Whole school approach to asthma in schools

Key points:

• It is the responsibility of parents on admission to school to inform of any health needs including asthma. Schools should make it clear to parents to inform school of any changes such as a new diagnosis of asthma.
• Parents/Carers should be routinely contacted before a CYP starts school to ask about asthma.
• Ensure your asthma policy is available for parents to review.
• Staff/Asthma Champion should ensure that contact is made with parents/carers when an inhaler is used in school (whenever possible).
• Ensure any use of emergency inhalers, asthma attacks are communicated to families. Signpost to GP for review after a significant asthma attack or if reliever inhaler is used more frequently than usual.

Links to to share with families:

• Education for Health offers a free online course about asthma for parents/carers of children and young people with diagnosed asthma.
• Just One Norfolk has lots of general information about asthma and wheezing, helpful for school staff and for families.
• Moving on Asthma provides guidance on managing asthma at school for families (and older CYP).
• Asthma+ Lung UK provides advice and support for families to help their child stay well, including guidance on asthma action plans.