ANTI-ALCOHOL POLICY
April 2015
ANTI-ALCOHOL POLICY
Context
Drug Education forms a part of the statutory order for National Curriculum Science and will be provided in the broader context of PSHE. This provision will be supported by the school’s commitment to a healthy environment in which neither the misuse of drugs (including legal substances) by students, staff or visitors, nor the illegal supply of these substances is condoned.
Development Process
The development process involves consultation with students through audits and questionnaires. Information is then used by the Headteacher and PSHE coordinator when reviewing and amending the policy. This policy is available to staff through the network systems for further consultation should this be needed. The School Council is also consulted and their input is valued. Policies are kept on the IT systems for easy access by all staff. It is also present in the handbook for visitors and is available to parents on request. Each tutor is given a copy at the start of the year. People primarily responsible for the policy are the PSHE coordinator, Headteacher, and Child Protection Officer.
Definitions & Boundaries
This policy encompasses all legal drugs (including alcohol and tobacco), all illegal drugs, volatile substances and unauthorised over the counter and prescription medicines.
The policy, in line with all other school rules and expectations of behaviour, applies not only within the school boundaries[including sports areas, drives,etc.], but also on all school visits, trips and residential experiences, including those made outside of normal school hours. It will also be upheld on all school buses and may be applied to the immediate vicinity of the school as appropriate.
Aims & purpose & needs of the students
Through the curriculum and a supportive school ethos, we aim to:
- Provide accurate information about drugs, including medicines (over the counter and prescribed), volatile substances, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.
- Increase understanding about the implications and possible consequences of drug use and misuse.
- Raise awareness of safety issues with regard to drugs.
- Explore attitudes towards drug use and misuse.
INTRODUCTION
This policy has four sections. Firstly the policy itself is described. Secondly the reasons for it are explained. The third section is the school’s generic policy towards the uses of illegal substances which, in the context of the 11-16 age group excludes the use of tobacco and the consumption of alcohol. The school has adopted the Nottinghamshire County Council’s policy ‘Children and Young Peoples Substance Use’ Policy and Section Three is based upon it. Extensive reference is made to the major document. The fourth section explains the school’s procedures when a breach in regulations based on this policy occurs. This section includes the support network that is available.
POLICY STATEMENT
All students at Selston High School are under the age of 18. In accordance with the law, they will not, in any circumstances, either bring alcohol onto any part of the campus including all outdoor areas, or consume alcohol on site.
The routine drinking of alcohol by adults will not be permitted on site but small amounts may be consumed on special occasions, for example end of term celebrations. Any alcohol brought on site by adults must be stored in a safe, secure place.
REASONS FOR THE POLICY
- The drinking of alcohol by minors in areas such as a school campus is against the law.
- Light drinking among adults is not considered to be detrimental to health, though, of course it can become dangerous in some circumstances such as driving. As part of any PHSE programme we emphasise the importance of responsible drinking. However, excessive drinking creates a range of problems socially and in terms of health. These dangers are taught as part of our programme and the ban on all and possession of alcohol by students on the school site is consistent with this.
DRUGS POLICY
At the Selston High School we are aware that the use of illegal substances by young people is a considerable social problem. In this document ‘illegal substances’ refers to illegal substances and tobacco used by school aged students, although separate policies are implanted for these. It recognises also, that over the counter medications can also cause problems. It is a problem that affects all areas of the country, all social groups and all types of educational institutions. This document addresses the policy of the school in six key areas.
AIMS OF THE POLICY
- To provide a policy for all of “us” in relation to children, young people and substance use.
- To provide a clear policy framework and practical guidance for workers working with children and young people.
- To help clarify legal and professional advice and the management of substance use related situations and incidents, where workers, children and young people might be exposed to risk and difficult dilemmas.
- To place substance use by children and young people in a personal, social and health education context, with information on how and where further support and resources can be accessed.
- To adopt a flexible tiered approach to substance use, which includes prevention education for non users and harm reduction education, support and referral to treatment, for those already using substances or at risk of using substances.
- To improve outcomes for children and young people in relation to substance use.
The SHS policy is derived largely of the Nottinghamshire document ‘Children and Young People Substance Use Policy’ to which extensive reference is made.
NATIONAL TARGETS
The policy acknowledges national targets to reduce drug taking among young people, reduce supply, reduce drug related crime and minimise the harm caused by the use of illegal substances. (P5)
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is essential if the trust of students is to be maintained. It is important however that staff do not promise a level of confidentiality that cannot be maintained legally. These include areas where child protection issues are involved, where the life of a person is at risk, where a member of staff is summoned by a court of law to give evidence and where an act of potential terrorism is involved. (P 12-13). Further details on these issues are included on pages 13 to 17.
