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Supporting pupils with asthma

Get expert advice on supporting pupils with asthma, and on the use of emergency inhalers, in your school. Find guidance on staff responsibilities, parental consent and what to include about asthma in your school policies.

Last reviewed on 21 November 2023
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 10898
Contents
  1. Make sure everyone in school knows their responsibilities
  2. Know how to respond to an asthma attack
  3. Have inhalers and other medications readily available
  4. Understand the guidelines if your school uses emergency salbutamol inhalers
  5. See a school example of an asthma policy

Make sure everyone in school knows their responsibilities

Headteachers

Make sure:

  • All staff are aware of the policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions and understand their role in implementing it (your governing body is responsible for making sure it's implemented)
  • Enough trained staff are available to implement the policy (your governing body should make sure this is the case)
  • All appropriate staff are aware of a pupil's medical condition
  • All pupils with asthma have individual health care plans
School staff

Should:

  • Take into account the needs of pupils with medical conditions
  • Know what to do and respond accordingly if a pupil needs medical help
Parents

Should:

  • Provide the school with sufficient and up-to-date information about their child's medical needs
  • Be involved in developing and reviewing their child's individual healthcare plan
  • Provide the school with the necessary medicines and equipment
  • Make sure that they or a nominated adult are contactable at all times
PupilsShould be fully involved in discussions about their medical needs and their individual healthcare plan.

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