College staff praised by epilepsy charity

ALL yours . . . Mike Harnor, a member of Epilepsy Action's management council, presents an Education Action Award to student Victoria Slater and support facilitator Jill Hattersley, both from Oldham College

OLDHAM College's work to support a performing arts student who has epilepsy has earned it a national award.

Victoria Slater suffers daily seizures but staff at the Rochdale Road College are determined to help her to be as independent as possible and do everything that her classmates can.

They have even designed a prop that can be placed around the 16-year-old to give her privacy if she has a seizure on stage during a show.

Oldham College is one of 11 nurseries, schools and colleges which have been presented with an education award by the charity Epilepsy Action.

The annual gongs celebrate exceptional work to support students with the condition and the Rochdale Road college was nominated by Victoria's mum, Lisa Slater.

She said: "Oldham College has been absolutely amazing for Victoria. The support that staff have provided has really helped her become more independent.

"Victoria loves acting and the performing arts but was always worried about having seizures on stage. Oldham College has made it possible for her to realise her ambition."

Jill Hattersley from the learning support team said: "We are delighted to have been recognised with an education award. Victoria is an amazing student, and it has been a privilege to watch her confidence grow over the past six months. A lot of people have worked hard to make sure that Victoria has the most positive college experience possible."

Epilepsy affects 63,000 under 18s in the UK.

Epilepsy Action works with the education sector so the correct support can be put in place.

Its free course for staff is available at epilepy.org.uk/schools.