Asthma
The poari matua of Paparoa Street School is responsible for providing a physically and emotionally safe place where risks to health and safety are eliminated or minimised (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Education and Training Act 2020). We aim to provide a safe environment for ākonga, and kaimahi, and others with asthma at kura or kura-related activities by identifying and eliminating (or minimising) risks, being prepared to respond if needed, and raising awareness about asthma. Asthma is a respiratory condition that can vary in severity and frequency and results in difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, coughing, or wheezing. We support ākonga with asthma to participate kura activities.
We assess potential asthma triggers (e.g. allergens, pollen, mould) within the kura environment and work to eliminate or minimise them. Paparoa Street School is smokefree and vapefree and we aim to promote a kura environment that is safe for everyone.
Kura responsibilities
To safely manage asthma at kura and kura-related activities, we carry out the actions below. In the event of a severe asthma attack, we follow ākonga individual plans and our kura response to injuries and illness procedures. See Managing Injuries and Illness.
- We keep a record of ākonga health information in our student management system. We inform relevant kaimahi about specific ākonga needs. Kaimahi have access to specific ākonga health information as appropriate and are familiar with the medical needs of ākonga they have regular contact with.
- We communicate with the parents/caregivers of an ākonga with asthma to create an
individual plan. An individual plan outlines any health conditions an ākonga has and the support they need to manage it. These plans are usually referred to as health, management, or action plans. Ākonga may need a plan if their condition requires regular medication, monitoring, management, adaptation of the learning environment, and/or hospitalisation.
Plans are developed collaboratively, and generally involve the ākonga, parents/caregivers (whānau), and a health professional. The tumuaki and other kaimahi may also provide input during this process. The plan should be reviewed regularly to ensure it is kept up to date.
An individual plan considers the needs and situation of an individual ākonga and their whānau. This may include assessing expectations around care, supervision, and treatment (e.g. medication), potential barriers to learning, procedures to follow in an emergency, and communication methods. The plan includes ākonga details, information used to develop the plan, agreed processes to support the ākonga, and written agreement from parents.
Action Plans 
(Allergy New Zealand)
Asthma Action Plans (Asthma Respiratory Foundation NZ)
Diabetes in schools (The Paediatric Society of New Zealand)
- We consider the needs of ākonga with asthma when planning EOTC events, including bringing asthma medication, planning for any possible medical help required, and having the appropriate emergency contact numbers.
- We ensure kaimahi working closely with an ākonga with asthma are trained to recognise and respond appropriately in the case of an asthma attack.
- We inform parents/caregivers if their tamaiti has an asthma attack at kura, or if asthma is affecting the ākonga at kura. We may ask parents/caregivers to collect their tamaiti from kura if they need to use their medication more often than every four hours as this may indicate a need for medical attention.
- We have clear processes for managing asthma medication at kura. Asthma medication is stored appropriately so ākonga have access to their inhalers when needed. The kura maintains an up-to-date asthma emergency kit with clear instructions for its use.
Also see Medicines.
We record any asthma attacks that require emergency medication or first aid. We report any incidents as appropriate. See Recording and Reporting Injuries and Illness.
Responsibilities of others
We expect everyone at kura or kura-related activities to take care of their health and notify kaimahi kura if they need support.
In order to ensure the safe management of ākonga asthma, we expect ākonga and parents/caregivers to take the actions below.
Parents/Caregivers are expected to:
- advise the kura, at enrolment or any time after, if the ākonga has asthma
- communicate with the kura to create an individual plan and keep this up to date
- follow kura processes for managing medicines including supplying and replacing any necessary asthma medication (e.g. reliever and preventer inhalers, spacers)
- provide written consent for the kura to store and/or administer medication, including emergency treatment
- help the ākonga to understand and manage their asthma as appropriate.
We expect ākonga to tell a kaimahi if they are feeling unwell and/or if their experiencing an asthma attack.
Ākonga inform the kaiako if they use their asthma reliever medication.
Related topics
Legislation
- Education and Training Act 2020
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Resources
: Term 3 2025, Term 3 2022, Term 4 2020, Term 2 2017
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