Mum fears children’s lives at risk in school

Vicky Masterton claims Fife Council not adhering to diabetes care plan

A worried Fife mother claims the council is endangering the lives of her children.

Vicky Masterton, whose youngsters have potentially life-threatening Type 1 diabetes, has withdrawn daughter Morgan from school, claiming an agreed care plan was being ignored.

The Ballingry mum had already taken son Jordyn, 7, from school due to similar mismanagement allegations. She has submitted a complaint to Fife Council. She said: “All I’m trying to do is do the best by my kids. I’m very passionate about making changes in Fife schools for not only my children, but for all the others who battle daily with Type 1 diabetes.”

Head of education Shelagh McLean said pupils’ health and wellbeing was a top priority for the council.

A mother fears young lives are in danger unless changes are made to the way support is given to youngsters with Type 1 diabetes.

Vicky Masterton, of Ballingry, has two children with the condition and has had problems with their care at both their schools.

Vicky and partner Ross Gray’s youngest child Jordyn, 7, was diagnosed in 2014. And the family were shocked earlier this year when it was confirmed their daughter, Morgan, now 13, also has Type 1.

Now Vicky wants Fife Council to make sure staff are properly trained to support youngsters with the life-threatening condition – and that care plans are followed.

“I’m asking for the local authority to protect my children, as they have a duty of care and to work with me, not against me,” she said.

“I feel as though I’m asking for the world, banging my head against a brick wall, but my kids are my world and it’s my role as a mother to protect them from harm.”

Jordyn was moved from Benarty to Lochgelly West Primary, something Vicky says “has been worth it” for the improved care.

She has now made a formal complaint about what she alleges is the negligence of members of Lochgelly High School staff over Morgan’s care.

She was diagnosed in April and a care plan was put in place which was being followed.

However, when the teenager returned after the summer holidays, Vicky says it came to light Morgan was left solely responsible for the management of the condition.

She was horrified when she discovered Morgan’s blood glucose levels were not being checked as per her care plan and her daughter was taking quick-acting insulin at lunchtimes.

“This could have potentially led to an overdose or underdose of insulin, leaving her in a critical state or worse, dead,” said Vicky.

She says she has been left “bitterly upset” at what she called the unprofessional response of some senior teachers to her concerns and claimed she had been told to leave the premises during a meeting to discuss the situation.

She added: “I’m very passionate about making changes in Fife schools for not only my children but for all the others who battle daily with Type 1 diabetes.”

Fife Council’s head of education Shelagh McLean said: “The health and wellbeing of our pupils is a top priority for us. We are aware of the concerns raised and we’ll continue to work with Ms Masterton to resolve these.”

Picture: George McLuskie. Vicky Masterton and Ross Gray with their children Morgan, left and Jordyn, both of whom have had problems at their schools because of Type 1 diabetes.