Everyone knows someone with asthma.

The chronic condition affects one in five households across the UK, and can be fatal. About 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma, 1.1 million of them children.

One in 11 children has asthma, making it the most common long-term medical condition in youngsters – on average, there are two children with asthma in every classroom in the UK.

For youngsters, awareness of their condition and how it affects their well-being is crucial, and it is equally important for parents, carers and teachers.

In the Bradford district 8,421 people aged under 19 are registered with asthma. Each year hospitals see high levels of admissions for the condition – in 2011 to 2012 there were 270 emergency admissions for asthma of people aged under 18. This, combined with the result of focus groups with patients, plus feedback from doctors, nurses and other health and social care professionals, has led to the creation of management plans for young sufferers.

School nurses at Bradford District Care Trust are making sure that letters have been sent home with all pupils who have asthma, urging parents to make sure they are managing their child’s symptoms by getting an individual care plan.

The plan provides information about a child’s inhalers and medication and how and when they should be used. They also give advice on what to do in response to symptoms of differing levels of severity.

Each child can have copies for parents, teachers, child minders, relatives and other carers, so all adults who supervise the child are aware of their condition and can use the plan to help them manage it.

Developed in partnership with the three local clinical commissioning groups (CGCs), Bradford City, Bradford Districts, and Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, the initiative began in the summer and is being led by GP surgeries and hospitals.

They keep electronic or paper versions of the plans, which are reviewed, updated and given out every time a child visits the doctor about their asthma. It can be used not only in primary and secondary schools but at Scouts, Brownies and other settings.

The move comes as the Government announces its intention to ensure that children with long-term health conditions such as asthma and diabetes receive the support they need at school. While there are many schools which give excellent support, currently children do not always get the additional help they need.

Staff at some schools face having to choose from a selection of inhalers brought in by parents. “It is difficult for them to know which one to use,” says Kath Shorey, clinical lead for school nursing at the care trust. “The plan makes it clear which should be given in school and which at home. Plans are valuable for parents too, for the same reasons.”

In addition, school nurses offer asthma awareness sessions to schools, as well as training for other conditions like diabetes.

Across the UK more than 1,100 adults and children die each year from asthma and having access to such information is crucial.

Eight-year-old Dylan Mynard is a pupil at Trinity and All Saints Primary School in Bingley. “My plan helps my teachers know what inhalers I have, when I need to take them and how much I need to take,” he explains. “It also explains how I use my inhaler so if I can’t take it myself they would know what to do. I always update my plan when I get a new inhaler or if something changes that my teacher needs to know.”

Dylan’s mum Jennifer Mynard, who works as a teaching assistant at the school, is pleased that there is a plan in place for her son. “Now everyone understands his needs,” she says, “When a school support teacher comes in or Dylan goes on a school trip, for example, his plan tells them what to do if need be.”

Jean Nixon, of Bingley School Nursing Team at the care trust, said: “Management plans are so important as they make clear what medication young people need to take and when. They also contain clear instructions so teachers know what best to do during an attack. I would encourage all parents with children with asthma to have one – they are available from your GP practice.”

Dr Louise Clarke, the CCGs’ clinical speciality lead for children and young people, says clear, consistent messages about managing asthma are vital. “Using a plan also improves the quality of life for the child, resulting in less days missed from school and he or she being able to take part in sport and school activities.”