Policy on Drugs Education
Policy for Greenfylde Church of England School on Drugs Education
Introduction
This policy should be taken as part of the overall strategy of the school and operated within the context of our vision, aims and values as a Church of England School.
Greenfylde School recognises that:
* drugs play a part in the lives of every one of us and that experimentation with drugs has always been a feature of many young peoples lives.
* this school has a responsibility to help to reduce the harm from drugs and to play a role in drug prevention.
This policy aims to emphasise the school?s pastoral role and proactive approach to drugs education and to give a clear view on drug use in school. In developing this policy consideration has been given to legal requirements, the guidance from the Department of Education and Skills, and the needs of the pupils, teachers, governors and parents/carers.
A definition of drugs
For the purposes of this policy, the term drugs includes over the counter drugs, prescribed medication, tobacco, alcohol, solvents and other substances whose use may have harmful effects on the body, as well as illegal drugs.
The reasons for producing this policy are:
* To meet the needs of pupils.
* To provide a framework for staff to inform teaching and responses to drug related incidents on school premises.
* To inform parents and carers about the schools approach to dealing with incidents and the drug education programme.
* To secure the commitment from school governors.
The staff and governors of the school:
* are committed to promoting the good health, safety and well being of the pupils and adults in the school community.
* are committed to working in partnership with parents and will seek to involve parents in the drug education programme by keeping them informed.
* believe that health education is a vital part of the personal and social education of every pupil, (Personal, Social and Health Education - PSHE).
Drug Education Programme
The drug education programme will be co-ordinated by the PSHE co-ordinator.
Drug education in the school will be provided by all teachers, supported by a range of relevant practical training.
All teaching and support staff, health professionals and staff from appropriate agencies will contribute to the delivery of the drugs education programme.
The purpose of the drug education programme is to:
* enable pupils to make healthy informed choices by increasing knowledge, challenging attitudes, developing and practising skills.
* provide accurate information about different substances, particularly the use of medicines, alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
* explain that using other people?s medicine is dangerous and misusing any substance can be harmful.
* help pupils to develop self confidence and strategies to respond to unwanted peer pressure.
The drug education programme will be delivered through Key Stage 1 and 2 Science, English, PSHE, and will be reinforced as it arises at all times across the curriculum. The programme of work was developed by negotiation with the teaching staff and will be managed by the PSHE co-ordinator.
The proposed programme outline is appended to this policy statement.(To be developed)
Use of drugs in school
The possession and use of drugs in school is not allowed, with the exception of asthma inhalers.
Administration of medication - in school and on school journeys
Teachers and classroom assistants will not administer medicines in school. The exception to this is medicine required for the control of asthma and some allergies.
If a child needs other medicine the parent/carer may come to school at a specified time to give the child the prescribed medicine. Failing this, the Head Teacher will administer drugs following clear written permission from parents/carers.
Children are not allowed to hold or self administer any other medicine, for example, Paracetamol for a headache, cough sweets, cough mixture or antibiotics.
The full procedure for medicines in school is included in the Health and Safety policy.
Confidentiality
Pupils at the school need to feel able to talk in confidence to a member of staff about drugs without fear of being judged or told off.
The welfare of children will always be central to our policy and practice.
However, teachers will not be able to promise complete confidentiality if specialist help is needed and this will be explained to the child.
Information about a pupil in relation to drugs will follow the same procedure as for other sensitive information:-
The head teacher will be informed.
Help sought, if appropriate, in discussion with the pupil and the parents/carers.
Confidentiality will be maintained beyond the class teacher and Senior Management Team.
Parental involvement
Parents will:-
* be informed of the drug education policy and programme and given the opportunity to ask questions.
* be contacted if their child is caught breaking the rules on drugs.
In all situations involving drugs the following principles apply
1. All situations will be carefully considered before deciding on the response.
2. The needs of the child will always come first.
3. Supporting the child will be the first response if at all possible.
4. Parents/carers will be involved at an early stage and throughout any investigation.
5. Support agencies, including the police, will be involved if appropriate and in consultation with the parents/carers.
6. Responses may include both disciplinary and counselling responses.
7. The SMT has the responsibility for organising the pupil support, involving parents and external agencies.
Training of teachers and support staff
The school will ensure that the teachers and support staff receive training and support to help them provide effective drug education.
The school will take advantage of the support, advice, information and training provided by the local support services.
The PSHE co-ordinator has responsibility for ensuring delivery of drug education within the PSHE curriculum and the provision of appropriate resources.
