Teaching staff at Bovington Academy have been rewarded with a Good Diabetes Care in School award in recognition of the support provided to a former Year 6 student. 
 
Earlier this year the mother of Emily Gauntlett, who has Type 1 diabetes and is autistic, revealed how the dedicated care provided to her daughter by staff effectively ”saved her life everyday.”
 
Michelle Rebello-Tindall got in touch with Good Diabetes Care to nominate the school to the delight of staff at the primary school. The award and certificates have now arrived and are on display in school. 
 
Sharon Reddyhoff, Vice Principal at Bovington Academy, Colette Porter, Emily’s Learning Support Assistant, and Paula McDonald who works in First Aid, provided key support for Emily during her time at Bovington Academy. 
 
Commenting on the award, Mrs Reddyhoff said: ”We are thrilled to have received the award and the nomination was a surprise. Our aim was to ensure that Emily was able to attend school and that she felt supported and cared for. We did this by ensuring that all our staff were well-trained to meet her needs and that this ensured she felt supported whenever she was at school. The staff training provided meant that we could all support one another and Emily knew she could turn to any adult to help her.”
 

L-R: Colette Porter LSA & worked directly with Emily, Sharon Reddyhoff Vice Principal & SENCo, Paula McDonald Admin/First Aid

Earlier this year, Emily’s mother spoke to Aspirations Academies Trust and the Dorset Echo about the care her daughter received and how much it meant to the family. 

Her words are recounted below: 

Mrs Rebello-Tindall told the Dorset Echo: ‘’From the moment Emily was diagnosed two years ago, the school has been endlessly supportive. Type one diabetes is caused by an over active immune system and it can be extremely serious. Emily’s blood sugar can drop within minutes and without quick action she could pass out into a coma. The staff save her life every day.

‘’I know other parents in identical situations to me who have not found schools their children attend to be as supportive which is such a shame.

‘’At Bovington Academy, from the moment Emily was diagnosed, they’ve adapted to her needs and ensured whole-school training for staff and guidance for Emily’s year group, to ensure she receives the support and care that she needs.

‘’From school trips to canteen food and keeping a constant, watchful eye on Emily and her blood sugar levels, nothing has been too much trouble. The school has been proactive and flexible at every turn.’’

Emily pictured with Colette Porter and her best friend Bella

Although the nomination was for the whole school, Mrs Rebello-Tindall also highlighted the one-to-one support Emily received from Teaching Assistant Collette Porter.

She said: ‘’Having Collette there to support Emily has just been incredible. Without Collette, Emily would not be able to attend school. Collette is a constant source of support for Emily who relies on her 100% and Emily knows that she can do that and is able to ask for Collette’s help.

”Collette has even been known to run alongside Emily during PE sessions carrying her medical bag just in case she needs it! Collette has also been encouraging Emily to be independent and make her own decisions. Collette is simply wonderful.’’

Emily Gauntlett

The Good Diabetes Care in School Award was launched by charity Diabetes UK in 2018.

Open to primary and secondary schools, the aim of the award is to celebrate the schools that work with parents and healthcare professionals to ensure children with diabetes have as easy an experience as possible.

 

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