in Dorset to respond to the six-week consultation to ensure the final version is as effective as possible.

Under the current system, many children with Type 1 diabetes can be excluded from school activities and school trips, and refused help with the administration of medication.

Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition and if not managed properly can increase the risk of complications such as amputation, blindness and stroke later in life.

Sarah Harvey of Corfe Castle, whose five-year-old son Ryan has Type 1 diabetes, is backing the campaign.

Ryan was diagnosed at the age of three, after he started drinking more frequently and losing weight.

He receives his insulin through a pump and attends St George’s CE Primary School in Langton Matravers. Ryan shares a class with Jesse Townsend, five, who also has Type 1 diabetes.

Sarah said: “Ryan is very well looked after by the school. There are many members of staff trained in how to look after him and the other pupil with diabetes.

“The school has embraced and coped brilliantly, with good teamwork between parents, teachers, teaching assistants, dinner ladies and the local diabetic team. I really trust them to look after Ryan.

“He has never been excluded from any school trip or after school club. Having Type 1 diabetes should not interfere with any child’s education.”

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK, south west regional manager, for Diabetes UK, said: “We are urging everyone, and especially parents, carers and people affected by diabetes, in Dorset to have their say and tell the government what they think of care for children with Type 1 diabetes in schools.

By taking part in the consultation, we can help ensure all children with Type 1 diabetes get the support they need in school.”

Visit diabetes.org.uk