Epilepsy award for city school

THE mother of a teenager with epilepsy has praised her daughter’s school for the way it has helped her and others deal with the condition.

Emma Thomas-Jones said Ysgol Plasmawr in Cardiff had gone above and beyond the call of duty to help daughter Elina, 14.

The Welsh medium school was presented with an award from the charity Epilepsy Action in recognition of support it gives pupils with epilepsy by ensuring safety and well-being.

Emma nominated the school for help it has given Elina since she joined in 2013.

The Year 10 pupil was diagnosed with epilepsy only a few weeks before starting in the school. Her type of epilepsy means she is unlikely to have a seizure during the school day but it cannot be ruled out.

Seizures can be triggered by tiredness or stress, so the school has put measures in place to help Elina with anything that may have an impact on her condition.

Elina’s mum Emma said: “Since Elina’s first day at the school, her teachers could not have shown any more support for her. In particular, [assistant head] Sian Elin Griffith has been a brilliant support.

“The school has ensured Elina’s wellbeing is a priority and have supported her full participation in school activities.

“Elina has been lucky to attend many trips abroad. Now that she is in Year 10, and will soon be sitting her GCSEs, Ysgol Plasmawr have taken every step to ensure that she has access to the best facilities and that her needs are fully recognised and met.”

All teaching and support staff receive regular training on epilepsy awareness and first aid, supported by Elina’s specialist nurse Louise Probert and Epilepsy Action’s Wales Manager Ann Sivapatham.

Ann also delivered a special training session to Elina’s classmates before they went on a school exchange visit to Japan.

The session gave pupils the opportunity to ask questions about Elina’s experience of having epilepsy – and also helped them to feel confident knowing what to do if she had a seizure while away from home, her mother said.

An Epilepsy Action spokeswoman said: “The school has ensured her safety and well-being are a priority. The school also excels in communicating with her parents, and works with staff and health professionals to ensure they can support Elina.

“As Elina was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly before starting at Ysgol Plasmawr, she initially found it difficult to discuss her condition with friends and teachers.

“With school support she has conducted assemblies and raised money for Purple Day, the annual global epilepsy awareness day. She has also raised over £1,000 for Epilepsy Action.

“Elina’s increased confidence, facilitated by Ysgol Plasmawr, has also enabled her to further promote the awareness of epilepsy within the community.”

Ysgol Plasmawr assistant head teacher Sian-Elin Griffith, said: “We are thrilled to accept this award. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Elina and her mum over the years. Watching Elina grow in confidence has been a delight and I am very proud of the fundraising and awareness-raising efforts that she has achieved. Da iawn ti!”