Sample school policies template

Rationale:
• Asthma affects up to one in four primary aged children, one in seven teenagers and one in ten adults. It is
important therefore for al staff members to be aware of asthma, its symptoms and triggers, and the management of asthma in a school environment.
Aims:
• To manage asthma and asthma sufferers as effectively and efficiently as possible at school.
Implementation:
• Asthma attacks involve the narrowing of airways making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms commonly include
difficulty breathing, wheezy breathing, dry and irritating cough, tightness in the chest and difficulty speaking. • Children and adults with mild asthma rarely require medication; however severe asthma sufferers may require daily or additional medication (particularly after exercise). • Professional development will be provided for all staff on the nature, prevention and treatment of asthma attacks. Such information wil also be displayed on the staffroom wal . • All students with asthma must have an up to date (annual) written asthma management plan consistent with The Asthma Foundation Victoria’s requirements completed by their doctor or paediatrician. Appropriate asthma plan proformas are available a • Asthma plans wil be attached to the student’s records for reference. • Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their children have an adequate supply of appropriate asthma medication (including a spacer) with them at school at al times. • The school will provide, and have staff trained in the administering of, reliever puffers (blue canister) such as Ventolin, Airomir, Asmol or Bricanyl and spacer devices in all first-aid kits, including kits on excursions and camps. Clear written instructions on how to use these medications and devices will be included in each first aid kit, along with steps to be taken to treat severe asthma attacks. Kits will contain 70% alcohol swabs to clean devices after use. • The delegated first aid staff member wil be responsible for checking reliever puffer expiry dates. • A nebuliser pump wil not be used by the school staff unless a student’s asthma management plan recommends the use of such a device, and only then if the plan includes and complies with the Vic Government School’s Reference Guide – Asthma Medication Delivery Devices. • All devices used for the delivery of asthma medication will be cleaned appropriately after each use. • Care must be provided immediately for any student who develops signs of an asthma attack. • Children suffering asthma attacks should be treated in accordance with their asthma plan. • If no plan is available children are to be sat down, reassured, administered 4 puffs of a shaken reliever puffer (blue canister) delivered via a spacer – inhaling 4 deep breaths per puff, wait 4 minutes, if necessary administer 4 more puffs and repeat the cycle. An ambulance must be called if there is no improvement after the second 4-minute wait period, or if it is the child’s first known attack. Parents must be contacted whenever their child suffers an asthma attack. • Our school has registered as an asthma friendly school –and is in the process • Our school will also fol ow the Asthma Foundation Schools Asthma Policy attached and the Victorian Government Evaluation:
This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three-year review cycle.
This policy was last ratified by School Council in. June 2009
References: U\ alkira sc\ policies\2009 alkira policies\ alkira asthma policy June 2009

Source: http://www.alkirasecondarycollege.com.au/files/policies/alkira%20asthma%20policy%20june%202009.pdf