The Asthma Friendly Schools Program is a national initiative aimed at improving quality of life, health outcomes and well being for school children with asthma.
86% of schools across Victoria are currently involved in the Program with 50% of these being recognised as Asthma Friendly. All Victorian schools, both primary and secondary, can become Asthma Friendly.
To be recognised as Asthma Friendly, schools must address and fulfil eight essential criteria.
1. Asthma education is provided for all school staff
2. Asthma Action Plans / Student Asthma Records for each student with asthma are actively encouraged and kept in a central location
3. Asthma First Aid posters are on display
4. Students with asthma are encouraged to have their medications readily available and safely stored at all times
5. A blue reliever puffer and spacer device(s) are available for emergency use
6. A plan is in place for managing asthma during school sporting activities, excursions and camps
7. 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
8. Asthma Friendly Schools Program teaching resources are used as part of the school’s health curriculum.
Recommended Criteria
9. Potential asthma triggers are minimised within the school environment
To find out if your school is an Asthma Friendly School, please use the search tool at http://asthmafriendlyschools.org.au/home/search/index.php
To become an Asthma Friendly School:
1. Register your school’s interest in the Asthma Friendly Schools program by completing the Registration Form. Once you have registered your interest, you will receive further information to assist you in meeting the eight criteria in order to become an Asthma Friendly School.
2. Read the Asthma Friendly Schools guidelines. The guidelines contain all the information you need to successfully become an Asthma Friendly School. You will receive a copy of the guidelines when you register or read online.
3. Achieve all eight criteria. Once you have met the criteria, fill in the Recognition Checklist. You will then receive a certificate and window sticker to put on display and will be an Asthma Friendly School for 3 years.
Is your school due to renew? The expiry date is on your certificate and the bottom of your window sticker. If you are due to renew, you need to ensure that you are still meeting all the eight criteria and complete the 8 essential criteria on the Recognition Checklist. You will then become an Asthma Friendly School for another three years and receive a new certificate and window sticker.
Need to book a Staff Asthma Education Training Session?
Fill in the Booking Form and send it to 491-495 King St, West Melbourne, 3003 or (03) 9378 7055 or schools@asthma.org.au
More Information
If you would like more information about the Asthma Friendly Schools program, please refer to the Asthma Friendly Schools website www.asthmafriendlyschools.org.au or contact the Asthma Friendly Schools team on (03) 9326 7088 or freecall 1800 645 130. Alternatively, email schools@asthma.org.au |