This setting is committed to
- Providing a safe and healthy environment for all children in the setting.
- Providing an environment in which all children with asthma can participate in order to realise their full potential.
- Providing a clear set of guidelines to be followed with regard to the management of asthma.
- All children diagnosed with asthma to receive appropriate attention as required.
Procedures for management
- Where appropriate organise asthma management information sessions for staff, parents/carers in the setting.
- Encourage open communication between parents/carers and staff regarding the status and impact of a child’s asthma.
- Where appropriate, organise Emergency Asthma Management training for staff.
The staff will
- Ask all parents/carers as part of the induction procedure, prior to their child’s attendance at the setting, whether the child has diagnosed asthma and document this information on the child’s registration form.
- Provide families whose child has asthma with an asthma plan to complete. This will then be attached to child’s registration form.
- Compile a list of children with asthma and place it in a secure but readily accessible location, which is known to all staff. Designated area : Medicine cupboard in kitchen, list is displayed inside door.
- Record expiry dates of medication to ensure is always kept up to date.
- Consult with parents/carers of children with asthma, in relation to the health and safety of their child and the supervised management of the child’s asthma.
- Promptly communicate any concerns to parents if it is considered that a child’s asthma is limiting his/her ability to participate fully in activities.
- Where necessary, modify activities for the child with asthma in accordance with their current needs and abilities.
- Administer all regular prescribed asthma medication in accordance with the medication book.
- Keep medication/equipment secure in designated area i.e. Medicine cupboard in kitchen. Ensure all items are clearly labelled.
- Complete Medication book with parents/carers, recording details of dosage required and times to administer. Parent/carer will sign to give permission for staff to administer, check information is correct.
Parents/carers of a child must
- Inform setting, as early as possible that their child has a history of asthma.
- Provide all relevant information regarding the child’s asthma via the Asthma Action Plan.
- Notify setting, in writing, of an changes to the information they entered on the Asthma Action Plan.
- Provide an adequate supply of appropriate asthma medication and equipment for their child at all times. All medication has been prescribed by GP.
- Ensure information recorded in Medication book is correct, and parent/carer has signed record to give permission to administer medication.
- Communicate all relevant information and concerns to staff as the need arises.
- Consult with the setting, in relation to the health and safety of their child and the supervised management of the child’s asthma.
Definitions:
Metered Dose Inhaler (puffer) |
Common delivery device used to administer reliever medication. |
Asthma Emergency | The onset of unstable or deteriorating asthma symptoms requiring immediate treatment with reliever medication. |
Asthma Action Plan | A record of information on the child’s asthma and how to manage it, including contact details, what to do when the child’s asthma worsens and emergency treatment. |
Asthma Triggers | Things that may induce asthma symptoms e.g. pollens, colds/viruses, dust mites etc. |
Puffer | Common name for a metered dose inhaler |
Reliever medication | This comes in a blue container and is used to relax the muscles around the airways to relieve asthma symptoms. |
Spacer device | A plastic device used to increase the efficiency of delivery of asthma medication from a puffer. |