ASTHMA MANAGEMENT POLICY

Asthma is a chronic health condition affecting approximately 15% of children. It is one of the most common reasons for childhood admission to hospital. Community education and correct asthma management will assist to minimise the impact of asthma. It is generally accepted that children under the age of six do not have the skills or ability to recognise and manage their own asthma effectively. Our Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Service recognises the need to educate its staff and families about asthma and to implement responsible asthma management strategies.

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS)

RELATED POLICIES

PURPOSE
The Education and Care Services National Regulations requires approved providers to ensure their services have policies and procedures in place for medical conditions including asthma management.

We aim to provide a safe and healthy environment for all children enrolled at the Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Service. We believe in providing children with asthma the ability to participate in the programmed learning activities and experiences ensuring an inclusive environment is upheld. We ensure all staff, educators and volunteers follow our Asthma Management Policy and procedures and children’s medical management plans.

SCOPE
This policy applies to children, families, staff, management the approved provider, nominated supervisor, student, volunteers and visitors of the OSHC Service.

DUTY OF CARE
Our OSHC Service has a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure the health needs of children enrolled in the service are met. This includes our responsibility to provide

1. a safe environment free from foreseeable harm and
2. adequate Supervision for children.

Staff members, including relief staff, need to be aware of children at the OSHC Service who suffer from allergies, including asthma and know enough about asthma reactions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children. Management will ensure all staff are aware of children’s medical management plans and risk management plans. This policy supplements our Medical Conditions Policy.

BACKGROUND

Asthma is clinically defined as a chronic lung disease, which can be controlled but not cured. In clinical practice, asthma is defined by the presence of both excessive variation in lung function, i.e., variation in expiratory airflow that is greater than that seen in healthy children (‘variable airflow limitation’), and respiratory symptoms (e.g., wheeze, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness) that vary over time and may be present or absent at any point in time (National Asthma Council Australia, 2015, p.4). 

Asthma affects approximately one in 10 Australian children and adults. It is the most common reason for childhood admission to hospital. However, with correct asthma management people with asthma need not restrict their daily activities. Community education assists in generating a better understanding of asthma within the community and minimising its impact.

 Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing (particularly at night), chest tightness, difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath, and symptoms may vary between children. It is generally accepted that children under six years of age do not have the skills and ability to recognise and manage their own asthma without adult assistance. Our OSHC Service recognises the need to educate the staff and

parents/guardians about asthma and to promote responsible asthma management strategies.

Asthma causes three main changes to the airways inside the lungs, and all of these can happen together:

• the thin layer of muscle within the wall of an airway can contract to make it tighter and narrower – reliever medicines work by relaxing these muscles in the airways
• the inside walls of the airways can become swollen, leaving less space inside – preventer medicines work by reducing the inflammation that causes the swelling
• mucus can block the inside of the airways – preventer medicines also reduce mucus.

Legislation that governs the operation of approved children’s services is based on the health, safety and welfare of children, and requires that children be protected from hazards and harm. Our OSHC Service will ensure that there is at least one educator on duty at all times who has current approved emergency asthma management training in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

IMPLEMENTATION

We will involve all educators, families and children in regular discussions about medical conditions and general health and wellbeing throughout our curriculum. Our OSHC Service will adhere to privacy and confidentiality procedures when dealing with individual health needs. It is imperative that all educators and volunteers at our OSHC Service follow each individual child’s medical management plan in the event of an incident related to a child’s specific health care need, allergy or medical condition.

THE APPROVED PROVIDER/MANAGEMENT AND NOMINATED SUPERVISOR WILL ENSURE:

• obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations are met

• that a copy of this policy is provided and reviewed during each new staff member’s induction process

• all staff, educators, students, visitors and volunteers have knowledge of and adhere to this policy and our Service’s Medical Conditions Policy
• that as part of the enrolment process, all parents/guardians are asked whether their child has a medical condition and clearly document this information on the child’s enrolment record
• if the answer is yes, the parents/guardians are required to provide a medical management plan and signed by a registered medical practitioner prior to their child’s commencement at the Service [see section below- In Services where a child is diagnosed with asthma]
• parents/guardians are provided with a copy of the Service’s Medical Conditions Policy, Asthma Management Policy and Administration of Medication Policy upon enrolment of their child
• parents/guardians are informed the Service may administer emergency asthma medication or

treatment if required, with advice from emergency services. Parents are advised of this at time of

enrolment and orientation to the Service.

