Over the past few months, local schools in North East Lincolnshire have been working towards achieving Asthma Friendly accreditation. The scheme was officially launched on 1st July via an online meeting, with participating schools entered into a raffle for two emergency asthma inhaler kits. Orchard Education in Grimsby won these kits and is now very close to becoming an accredited Asthma Friendly school.
Jodie, a staff member at Orchard Education, stated, “These kits have helped us to work towards our goals of becoming accredited. We are so close now and it is an achievement to have nearly all of our staff members trained.” Schools must meet seven standards to gain accreditation. Orchard is on track to meet all seven, with over 85% of their staff having completed asthma awareness and education training.
The school has also introduced a coffee morning initiative to further support parents and carers of pupils with asthma. This aims to raise awareness, share useful information, and strengthen the support available to children with asthma during their school day.
The Asthma Friendly Schools accreditation programme in North East Lincolnshire is coordinated by the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, in collaboration with local partners. Since June, a working group has been established at Centre4 for any school in North East Lincolnshire to join, with over 20 education settings currently participating. This group facilitates information sharing and supports settings in their accreditation journey.
Participation in the Asthma Friendly Schools accreditation is free of charge for schools across North East Lincolnshire, with support available to help them achieve the seven standards. Schools can contact Centre4 for assistance or advice.
Ann Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, commented, “I am pleased that so many schools have decided to take part in the accreditation. This is a positive step for the children with asthma, and it will help to provide reassurance to parents and carers whilst their children are at school.”
Schools interested in joining the scheme can find more information on the Healthier Together website.
