THE worried mum of a six-year-old girl with diabetes is calling for more steps to be taken to help school staff cope with her daughter’s medical needs.

Lily Smethurst has type 1 diabetes, a complex condition that needs monitoring throughout the day.

Mum Julie Smethurst said that staff at Kearsley West Primary School are struggling to supervise Lily’s diabetes and should be given more support.

She claims that, on too many occasions, her daughter’s blood sugar levels fall “dangerously” low, causing her to have to go into school to treat Lily.

Mrs Smethurst, aged 46 of Longcauseway, Farnworth, said: “The school and staff have done their upmost to manage Lily’s diabetes, but it just is not working.

“I am not blaming the school. It is doing its best. I’m upset because I have to keep going into school when she has a hypo.”

Lily was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago. It means her pancreas is not able to produce insulin — the hormone which controls blood sugar levels.

If her carbohydrates are not counted properly — which Mrs Smethurst says has happened — Lily is at risk of being given too much insulin, which can cause her to have a hypo.

Under new Government legislation, all schools have a duty to put a medical conditions policy in place for pupils like Lily.

However, these policies can be difficult for schools to implement.

The mum-of-five added: “This new legislation states that schools have to meet the medical needs of every child.

“But it’s not enough and I don’t know where to turn. I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall.

“Hypos can be fatal and Lily is extremely prone to them.

“No two days are the same with her condition. She needs someone to observe her and pick up on her symptoms, but it’s very difficult. I want to have a peace of mind when I send my daughter to school.”

Lesley Cooper, head of Kearsley West Primary School, said: “As a school, we adopt a caring and nurturing approach to all our pupils and strive to meet all their individual needs.

“In the past two years we have successfully worked with Lily’s parents, school staff and health professionals to manage her condition and ensure she is able to develop and learn.

“We empathise with Lily’s parents that despite our best efforts and following all the professional advice given, we have not been able to manage Lily’s condition this year.

“However, we remain committed to working closely with them to find the right support to resolve the situation.”

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: “Schools have a legal duty to support children with medical needs.

"We have produced clear guidance for all schools on this matter to ensure they are taking action and the right arrangements are in place.

"On top of this, all schools have a duty to make sure that there is adequate training in place for school staff and that pupils’ individual healthcare plans can be implemented effectively.”