Whole school approach to asthma in schools

This guide suggests a whole school approach to supporting children with asthma and raising awareness of asthma. Schools should have robust systems and processes in place to help support children and young people (CYP) with asthma and explore the option to become an asthma friendly school.

Supporting CYP with medical conditions is a statutory requirement for schools in England.

Schools and settings play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of children with asthma and reducing barriers to their educational attainment.

A whole school / setting approach to asthma can:

• Reduce stigma
• Promote confidence for staff and CYP in the support provided at school
• Address needs in a holistic way

Find more information about becoming an Asthma Friendly School and a helpful checklistFind more information about becoming an Asthma Friendly School and a helpful checklist.

Further signposting:

• The #AskAboutAsthma campaign highlights the simple changes to CYP's care that will make a big difference to how they experience their asthma. Led by NHS England, the aim is for every person involved in the care of a child or young person with asthma - from GPs to parents/carers, teachers and youth group leaders - to know about the four asks that can help every person to manage their condition and live full, active lives. Find out more on the Transformation Partners NHS website!
• See advice from Beat Asthma around personalised asthma action plans (PAAPs), how to use an inhaler with a spacer as well as more specific situations including pets in schools, sports day / exercise and school trips.
• Schools can register with Schools' Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education (SAMHE) to help improve indoor air quality. Schools receive a free air quality monitor that measures carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) particulate matter (PM), temperature and relative humidity. Teachers and CYP can access their data through an app, seeing how air quality changes over time.