• to always have Salbutamol (Ventolin) onsite and accessible for an emergency, regardless of whether or not they have a child enrolled with asthma (best practice)

• at least one educator, staff member or nominated supervisor is in attendance and immediately available at all times children are being cared for by the service who:

• holds a current ACECQA approved first aid qualification
• undertaken current ACECQA approved emergency asthma management and
• current ACECQA approved emergency anaphylaxis management training

• all staff and educators have completed ACECQA approved first aid training at least every 3 years and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at least every 12 months [best practice- not mandatory]

• staff training is kept up to date in each staff member’s record
• that all staff members are aware of

• any child identified with asthma enrolled in the service
• the child’s individual medical management plan
• symptoms and recommended first aid procedure for asthma and
• the location of the child’s asthma medication

• all staff members are able to identify and minimise asthma triggers for children attending the OSHC Service where possible
• risk assessments are developed prior to any excursion or incursion consistent with Reg. 101

• upon employment at the OSHC Service all staff will read and be aware of all medical condition policies and procedures, maintaining awareness of asthma management strategies
• children with asthma are not discriminated against in any way
• children with asthma can participate in all activities safely and to their full potential
• Asthma Australia’s Asthma First Aid for posters are displayed in key locations at the OSHC Service
• that medication is administered in accordance with the Administration of Medication Policy
• that when medication has been administered to a child in an asthma emergency, emergency services (in the first instance) and the parent/guardian of the child are notified as soon as is practicable (Reg.94)
• that when medication has been administered to a child in an asthma emergency, the parent/guardian of the child and emergency services are notified as soon as is practicable (Reg.94)
• communication between management, educators, staff and parents/guardians regarding the

Service’s Asthma Management Policy and strategies are reviewed and discussed regularly to ensure compliance and best practice

• that updated information, resources, and support for managing asthma is regularly provided for

families

• that in the event of a serious incident, such as a severe asthma attack, notification to the regulatory authority is made within 24 hours of the incident
• a review of practices is conducted following an incident at the Service, including an assessment of areas for improvement.

IN OSHC SERVICES WHERE A CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH ASTHMA IS ENROLLED, THE NOMINATED SUPERVISOR WILL:

• meet with the parents/guardians to begin the communication process for managing the child’s medical condition

• not permit the child to begin education and care until a medical management plan developed in consultation with parents and the child’s medical practitioner is provided
• ensure the medical management plan includes:

• child’s name, date of birth
• a recent photo of the child
• specific details of the child’s diagnosed medical condition
• supporting documentation (if required)
• triggers for asthma (signs and symptoms)
• list of usual asthma medicines including doses
• response for an asthma emergency including medication to be administered
• contact details and signature of the registered medical practitioner
• date the plan should be reviewed

• develop and document a risk minimisation plan and communication plan in collaboration with parents/guardian
• ensure the risk minimisation plan is specific to our Service environment, activities, incursions and excursions, and the individual child and is reviewed annually
• discuss with the requirements for completing an Administration of Medication Record for their child
• discuss authorisation for children to self-administer asthma medication if applicable. Any authorisations for self-administration must be documented in the child’s medical management plan and approved by the OSHC Service, parents/guardian and the child’s medical management team
• request parental authorisation to display a child’s medical management plan in key locations at the Service, where educators and staff are able to view these easily whilst ensuring the privacy, safety and wellbeing of the child (for example, in the child’s room, the staff room, kitchen, and / or near the medication cabinet)

• keep a copy of the child’s medical management plan and risk minimisation plan and communication plan in the child’s enrolment record
• ensure families provide reliever medication whilst their child attends the OSHC Service
• ensure that all staff in the Service know the location of asthma medication and the child’s medical management plan or Action Plan
• collaborate with parents/guardians to develop and implement a communication plan and

communicate any concerns with parents/guardians regarding the management of their child’s

asthma whilst at the OSHC Service

• ensure that a staff member accompanying children outside the OSHC Service carries a copy of each child’s individual asthma medical management action plan and required medication e.g., on excursions that this child attends, transporting the child, or during an emergency evacuation
• ensure an Administration of Medication Record is kept for each child to whom medication is to be administered by the Service
• ensure families update their child’s asthma medical management plan regularly or whenever a change to the child’s management of asthma occurs
• regularly check the expiry date of reliever medication and ensure that spacers and facemasks are cleaned after every use

• discussions occur regarding authorisation for children to self-administer asthma medication if applicable. Any authorisations for self-administration must be documented in the child’s medical management plan and approved by the OSHC Service, parents/guardian and the child’s medical management team.
  

EDUCATORS WILL:

• read and comply with the Asthma Management Policy, Medical Conditions Policy and Administration of Medication Policy

• maintain qualifications for approved emergency asthma management training [recommended as best practice]
• know which child/ren are diagnosed with asthma, and the location of their medical management plan and risk management plans and any prescribed medications

• be able to identify and, where possible, minimise asthma triggers as outlined in the child’s medical management plan and risk minimisation plan
• ensure the first aid kit, children’s personal asthma medication and medical management plans are taken on excursions, during transportation of the child or other offsite events, including emergency evacuations and drills
• administer prescribed asthma medication in accordance with the child’s medical management plan and the OSHC Service’s Administration of Medication Policy

• ensure that the asthma medication is:

• stored in a location that is known to all staff, including relief staff
• NOT locked in a cupboard
• easily accessible to adults but inaccessible to children
• stored in a cool dark place at room temperature
• NOT refrigerated
• contains a copy of the child’s medical management plan or Action Plan

• regularly check and record the asthma medication expiry date.

