Download Catherine Wayte Primary School Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy

Catherine Wayte Primary School
Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy
Rationale:
It is our aim, at Catherine Wayte Primary School, to prepare our pupils for opportunities, responsibilities
and experiences they may encounter in their lives, and this includes enabling them to take their place in a
world where a wide range of drugs exist.
The school recognises the value of a whole school approach to drugs. This document outlines our policy
on drug education and drug related issues. It is helpful to remember the five ECM outcomes for every child
to have the support they need to: Be healthy, Stay safe, Enjoy and achieve, Make a positive contribution,
Achieve economic well-being
Definitions and Terminology:
We define a drug as being: A substance people take to change the way they feel, think or behave. (United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.)
Throughout this policy drug refers to:
 All legal drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, volatile substances and ‘poppers’
 All illegal drugs (those controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) including cannabis, ecstasy,
cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms and ketamine
 Prescribed medicines including Ritalin, tranquillisers and antidepressants
 Over the counter medicines
We define drug misuse to be: “…the taking of a substance which harms or threatens to harm the physical
or mental health or social well-being of an individual, or other individuals, or society at large, or which is
illegal. Within this definition can be placed the use of legal substances such as alcohol, solvents, the use of
prescribed medicines and the taking of illegal drugs.” (adapted from the Royal College of Psychiatrists
1987 – County Child Protection Guidelines).
Aims:
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To deliver a planned drug education programme in accordance with LA and national guidance
To bring clarity and consistency to the way that all staff approach the subject of drugs
To ensure the school maintains the safety and well-being of pupils and staff
To provide effective management of any drugs on the school premises
Objectives:
Curriculum:
 Children in our school receive an education that enables them to grow up confidently,
knowledgeably, competently and safely in a drug using world.
 Children get consistent messages about living a healthy lifestyle which includes physical,
emotional and mental health and personal safety.
 Pupils and staff are able to understand the nature of drugs, their social and legal status, their uses
and effects.
 Pupils have the knowledge, understanding and skills to make informed choices.
 All staff have access to training and support from the PSHE&C co-ordinator, the school nurse and
the schools drug advisor that enables them to contribute to education on drug issues.
School Community:
 All drug related issues are treated with appropriate and responsible care and management.
 Drug related incidents are addressed throughout our school in a consistent manner.
 All staff and parents/carers are aware of the school’s legal and statutory obligations,
including those around safeguarding children (child protection).
 All members of the school community are included within this policy as part of the wholeschool approach to drugs education.
 All staff and parents have access to information on local services that support children,
young people and families.
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All staff, pupils and parents/carers are aware of the school’s policy with respect to social
occasions that occur within the school.
The policy has been written with careful reference to national guidelines and LA guidance. It will be
reviewed bi-annually or as required.
Staff responsibility:
It is recognised that schools have an important role to play and that for many children engagement and
achievement within school is a major factor in protection from problematic drug use.
It is important that all staff should be confident to discuss drug issues with pupils as part of the whole
school approach.
The school has two members of staff who are the designated co-ordinators. These are the Head Teacher
and Deputy Head. They manage drug-related situations and incidents and liaise with Governors.
Role of Parents/Carers:
The importance of the role of parents/carers is fully recognised and we aim to consider their views and
wishes carefully. We aim to ensure that parents are aware of how we deal with drug issues, including drug
education. Parents are welcome to come to school and talk to us about any concerns or questions they
have, as part of our open door ethos.
Drug Education:
The aims of drug education are:
1. to increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding and to clarify any misconception about:
 The roles that medicines and other drugs have in our society.
 The short and long term risks of drug misuse.
 The rules and laws relating to drugs
2. Develop pupils’ personal and social skills to make informed decisions and keep themselves safe and
healthy, including developing self-awareness and self-esteem.
3. Enable pupils to explore their own and other people’s attitude towards drugs, drug use and drug users,
including challenging stereotypes and exploring the media and other influences.
The school delivers drug education through:
 PSHE&C sessions as part of a spiral curriculum from FS2 to Y6.
 Science lessons
 Life Education Centre
 External visitors e.g. police or school nurse.
Drug education is taught as part of a spiral programme of PSHE&C and it builds on concepts that the
children already know and understand. It links to work on safety, healthy living and relationships. It
focuses on relevant situations and the subsequent emotions that influence choice, thinking skills, taking
risks, interpersonal skills and assertiveness. A range of teaching methods is used, including small groups
work, circle time discussion and whole class. It ensures that all pupils can equally access the scheme of
work, regardless of background and ability.
Pupil Well-Being and Support:
At our school we believe that the wellbeing of the children is paramount. It is recognised that problems
with drug use can affect any of our children and young people and may include:
 Accidental exposure to a substance or drug equipment e.g. discarded needles
 Parental or sibling drug misuse – it is recognised that drug misuse within the family can have a
major impact on a child or young person
 Witnessing or becoming involved in drug related incident in the community e.g. in local parks.
Following actions to preserve safety, the health and emotional needs of the pupils will be considered. This
will include support through a pastoral system to ensure a caring response to pupils in distress.
Intervention will be considered if the school feels that any pupil is showing signs which indicate particular
risks of, or from, involvement with drugs, whether within or outside their own family. These could include
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consultation with the parents and other agencies, possible team around the child meeting and subsequent
referral to services that can provide early interventions either within school or externally.
Vulnerable Children:
The school recognises that children having difficulties in their lives are more likely to begin drug use at an
early age, more likely to become involved in drugs and more likely to be in households where
parents/carers have drug related problems.
Pupils living with associated risk factors will receive on going support through the school’s pastoral care
system. Their welfare will be monitored regularly, and the school will be represented whenever possible at
any multi-agency meetings or Child Protection Conferences.
