A PRIMARY school has made national news as part of their efforts to support pupils that have diabetes.

Nutgrove Methodist Primary School on Govett Road, welcomed a film crew from BBC Breakfast on World Diabetes Day as they followed pupil Libby Fairclough around to help viewers understand the how the condition impacts on the lives of more than 35,000 young people across the UK.

Libby, aged eight, who was the focus of the story after appearing in a national advertising campaign for Diabetes UK last year, is one of a number of children in the school with diabetes.

The film crew filmed staff supporting the children with managing their sugar levels, as well the work canteen staff do to prepare appropriate meals and snacks for the pupils.

Rachel Bottell, Headteacher at Nutgrove Methodist Primary, said: “We have a really inclusive school, and we do everything we can to remove any barriers that children may have to accessing their learning and enjoying school life.

“That, however, is not down to the efforts of one person. It takes a whole school approach to managing the needs of our brilliant children – and our staff and pupils deserve a huge amount of credit for all they do to support one another.”

Alongside the filming, staff and pupils also ran a number of activities to raise nearly £200 for Diabetes UK as part of the national awareness day.

Mrs Bottell added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all the families who have been so generous in their donations for Diabetes UK. The cost-of-living crisis is adding a huge amount of pressure on our community, making the £175 we have raised even more incredible.

Nutgrove Primary, which is part of the Epworth Education Trust, also used Diabetes Awareness Day to ensure children gained an understanding of the condition and how best to support their friends.

Julie-ann Hewitt, CEO of Epworth Education Trust, said: “Nutgrove is a school that goes above and beyond to ensure that every child can thrive in their community.

“I am so proud of the work our pupils and staff put it to ensure that awareness of diabetes is widespread across the school.

“The understanding of each other’s differing needs is an important part of growing up, and having the BBC visit the school has really shown our children that their efforts deserve to be noted and applauded.”