B&D: Asthma and allergy friendly schools
Asthma affects 1 in 3 children in the classroom (Asthma UK, 2016) and anaphylaxis in schools is also a significant concern, with 40% of children diagnosed with an allergy in the UK (Allergy UK). Barking and Dagenham is among the top boroughs for emergency hospital admissions due to asthma. As part of a national programme aimed at improving the outcomes of CYP with asthma, the NEL-ICB is encouraging all schools in B&D to become ‘Asthma and Allergy Friendly’.
Schools must achieve six standards for asthma and allergy management to be come accredited. This helps schools:
- Become a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for CYP
- Optimise care management with staff, CYP and families
- Reduce school absences and impacts on CYP social well-being
- Improve health outcomes and tackle health inequalities in the local area
Implementation of this initiative requires partnership with school nurses, primary care networks and local authorities.
How can GPs practices and surgeries support the AAFS roll-out?
Annual Review
- Assessment, appropriate care referrals and treatment adjustments
- Patient education and accessible resources to support self-management
Personalised Asthma Action Plan (PAAP)
- All CYP with a diagnosis to be given a PAAP and provided with a copy to give to schools
- Clear actions to manage symptoms and triggers
Training and Competencies
For more information contact:
Rehana Ahmed – Rehana.ahmed@nelft.nhs.uk / 0300 555 1200 ext 58506 (AAFS Co-ordinator)
Laura King – laura.king4@nhs.net / 07407 870 893 (Senior CYP Asthma Practitioner for NEL)
Download information sheet