Asthma Management Policy - First Idea Family Day Care

Purpose
To raise the awareness of asthma management
Provide a clear set of guidelines and expectations to be followed with regard to the management of asthma

Scope
These guidelines will apply to the Approved provider, nominated supervisor, Certified supervisor, educators, staff, students on placement, volunteers, parents, children and others attending the service.

Objectives
To distribute a safe and healthy environment for all children enrolled at our service
Provide the strategies to support the health and safety of all children attending our service
Provide an environment in which children with asthma can participate to the full extent of their capabilities

PROCEDURES
We will involve all educators, families and children in regular discussions about medical conditions and general health and wellbeing throughout our curriculum. The Service will adhere to privacy and confidentiality procedures when dealing with individual health needs.

A copy of all medical conditions policies will be provided to all educators and volunteers and families of the Service. It is important that communication is open between families and educators to ensure appropriate asthma management.

It is imperative that all educators and volunteers at the Service follow a child’s Medical Management Plan in the event of an incident related to a child’s specific health care need, allergy or medical condition.

Approved provider/nominated supervisor/supervisor is responsible for:

All staff read and are aware of all medical condition policies and procedures, and ensuring that they are aware of asthma management strategies upon employment at the Service
To provide approved Emergency Asthma Management (EAM) training to staff as required under the National Regulations.
That all educators approved first aid qualifications, anaphylaxis management training and Emergency Asthma Management (EAM) training are current, meet the requirements of the National Law and National Regulations, and are approved by ACECQA
At least one staff member with current approved Emergency Asthma Management (EAM) training (refer to Definitions) is on duty at all times
The details of approved Emergency Asthma Management (EAM) training are included on the staff record
Parents are provided with a copy of the service’s Asthma Policy upon enrolment of their child
That when medication has been administered to a child in an asthma emergency without authorisation from the parent/guardian or authorised nominee, the parent/guardian of the child and emergency services are notified as soon as is practicable
To identify children with asthma during the enrolment process and informing staff
To provide families with an Asthma Action Plan to be completed in consultation with, and signed by, a medical practitioner
To develop a Risk Minimisation Plan for every child with asthma, in consultation with parents/guardians
That all children with asthma have an Asthma Action Plan and Risk Minimisation Plan filed with their enrolment record
A medication record is kept for each child to whom medication is to be administered by the Service
Families of all children with asthma provide reliever medication and a spacer (including a child’s face mask, if required) at all times their child is attending the Service
The asthma first aid procedure is consistent with current national recommendations
That all staff are aware of the asthma first aid procedure
The expiry date of reliever medication is checked regularly and replaced when required, and that spacers and face masks are replaced after every use
Communication between management, educators, staff and parents/guardians regarding the Service’s Asthma Policy and strategies are reviewed and discussed regularly to ensure compliance
All staff are able to identify and minimise asthma triggers for children attending the Service, where possible
That children with asthma are not discriminated against in any way
That children with asthma can participate in all activities safely and to their full potential
To communicate any concerns with parents/guardians regarding the management of children with asthma at the Service
Asthma Australia’s Asthma First Aid posters are displayed in key locations at the Service
That medication is administered in accordance with the Administration of Medication Policy

Educators will ensure:

They are aware of the services Asthma Policy and asthma first aid procedure (ensuring that they can identify children displaying the symptoms of an asthma attack and locate their personal medication, and Asthma Action Plans
To maintain current approved Asthma Management qualifications
They are able to identify and, where possible, minimising asthma triggers as outlined in the child’s Asthma Action Plan
Asthma first aid kit, children’s personal asthma medication and Asthma Action Plans are taken on excursions or other offsite events
To administer prescribed asthma medication in accordance with the child’s Asthma Action Plan and the services Administration of Medication Policy.
A Risk Minimisation Plan is developed for every child with asthma in consultation with parents/guardians
To discuss with parents/guardians the requirements for completing the enrolment form and medication record for their child
To 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
That children with asthma are not discriminated against in any way
That children with asthma can participate in all activities safely and to their full potential

Families will:

Read the services Asthma Management Policy
Inform staff, either on enrolment or on initial diagnosis, that their child has asthma
Provide a copy of their child’s Asthma Action Plan to the service and ensuring it has been prepared in consultation with, and signed by, a medical practitioner.
Have the Asthma Action Plan reviewed and updated at least annually
Ensure all details on their child’s enrolment form and medication record are completed prior to commencement at the service
Work with staff to develop a Risk Minimisation Plan for their child
Provide an adequate supply of appropriate asthma medication and equipment for their child at all times
Notify staff, in writing, of any changes to the information on the Asthma Action Plan, enrolment form or medication record
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.

Plan of action for a child with diagnosed asthma

The principal office, family day care educator, together with the parents/guardians of a child with asthma, will discuss and agree on a plan of action for the emergency management of an asthma attack based on the Asthma First Aid Plan. This plan will be included as part of, or attached to, the child’s asthma action plan and enrolment record. This plan should include action to be taken where the parents/guardians have provided asthma medication, and in situations where this medication may not be available.

REVIEW

POLICY REVIEWED	July 2019	NEXT REVIEW DATE	July 2020
MODIFICATIONS	Policy created for First Idea Family Day Care Services, inclusive of changes to the National Quality Standards and Education and Care National Regulations

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