NHS England Paediatric Asthma Training

Do you work with or care for children and young people with asthma?

If so, you are now able to access free training to improve your knowledge and help to care for children and young people with asthma in the best way possible. The training is split into four tiers; the first tier targets a range of people working closely with children and young people, such as those based in schools and out of school clubs.

NHS England has been working with a national working group for training and education and the training and capabilities are now hosted by Health Education England. This training provides a clear structure for both health and non-healthcare professionals to understand what knowledge they need.

Currently the UK has some of highest death rates in Europe for childhood asthma and outcomes are worse for those living in the most deprived areas. Because of this, NHS England is committed to improving outcomes for children and has published the National bundle of care for children and young people with asthma to support asthma care - progress depends on improving the knowledge and skills of everyone who cares for children with asthma.

Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland focus

A task and finish group comprised of colleagues from Public Health, Early Help, Teen Health and SEND report back into a LLR ICS Paediatric Respiratory Working Group which is dedicated to ensuring LLR is delivering on the national bundle of care and that this training is available for all who need it.

We know that schools and education settings are facing high pressures due to unprecedented times, still recovering from a global pandemic and coupled with the rising costs of living. We also recognise that schools and education forums are being asked to take on a lot more than ever before and again coupled with the challenge of workforce retention and stability.

Because of this, we ask that this training is accessed by asthma champions and colleagues within schools who have direct contact with CYP who have asthma (maybe designated asthma colleagues) as an alternative to asking all education staff to complete.

There are some basic questions and answers below, alongside some other information you may find useful. We remain committed to ensuring the topic of asthma in CYP is highlighted within the system and will scope alternative, realistic opportunities to broadening asthma training across not only health organisations, but social and voluntary organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

How can you access the training?

The training can be found via the NHS Health Education England website.

How long will the training take?

45 minutes of virtual learning (which can be completed in your own time)

What does the Tier 1 training consist of?

Basic awareness of asthma and it's impacts and knowledge of when and to whom to signpost, including:

• Basic awareness of asthma
• Basic management of asthma
• Inhaler use
• Modifiable risk factors
• Ability to signpost families and resources

What happens when you have completed the training?

Upon completion, you will be provided with:

• a certificate (log in and enter the 'certificates' section where it can be downloaded upon training completion). This can be printed and presented within (for example) reception where the schools and organisations can show its commitment to supporting CYP with asthma.
• Accredited by The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) for all tiers.
• Accredited by The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) - for tiers 1-3 only.

What other useful information is there?

• National capabilities framework – (attached) provides a breakdown of each capability and accreditation details.
• Operation Ouch! - The Operation Ouch! team have created videos on the subjects of asthma, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting and head injuries that can be watched together with children. Under each video, you will also see that there are versions available to view with subtitles in different languages - Operation Ouch! video series - Grownups - Health for Kids
• Child Health Series: These series of short videos provides answers to some common questions raised by parents regarding breathing, wheezing and coughing (asthma related). Child Health Series - Breathing, Wheezing and Coughing (previously live on 13/01/2022) - YouTube