STAFF at a Wee County primary school have been recognised for their efforts in helping children with diabetes.

Coalsnaughton PS currently has a number of young pupils with the illness and they require support which they have been given thanks to dedicated and compassionate members of staff at the school.

While the whole school takes great care with the pupils, support staff, Anne Harrower, Jackie Byrne, Arlene Fraser and Louise Monk, have been given special recognition for going above and beyond after the school was given an award by Diabetes UK.

Colleen ClarkBurns, the schools headteacher, told the Advertiser: "Over a number of years we have had children presenting with a number of health conditions including Diabetes Type 1.

"Some children as young as three have been diagnosed with the condition.

"This has been a challenge for the staff team, pupils and the families and recently the school was nominated and invited to apply for the Good Diabetes Care in School Award through Diabetes UK by one of our parents.

"This involved providing evidence of fully trained, confident staff, good practice and individual care plans for every child with Type 1 diabetes.

"Information was gathered from both Healthcare professionals responsible for clinical care of children attending school and parents showing good partnerships and working relationships."

Mrs ClarkBurns continued: "We are a small family orientated school and the health and wellbeing of all is at the heart of what we do.

"When a need presents itself we all pull together to ensure that we do the best for the children and their families.

"Particular recognition goes to our support staff, Mrs Anne Harrower, Mrs Jackie Bryne, Mrs Arlene Fraser and Mrs Louise Monk.

"The care and attention that they give to our diabetic children is commendable and I am so proud of them."

The impact of their work has been instrumental in supporting those youngsters affected.

One pupil told the Advertiser the staff made the diagnosis a lot less daunting.

They said: "The ladies look after me. When I first knew I had diabetes I was scared but the ladies helped me to cope with it and I got braver."

Another added: "The ladies help me with my insulin. If I am not feeling well, they help me to test my levels.

"It felt weird at first, but they helped me to deal with it in school."

It's not just the pupils the staff have helped, however, with parents also being able to relax knowing their children are in good hands.

One parent said: "When our child was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes we were understandably very upset, nervous and anxious.

"It was new to all of us but we worked with the school to get through it.

"We are really proud of the teachers and the support staff and the care that they have given our child has been excellent. Mrs Harrower has been an immense support to us as a family."