Asthma at School: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Children Safe and Well
Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children and a leading cause of missed school days. With proper planning and communication, most children with asthma can participate fully in school life.
1. Work with Your Child’s Healthcare Team
Before each school year:
- Schedule an asthma review with your child’s GP or specialist
- Ensure medications are up to date and correctly prescribed
- Discuss whether your child is ready to carry their inhaler independently (if over age 7)
We recommend children have an Asthma Action Plan – a clear, written guide that outlines their daily treatment, what to do during an asthma attack, and who to contact in an emergency.
2. Share the Asthma Action Plan With the School
Make sure the following people have a copy of your child’s Asthma Action Plan:
- School nurse or first aider
- Class teacher and head of year
- PE staff and school sports coaches
- After-school club or wraparound care staff
Include information on triggers, emergency contacts, and where spare inhalers are kept. In the UK, schools are encouraged to keep spare salbutamol inhalers for emergency use (see Department for Education guidance).
3. Identify and Reduce Triggers in the School Environment
Common school-based asthma triggers include:
- Dust mites in carpets or old furniture
- Pollen from open windows
- Cold air during PE or playtime
- Exercise without a warm-up
- Cleaning products or air fresheners
Speak with school staff about your child’s triggers and how to reduce them. Some schools are designated Asthma-Friendly Schools and have protocols to support pupils with asthma.
4. Monitor Asthma Control
Use tools like the Childhood Asthma Control Test (CACT) at home or with your clinician to assess how well asthma is managed. Uncontrolled asthma may lead to frequent absences, sleep disruption, and limited physical activity — all of which affect school performance.
School Checklist for Parents
- Attend your child’s asthma review
- Provide a copy of the Asthma Action Plan to the school
- Ensure all medications are labelled, in-date, and accessible
- Inform the school of specific triggers or recent changes in health
- Educate your child about using their inhaler responsibly
