Asthma is a common long-term medical condition in children, that can prove fatal without appropriate management. To address this, Suffolk County Council launched the Asthma Friendly Schools initiative (AFS).
What is the AFS Initiative?
The AFS initiative helps schools meet national standards for asthma care set out in the National Bundle of Care for Children and Young People with Asthma. It’s designed to improve how schools manage asthma, reduce the risk of asthma attacks, and prevent avoidable harm – creating safer, more supportive environments for pupils with asthma.
Why become an AFS?
Joining the AFS initiative brings real benefits. It helps build a culture of awareness and care, where asthma is confidently managed. Schools often see fewer absences, better academic performance, and a more inclusive environment. Plus, your school will be recognised for leading the way in children’s health and wellbeing.
How accreditation works?
To become an AFS, schools must complete an online self-audit and already meet all six criteria listed below. Schools should be able to confidently answer “yes” to each:
- Asthma Policy – The school must have a policy on asthma.
- Asthma Register – The school must maintain an up-to-date register of all students diagnosed with asthma.
- Personalised Asthma Plans – The school must aim for every student with asthma to have a personalised asthma action plan, developed by their healthcare professional and shared with the school. Minimum requirement: at least 50% of students with asthma must have a plan in place with an ambition to achieve more.
- Emergency Asthma Kit – The school must have access to an emergency asthma kit with an emergency inhaler.
- Staff Training – At least 75% of school staff must have completed the recommended Tier 1 asthma training.
- Asthma Champion – The school must designate an Asthma Champion to lead and promote asthma-friendly practices.
Tiered Recognition for Asthma Action Plans
We recognise that some schools may face challenges in meeting the personalised asthma plan criterion due to factors beyond their control – such as delays in receiving plans. To reflect this, we’ve introduced a tiered recognition system:
- Bronze – 50% coverage
- Silver - 70% coverage
- Gold - 90% coverage
Schools achieving at least 50% coverage will be acknowledged, with the aim of progressing toward full coverage. This approach encourages continuous improvement while recognising the commitment schools are already making to support students with asthma.
Accreditation Timeline
Keep these key dates in mind when planning your application:
- Application Window: October – December (Autumn Term)
- Review and Accreditation: January – March (Spring Term)
- Expiry Date for All Accreditations: 31 March of the following year
I’m interested – what do I do next?
- Register your interest
You can register your interest to accredit or reaccredit anytime of the year by completing the AFS Expression of Interest form.
- If your new to AFS
Start by assessing your school’s readiness:
Complete a self-audit – Use the AFS Pre-Submission Checklist to track your progress against the six accreditation criteria. (This checklist is for your own use only and does not need to be submitted.)
Develop Your Asthma Policy – Refer to the Suffolk School Asthma Policy Guidance which you can download/print to help create a tailored asthma policy for your school. This will support compliance with all six accreditation criteria and strengthen your application.
Explore additional resources – Visit the Useful Resources section at the bottom of this page for further support with policy development and implementation.
3. Submit your application
New applicants: Once your school meets all six criteria, please complete the online application form between October and December.
Reaccrediting schools: If your school continues to meet the criteria and you’re ready to reapply, please complete the online application form between October and December.
Need more help?
If your question isn’t answered on this page, in the Suffolk School Asthma Policy Guidance , or in the Useful Resources section below, please contact the Public Health & Communities Schools Engagement team: [email protected].
Useful resources:
Asthma Policy and Care Plan Guidance
- London Asthma Friendly Schools Guide (Suffolk are following this guidance)
- Department for Education (DfE) guidance Emergency asthma inhalers for use in schools. Please note that schools can buy inhalers and spacers from a pharmacy without a prescription, as long as they are for emergency use only.
Awareness Posters for Display
- ‘Prevent; use every day’ Use your preventer and spacer everyday
Lesson Planning Resources
- St John’s Ambulance – Asthma Attack lesson plan and resources – Asthma Attack Lesson Plan.
- Education for Health – Jack blows his own trumpet – Fun film encouraging inhaler use.
- Charlie Has Asthma, Jenny Leigh – Storybook for ages 4 – 7.
Asthma Awareness Videos
- Preventable: A short film about Asthma – A short film by teens for teens.
- Asthma & Lung UK – How to use your inhaler – Inhaler videos – quick guides to improve inhaler technique.
- My Asthma Hero Travel Pack – Whole-school asthma support video.
Support for Children and Families
- Healthwatch Suffolk – Asthma Info Hub.
- Beat Asthma website – Videos, quizzes, and school resources.
- Moving On Asthma – Self-management skills for young people.
- Digital Health Passport – Asthma plans and resources.
- MySpira app – Augmented reality asthma training game.
- Asthmanauts Booklet – Interactive asthma education for kids.
- Transformation Partners in Health and Care – Asthma resources for young people – Explore tools and guidance to help children and young people manage asthma confidently. Speak to your GP, nurse, or pharmacist about creating an asthma management plan. #AskAboutAsthma – An NHS England campaign supporting families to understand asthma and access the right care.
Air Quality and Environment
Indoor Air Quality Tips – From the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and Royal College of Physicians (RCP):
- Indoor Air Quality Working Party – Tips for cleaner air at home
- Funded by King’s Health Partners, this resource shares findings from The Inside Story: Health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people (RCPCH and RCP) on how indoor air quality affects children and young people. It offers practical tips for families and professionals to improve air quality at home.
- Schools air quality monitoring for health and education (SAMHE) is a DfE-supported project involving UK scientists, designed with schools to monitor indoor air quality. It helps pupils engage with real-world data and take informed action to improve health and learning outcomes.
- TAPAS (Tackling air pollution at school).