• ensure any asthma attacks are clearly documented in the Incident, Injury, Trauma or Illness Record and advise parents as a matter of priority, when practicable
• consult with the parents/guardians of children with asthma in relation to the health and safety of their child, and the supervised management of the child’s asthma
• communicate any concerns to parents/guardians if a child’s asthma is limiting his/her ability to participate fully in all activities
• ensure that children with asthma are not discriminated against in any way
• ensure that children with asthma can participate in all activities safely and to their full potential, ensuring an inclusive program.

FAMILIES WILL:  

• inform staff, either on enrolment or on initial diagnosis, that their child has asthma

• read and be familiar with the Service’s Asthma Management Policy and Medical Conditions Policy

• provide a copy of their child’s medical management plan to the OSHC Service ensuring it has been prepared in consultation with, and signed by, a registered medical practitioner
• provide written authorisation to the OSHC Service for their child to self-administer medication (if applicable)
• develop a risk minimisation plan in collaboration with the nominated supervisor/responsible person and other service staff
• develop a communication plan in collaboration with the nominated supervisor and lead educators
• ensure all details on their child’s enrolment form and medication record are completed prior to commencement at the OSHC Service
• review the risk minimisation plan annually with the nominated supervisor and other service staff [recommended best practice]
• provide an adequate supply of appropriate asthma medication and equipment for their child
• provide an updated plan at least annually or whenever medication or management of their child’s asthma changes
• comply with the Service’s policy that a child who has been prescribed asthma medication is not permitted to attend the Service or its programs without that medication
• notify the OSHC Service in writing via email or through the Notification of Changed Medical Status form of any changes to their child’s medical condition status and provide a new medical management plan in accordance with these changes
• communicate regularly with educators/staff in relation to the ongoing health and wellbeing of their child, and the management of their child’s asthma

• encourage their child to learn about their asthma, and to communicate with Service staff if they are unwell or experiencing asthma symptoms.

IF A CHILD SUFFERS FROM AN ASTHMA EMERGENCY STAFF WILL:

• Follow the child’s medical management plan (If the child has not been diagnosed with asthma; educators will follow the steps below and follow emergency service advice)
• If the child does not respond to steps within the medical management plan call an ambulance immediately by dialling 000
• Continue first aid measures
• Contact the parent/guardian when practicable
• Contact the emergency contact if the parents or guardian can’t be contacted when practicable
• Notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours.

[Authorisation for emergency medical treatment for conditions such as anaphylaxis or asthma is not required and medication may be administered- as per Reg. 94]

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Any incident involving serious illness of a child while the child is being educated and cared for by the

Service for which the child attended, or ought reasonably to have attended a hospital e.g., severe asthma attack is considered a serious incident (Reg. 12).

• staff members involved in the incident are to complete an Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record which will be countersigned by the Nominated Supervisor of the Service at the time of the incident
• ensure the parent or guardian signs the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record
• place a copy of the record in the child’s file
• the nominated supervisor will inform the Service management about the incident
• the nominated supervisor or the approved provider will inform regulatory authority of the incident within 24 hours through the NQA IT System (as per regulations)
• staff will be debriefed after each serious incident and the child’s individual medical management plan/action plan and risk minimisation plan evaluated, including a discussion of the effectiveness of the procedure used
• staff will discuss the exposure to the allergen and the strategies that need to be implemented and maintained to prevent further exposure.

RESOURCES

Asthma First Aid A4 Poster

Asthma Action Plan

FIRST AID FOR ASTHMA CHILDREN UNDER 12 

Aiming for Asthma Improvement in Children 

Asthma Management Regulatory guidance note NSW

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT/REFLECTION

Our Asthma Management Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis in consultation with children,

families, staff, educators and management.

CHILDCARE CENTRE DESKTOP- RELATED RESOURCES

SOURCES

Asthma Australia: https://asthma.org.au

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2021). Dealing with Medical Conditions in Children Policy Guidelines

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2025). Guide to the National Quality Framework

Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics. (2016).

Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010. (Amended 2023).

Education and Care Services National Regulations. (Amended 2023).    

National Asthma Council Australia. (2015). Australian asthma handbook: Quick reference guide.

https://www.asthmahandbook.org.au/

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2024). Staying Healthy: preventing infectious diseases in early

childhood education and care services (6th Ed.). NHMRC. Canberra.

Western Australian Legislation Education and Care Services National Regulations (WA) Act 2012 

Western Australian Legislation Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012