The Kingsley School DRUG POLICY

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1 The Kingsley School DRUG POLICY Development Process This policy was written by Catherine Robbins (Deputy Head Pastoral), and then discussed by groups of Senior School staff, including the SMT and Heads of Year. Parents were consulted through an evening presentation on drug awareness. Groups of pupils have discussed the policy through the Year and Student Councils. Location and dissemination The drug policy is published in the parents and staff handbooks. Extra copies are available on request from the School Office. Pupils are made aware of it through PSHE lessons and tutor sessions. Context and relationship to other policies Drug education is taught in the context of the PSHE and Citizenship programme. This policy has important links with the discipline policy, the health and safety policy, the medicines policy, the policy for school trips and the policy for the administration of medicines on school trips. Local and national guidance This policy has been written using the framework and advice given in Drugs: Guidance for Schools, issued by the DFE in February 2004, and with regard to the Warwickshire LEA publication Warwickshire Health Promoting School: Quality Standards for Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco (September 2004) The purpose of the drug policy The purpose of the school drug 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 programme and the management of incidents involving illegal and other unauthorised drugs 1

2 reinforce the role of the school in contributing to local and national strategies Where and to whom this policy applies This policy applies to all staff, pupils, parents/carers, governors and external agencies and individuals working at the school, or visiting the school. It applies anywhere on the school premises at all times (eg during extra-curricular activities after school and at weekends, as well as during the school day); it applies to pupils off the school premises during the school day (eg pupils in town at lunch time wearing school uniform); it applies to pupils travelling to and from school; it applies to pupils representing the school in competitions or other events; it applies on all school trips, ie those which take place during school time, and after school; it applies to residential trips, in this country and also abroad (although some special arrangements may apply to individual residential trips which will be made clear to staff, pupils and parents at the time); it applies to students on work experience. Definitions and terminology The term drugs and drug education is used to refer to all drugs ie all illegal drugs (those controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) all legal drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, volatile substances (those giving off a gas or vapour which can be inhaled)), ketamine, khat and amyl nitrates (known as poppers) all over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Stance towards drugs, health and the needs of pupils The school s major concerns in managing drugs are the health and safety of the school community and meeting the pastoral needs of pupils and staff. The possession, use or supply of illegal and other unauthorised drugs within school boundaries is unacceptable, and will be dealt with according to the guidelines laid down by this policy. This is a non-smoking school, and this rule applies equally to pupils, staff, and visitors to the school. The guidelines for dealing with pupils need for prescribed and over-the-counter medicines are laid down in the Medicines/Health and Safety Policy. Staff with key responsibility for drugs Eva Mackenzie (Head of RS and PSHE) has responsibility for creating, coordinating, reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the drug education programme, working with the team of Heads of Year. Jo Bailey (Deputy Head) has responsibility for managing drug-related incidents. 2

3 Drug education The aim of drug education is to provide opportunities for pupils to develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes and understanding about drugs; to appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle; and to relate this to their own and others actions. Drug education is a key component of drug prevention, which aims to: minimise the number of young people engaging in drug use; delay the onset of first use; reduce the harm caused by drugs; and enable those who have concerns about drugs to seek help. Drug education aims to increase pupils knowledge and understanding and clarify misconceptions about the short and long term effects and risks of drugs the rules and laws relating to drugs the impact of drugs on individuals, families and communities the prevalence and acceptability of drug use among peers the complex moral, social, emotional and political issues surrounding drugs Drug education aims to develop pupils personal and social skills to make informed decisions and keep themselves safe and healthy, including assessing, avoiding and managing risk communicating effectively resisting pressures finding information, help and advice devising problem-solving and coping strategies developing self-awareness and self-esteem Drug education also aims to enable pupils to explore their own and other people s attitudes towards drugs, drug use and drug users, including challenging stereotypes, and exploring media and social influences. Drug education is delivered through the PSHE and citizenship programme, as well as the science programme. Aspects of the biology A level and GCSE specifications that relate to drugs are taught in biology lessons. The PSHE programme is delivered through PSHE and form periods. The lessons are delivered by the Head of PSHE and Heads of Year, with some support from form staff. In addition, Years 7, 10 and 11 have dedicated PSHE lessons taught by Heads of Year. Methodology and resources When engaged in drug education, teachers will aim to establish a safe, secure and supportive learning environment in which pupils will feel comfortable and ready to listen to and discuss each other s opinions. Pupils and teachers should be discouraged from revealing any personal information which might incriminate them or others. Teachers should not present themselves as drug experts, but rather as facilitators of 3

