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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

Alcohol Support www.al-anonuk.org.uk/

Tobacco www.smokefree.nhs.uk/

Solvent and Volatile Substances www.re-solv.org/

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Appendix 1

Drugs and the law

Class

Drug

Class A Ecstasy, LSD , heroin , cocaine , crack , magic mushrooms, amphetamines (if prepared for injection)

Class B Amphetamines, Cannabis, Methylphenidate (Ritalin) , Pholcodine, Codeine

Class C Tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

The different kinds of controlled drugs, often referred to as 'illegal drugs', are divided into three different categories,

or classes. These classes (A, B and C) carry different levels of penalty for possession and dealing. The Misuse of Drugs

Act is the main piece of legislation covering drugs and their categorisation.

All of the drugs on the list above - whether Class A, B or C - are designated as controlled drugs under the Misuse of

Drugs Act 1971.

Class A drugs are considered to be the most likely to cause harm.

The Misuse of Drugs Act states that it is an offence to:

possess a controlled substance unlawfully

possess a controlled substance with intent to supply it

supply or offer to supply a controlled drug (even if it is given away for free)

allow a house, flat or office to be used by people taking drugs

Drug trafficking attracts serious punishment, including life imprisonment for Class A offences.

Not all drugs are illegal, but that does not mean they are not harmful. For example, tobacco and, alcohol can seriously

damage your health. Recent new ‘Legal highs’ can mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cocaine and ecstasy. They can

have dangerous side effects.

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Appendix 2

DRUGS WHICH MAY BE AUTHORISED IN SCHOOLS

Medicines

Some pupils may require medicines that have been prescribed for their medical condition during the school day.

Managing medicines is not part of a teacher’s duty although some support staff may have this as part of their contract

of employment. Staff may volunteer to take on such a role with appropriate training.

Medicines must only be administered in accordance with the prescriber’s instructions, as displayed on the

container/packaging. Medicines that have been prescribed to an individual must only be used by them.

Some essential medicines may be carried and administered by pupils such as asthma inhalers.

Other medicines will be stored in a secure container in the school office.

A record will be kept of when medicines have been given or if a child has refused their medication. The record will

offer proof that the school has followed appropriate procedures.

The school will not give any non-prescribed medication to pupils. However, pupils may bring in and take over-the-

counter medicines such as those providing relief from period pains or hay fever.

Volatile substances: refer to Health and Safety Policy.

Alcohol and Tobacco: where the policy relates to alcohol and tobacco, the Headteacher will use discretionary powers

where teachers, parents/carers and guests are involved. In line with increasing evidence of the adverse health effects

of second-hand smoke, the school is a smoke-free site.

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Appendix 3

SEARCHES, DISCOVERY AND DISPOSAL

The law permits school staff to take temporary possession of a substance suspected of being an illegal drug for the

purposes of preventing an offence from being committed or continued in relation to that drug.

When a person is suspected of concealing illegal or other unauthorised drugs it is not appropriate for a member of

staff to carry out a personal search. The police can conduct a ‘Drugs’ refers to all drugs including medicines, volatile

substances, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs 12 personal search if they believe that a crime has taken place, or to

prevent harm to themselves or others following an arrest.

Staff may search school property if they believe drugs to be stored there with prior consent. If consent is refused the

school may proceed if necessary.

Staff should not search personal property without consent. Parents/carers or the police may be contacted if consent

is refused.

Staff discovering substances which are suspected to be harmful, illegal or deserving of investigation, should note the

first two main circumstances in which substances may be removed from either a place or a person, within the

boundaries of the school.

If possible remove the substance from the location in which it is found, in the presence of a witness or

witnesses. If this is not possible, do not leave the substance whilst you enlist a witness. Remove on sight and

continue with guidelines 1-8.

When receiving or retrieving substances from a pupil, do so, if possible, in the presence of a witness. In the

absence of a witness, however, do not delay in receiving suspicious substances or, within the bounds of your

professional discretion, removing a suspicious substance from a pupil or pupil’s possession.

The following should be observed at all times:

1. Remove the substance and record the place, date, time and circumstance when the substance came into your

possession.

2. Do not investigate the nature of the substance in your possession, but do record its approximate size and

appearance.

3. When possible have the above recordings countersigned by a witness.

4. Take the substance immediately to the Headteacher. Do not retain the substance on your person or in a place

of safe-keeping for action at a later time - to do so may place you at risk.

5. In the presence of the Headteacher, place the substance in an envelope or some suitable container which can

be sealed. The Headteacher, yourself and, when possible, the witness, should sign across the seal and date

the package. An official report should be completed.

6. The Headteacher should contact the police who can facilitate involvement if necessary and arrange to have

the substance collected and removed from the premises. Until collection the Headteacher is responsible for

the safe-keeping of the substance.

7. The police will be responsible for any analysis of the substance deemed appropriate. Colleagues must not

attempt this themselves even with expert experience. ‘Drugs’ refers to all drugs including medicines, volatile

substances, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs 13

8. If a pupil is directly involved when a substance is found, it is the Headteacher’s responsibility to notify the

parents/carers concerned and, if necessary, to instigate any further action considered appropriate.

9. In the event of the discovery of any equipment associated with substance abuse, especially needles and

syringes, pupils must not be allowed to handle such items, owing to the risk of infection. All equipment must

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be handled by adults with utmost care; the Headteacher must ensure that materials are placed in a secure

and rigid container to await collection by the police, if appropriate.

FLOW CHART FOR MANAGING A DRUG RELATED INCIDENT (ADAPTED FROM THE RIGHT RESPONSES)

ASSESS THE SITUATION

SUSPICION POSSESSION/ UNDER THE INFLUENCE/ SUPPLYING

DISCLOSURE DISCOVERY TAKE/CONFISCATE AND STORE

ISOLATION/ OBSERVATION

FOLLOW EMERGENCY PROCEDURES/ INFORM SITE SUPERVISOR

INFORM HEADTEACHER / SLT

DRUG EDUCATION CO-ORDINATOR COUNSELLING

APPLY SANCTIONS

INFORM / SEEK ADVICE FROM OUTSIDE AGENCIES

INFORM PARENTS / CARERS

RECORD

MONITOR

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