School praised for its support of Victoria

Crompton House School wins national education award A school on the boarder of Oldham and Rochdale has been crowned winner of an Epilepsy Action education award for its work in supporting pupils with epilepsy. Crompton House C of E School was presented with its ‘Edward’ award by Jayne Burton, member of the Epilepsy Action council of management, earlier today. The school is one of eight educational establishments in the UK that have been recognised with an ‘Edward’ this year.

DEDICATED staff at Crompton House School have won a prestigious award for their work to support pupils with epilepsy.

The Rochdale Road school is one of just eight in the country to be presented with the prize by campaign group and charity Epilepsy Action.

The award recognises educational establishments that demonstrate good practice in supporting pupils and students with epilepsy.

Crompton House was chosen because of its efforts to support 15-year-old Victoria Slater.

The Year 11 student has been at the school for five years and her epilepsy means that she can have up to 10 seizures a day.

Victoria has focal and absence seizures which alter her speech and behaviour and can make her drop to the ground. After a seizure, Victoria usually needs to rest.

Staff at Crompton House support Victoria during a seizure and allow her time to recover in a quiet place, meaning that she rarely has to go home because of a seizure.

Other action taken to offer support include:

Every member of staff has received epilepsy awareness and first-aid training from an epilepsy specialist nurse.

Staff have worked with Victoria’s family to provide the best support and she has a written healthcare plan that has been shared with all of her teachers.

The school has made sure that Victoria has been fully included in every aspect of school life, with a member of Victoria’s support staff even accompanying her on her work experience placement. Members of the support staff will also be at Victoria’s upcoming prom so that she can attend safely.

Lisa Slater, Victoria’s mum, who nominated the school for the award, said: “Crompton House has been a brilliant support to Victoria and our family. I am so pleased that they are being given an award.

“The school has worked so hard to accommodate Victoria’s needs. Because of the staff’s support, Victoria has rarely had to come home following a seizure.

“This has meant that her education has not been disrupted, and has allowed both me and my husband to keep our jobs.”

Head teacher Karl Newell said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by Epilepsy Action for the support we give to our students with epilepsy. We are proud to receive an award.

“We are committed to making sure every one of our students receives a broad and balanced learning experience and we will continue to provide the best support possible.”