4 pupil learning, suggesting further research when they do not know the answer. Teaching and learning techniques may include: action research; mind-mapping; case studies; discussion; external speakers; games; group work; questionnaires; quizzes; role-play; video with follow-up discussion. Teaching resources will be carefully selected to suit the age and experience of pupils, as well as the needs of teachers. They currently include: Folens Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs textbooks; school resources; materials from Health Promotions Unit; videos eg The A-Z of Drugs and items recorded from TV, current stories in the media, the NHS website/talk to Frank. When external contributors are invited into school, the school will ensure that a teacher is present in the classroom at all times the external contribution may be integrated into our programme, or in response to particular concerns or events the content of the lessons meets the needs of the pupils and is consistent with the overall needs of the drug education programme external contributors are aware of the school s values and approach to drug education all external contributors are aware of their roles, responsibilities and boundaries (ie those of a teacher) Staff support and training All staff will be made aware of the drug policy, in particular the first steps in managing drug incidents, through whole staff INSET, and the inclusion of the drug policy in the staff handbook. It is important that all staff who are expected to deliver drug education feel confident and well-informed. It is also important that they keep up-todate with information and methods. Staff will be supported by the Head of PSHE, who will liaise with year teams in the planning and delivery of drug education. Opportunities for professional development will be given when required. Assessment, monitoring, evaluation and reviewing The effectiveness of the PSHE programme, including drug education, is monitored by the Head of PSHE. Monitoring is done in a number of ways, including teachers comments on the scheme of work/lesson plans feedback from heads of year and form tutors about what has been covered feedback from pupils about what has been covered including drug education/pshe as a regular agenda item at year team and heads of year meetings. The effectiveness of drug education is evaluated in a similar way, with more focus on feedback from pupils eg through questionnaires or discussion at the end of lessons, visits from external contributors or units of work. Drug education provision is reviewed annually through meetings of heads of year with 4

5 the Head of PSHE and the Deputy Head (Pastoral). Management of drugs at school If drugs paraphernalia, or suspected illegal or unauthorised drugs, are found at school it is important that they are taken possession of and dealt with formally and transparently using the following procedures. Illegal drugs 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. If staff take temporary possession of a suspected illegal drug they should: ensure a second adult witness is present throughout seal the sample in a plastic bag and include details of the date and time of seizure and witness present store it in a secure lockable container with access limited to two senior members of staff without delay notify the police who will then collect it or give instructions about its disposal. The law does not require a school to divulge to the police the name of the pupil from whom the drugs were taken. record full details of the incident inform parents, unless this would jeopardise the safety of the pupil. Alcohol and tobacco A second adult should be present if at all possible when confiscating unauthorised drugs. Parents should be informed and given the opportunity to collect alcohol or tobacco which is confiscated. Volatile substances should be disposed of safely. Medicines should be dealt with according to the medicines policy. Searches If a pupil is suspected of having illegal or unauthorised substances in their possession, they should always be asked to hand over the substance in the presence of a second adult witness. Members of staff may not carry out personal searches. Only the police can do this if there is good reason. Staff may search school property eg lockers or desks, but prior consent should always be sought. Individuals should be warned that staff may proceed with a search if consent is refused, and staff will have to use their personal judgement to weigh the risk of infringing the pupil s privacy. Staff may not search personal property without consent, even if found in school lockers or desks. If staff wish to search personal property such as bags or pencil cases, they must ask for consent. If it is not given, then parents should be informed, and they may persuade the pupil to give their consent. In any of these situations, if there is sufficient concern, it may be decided to inform the police in which case they will take over the case, and follow formal procedures. 5

