A DARLINGTON school has received an award that celebrates schools which provide great care and support to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes.

Longfield Academy of Sport is one of the first schools in the country to win one of Diabetes UK’s Good Diabetes Care in School Awards which recognise schools across the UK who are providing good care and support to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes.

The school was chosen by an assessment panel which included parents and representatives from Diabetes UK. Longfield Sports Academy will be presented with the special award which is valid for two years, at a special assembly on Friday 29th January.

Headteacher Susan Johnson said: “We are delighted to become one of the first schools in the country to win this award.

"We have a number of students in our school who have Type 1 diabetes and we take our responsibility to provide them with the support and care they need to manage their condition safely in school very seriously.

"We have worked extremely closely with students, parents, and school staff to ensure that the right care is in place, and that children and young people with Type 1 diabetes have the same opportunities as their peers who do not have the condition and are able to fully participate in their education and so reach their full academic potential.”

Stephen Ryan, Diabetes UK's north regional manager, said: “Longfield Sports Academy are providing outstanding care and support to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes which is why they have become one of the first schools in the country to receive our Good Diabetes Care in School Award.

"We urge all schools, both here in Darlington and across the country, to follow the school’s example as good care in schools means that children and young people with diabetes stay healthy and get the best from their education.

For more information, visit diabetes.org.uk/school-award