Hundreds of children and young people across North Yorkshire are receiving better support in their classrooms thanks to a growing network of schools dedicated to managing asthma. Hunmanby Primary School is the latest to be awarded Asthma Friendly School status, a title that recognises efforts to ensure both staff and pupils understand the condition.
This local initiative is part of a wider push to reduce hospital admissions and school absences caused by the UK’s most common long-term medical condition. With one in 11 children affected, the programme provides a consistent safety net that allows students to stay healthy and fully included in all school activities.
Working with North Yorkshire Council and the Sidewalk Youth Project, the Filey based school has introduced several new safety measures. Staff have completed specialist training and updated individual care plans, while the school has improved access to inhalers and strengthened its communication with families and health professionals.
Figures show that one in five children will miss school every year due to symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness. By becoming an Asthma Friendly School, the team at Hunmanby is working to minimise these absences and ensure emergency medication is always ready if needed.
Rhiannon Pearson, Assistant Headteacher of Hunmanby Primary School, said: “The forward-thinking environment we have created minimises asthma‑related absences, ensures children stay well, allows pupils to participate confidently in indoor and outdoor lessons and offers parents peace of mind knowing their child is supported by well-informed and prepared teachers and classmates.”
She commented: “Children are aware of the location of their inhalers and have no hesitation asking for them.”
The award was first introduced in 2018 following a national review of asthma deaths. Currently, 20 schools in the county have achieved the status, and officials are encouraging more to sign up to ensure support is standard across the region.
Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services at North Yorkshire Council, said: “Being an asthma-friendly school is a real positive. It ensures emergency medication and inhalers are available and that staff are aware of the children and young people most impacted by the condition.”
Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, executive member for education, learning and skills, commented: “My congratulations to the school for their work in improving the educational experience for pupils with asthma and for creating an understanding, supportive learning and work environment.”
