§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action his Department is taking(a) to ensure awareness of asthma issues in educational establishments and (b) to encourage them to develop appropriate policies. [178049]
§ Margaret HodgeThe Department, with the Department of Health, has produced 'Supporting pupils with medical needs–a good practice guide' to help schools draw up policies to support pupils with their medical needs, including asthma. We have reminded schools of the importance of following the good practice1208W guide. Charles Clarke has recently written an introductory letter to Asthma UK's 'School Pack', and we have informed schools where they can get hold of copies of this pack. The Department is in discussion with Asthma UK and other organisations on how we can work together to raise awareness in schools of common childhood conditions.