A young girl with diabetes from Ipswich has helped lobby MPs in Westminister for improved support in schools for children with her disease.

Chloe Ryman, 13, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago, travelled to Diabetes UK’s reception in London with her mother, Tracy, as part of the charity’s campaign to raise awareness of a new law.

From September, schools will be required to support children with medical conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, create individual healthcare plans for pupils and commit to work closely with parents and healthcare professionals.

At the event Chloe and her mum heard speeches from Diabetes UK chief executive Barbara Young and Lord Nash, the education minister responsible for the new law. They also met other families of children with Type 1 diabetes who experienced poor care at school. The pair are calling on Ipswich schools to implement the new rules as without the right support children with Type 1 diabetes can face unavoidable ill health and are prevented from fully taking part in their education.

Mrs Ryman said: “The event gave me the chance to highlight the importance of good support in school for children with Type 1 diabetes directly to MPs.

“As a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes I know how difficult it can be to feel confident that the school is looking after your child properly. If children don’t get the care they need it can lead to serious problems with their health and it can also really affect their confidence and self-esteem, at a time when they are already vulnerable.

“I urge all schools in the area to fully implement the new rules as it can make a huge difference to a child’s life.

Sharon Roberts, Diabetes UK eastern regional manager, said: “It is great that Chloe and Tracy have gone to Westminster to make the case to MPs about why support in school for children with Type 1 diabetes is so essential.”

Diabetes UK’s packs are part of its charity partnership with Tesco.