PENRYN COLLEGE DRUGS POLICY

Transcription

1 PENRYN COLLEGE DRUGS POLICY Appendices: 1. Useful Websites and Addresses, (Pupil support page from student organiser) 2. DFES Drugs: Guidance for schools, February DfES/0092/2004: Responding to incidents involving drugs. 3. Additional useful organisations and websites.

2 The purpose of our drugs policy is to: Identify the way in which Penryn College encourages children to avoid drugs and therefore prevent any drug related incidents. It also outlines the ways in which we react to drug related incidents when they occur. It encompasses all children during school time either on the school premises or on school business somewhere offsite (field trips, work experience, college etc.) or children travelling to and from school. Rules on drug related issues: The term drugs refers to legal (tobacco, alcohol and medicines) and illegal controlled drugs (cannabis, amphetamines) and all other Class A, B or C drugs. Young people are NOT permitted to bring in to school or use any unauthorised drug on the school premises at any time. Whilst the first concern with any offence will always be the child s well-being, any subsequent action will concentrate on how the school can ensure that this will not happen again. This action is clearly stated later on in the policy. Pupils can expect: Drug education during PSHE including access to high quality delivery from health professionals and drug support agencies. Access to speak with a health professional about the misuse of drugs, receive guidance and advice about the dangers of drugs abuse and how to access NRT products through the school nurse, in partnership with a child s GP. A series of assemblies each year, where the dangers of drugs are outlined clearly and graphically, from either the police or from a drug support group such as Freshfields. Other inputs will continue to be explored. The student organiser and the College intranet site to contain an information page detailing useful web and addresses of outside agencies and support services. (Attached as an Appendix) This page will be reviewed annually by the Student Council to include new support providers. Access to films or other support material in order for them to see the effects of drugs. These will be kept in the Library and may be used for PSHE or additional assemblies. Access to a clear, high profile policy outlining a consistent approach to the Colleges reaction to drug related offences and the consequences for them. (outlined below) Visits from drugs dogs at least twice a year either during or outside of school hours. To be updated of any changes in the law regarding drugs.

3 Parents and the community can expect: Access to the school drug policy and information on support groups via a leaflet that goes out to all parents annually. Annual evening sessions organised by the Penryn College Parents Forum informing parents and other members of the community about the danger of drugs. Posters for this will be designed by the pupils of Penryn College in an annual competition in tutor period. Access through the College Intranet/Internet site and the student organiser to an information page, detailing useful web and addresses of outside agencies and support services. Staff with the Key responsibility for Drugs Education: The PSHE Co-ordinator oversees Drug Education within the College and uses every means available to ensure that the programme is up to date, relevant and effective. Pupils views have been taken into account when evaluating and reviewing this programme by involving the Student Council. This will continue to happen. The College will react as follows to drug related offences: A named senior manager will oversee and coordinate any illegal drug offences and alcohol offences within the school. The College will, where possible, adhere to the DFES Drugs: Guidance for Schools, Responding to incidents involving drugs. (See Appendix 2) The College will always have two members of staff present when questioning a pupil when a suspected drugs or alcohol offence may have occurred. Should a child be involved in a drugs or alcohol related incident the parents will be contacted as soon as possible by the school, where additional support and guidance will be offered to the family. (See Appendix 3) The Colleges Drug incident file must be completed to record details of every drugs related incident (including those associated with tobacco and alcohol) and the people involved. Offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act Definitions: Possession where a person knowingly has custody or control of a controlled drug. Possession with intent to supply another person a controlled drug where a person knowingly has custody or control of a controlled drug and intends to supply to others whether for payment or not. This would include packaging a drug in a way that indicates it is going to be supplied to others and where a person is looking after drugs and returns them (or intends to return them) to another person. Supplying another person a controlled drug giving or selling drugs to someone else, including friends. The law does not differentiate between supplying/giving drugs to friends and supplying for profit.

4 The consequences of drug related offences are outlined below: Alcohol (possession or use) Solvent abuse Cannabis or another Class C drug. (use or possession of a small amount) Cannabis or any other Class A, B or C drug, with intent to supply Supply of cannabis, possession of a large amount of cannabis or possession of a harder drug) First offence Fixed term exclusion, return to school on a contract, governors disciplinary meeting with pupil and parents. Fixed term exclusion, return to school on a contract, governors disciplinary meeting with pupil and parents. Fixed term exclusion, return to school on a contract, governors disciplinary meeting with pupil and parents. Permanent exclusion Permanent exclusion Subsequent offence Permanent exclusion (ensure sufficient support network was involved in the contract). Permanent exclusion (ensure sufficient support network was involved in the contract). Permanent exclusion (ensure sufficient support network was involved in the contract). Not applicable Not applicable Tobacco (possession of or use of or in the presence of smokers) First offence Second offence Subsequent offence Placed on contract, Parents contacted, Fixed term Parents contacted, 2 x 1 hour exclusion, 1 hour detention detentions; first and 2 weeks of break same evening second day. and lunchtime caught. Parents invited in for isolation on return. meeting with SLT. This policy will be monitored by: The named Senior Manager along with the rest of the Senior Management team, a selection of the Governing Body, the Student Council s views will be canvassed and any interested parents from the Penryn College Parents Forum. During the next 3 years the College will: Continue to update its policy on drugs. Monitor the number and type of drug related offences. Provide access for pupils to seek guidance and support from the school nurse. Work with the student council to develop clear guidance and support mechanisms for vulnerable pupils at risk. APPENDIX 1: Pupil support page from student organiser

