Asthma

What is asthma?  

Asthma is a chronic disease which inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs. Asthma is the most common long term medical condition in children and affects 1 in 11. It is the most common reason for urgent hospital admissions for children and young people. 

Symptoms include cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. 

The most common triggers for an asthma attack are colds and viruses, smoking, pollution, pollen, mould, pets, and hormonal changes. 

NHS and Just One Norfolk provides more information on asthma.

Why is it important to be aware of asthma? 

A child or young person with asthma can face unique challenges in education including days off due to illness or hospital/GP appointments, missed learning, poor concentration due to lack of sleep, anxiety and depression, feeling different from peers and experiencing limitations in taking part in physical activities. 

It's crucial for schools and settings to be aware of asthma for several reasons: 

1. Prevalence: Asthma is the most common long-term condition in children and young people, affecting an average of 3 children in every classroom. 
2. Impact on Education: Asthma can have major implications on a child or young person's health resulting in time away from education, subsequently impacting their learning. Asthma is the most common chronic medical reason for children and young people missing school. 
3. Health Risks: Asthma can be fatal but 90% of asthma related deaths are deemed avoidable (Asthma UK, 2017). 
4. Safeguarding: Schools and settings have a role in ensuring children and young people with asthma are safe when in their care.  
5. Asthma Management: Schools and settings can help in managing asthma by increasing awareness, knowledge, and confidence for all staff, children and young people, and families. 

By being aware of asthma, schools and settings can provide a supportive environment that helps children and young people manage their condition effectively, thereby improving their overall quality of life and educational attainment. 

What does the law say? 

There are several legal requirements that schools must follow if they have a child or young person with asthma which Beat Asthma outlines clearly.  

• The Children and Families Act 2014 introduces a legal duty on schools to look after children with medical conditions, including asthma. This means all school staff and those who support younger children should have an awareness of this medical condition and the needs of the condition. 
• In many cases asthma is covered by the definition of The Equality Act 2010. Education and early years providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustment for disabilities. 
• The statutory guidance Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions at School provides information about the support that children and young people with medical conditions should receive at school. 
• See guidance for schools in England on using emergency inhalers.  

What support is available? 

National 

Beat Asthma: Beat Asthma provides comprehensive guidance for schools and settings to support children and young people with asthma including practical advice, guidance on managing asthma attacks including personalised asthma action plans (PAAP) and legal requirements. These resources are designed to help schools understand asthma further and know what to do to keep children and young people safe.  

Supporting Children's Health and Young People with Asthma: This is an online learning product approved by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). It is designed for anyone who supports children and young people with asthma, including teachers and school support staff. 

Asthma and Allergy Friendly Schools (AAFS) Programme: The AAFS programme is a national initiative that supports and encourages schools to create a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for children with asthma and allergies. 

Schools' Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education (SAMHE): Schools can register with SAMHE to help improve indoor air quality. Schools receive a free air quality monitor that measures key data and can access their data through an app, seeing how air quality changes over time. 

Norfolk 

Norfolk County Council, alongside NHS colleagues, have developed a toolkit for schools and settings focused on asthma. The aim of the toolkit is to support you to plan a whole school approach to asthma as well provide guidance on how to respond when a child or young person experiences an asthma attack. 

Key contacts  

If you have any specific questions regarding asthma, please contact nwicb.cypm@nhs.net.