Whole school approach to asthma in schools

School leaders must ensure that the school's asthma policy is read and understood by all members of staff including teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and catering staff. School leaders must review the asthma policy annually and conduct an annual review of the safe management of asthma in the school.

Leaders and governors must be aware of the potential triggers, signs and symptoms of asthma and know what to do in an emergency. They must know which children or young people (CYP) have asthma and be familiar with the content of their personal asthma action plan (PAAP).

See key actions for leaders and governors, in line with the asthma friendly schools guide checklist (page 9):

• Identify an Asthma Champion
• Compile an asthma register, ensure this is updated regularly and accessible to staff
• Develop an asthma policy
• Ensure all CYP have immediate access to their emergency medicines (including spacers) - should be kept with the child or in an accessible place
• When inhalers are kept in school, the Asthma Champion will check expiry dates at least every 6 months and reminds parents to provide another inhaler prior to expiry
• Keep an emergency inhaler and spacer in school. The Department of Health has published a protocol which provides further information at Emergency asthma inhalers for use in schools (GOV.UK)
• Request copies of a CYP's PAAP from parents/carers
• Have a School Wide Asthma Emergency Plan that can be used in the absence of a PAAP
• Ensure staff complete two-yearly asthma training
• Create your own bespoke clean air plan by choosing the recommended air pollution tackling actions and using the suggested advice and resources to help your school become a clean air school, including:
  • Reduce air pollution from your own operations
  • Tackle air pollution at the school gate
  • Educate the next generation to help them and their families make cleaner air choices
  • Become a local leader on air pollution, working with local partners to improve air quality in the local area

What are rights/legalities regarding asthma?

See guidance and legal requirements below:

• Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions (DfE)
• Emergency inhalers in schools (Department of Health)
• Legal requirements (Beat Asthma)

Internal air quality

• DfE guidelines on internal air quality in schools give information on relevant health and safety legislation, and when internal air filtration systems may be appropriate.