Drugs Education Policy
It is the aim of Cleethorpes Academy to help all students to be able to take their place safely in a world where a wide range of drugs exist. We recognise that some drugs have beneficial effects, but also that every drug has potential to harm. For this reason, all drugs used need appropriate and responsible management. In order to be able to make informed choices, staff and students need to understand the nature of drugs, their social and legal status, their uses and effects.
All Cleethorpes Academy students are taught drug education in line with the principles detailed below:
Aims:
- To support the Academy's endeavour to maintain the safety and well-being of all students, staff and visitors;
- To clarify legal responsibilities, entitlements and obligations;
- To support all the members of the Academy community by providing clear guidance and procedures on drug related issues to ensure clarity and consistency;
- To develop a whole Academy approach to drug education in the context of the Academy, curriculum, key roles and responsibilities.
A designated member of the SLT is responsible for Personal Development, Behaviour, Welfare and Safety of the students in relation to drug related issues at the Academy.
Inclusive Definition of Drugs
Cleethorpes Academy defines a drug as a substance which, when taken into the body, changes the way we feel, the way we perceive things, and the way our body works. This definition includes illegal substances and also legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, solvents and medicines.
Drug Education
Context: We will provide all students with drug education as an integral part of our Careers and Personal Development Programme.
Ethos: Drug education in our Academy aims to enable students to make healthy, informed choices by increasing their knowledge, exploring a range of attitudes towards drug use and developing and practising decision-making skills. The programme we follow will be based on national and local guidelines for good practice and be appropriate to the age and experience of our students.
Content and Delivery: Teaching will be based on an understanding that a variety of approaches should be used in order to meet the differing needs and learning styles of students. It is recognised that active or participatory learning styles can be particularly helpful in developing skills, knowledge and values.
Use of Visitors and Outside Speakers: We use visitors to support our planned teacher-led programme of education, in line with national and local guidance. We are careful to negotiate the use of visitors so that their contribution fits our needs and they are clear how their input fits into our planned programme. The class teacher is always present when visitors are working with our students.
Managing Drug Related Incidents: Routine Arrangements
Medicines: The Academy has a policy/procedure for the administration of medicines that must be followed for everyone's safety. Our practice is in line with guidance as recommended by DfE guidance.
Alcohol: Students are not allowed to bring alcohol on to the Academy site. Parents and visitors under the effects of alcohol will be asked to leave the premises and return at a later date, in the interests of Academy safety.
Tobacco and Vaping: The Academy is a no smoking/vaping site - indoors and outdoors, including Academy vehicles - at all times. Students are not permitted to bring smoking materials, including matches, lighters, vapes or liquids, on to the Academy site. In the interests of health and safety, should a student be found in possession of any of these on Academy premises, they will be confiscated in line with the Academy's Behaviour Policy.
Solvents: The Academy will ensure that potentially hazardous substances are stored safely, and students will be supervised if it is necessary that they come into contact with them in the course of their work. Students are not permitted to be in possession of solvent based products.
Illegal Drugs: We have a zero-tolerance stance regarding the possession, supply and/or use of illegal substances at the Academy. No illegal drugs are permitted to be brought on to, or used, on the Academy premises. Should a student be found in possession of illegal drugs, then a permanent exclusion is most likely - in line with the Academy's Behaviour Policy.
Incidents
A drug related incident may include any of the following:
- A student who is suspected of being under the influence of a drug;
- Finding drugs, or related paraphernalia on Academy premises;
- Possession of drugs by an individual on Academy premises;
- Use of drugs by an individual on Academy premises;
- Supply of drugs on Academy premises;
- Individuals disclosing information about their drug use;
- Rumours of drug possession supply or drug use;
- Reports of drug possession supply or drug us;
- Being in possession of what the Academy believes to be an illegal substance.
Process
The Member of SLT with responsibility for Pastoral Care is responsible for coordinating the management of drug related incidents, offering sources of support and liaising with outside agencies.
- Incidents will be dealt with after making an initial assessment of the situation and be reported to the Principal;
- Appropriate support will be offered to those with substance misuse problems;
- Evidence of drug use or possession will result in exclusion, most likely permanent, as there is a zero-tolerance approach.
Medical Emergencies
If an individual is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, is seriously confused or disorientated, has taken a harmful or toxic substance, or is otherwise at immediate risk of immediate harm, medical help will be sought and first aid given - if required. The priority will be the safety of the student.
Individuals in Possession of Drugs
If any student or adult on the Academy premises is found in possession of an unauthorised drug, it will be confiscated in line with DfE guidance. If the drug is suspected to be illegal, the Academy will contact the police and hand over the drug immediately. If the substance cannot be legally destroyed or disposed of, it will be handed to the police as soon as possible and not stored for any longer than is necessary. Talking with an individual about a drug related incident will have, as its purpose, to confirm or reject suspicions or allegations, rather than to conduct a wider investigation.
Parents/carers of students will be informed and other professionals from external agencies may be informed or consulted, as appropriate. Appropriate investigations will be carried out and sanctions applied in line with the Academy's Behaviour Policy.
Following actions to preserve immediate safety, the health and emotional needs of students will be considered. Support is available through the pastoral system to ensure a caring response to students in distress. Interventions will be considered if the Academy feels a student is showing signs which indicate particular risks of, or from, involvement with drugs - whether their own or that of their parent or carer. Such interventions may include consultation and subsequent referral.
Recording
All incidents will be recorded within 24 hours. Forms will be stored securely in the student file.
Confidentiality
Complete secrecy can never be promised to a student, though information given in confidence will only be disclosed to anyone else in the interests of Child Protection. If a student discloses that they are using a drug without medical authorisation, action will be taken to ensure that the student comes to no serious harm, if this is considered a significant risk. Staff have a commitment to inform the student in advance of any disclosure of information to others and, if possible, enable the student to be involved in the process. Staff are committed to protect a young person's anonymity where their disclosure may implicate others. Regarding disclosures, staff need to carefully define and communicate the boundaries of confidentiality offered.
Staff Training and Support
We recognise the need for staff to receive appropriate training to support their work in delivering the Academy programme of drug education and dealing appropriately with incidents, should they arise. An appropriate member of staff will organise training related to the identified needs of staff, as required.
