GRATEFUL parents have expressed their thanks after nominating the nursery that cares for their epileptic child for recognition.

Thanks to Kelli and Jason Sly, Willow Garden Day Nursery at Orsett Heath has been awarded the Epilepsy Action early years education award.

The nursery supports Kelli and Jason's two-year-old daughter Amelia who was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was six months old. She has focal seizures that happen around the times she is asleep. They are sometimes prolonged which can put her at significant risk.

The nursery staff provide care to Amelia and her family. They have invited epilepsy specialists to come into nursery and give advice about how they can give Amelia the best support possible. The nursery management made sure that all the staff at the nursery were trained to handle Amelia's seizures safely.

Every member of staff was issued with a stopwatch to time any seizures Amelia has. All the staff have also watched home videos of Amelia's seizures, so they clearly know what to look out for.

Amelia's current medication makes her very drowsy. The nursery makes sure there is a quiet space for Amelia to rest early in the mornings. They also provide one on one support for her.

The nursery provide support to the whole of Amelia's family. They regularly check in with the parents, asking how they are doing and offering extra help it it's needed.

Kelli said: "We are incredibly proud that Amelia can continue to thrive in the nursery setting.

"Without the incredible staff and management at the nursery, Amelia would definitely not be developing as fantastically well as she is. We are grateful for their support, and this is a well and truly deserved award."

Accepting the award, nursery owner JJ and Andy Melbourne, said: "Everyone in the team here really loves supporting Amelia in her learning and development – just as we do with all of the very special little people here, whatever their individual needs. Amelia is a fantastic personality, is very gifted and has such a brilliant and devoted mum and dad looking after her. It's brilliant to see her flourishing."

The Epilepsy Action Awards celebrate the UK's epilepsy heroes, honouring the work and commitment of volunteers, fundraisers, schools, employers and healthcare professionals.

Philip Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action said: "We're delighted to acknowledge the wonderful work of Willow Garden Day Nursery by giving them an Epilepsy Action award. This award is a deserved tribute for their efforts and successes.

"As a charity we rely on the support of people who are committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. These awards reflect the wonderful efforts of the recipients and mark our appreciation for their passion and commitment to the support of people with epilepsy."

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK alone and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Each year, Epilepsy Action directly helps over two million people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Action Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050, support group network and award-winning website, epilepsy.org.uk.