Parklands High School

Drugs Awareness Policy

LEARN RESPECT ASPIRE ACHIEVE

Rationale

Parklands is a "Health Promoting" school. Health Education is a cross-curricular issue. Education for a

healthy life-style is part of the school ethos, but to be fully effective requires the involvement of

parents/carers and the wider community.

A whole school policy on drugs must, therefore, involve all interested parties – including pupils - in its

formulation. The policy, which follows, was arrived at after the widest consultation - involving Police,

Health Promotion Unit, Parents, Pupil Voice, Governors and Staff.

Underlying Principles

1. Pupils should be equipped to make their own decisions.

2. Drugs should be discussed in the context of health education.

3. The school's pastoral system should support pupils in all aspects of substance abuse.

4. Supplying and dealing in drugs has different implications from using drugs.

5. Different levels of sanction are appropriate for different patterns of use.

6. Schools need to balance the need for decisive action with the need to dispense natural justice.

7. Schools' actions should not be harsher than those the legal system would impose (with adequate

evidence).

8. Schools should work closely with parents, the community and relevant support agencies.

9. Incidents on the school site should be monitored.

10. Drugs are not welcome on school premises.

DRUG EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CHARTER

For the purposes of this charter, the definition of "drugs" covers the whole range of legal and illegal

substances including tobacco, alcohol, solvents and medicines.

Parklands High School, together with other secondary schools in the Chorley and South Ribble area, are

working towards the following objectives:

1. To prepare and review a whole school policy on drug-related issues in line with guidance from the

LEA.

2. To consult with Staff, Governors, Parents and young people on all drug-related issues.

3. To provide relevant drug education within the structured learning of the school.

4. To manage drug-related incidents appropriately as outlined in the school's policy.

5. To play a part in the support, help and guidance of young people in relation to drug related issues and

incidents.

6. To work with other agencies and the local community in addressing drug misuse.

DRUG PROCEDURES

Drugs are to be regarded as life threatening if used improperly. If any person displays behaviour that

could reasonably be considered to be drug induced the following procedure should be followed: -

1. Inform another member of staff immediately

2. Sit the person down in a quiet place

3. Take any necessary first aid measures

4. Phone for an ambulance if symptoms persist and contact parents (if pupil)

5. Log the incident in the appropriate book in the school office

6. If a pupil is involved inform Progress Leader as soon as possible

7. Progress Leader record incident in pupil file

8. Progress Leader to contact parents

SUBSTANCE USE / MISUSE ON PREMISES (STAFF AND PUPILS)

B1. LEGAL / SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE USE OF DRUGS

(i) Prescribed/controlled medicines (insulin, asthma treatments)

(ii) Smoking by adults in ventilated smoking room

(iii) Alcohol at social functions for adults

B2. LEGAL / SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE USE OF DRUGS

(i) Use of alcohol during working day (i.e. before 15.15)

(ii) Smoking anywhere in the grounds and buildings

(iii) Sniffing Tippex, permanent markers or any other solvent/aerosol

(iv) Anabolic steroids, poppers, magic mushrooms

B3. ILLEGAL USE OF DRUGS

All other drugs

B4. HANDLING DRUG-RELATED INCIDENTS

This relates to the problem of pupils found using, in possession of, or selling drugs, alcohol and tobacco

on school property. There is a need to balance the interests of the school's reputation, the need to

protect other pupils, and the need to help those who do misuse substances.

B4.1 USING DRUGS IN SCHOOL

If any pupil is believed to be in possession of or using drugs in school, the following steps should be

taken: -

(i) Contact police in order that pupil may be searched

(ii) Confiscate the substance, remove pupil to Isolation and inform SLT /

House Leader immediately or inform House Leader / SLT when confrontation is felt likely if confiscation

is attempted.

(iii) SLT and / or House Leader plus one other member of staff to question pupil as to nature of drug,

whether they have taken it in school, whether they intended to sell it or not (i.e. was it for their own

use). Keep the pupil isolated.

(iv) Contact parent(s). If this is not possible, pupil should be excluded in the normal way and should not

return until accompanied by parent(s). Send duplicate letter home by post.

(v) If parent(s) can come to school immediately, inform fully of incident and let them take the pupil

home pending further investigation.

B4.2 SUPPLYING / SELLING DRUGS IN SCHOOL

Anyone found supplying or selling drugs, alcohol or tobacco to other pupils, on school bus, on school

trips or whenever under supervision of staff, will normally be excluded from school permanently.

Appropriate agencies, including Police and Social Services, will be informed, and normal exclusion

procedures will be followed.

B4.3 INCIDENTS OUTSIDE SCHOOL

Any pupils found in possession of or supplying alcohol, drugs or tobacco on school bus, trips or at any

time while under staff supervision will be dealt with in exactly the same way as if the incident had taken

place in school. Staff to inform SLT / House Leader on return.

B4.4 INFORMATION ON SUSPECTED DRUG ABUSE

If staff receive information (overheard conversations etc.) they should let SLT /

House Leader know as soon as possible.

B5. PASTORAL CARE

Following an incident where a pupil has been involved in possessing or taking a drug, then a system of

support for the pupil on his or her return to school is absolutely essential, and recognised in both the

charter and general principles. Each case will be different, and will require flexibility from all involved -

staff, pupil and parent(s). The support system must provide guidance and monitoring - it is not

disciplinary, and should not be interpreted as such. The following procedures should be followed upon

return to school.

1. Pupil, with parent(s), should meet with SLT and House Leader. A commitment must be given by pupil

never to bring drugs on to the premises again.

2. For the first week, pupil should see House Leader/appointed member of staff at an appointed time

each day to discuss progress and any problems that may arise. After this meetings can be when felt

necessary.

Referral to an appropriate agency (e.g. ad action) will be arranged through the appropriate agencies.

B6. CONFIDENTIALITY

In all cases, discussions will normally be kept confidential, i.e. remain the property of pupil and teacher.

However, in the event of information being given which, could, if not acted upon, be harmful to the

pupil, or result in a criminal act, the teacher will inform the pupil and take appropriate steps.

C. THE WIDER COMMUNITY

The school recognises and welcomes the role that its community can play, through expertise,

information and support. Whenever possible agencies will be used to support the work in the

curriculum, and provide training for staff and governors. However, it is the support of parents and their

concern for the well being of their child that is vital.

D. THE CURRICULUM

The school provides a programme of Drug Education through RESPECT days and assemblies in differing

years. National Curriculum subjects also touch on certain drug-related issues. While providing pupils

with factual information, real life choices and situations such as peer pressure, advertising and media

influences are explored. The use of video and drama is encouraged.

E. TRAINING AND EDUCATION

The school is committed to the provision of quality training for all staff in all aspects of teaching and

pastoral care. Staff who wish to enhance their skills can attend courses up to five days a year during

school time. School based INSET is also available. It is intended to provide ongoing training for staff,

governors and parents through outside agencies, courses, INSET days and information evenings.

Headteacher........................................................................................................................

Date.......................................

Governor.............................................................................................................................

Date........................................

To be reviewed on a 2 year cycle from date of signing