| SCHOOL DEFINITION
OF DRUGS |
| A drug is a chemical
substance which can change the way a human body works, either
physiologically or psychologically. Within this definition fall
legal substances such as tobacco, alcohol, prescribed medication
and solvents, together with illegal substances such as cannabis,
amphetamines and ecstasy. |
| AIMS |
- To encourage a healthy respect
for all substances taken into the body.
- To raise pupil awareness of the
world of drugs so they can make informed choices.
- To enable pupils to explore their
own attitudes towards drugs and drug issues.
- To promote a non smoking lifestyle.
- To develop skills which enable
pupils to cope and live in any drug orientated society.
- To promote an awareness that drugs
are neither good nor bad in themselves but that all substances
can be harmful if not used properly.
- To develop responsibility in pupils
towards themselves and each other.
|
| SCHOOL'S STANCE |
| The school does not
condone or tolerate the misuse of any drug - legal, prescribed
or illegal. The school is aware that attitude towards these substances
vary and endeavours to support families where appropriate without
being judgemental. The school maintains effective liaison with
social services, police and other agencies. |
|
| PROCEDURES REGARDING
SUBSTANCES IN SCHOOL. |
| Smoking in school. |
| Our school is a strictly
non smoking environment. All staff are required to leave the
school premises to smoke and to smoke out of the sight of pupils.
Staff are allowed to smoke in their own vehicles on the car park
provided pupils cannot see them. |
|
Medicines in school.
|
| Non prescription. |
| There are first aid
boxes in all units and the Medical Room. The boxes do not contain
antiseptics, witch hazel, analgesics (e.g. paracetamol) or any
other proprietary preparations kept for minor illnesses and home
use. Aspirin should not be administered to children under 12
years unless prescribed by a doctor. |
| Prescription Medicines. |
| The LEA recommends
that schools do not administer medication other than asthma inhalers.
Every child with asthma should have an inhaler labelled with
their name in school at all times. Inhalers are kept in a labelled
basket in every classroom. Children with asthma are allowed to
use inhalers themselves. Parents who wish their child to receive
any other prescribed medicines during the day are asked to come
in to school and administer the medicine themselves. Under no
circumstances are the children allowed to bring medicines and
self administer them except for asthma inhalers. |
| DEFINITION OF A DRUG
RELATED INCIDENT |
- Drugs or associated paraphernalia
found on school premises.
- A pupil is found in possession
of drugs or associated paraphernalia ( This includes cigarettes
and lighters or matches)
- A staff member has the information
that the illegitimate sale or supply of drugs is taking place
on or around the school premises.
- A pupil discloses that a friend
or family member is misusing drugs.
- A parent, carer or member of staff
is thought to be under the influence of drugs on school premises.
- A pupil is found to be a recognised
supply source of drugs on the school premises.
- A pupil is thought to be under
the influence of non prescribed drugs.
|
| PROCEDURES FOR DEALING
WITH DRUG RELATED INCIDENTS |
- Where drugs or associated paraphernalia
are found on the premises the police will be informed immediately
if the drugs are of an illegal nature.
- If a pupil is found in possession
of drugs or associated paraphernalia, the parents will be informed
immediately. Each case will be dealt with according to how serious
it is deemed to be. There is no legal requirement for the school
to contact the police.
- If a staff member has information
regarding the illegal supply or sale of drugs on or around the
premises, the police will be informed.
- If a pupil discloses, the Child
Protection Coordinator will be informed and deal with the situation
as he/ she sees fit.
- If a parent, carer, member of
staff is thought to be under the influence of illegal drugs on
school premises appropriate action will be taken by Senior Management.
A Senior Member of staff has the right to prevent a parent/ carer
taking a child if they are thought to be incapable of appropriate
care. Social services may be informed.
- Although very rare in a Junior
School, if any child is found to be a recognised supply source
of drugs, parents/ carers will be informed first and possibly
the police and social services."
- If a child is thought to be under
the influence of non prescribed drugs in school the parents/
carers will be informed immediately and possibly the police and
social services - depending on the circumstances.
|
In applying any of
the procedures the school must take into account the age of the
child and relevant information regarding family background.
The utmost priority must be placed on safety, medical emergencies
being met with appropriate first aid before further issues are
addressed. |
| CONFIDENTIALITY |
Procedures are similar
to those of Child Protection where total confidentiality cannot
always be given. This is according to the discretion of the Head
teacher and named Child Protection Coordinator.
The health and safety of the child and members of the school
community are paramount. |
| KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING |
- Through PSHCE and Science the
children are taught
- An understanding of the need for
some kinds of drugs to make us well.
- That misuse of any drugs can be
harmful.
- How the body works and how to
take care of it.
- Dangers of handling discarded
syringes and needles.
- Avoiding contact with strangers
|
| SKILLS |
- Identifying risk
- Coping with peer pressure
- Communicating with adults
- Decision making
- Where to ask for help.
- Safety procedures.
|
| ATTITUDES |
- Valuing myself and others.
- Attitudes and beliefs about different
drugs and people who might use them.
- The media and how drugs are portrayed.
- Taking responsibility for own
behaviour and safety.
|
| Updated February 2006
|
C. Burman - Child Protection Coordinator |
|
