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Be asthma-ready for Back to School in 2025
The start of a new school year brings lots of excitement for kids and parents alike. But it can also be a challenging time for those managing asthma. With a little preparation, your child can feel confident and well-supported at school, setting the stage for a successful year ahead!
You can make sure your family is asthma-ready this school year – it’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Step 1: update your child’s Asthma Action Plan with their doctor
An up-to-date written Asthma Action Plan is one of the best tools for managing asthma at school. It helps teachers and carers understand how to manage your child’s asthma both daily and during a flare-up.
- Book an Asthma Review with your doctor before school starts.
- Make sure the written Asthma Action Plan includes any changes in your child’s asthma management, medicines, or triggers.
- You can print out the plan (colour or black and white) and provide a copy to your child’s school, along with their reliever and spacer.
If you haven’t booked an appointment to update or renew your child’s Asthma Action Plan yet, now is a great time to do so!
For Asthma Action Plans in different languages, click on the Resources Library and type your preferred language in the search box.
Step 2: understand your child’s asthma control
Knowing how well-controlled your child’s asthma is can help you take action to prevent flare-ups and be sure they are ready to participate fully in school activities, from PE to excursions.
Hospital data shows us there is always a spike in asthma flare-ups at the start of term one. Getting sick is a very common asthma trigger, so make sure your child is using their preventer to maintain their asthma control before going back to school.
Take the Asthma Control Questionnaire
Remember – preventers are a very low dose of inhaled medicine and may take a few weeks to have their full effect on protecting your child’s lungs. That’s why they need to be used consistently.
- If your child is aged 12 or over, have them complete the online Asthma Control Questionnaire. It’s a quick, easy tool that provides a score indicating whether your child’s asthma management is effective.
- For younger children, you can still check their asthma control by calling one of our Asthma Educators on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or book a call for a time that suits you here.
Book a Call With an Asthma Educator
Step 3: set your child’s asthma goal
Achieving asthma goals is a positive way your kids can engage with their asthma management. Setting an asthma goal can make them feel more in control and capable.
Our Asthma Adventure game is designed to make this process fun. Kids can set their personal asthma goals and play along as they work towards them. Whether it’s remembering to use their preventer or carrying their reliever to school, setting goals can make a big difference.
Download the Asthma Adventure Game
Back to school asthma-ready checklist
To make it even easier, we’ve put together an Asthma-Ready Checklist to guide you through everything you need for back to school. The checklist covers everything from booking your Asthma Review to packing an extra spacer for your child’s school bag. It’s simple, practical and ensures peace of mind.
Breathe easy this year: win a HEPA Air Purifier!
Good air quality is essential, whether it’s in the classroom or at home. Clean air can make a big difference in managing asthma, especially when common triggers like dust, mould and smoke can cause flare-ups.
This year, we’re giving away 20 HEPA Air Purifiers, thanks to our partners at Initial. Each package includes an InspireAir 72 Air Purifier, valued at over $500! You can use it at home or donate it to your child’s classroom for cleaner air!
Complete the entry form below for your chance to win!
Read the competition Terms and Conditions here.
Schools Asthma Health Check
Schools play a vital role in supporting students with asthma, so we want to make sure that schools feel prepared for the year ahead too!
By completing the Schools Asthma Health Check, your school will go in the running to win one of 10 InspireAir Air purifier + Asthma Emergency Kit prize packs! PLUS the opportunity to win one of 40 Asthma Emergency Kit runner up prizes!
Complete the Schools Asthma Health Check
Read the competition Terms and Conditions here.
Important information for parents and carers
Speak with your doctor about how to manage your child’s asthma at school.
- Make sure school staff, including teachers, PE instructors, and support staff, are aware of your child’s asthma needs.
- Teach your child how to use their inhaler and spacer themselves, or let their teacher know if they need help.
- Teach your child what to do if they have an asthma attack, according to their personalised written Asthma Action Plan.
Asthma management can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. For more information and resources, call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462).
Partners
Initial and eChamber are campaign partners of Asthma Australia and have not been involved in the development of this web page/content.