Asthma Friendly 
Asthma - Why does it matter?
- Asthma is the most common long-term medical condition in children in the UK, with around 1 in 11 children and young people living with asthma.
- It is a chronic condition; it can not be cured. Appropriate management can improve QOL
- The UK has one of the highest prevalence, emergency admission and death rates for childhood asthma in Europe
- 3 Asthma deaths every day: 2/3 of these deaths are preventable.
- In UK: 24% Children with Asthma miss <6 School days each year
- It impacts on care given within schools and Early Years settings. Appropriate Asthma care is necessary for the child's immediate safety, long-term well-being and optimal academic performance.
What does is mean to be an Asthma Friendly School?
Asthma Policy:
A comprehensive policy that outlines how the school will manage asthma, including procedures for recognizing and responding to asthma attacks, access to medication, and communication with parents and healthcare professionals.
Asthma Register:
A record of all students with asthma, ensuring that their individual needs are met.
Accessible Inhalers:
Students with asthma have easy access to their prescribed inhalers, both for routine use and emergency situations.
Emergency Inhaler Kits:
Maple Cross School maintains readily available emergency inhalers and spacers for use in case of a students inhaler is not available or the student is struggling with their asthma.
Staff Training:
A significant portion of the school staff (typically 85% or more) are trained in asthma management, including recognising signs of an asthma attack, administering medication, and providing support to students.
Asthma Champion:
Our Asthma Champion is Mrs A Jones, who leads the asthma-friendly initiatives within the school.
Parent Communication:
Maple Cross School actively communicate with parents about asthma management, including any changes to the student's action plan or medications.
Regular Audits:
Maple Cross School conduct regular audits of their asthma management practices to ensure we are meeting the standards of an Asthma Friendly School.
Benefits of being an Asthma Friendly School:
Improved Asthma Management:
Schools can better support students with asthma, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced school absences.
Increased Awareness:
Staff and students gain a better understanding of asthma, its triggers, and how to manage it effectively.
Enhanced Safety:
Staff training ensure that students with asthma are well-protected in case of an asthma attack.
Greater Inclusion:
Students with asthma can participate fully in school activities without the fear of an asthma attack, fostering a more inclusive school environment.
Increased School Absences Reduced:
By supporting students in managing their asthma, the school can help reduce the number of absences due to asthma.
Asthma Policy