1 DRUG, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO POLICY Date Document Created Date approved by Governing Body Date of next Policy Review August 2018 August 2019 This policy is in support of the Schools Mission Statement: Respect; Grow; Learn; Together The purpose of the policy is to: clarify the legal requirements and responsibilities of the school reinforce and safeguard the health and safety of pupils and others who use the school clarify the school’s approach to drugs for all staff, pupils, governors, parents/carers, external agencies and the wider community give guidance on developing, implementing and monitoring the drug education programme enable staff to manage drugs on school premises, and any incidents that occur, with confidence and consistency, and in the best interests of those involved ensure that the response to incidents involving drugs complements the overall approach to drug education and the values and ethos of the school provide a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the school drug education programme and the management of incidents involving illegal and other unauthorised drugs reinforce the role of the school in contributing to local and national strategies (DFES Drugs: Guidance for schools 2004) The policy and practice will continue to develop in accordance and with guidance provided by the LEA, DFE and DAT as part of CDRP, in line with the National Drugs Strategy. This process is also guided by recommendations in the Lancashire Healthy Schools Programme. The policy will apply to the whole school community within school boundaries i.e. the school premises and its perimeter. It also applies when pupils are travelling to and from school and to all journeys in school time, visits, work experience, residential trips and school functions. The school acknowledges the range of substances and their increased availability for young people in our community. It believes that it has a duty to inform and educate young people in relation to all forms of drug use and misuse, to enable pupils to make positive and healthy choices about their own lifestyles, whilst also sharing this responsibility with parents/carers.
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DRUG, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO POLICY
Date Document Created Date approved by Governing Body Date of next Policy Review
August 2018 August 2019
This policy is in support of the Schools Mission Statement:
Respect; Grow; Learn; Together
The purpose of the policy is to:
clarify the legal requirements and responsibilities of the school
reinforce and safeguard the health and safety of pupils and others who use the school
clarify the school’s approach to drugs for all staff, pupils, governors, parents/carers, external agencies and the
wider community
give guidance on developing, implementing and monitoring the drug education programme enable staff to
manage drugs on school premises, and any incidents that occur, with confidence and consistency, and in the
best interests of those involved
ensure that the response to incidents involving drugs complements the overall approach to drug education
and the values and ethos of the school
provide a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the school drug education programme and the management
of incidents involving illegal and other unauthorised drugs
reinforce the role of the school in contributing to local and national strategies (DFES Drugs: Guidance for
schools 2004)
The policy and practice will continue to develop in accordance and with guidance provided by the LEA, DFE and DAT
as part of CDRP, in line with the National Drugs Strategy. This process is also guided by recommendations in the
Lancashire Healthy Schools Programme.
The policy will apply to the whole school community within school boundaries i.e. the school premises and its
perimeter. It also applies when pupils are travelling to and from school and to all journeys in school time, visits, work
experience, residential trips and school functions.
The school acknowledges the range of substances and their increased availability for young people in our community.
It believes that it has a duty to inform and educate young people in relation to all forms of drug use and misuse, to
enable pupils to make positive and healthy choices about their own lifestyles, whilst also sharing this responsibility
with parents/carers.
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DEFINITION of SUBSTANCES
The definition of a drug given by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is:
‘A substance people take to change the way they feel, think or behave’.
The term ‘drug’ refers to:
all illegal substances (those controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Appendix 1);
all legal drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, volatile substances (those giving off a gas or vapour which can
be inhaled);
all over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
Pupils need to understand that all drugs have the potential to cause harm; that using drugs in combination can increase
risk; and that legal drugs can be as addictive as some illegal drugs.
‘Drug use’ is drug taking, for example, consuming alcohol, taking medication or using illegal drugs.
‘Drug misuse’ is drug taking which leads a person to experience social, psychological, physical or legal problems related
to intoxication or regular excessive consumption and/or dependence.
THE SCHOOL’S APPROACH TO DRUGS, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND THE NEEDS OF PUPILS
The possession, use or supply of illegal and other unauthorised drugs (as designated by the Headteacher) within school
boundaries is unacceptable and will be a disciplinary matter.
Illegal drugs have no place in school.
However, there are instances where other drugs may legitimately be in school for instance, medicines, volatile
substances, alcohol and tobacco. (Appendix 2)
The first concern in managing drugs is the health and safety of the school community and meeting the pastoral needs
of the pupils.
In every case of an incident involving drugs, the school will place the utmost priority on safety, meeting any medical
emergencies with first aid and summoning appropriate help before addressing further issues. If in doubt, call medical
assistance immediately.
CURRICULUM ISSUES
Drug education is an entitlement for every pupil and is seen as a major component in drug prevention.
Our aims for drug education are to:
Create a positive climate in which teaching and learning take place, where students feel comfortable to discuss
their perceptions of drug use.
Help raise and maintain student self- esteem to develop knowledge and understanding of drugs and medicines
and how they are used / misused.