6 Dealing with drug incidents A drug incident may involve suspicions, observations, disclosures or discoveries of situations involving illegal and other unauthorised drugs. This could fit into one of the following categories drugs or associated paraphernalia are found on school premises a pupil is found in possession of drugs or associated paraphernalia a pupil is found to be supplying drugs on school premises a pupil, parent or staff member is thought to be under the influence of drugs a pupil discloses that they or a family member/friend are misusing drugs When dealing with drug incidents safety should be the first priority: first aid or other appropriate help should be sought before addressing further issues. If in doubt, medical assistance should be sought immediately. All drug incidents will be investigated carefully. The Deputy Head (Pastoral) should be informed, and should inform, consult and involve other staff as necessary, giving due respect to the confidentiality of those involved. A second adult witness (usually the appropriate head of year) should be present at all interviews with pupils regarding drug incidents. There may be many relevant factors to be taken into account when assessing the seriousness of an incident, the needs of those involved and the most appropriate response, for example what the pupil has to say whether this is a one-off incident or a longer-term situation whether the drug is legal or illegal what quantity of the drug is involved (for further advice see p 67 Drugs: Guidance for schools) If it is felt during the investigation that the police should be involved, then the investigation should cease and detailed questioning should be left to the police. Responding to drug incidents When responding to drug incidents, the school will aim to balance the needs of the individual with those of the wider school community. This may include giving individuals the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Responses may include early intervention and targeted prevention referral to external agencies counselling fixed-period exclusions permanent exclusion Following careful investigation, each case will be assessed according to its seriousness, bearing in mind the needs of the individual and the need to enforce and reinforce school rules. Sanctions should always be justifiable in terms of the seriousness of the incident the identified needs of the pupil and the wider school community 6

7 consistency with the school s expectations and code of conduct consistency with the discipline policy covering other breaches of the school s code of conduct and expectations Informing parents The school will inform the pupil s parents of the outcome of all investigations of drug incidents, and may involve them and the pupil in making decisions about referral and counselling. The school will use its discretion about when parents of individual girls are informed, and about when and whether to inform parents of other pupils. Recording incidents A full record should be kept of all drug incidents. Notes should include the time, date, place and people present, as well as what was said. Police involvement The police will not normally need to be involved in incidents involving legal drugs. Schools have no legal obligation to report an incident involving illegal drugs to the police, although informing the police could be significant for the school and the wider community. Most incidents may be managed internally by the school, but the police will be informed or consulted about incidents involving illegal drugs being found on school premises, and/or where there is any suspicion that drugs are changing hands. The needs of pupils The school will aim to ensure that pupils have access to up-to-date information about sources of help and advice. Pupils wider pastoral needs will be taken into account when dealing with any issues relating to drug education and the management of drug incidents. Referral and external support In every case of an incident involving drugs, the school will put safety first, applying first aid and summoning appropriate help before addressing further issues. If in any doubt, medical assistance should be sought as a priority. Pupils may be referred to youth, medical or drug specific agencies, or other agencies providing specialist help as appropriate. Confidentiality When discussing and managing drugs, regard will be given to issues of confidentiality. Teachers cannot and should not promise total confidentiality. The boundaries of confidentiality should be made clear to pupils. However, if a pupil discloses information which is sensitive, not generally known, and which the pupil asks not to be 7

8 passed on, the request should be honoured unless this compromises teachers professional responsibilities in relation to child protection cooperating with a police investigation referral to external services Every effort should be made to secure the pupil s agreement to the way in which the school intends to use any sensitive information. Only in exceptional circumstances should sensitive information be passed on against a pupil s wishes: if this happens, the pupil will be informed first, and an explanation given of why this needs to happen. The role of governors This policy has been discussed by the governing body before adoption by the school, and will be discussed with them before alterations or adaptations are made to it. Date: November 2012 Review date: Autumn