Current Changes to the Asthma Friendly Schools Program:
Please note that the program is currently being revised (November 2009). Principals and school staff will receive notification of the changes in the near future.
Being An Asthma Friendly School
An Asthma Friendly School is one that,
- Uses AFS program strategies to support the whole school community in understanding and managing asthma.
- Develops a safe, healthy and supportive school environment for students with asthma.
- Links with Health and Education sectors, parent representative groups and Asthma Foundation.
What are the benefits of being an Asthma Friendly School?
Potentially life saving.
- Improve asthma awareness and management in the school and its community.
- Encourage an Asthma Friendly School environment.
- Improve health and learning outcomes for students with asthma.
- Complements a school’s responsibility for health and safety of students and staff.
- Peace of mind to parents of children with asthma.
- School staff more confident in managing asthma.
How to be an Asthma Friendly School
- The first step is to REGISTER your school's interest - contact your local Asthma Foundation for a Registration Form.
- A Principal Pack of information and resources is sent to your school to guide the achievement of the eight essential criteria required to become an Asthma Friendly School.
- Achieve RECOGNITION as an Asthma Friendly School by meeting the eight essential criteria.
- Undertake RENEWAL of RECOGNITION every three years to maintain Recognition as an Asthma Friendly School.
AFS forms
Schools will receive an Asthma Friendly School Recognition certificate and window sticker to promote their Asthma Friendly School status.
The Criteria
Schools must provide evidence on the Recognition Form that they have achieved the 8 essential criteria and provide this to their Asthma Foundation with the Principal's signature on the form in order to become / continue to be an Asthma Friendly School.
Essential Criteria:
- Asthma education is provided for all school staff
- Asthma Action Plans and/or Student Asthma Records for each student with asthma are actively encouraged and kept in a central location
- Asthma First Aid posters are on display
- Students with asthma are encouraged to have their medications readily available and safely stored at all times
- A blue reliever puffer and spacer device(s) are available for emergency use
- A plan is in place for managing asthma during school sporting activities, excursions and camps
- Asthma related information is provided through the school to parents/carers that contributes to the quality of life, health outcomes and well being for their children
- Asthma Friendly Schools Program teaching resources are used as part of the school's health curriculum.
Recommended Criteria:
- Potential asthma triggers are minimized within the school environment
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