Review of the policy
The policy will be reviewed annually and in response to any drug related incident.
Introduction
This policy should be taken as part of the overall strategy of the school and operated within the context of our vision, aims and values as a Church of England School.
Greenfylde School recognises that:
* drugs play a part in the lives of every one of us and that experimentation with drugs has always been a feature of many young peoples lives.
* this school has a responsibility to help to reduce the harm from drugs and to play a role in drug prevention.
This policy aims to emphasise the school?s pastoral role and proactive approach to drugs education and to give a clear view on drug use in school. In developing this policy consideration has been given to legal requirements, the guidance from the Department of Education and Skills, and the needs of the pupils, teachers, governors and parents/carers.
A definition of drugs
For the purposes of this policy, the term drugs includes over the counter drugs, prescribed medication, tobacco, alcohol, solvents and other substances whose use may have harmful effects on the body, as well as illegal drugs.
The reasons for producing this policy are:
* To meet the needs of pupils.
* To provide a framework for staff to inform teaching and responses to drug related incidents on school premises.
* To inform parents and carers about the schools approach to dealing with incidents and the drug education programme.
* To secure the commitment from school governors.
The staff and governors of the school:
* are committed to promoting the good health, safety and well being of the pupils and adults in the school community.
* are committed to working in partnership with parents and will seek to involve parents in the drug education programme by keeping them informed.
* believe that health education is a vital part of the personal and social education of every pupil, (Personal, Social and Health Education - PSHE).
Drug Education Programme
The drug education programme will be co-ordinated by the PSHE co-ordinator.
Drug education in the school will be provided by all teachers, supported by a range of relevant practical training.
All teaching and support staff, health professionals and staff from appropriate agencies will contribute to the delivery of the drugs education programme.
The purpose of the drug education programme is to:
* enable pupils to make healthy informed choices by increasing knowledge, challenging attitudes, developing and practising skills.
* provide accurate information about different substances, particularly the use of medicines, alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
* explain that using other people?s medicine is dangerous and misusing any substance can be harmful.
* help pupils to develop self confidence and strategies to respond to unwanted peer pressure.
The drug education programme will be delivered through Key Stage 1 and 2 Science, English, PSHE, and will be reinforced as it arises at all times across the curriculum. The programme of work was developed by negotiation with the teaching staff and will be managed by the PSHE co-ordinator.
The proposed programme outline is appended to this policy statement.(To be developed)
Use of drugs in school
The possession and use of drugs in school is not allowed, with the exception of asthma inhalers.
Administration of medication - in school and on school journeys
Teachers and classroom assistants will not administer medicines in school. The exception to this is medicine required for the control of asthma and some allergies.
If a child needs other medicine the parent/carer may come to school at a specified time to give the child the prescribed medicine. Failing this, the Head Teacher will administer drugs following clear written permission from parents/carers.
Children are not allowed to hold or self administer any other medicine, for example, Paracetamol for a headache, cough sweets, cough mixture or antibiotics.
The full procedure for medicines in school is included in the Health and Safety policy.
Confidentiality
Pupils at the school need to feel able to talk in confidence to a member of staff about drugs without fear of being judged or told off.
The welfare of children will always be central to our policy and practice.
However, teachers will not be able to promise complete confidentiality if specialist help is needed and this will be explained to the child.
Information about a pupil in relation to drugs will follow the same procedure as for other sensitive information:-
The head teacher will be informed.
Help sought, if appropriate, in discussion with the pupil and the parents/carers.
Confidentiality will be maintained beyond the class teacher and Senior Management Team.
Parental involvement
Parents will:-
* be informed of the drug education policy and programme and given the opportunity to ask questions.
* be contacted if their child is caught breaking the rules on drugs.
In all situations involving drugs the following principles apply
1. All situations will be carefully considered before deciding on the response.
2. The needs of the child will always come first.
3. Supporting the child will be the first response if at all possible.
4. Parents/carers will be involved at an early stage and throughout any investigation.
5. Support agencies, including the police, will be involved if appropriate and in consultation with the parents/carers.
6. Responses may include both disciplinary and counselling responses.
7. The SMT has the responsibility for organising the pupil support, involving parents and external agencies.
Training of teachers and support staff
The school will ensure that the teachers and support staff receive training and support to help them provide effective drug education.
The school will take advantage of the support, advice, information and training provided by the local support services.
The PSHE co-ordinator has responsibility for ensuring delivery of drug education within the PSHE curriculum and the provision of appropriate resources.
Review of the policy
The policy will be reviewed annually and in response to any drug related incident.