USE OF SUBSTANCES – RECOMMENDED ACTION
Illegal substances should not be used or supplied in school. Should an incident occur, the following action is recommended.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
- Conduct full Risk Assessment (see U&S Policy Appendix 2, section 2).
- Consider child protection (see U&S Policy Appendix 2, section 5).
- Discuss situation with Line Manager at earliest opportunity.
- Consider parental involvement (see contacting parents section).
- Consider contacting the police (see U&S Policy Recommended Action Checklist and Appendix 5).
- Fully record situation stating any actions and follow up work (See U&S Policy Appendix 6).
- Education, information and continued support for the child.
DRUGS AND THE LAW
Recommended Action Checklist
If illegal substances are discovered on the premises, in the possession of a person or handed over by a child, young person or worker:
- Check there is no immediate medical emergency or danger and all children and young people are safe.
- An appropriate adult witness is necessary immediately. This is essential to prevent accusations at a later stage, in relation to the quantity of substance seized or confiscated.
The child or young person’s name does not need to be identified to the Police unless:
‘Supply’ of illegal substance is suspected or information is relevant to Police enquiries or child protection.
‘Possession’ is persistent and has been challenged, (maximum three warnings have been given).
Information is relevant to police enquiries or child protection (See U&S Policy Appendix 5 and Appendix 2, section 5).
- Place the substance in a bag and secure.
- Label with the details of the content and date. Sign and countersign by witness.
- Store confiscated / found bagged substance immediately in a “safe place” (see terms). Where possible agree in advance with Line Manager and Police.
- Contact the Police as soon as possible. Describe what you have found and where it is stored. Record name and number of the Officer contacted. Agree collection procedure with the Officer contacted. Police Officer to sign to confirm their receipt of substance.
Recording of Confiscation or Discovery:
Record on an Incident Form (see U&S policy Appendix 6) as soon as possible the names of both adults, description of events, where situation occurred, date, time and any other significant features of the event. Clearly state how the situation was challenged. Clearly state any ongoing monitoring and follow up plan including referrals to other services – sign and countersign.
Note: Ensure entries are discussed and countersigned by Line Manager as soon as possible. (Foster Carers should consult their Supervising Social Worker and the child’s Social Worker).
Note: Workers should be confident that information is accurate.
PROCEDURES
Teaching Methods
Effective drug education requires students to develop their understanding of drugs issues and appropriate skills and attitudes to assist them in making informed decisions. Teaching methods adopted in the classroom offer a rich variety of opportunities for active learning and include; debating issues, group discussions and role-play. Due to the sensitive and sometimes controversial nature of the subject, ground rules will be negotiated and adopted and students’ knowledge-level assessed prior to any input to ensure appropriateness of context. This procedure is ‘built-in’ to the scheme of work throughout years 7 to 11.
Methodology and Resources
Tutors will deliver drug education and they will tailor the styles of education according to the group. The code of conduct sheet will be consulted. Resources are kept in a separate section of the library that is only made available to staff.
When available outside agencies will be used to provide drug education for example: Diane Wright, Calvin Maiden, PSDI, Framework, and Healthy School.
G&T and SEN students will be catered for through differentiation and, when available, small group activities.
Staff Support and Training
Drug education courses will be highlighted and brought to the attention of staff and funding will be considered.
INSET will also provide basic training.
Responding to the Media
As drug-related incidents are likely to generate media interest, all members of staff have been advised not to respond to journalists’ questions, but to refer journalists to the Headteacher. The Headteacher will make a considered response after seeking assistance from the local Authority Press Office.
Monitoring and Evaluation
This policy will be monitored regularly and evaluated annually. Any suggested amendments will be taken into consideration and adopted where appropriate.
- Pupil progress will be monitored and evaluated through audits and questionnaires, the results of which will be viewed, considered, acted on and published.
Liaison with other Schools
Through the Healthy Schools initiative Matthew Holland will work with other schools in the area to provide a support network and resources sharing library.
ACTION
Students
Alcohol will be confiscated immediately. Parents will be contacted and instructed to collect their child and disciplinary action will be discussed. Serious incidents could lead to exclusion procedures. This is regarded as a very serious issue.
Visitors to the Site
Visitors will be informed of the school policy. If they continue to consume alcohol they will be asked to leave the site.
Staff
Staff found drinking alcohol other than in the appropriate circumstances will be informed of the school policy. This may be necessary particularly in instances in which recently appointed staff are involved. A further breach will be followed by a formal verbal warning. Successive breaches will be followed in the first instance by a written warning. After this, serious disciplinary procedures will be activated which could lead to dismissal. Any such incidents will be reported to the police.
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