It’s estimated that around 40,000 children under 16 here are living with asthma
The warning to schools comes on World Asthma Day(Image: Getty Images )
Schools across Northern Ireland are being urged to be asthma aware as an estimated 40,000 children here are living with the condition.
That’s the message from a leading lung health charity to mark World Asthma Day this Tuesday, May 5.
Schools are being invited to take part in Asthma + Lung UK’s Asthma Fit programme. By becoming ‘Asthma Fit’, Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland says schools will become better equipped with the knowledge and skills to support and empower young people with asthma.
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Resulting in children with asthma feeling safer and more supported to take part in all school activities, with staff having a better understanding of the condition and parents feeling reassured that the school are inclusive and able to nurture their child to reach their full potential.
Steps include creating an asthma policy that is reviewed every year; improve staff understanding of how asthma affects the school, including identifying a named asthma lead/s, arranging asthma training and creating a register of children with asthma; how to support every child with asthma including having a copy of their current asthma action plan at school, ensuring every child has their own reliever inhaler which is easily assessable, and staff recording when children use medication (whenever possible) and share this information with parents.
It also involves improving understanding of asthma in the school’s community by supporting pupils to understand their asthma, using written resources or encouraging contact with their healthcare professional. Also, raising awareness of asthma by running a school assembly or promoting World Asthma Day.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland, said: “With an estimated 40,000 children in Northern Ireland living with asthma, we would love every school to download or order our easy-to-use information pack, brimming with tips and advice.
“The Asthma Fit programme shows that together, we can build an educational support network to help children live well with asthma, keeping them out of hospital and in the classroom.”
Deborah Waddell, Paediatric Respiratory Specialist Nurse, added: “Every child or young person has the right to feel safe at school. Our Asthma Fit resources are designed to help schools to understand asthma and provide the best possible support and care.
“Being Asthma Fit shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of children and young people with asthma. It’s achievable and ensures the school is a safe, inclusive, supportive environment, where pupils are heard, understood and encouraged to reach their potential.”
Through the Clean Air Champions programme, supported by the Bupa Foundation, schools that are interested in the Asthma Fit programme will receive a free information pack containing useful and easy to follow steps for schools to improve the support they provide for children with asthma.
Further information about how your school can become Asthma Fit is available here.
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