A WIRRAL school has won a prestigious educational honour for its work in supporting pupils with epilepsy.

Birkenhead School was nominated for the Epilepsy Action education award (Edward) by Mary Anderson, whose daughter, Rosie has the condition.

Wirral Globe:

School nurse Debbie Rennie, Jayne Burton from Epilepsy Action, Rosie Anderson, headmaster Dave Edmunds and Rosie's mum Mary Anderson

The 17-year-old has a complex and uncontrolled form of epilepsy known as tonic clonic seizures. Whenever they occur, she needs hospital treatment.

Birkenhead school has supported Rosie since she was nine years old, with staff and fellow pupils doing all they can to make her feel part of the school community.

There is a written plan detailing what to do if she has a seizure. Staff and classmates have received epilepsy awareness and first aid training.

They are trained to administer her emergency medication.

Rosie has all of her lessons on the ground floor to make it easier for an ambulance crew to reach her if she has a seizure. 

The condition means she is unable to attend school full time, but staff have worked with her family to create a schedule that works for her.

Wirral Globe:

Jayne Burton from Epilepsy Action presents the award to Rosie Anderson

The school was presented with its award during National Epilepsy Week by UK-wide charity Epilepsy Action.

The organisation recognises nurseries, schools, colleges and universities that have gone above and beyond in supporting students or pupils with epilepsy.

Headteacher David Edmunds said: "We are delighted to have received this award.

"Rosie is a very valued member of the school community. It has been a pleasure to help her reach her full potential.

"Every member of staff and pupil at Birkenhead School has played a part in supporting Rosie. This award recognises all their hard work."

Rosie's mum Mary said: "Birkenhead School is a small school that couldn’t have tried harder to make Rosie feel included.

"From directing the ambulance crew when she has a seizure, to a gentle word from a member of staff when she returns to school, everything is taken care of.

"Rosie has flourished at Birkenhead School because of their support."

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.