Confidentiality
Complete confidentiality can never be promised to a pupil, though information given in confidence will
only be disclosed to appropriate others. If a pupil discloses that they are using a drug without medical or
parent authorisation, the safety of the child will be the priority. Action will be taken to ensure that the child
comes to no serious harm. Disclosure of drug misuse within the family will be treated sensitively, with
consideration of the parent’s confidentiality and safeguarding of the child.
Pupils with Medical Needs in School:
See the Medicines Policy.
First Aid Procedures:
Any pupil assessed to be under the influence of a substance will be closely monitored and be given first aid
and/or medical intervention if necessary.
Following advice from the DfE on First Aid in Schools this school provides adequate and appropriate
equipment and facilities for providing first aid. Training in first aid is provided.
Procedures for Management of Drug Related Incidents:
We define a drug related incident to be:
A situation or incident that becomes known to the school relating to:
 A pupil disclosing parental drug use or personal drug use.
 A pupil or member of staff being under the influence of a drug.
 A parent/carer being under the influence of a drug when collecting a child from school or on
school premises.
 A pupil or member of staff being in possession of a drug, either their own or for another person.
 The taking of an illegal drug on school premises, where the identity of the person is unknown or
not verified, including finding drugs or drug paraphernalia on the school premises.
 The supply of drugs in the vicinity of the school premises.
Procedures for Responding to a Drug Related Incident:
Principles
 The school is a no smoking site at all times – see Smoke Free Policy.
 Alcohol and tobacco are only permitted on to school premises in the possession of adults.
 Pupils are not permitted to be in possession of or use alcohol, tobacco, matches, lighters,
paraphernalia or products containing solvents at any time.
 Pupils are not permitted to be in possession of any medicines that contravene the Medicines
Policy.
Medical Emergencies In any case where the school becomes aware of a situation involving drug use
without medical authority, staff will act promptly to ensure the safety and well being of individuals and
the school community. Some medicines may be hazardous without the appropriate care; staff will
exercise caution in all cases following the school’s first aid procedures and seeking medical guidance
where necessary.
Finding Substances If a substance is discovered which is suspected of being harmful, illegal or
deserving of investigation it should be removed and given to the Head Teacher or Deputy Head in the
presence of a witness and locked away. If the substance is known or suspected to be illegal the police
will be informed. A record should be made as follows:
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a) date and time of find and retrieval;
b) size and appearance of substance;
c) names of those concerned;
d) action taken.
Parents will be contacted as soon as the school has any evidence of pupils’ involvement with unauthorised
drugs, unless this might compromise the pupils’ safety, in which case the Safeguarding Children Procedure
will be followed.
Finding Paraphernalia In the event of discovering any equipment or paraphernalia associated with drug
misuse, the items should be handled with care and gloves should be worn. Gloves can be found in the
medical room. Needles and syringes should be placed in a secure and rigid container and passed the Head
Teacher or Deputy Head for collection by the appropriate service. All other items should be confiscated
and given to the Head Teacher or Deputy Head for safekeeping. The incident should be reported and
recorded as above.
If items are retrieved from a pupil, the pupil’s parents should be informed of the action taken. If items are
not required by the police, the parents will be contacted by letter asking them to collect the items from
school within a stated time of receiving the letter. If not collected, items will be disposed off according to
the advice given by the appropriate agency.
Searching The Head Teacher and Deputy Head may authorise a search of storage areas i.e. drawers as
they remain the property of the school. Searches must be carried out in the presence of a witness and if
named pupils are implicated, they should be present. Staff should not carry out searches of a pupil’s
property and person.
General The designated coordinators will manage any drug related incident, gathering information and
seeking advice in a timely manner. The Governors will be informed if appropriate. Each situation will be
assessed carefully to substantiate the evidence and facts. All drug related incidents will be recorded and
reported.
The school will endeavour to support the child with any subsequent referral, which may result in the child
receiving external agency support sessions on school premises. Other outside services such as LA School
Drugs Adviser, Police, GPs, Social Services will be informed or consulted as appropriate.
Parents Under the Influence:
A parent attending the school under the influence should be regarded as a Child Protection concern, and
appropriate action to safeguard the child should be taken if necessary. This may include:
 Arranging for another parent known to the child to look after the child
 Arranging for the child to remain in school until a responsible adult can collect them i.e. the
named contact on the emergency contacts list
 Contacting the police to report the incident if the parent is abusive, aggressive or threatening to
the child, staff or other members if the school community
 The Child Protection Officer to contact Social Services and make a referral if appropriate
 Arranging an appointment for the parent to meet with school staff to discuss concerns and
strategies for future incidents
In all cases the safety of the child is paramount, and staff must follow the schools Child Protection Policy
and Procedures.
Use of School Premises for Illegal Drug Taking:
The school recognises that it has a legal responsibility to ensure that it does not knowingly allow its
premises to be used for the consumption or supply of illegal drugs. Wherever possible appropriate action
will be taken, which may include reporting to the police incidents of drug paraphernalia being found on the
school premises.
The school will liaise with the police and cooperate fully if the police decide to investigate further
incidents where the premises are thought to be used out of normal school hours for drug taking.
Drug Related Incidents Off Site:
Any drug related incident that occurs off-site e.g. a day or residential trip will be dealt with by attending
staff and reported to the designated coordinators at the earliest opportunity for recording. The designated
coordinators will then co-ordinate an investigation and decide on appropriate action.
Policy agreed: September 2008
Approved by governors: April 2010
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Updated: June 2010, June 2011
Reviewed: September 2011, September 2012
Updated: March 2015
Review date: September 2016
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