Asthma Friendly Schools

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee recently receive and update on the Asthma Friendly Schools Programme from our colleagues at NHS Gloucestershire.  Here is the information they have provided:

Asthma is the commonest long-term condition we see in children. The Asthma Friendly Schools programme is designed to ensure children with asthma are in an environment where they are safe if asthma worsens. It is for schools with pupils between the ages of 5 and 18 years old.   There is a short video we recorded with the first successful school which is here (Asthma Friendly Schools) and the brochure is attached.

To qualify as an Asthma Friendly School the school needs to have an asthma policy that is easy to find and that all staff are familiar with. They need a register of all children in their care with asthma and a care plan for each child. There should be at least one emergency inhaler and spacer in school with a policy on how and when it should be used. Most schools are already doing this so there isn't a heavy workload associated with the programme. We like to see a named asthma champion in each school.  

Vitally, we aim for at least 85% of all school staff, including non-teaching staff, to have completed asthma training. An excellent online module is available, takes around an hour to complete, can be done over more than one session and is free. It explains what asthma is, how inhalers should be used and what they do, and what to do in an emergency. Feedback on the training so far is that it is excellent and should be a part of mandatory training, it increases the knowledge and confidence of those that complete it. 

We are waiting for a new QR code to take schools to a brief online questionnaire in preparation for taking part but in the meantime, if you have a school in your division who might want to take part, please pass on my contact details carol.stonham@nhs.net  We are also working with Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning to embed this approach more consistently.