Provide a variety of learning experiences encouraging the development of personal skills and the exploration
of values and attitudes skills.
Develop decision making and risk assessment skills.
Enable students to recognise positive and negative influences.
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Encourage students to develop healthy lifestyles
Use ‘active’ teaching learning methods which are predominantly student centred.
Create honest and open communication between the school community, including parents and cares, and its
wider community.
Identify sources of information, advise and support (e.g. FRANK, NHS Smoking helpline and Drinkline) and
Enable students to access these resources if required.
Drug education shares the features of well-taught lessons in any subject.
It is important that drug education is delivered within a safe, secure and learning environment.
Teachers should ensure that pupils are involved in the lessons by using a variety of interactive and participatory
teaching methods i.e. active learning.
Pupils should have the chance to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through a range of opportunities,
including those outside the classroom.
Resources are updated as and when necessary to support the programmes of study in Living Education and Science.
The programmes of study and resources used are available from the appropriate staff. The main resource through
Living Education is Boardworks.
VISITORS AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES
The drug education programme is enhanced by the use of visitors and agency professionals. They can lend authority
to the subject and present a different perspective. Their input should be an integral part of the curriculum and
delivered at a level and in a manner appropriate to the particular pupils being taught. However, it is essential that they
adhere to the Policy of the School and to approaches used in its teaching methods.
Visitors will be made aware of the school drugs policy and be working to guidelines and procedures as stated in terms
of confidentiality (see later).
Teachers should be present during any additional input which is best delivered in partnership. This will help if there is
any follow up work. It is also essential for child protection purposes.
Teachers cannot and should not promise total confidentiality.
The boundaries of confidentiality need to be made clear. If a pupil discloses information which is sensitive, not
generally known, and which the pupil asks not to be passed on, the request should be honoured unless this is
unavoidable in order for teachers to fulfil their professional responsibilities in relation to:
child protection
co-operating with a police investigation
referral to external services.
Every effort will be made to secure the pupil’s agreement to the way in which the school intends to use any sensitive
information. It may be necessary to invoke local child protection procedures if a pupil‟ safety is under threat. It should
only be in exceptional circumstances that sensitive information be passed on against a pupil‟ wishes, and even then
the school should inform the pupil first and endeavour to explain why this needs to happen. The exceptions are defined
by a moral or professional duty to act:
where there is a child protection issue
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where a life is in danger
There is no legal requirement for staff to disclose information relating to pupil drug use although parents/carers will
normally be contacted and other agencies may be involved where appropriate. When considering the involvement of
other agencies, the implications for all parties will be considered.
All situations will be recorded (see record sheet), including the school’s responses and monitoring of pupil progress.
Records will be stored in a secure place by the drug education co-ordinator and Headteacher.
All visitors contributing to the curriculum will work to the school policy.
Professionals holding “drop-in‟ clinics (i.e. school nurse) on school premises work to school policy – the Headteacher
is responsible for in-school activities and if “drop-ins‟ take place this will be conveyed to parents through the relevant
policy or prospectus.
Professionals working with young people outside school will comply with agency guidelines and boundaries.
SUBSTANCE – RELATED INCIDENTS
“The management of drug-related situations should be co-ordinated through a senior member of staff who is named
in the policy. Usually this will be the school drugs co-ordinator”. (‘The Right Responses’)
A drug incident is likely to involve suspicions, observations, disclosures or discoveries of situations involving illegal and
other unauthorised drugs (see flow charts and record sheets later).
Staff detecting illegal or unauthorised drugs or drug paraphernalia should remember that there are agreed protocols
with local police and schools on their collection and disposal. This also applies to searches (Appendix 3).
In any drug incident the school will normally involve the child’s parents/carers and explain how we intend to respond
to the incident and to the pupils needs. The only exceptions will be with regard to child safety and child protection
issues.
Parents/carers will be encouraged to approach the school if they are concerned about any issue related to drugs and
their child. The school may refer parents/carers to other sources of help e.g. specialist drug agencies or family support
groups.
When considering responses to incidents the school will:
take substance-related incidents seriously
will consider each incident individually based on the particular set of circumstances
balance sanctions, support and education to ensure the well being of the school community
use a range of responses / sanctions including the involvement of outside agencies Care will be taken to ensure
that sanctions do not adversely affect potential to a greater degree than the substance misuse in line with
National Strategy which aims to reduce substance related damage to young people’s potential. The record
sheets and flow charts provided in „The Right Responses‟ and the „Drugs: Guidance for schools‟ will be
adopted and implemented by the school. (see later)
POLICE INVOLVEMENT
The school will continue to work in partnership with the police and contact them to discuss a case and ask for advice
without needing to name a pupil.
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Legal drugs: The police will not normally be involved in incidents involving these drugs. However, the school could
inform trading standards or police about inappropriate sale or supply of tobacco, alcohol or volatile substances to
pupils in the local area.
Illegal drugs: The school has no legal obligation to report an incident involving drugs to the police. However, not
informing them may prove to be counter-productive for the school and the wider community.
