THE summer holidays are here, but for your readers whose children have Type 1 diabetes this can be an anxious time as they look ahead to their child starting a new class or a new school in September.

My son has Type 1 diabetes and I know that you may be concerned about your child’s safety next term, and whether their new school will know how to help them manage their diabetes during their time there.

It is vital that schools provide support to children with Type 1 diabetes to help them manage their condition effectively so that they can stay healthy and fully participate in school life but some children still struggle to get this support and this can put their health at risk.

This is why we have launched a Care in School Helpline which provides parents with information and support around the care their child is entitled to receive at school. The helpline, supported by our National Charity Partnership with Tesco, is staffed by volunteers who can provide information about children’s rights and can give emotional support.

As we near the end of the school term, we’re encouraging local parents to contact the Care in School Helpline with any school-related concerns they have about their child and their Type 1 diabetes so that we can help.

To contact the Care in School Helpline, call 0345 123 2399 or go to diabetes.org.uk/care-in-school.

Dai Williams

National director

Diabetes UK Cymru