5 Useful Websites and Addresses ADFAM Adfam offers information to families of drug and alcohol users, and the website has a database of local family support services. ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) A campaigning public health charity aiming to reduce the health problems caused by tobacco. Connexions Direct Connexions Direct can help young people with information and advice on issues relating to health, housing, relationships with family and friends, career and learning options, money, as well as helping young people find out about activities they can get involved in. Connexions Direct advisers can be contacted by phone, , text or web chat. Drug and Alcohol Education and Prevention Team A joint initiative between DrugScope and Alcohol Concern aiming to identify, develop and promote good practice in alcohol and drug education and prevention. ed&prev@drugscope.org.uk FRANK (replaces the National Drugs Helpline) FRANK is the national drugs awareness campaign aiming to raise awareness amongst young people of the risks of illegal drugs, and to provide details of sources of information and advice. Mind, Body and Soul - for young people aged Lifebytes - for young people aged Galaxy - for young people aged Welltown - for young people aged Parents Against Drug Abuse (PADA) An organisation set up to support parents of drug users. A large percentage of helpline workers have experienced drug use within their own families. Pupil Line Featuring information and advice for all issues affecting school pupils. Think About Drink (NHS site) Informative site about alcohol aimed at young people.

6 Appendix 2: Responding to incidents involving drugs Drugs refers to all drugs including medicines, volatile substances, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs

7 Appendix 3: Additional useful organisations and websites National organisations

8 Young people s websites National organisations ADFAM Adfam offers information to families of drug and alcohol users, and the website has a database of local family support services. Waterbridge House, Loman Street, London SE1 0EE Tel: admin@adfam.org.uk Website: Alcohol Concern Works to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems. Waterbridge House, Loman Street, London SE1 0EE Tel: contact@alcoholconcern.org.uk Website: Alcohol Education Resource Directory Directory of resources and contacts for teaching about alcohol, funded by the Portman Group (an organisation funded by the UK s leading drinks producers). Tel: info@portmangroup.org.uk Website: ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) A campaigning public health charity aiming to reduce the health problems caused by tobacco Clifton Street, London EC2A 4HW Tel: enquiries@ash.org.uk Website: Children s Legal Centre The Centre operates a free and confidential legal advice and information service covering all aspects of law and policy affecting children and young people. University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ Tel: clc@essex.ac.uk Website: Children s Rights Alliance for England A charity working to improve the lives and status of all children in England through the fullest implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF Tel: info@crights.org.uk Website: Drinkline A free and confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else s drinking. Tel: (lines are open between 9 am and 11 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays and from 9 am on Friday mornings to 11 pm on Monday evenings)

9 Drug Concern This organisation provides a helpline, support groups and training for parents and carers concerned about their child s drug use. Tel: Drug Education Forum (DEF) A forum of national organisations in England which provide drug education to children and young people or offer a service to those who do. C/o Mentor UK, 4th Floor, 74 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JG Tel: Website: DrugScope DrugScope is a centre of expertise on illegal drugs, aiming to inform policy development and reduce drug-related risk. The website includes detailed drug information and access to the Information and Library Service. DrugScope also hosts the Drug Education Practitioners Forum. Waterbridge House, Loman Street, London, SE1 0EE Tel: info@drugscope.org.uk Website: Drug and Alcohol Education and Prevention Team A joint initiative between DrugScope and Alcohol Concern aiming to identify, develop and promote good practice in alcohol and drug education and prevention. ed&prev@drugscope.org.uk Tel: FRANK (replaces the National Drugs Helpline) FRANK is the national drugs awareness campaign aiming to raise awareness amongst young people of the risks of illegal drugs, and to provide details of sources of information and advice. It also provides support to parents/carers, helping to give them the skills and confidence to communicate with their children about drugs. 24 Hour Helpline: frank@talktofrank.com Website: Schools can receive free FRANK resource materials, updates and newsletters by registering at National Association for Children of Alcoholics NACOA provides information, advice and support to children of alcoholics through its free, confidential helpline. Tel: Website: National Children s Bureau NCB promotes the interests and well-being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives. 8 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7QE Tel: Website: National Health Education Group A membership group, open to professionals whose work has a primary focus of supporting health and/or drugs education with children and young people in formal and informal educational settings. Website: (please see the website for regional contact details) National Tobacco Campaign (Department of Health) NHS Smoking Helpline: Website:

10 Parents Against Drug Abuse (PADA) An organisation set up to support parents of drug users. A large percentage of helpline workers have experienced drug use within their own families. Tel: Website: Plus A charity offering support and information to anyone parenting a child. It runs a free-phone helpline and courses for parents, and develops innovative projects. Tel: Website: QUIT An independent charity that aims to reduce tobacco-related harm by helping smokers to stop. Tel: info@quit.org.uk Website: RELEASE Provides advice and referral on drug-related legal problems. 388 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT Tel: info@release.org.uk Website: Re-Solv (Society for the Prevention of Solvent and Volatile Substance Abuse) A national charity providing information for teachers, other professionals, parents and young people. 30A High Street, Staffordshire ST15 8AW Tel: Helpline: information@re-solv.org Website: Young people s websites Connexions Direct Connexions Direct can help young people with information and advice on issues relating to health, housing, relationships with family and friends, career and learning options, money, as well as helping young people find out about activities they can get involved in. Connexions Direct advisers can be contacted by phone, , text or webchat Telephone Health Development Agency (health information websites for young people) Mind, Body and Soul for young people aged Lifebytes for young people aged Galaxy for young people aged Welltown for young people aged Pupil Line Featuring information and advice for all issues affecting school pupils. Think About Drink (NHS site) Informative site about alcohol aimed at young people.