The police will be involved in the disposal of suspected illegal drugs. The Police will keep in contact with the
Headteacher and drugs co-ordinator.
MEDIA ENQUIRES
Contact with the media may be of particular concern for the Headteacher. Advice from the LEA press office may be
used to avoid any pitfalls. Lancashire County Council recommends that all inquiries are channelled through their press
office at County Hall (01772-533521) to help schools avoid extra pressure. The Headteacher has been issued with a
list of advice.
REFERRAL AND EXTERNAL SUPPORT
The school will involve or refer pupils to other services when needed. These may not necessarily be drug specific
agencies, and in some situations the general youth service or young people’s counselling may be more appropriate.
Where possible the school will seek the involvement of the pupil and the pupil’s parents/carers.
In every situation the school will proceed in accordance with the guidance on confidentiality.
The drug education co-ordinator may also be used for general advice. A range of other useful resources and contacts
are available from the drug education co-ordinator.
THE NEEDS OF PUPILS
The school will ensure that pupils are provided with up-to-date information on sources of help both internally and
externally. Information will be displayed around school so that those in need of help can easily access it. The drug
education programme also includes some details of services and helplines and how they work.
The school acknowledges that some pupils are more vulnerable to drug misuse and other social problems. These
pupil’s will be identified and receive appropriate support through the ‘Drugs’ refers to all drugs including medicines,
volatile substances, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs 7 curriculum, the pastoral system, or referral to other services.
The school will try to reduce the impact of risks and strengthen protective factors.
SUPPORT FOR STAFF AND PARENTS/CARERS
School personnel are not immune from substance related problems. The LEA School Teaching Personnel Handbook
contains guidance.
School management will provide relevant information and access to support for all members of the school community.
Children of drug using parents are identified as an at risk group. However, drug use by parents does not in itself indicate
child neglect or abuse. If the school becomes aware of family drug use it is advisable to contact an appropriate agency
for advice prior to any action. Issues of confidentiality will be carefully considered.
A child may respond to parental or family member drug misuse in a variety of ways, including disturbed or anti-social
behaviour; becoming reliant on drugs themselves; running away from home; losing concentration in class; and showing
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reluctance to form friendships. Schooling is also likely to be disrupted. Many children may go to great lengths to hide
their problems at home.
HEALTH and SAFETY
The school addresses the welfare and pastoral needs of the pupils in our care.
The site supervisor is required to check the school boundaries for signs of substance misuse. Any evidence will be
reported to the drug education co-ordinator and the Headteacher. Guidelines for the discovery of substances will be
followed. The same procedures will be followed by any member of the school community (Appendix3).
The school follows the LEA COSHH regulations and guidelines regarding procedures for storage of potentially
hazardous materials.
First Aiders should be aware of the effects of substance misuse; acute intoxication, physical collapse or
unconsciousness. A list of First Aiders can be found in the main office, the staffroom and on noticeboards around the
school.
TRAINING
The school drug education co-ordinator will receive ongoing, appropriate training. Any relevant information will be
cascaded to other members of staff (including site supervisor, lunch-time supervisors, support staff, governors, and
new members of staff).
Details of relevant courses will also be made available to staff and relevant INSET provided. The Headteacher will
ensure that all staff are adequately supported and trained.
HEADTEACHER and GOVERNING BODY
The Headteacher takes overall responsibility for the policy and its implementation, for liaison with the Governing Body,
LEA, parents and agencies.
The Headteacher is responsible for the appointment of the teacher with responsibility for drugs education.
As with other matters concerning the direction of the school, the Governing Body has been involved in the
development of this policy and is actively involved in responses to this issue.
The governing body will be kept informed of any drug issues as they affect the school and may contribute to any case
conferences, or appeals to exclusions.
A member of the Governing Body will have responsibility for drugs issues.
PUPILS
Consultation with pupils will ensure that they develop a strong sense of the school’s approach to drugs. Pupils will be
consulted through School Council Meetings and occasional questionnaires. This will also help in giving a pupil’s
perspective on drug issues.
PARENTS/CARERS
The school considers the support of parents/carers as essential and will endeavour to ensure that they are informed
of developments in our programme and substance issues in general.
The school will ensure that parents/carers are:
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made aware of the school’s approach and rationale for drug education,
involved in planning and review of the drug education programme and policy,
given information about their child’s drug education and school rules in relation to drugs.
encouraged to support their child’s learning at home
able to access information about drugs and local and national sources of help. The above bullet points will be
undertaken through a variety of methods including school prospectus/handbooks, newsletters, drug
awareness evenings, information distribution at parent’s evenings.
USEFUL CONTACTS
There are many different support organisations, these are just a small sample:
Lancashire Drug & Alcohol Action Team 01772 777065 www.ldaat.org/
Drugs and Alcohol www.addaction.org.uk/
Lifeline East Lancs 01254 677493 www.lifeline.org.uk/
National Drug Helpline 0800 776600 www.talktofrank.com