THE PILGRIM SCHOOL

Drug Related Incidents

POLICY

School Lead: Y Prendergast

Governor Lead: Pupil Wellbeing

Last reviewed: May 2012

Date of next review: July 2018

Signed by Chair of Governors: ______Date: ______

Signed by Chair of Committee: ______Date: ______

Drug Incident PolicyForKey Stage 1 – 4

The Purpose of the Policy

The Pilgrim School has high regard to their statutory duty to promote broader issues of general health and well-being of learnersin order for them to be healthy and stay safe. It is also committed to the prevention of illegal activities and the harmful consequences associated with substance misuse as part of their pastoral responsibilities. To support this, the Government’s Drug Strategy 2010 ensures that school staff have the information and advice and power to:

  • Provide accurate information on drugs and alcohol through education and targeted information, including via the FRANK service
  • Tackle problem behaviour in schools, with wider powers of search and confiscation
  • Work with local voluntary organisations, health partners, the police and others to prevent drug or alcohol misuse

When evaluating the behaviour and safety of pupils under the new Ofsted inspection framework, inspectors will consider pupils’ ability to assess and manage risk appropriately and to keep themselves safe. In supplementary PSHE guidance for subject survey visits pupils awareness of the dangers of substance misuse is included in the criteria for inspectors when grading the quality of PSHE delivery

The Pilgrim School will make every effort to promote to learners, staff and the broader community that it takes a responsible attitude towards substance misuse. This will involve the following:

  • Ensuring learners and staff are aware of the school’s policy and procedures
  • Ensuring learners read and understand either ‘The Drug Policy For Younger Pupils’ or ‘The Drug Policy For Older Pupils’ ( See Appendix)
  • Delivering sessions on substance misuse within the curriculum, to raise awareness of legal aspects, safe use of legal substances, harm associated with substance misuse and first aid procedures. From 2015 this will mainly be through the tutorial and ‘Resilient Me’ Programme’ and from personal needs analysis reviews (See Drug Education Policy)
  • Providing access to professional and expert dissemination of information and advice (See Appendix to this and Drug Education Policy)
  • Informing of counselling and advisory services for substance misuse (See Appendix)
  • Displaying in open-access areas, information about substances and support agencies

Definition and Terminology

In the context of this policy a drug is any substance that affects the way in which the body functions physically, emotionally or mentally and includes tobacco, alcohol, over-the-counter and prescribed medicines such as sleeping and slimming tablets, solvents, ketamin, alkyl nitrites,new psychoactive substances ‘‘legal highs’ i.e drugs which can be bought over the counter but contain one or more chemical which mimic illegal drugs, drugs controlled by the Misuse Of Drugs Act 1971, for example, cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, LSD and drugs which are misused to enhance performance, for example steroids. (For legal categories see appendix of Drug Education Policy)

Application

The policy applies to all staff, learners, parents/carers, governors, and partner agencies working within the school, during journeys to and from school and during school trips and work experience.

Development Process

The consultation process in the development of this policy has involved learners, governors, teaching and non-teaching staff and advisory groups.

Location and Dissemination

A copy of the policy is available to all staff of the school via the policy folder on the shared drive. A copy of the policy is down loadable from the school website or a hard copy is available on request.

Context

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following school policies for‘Drug Education’,‘PSHE’, ‘SRE’, ‘Safeguarding’,,’Behaviour/Discipline’, ‘Anti-Bullying’, ‘Anti Smoking’, ‘Confidentiality’ and ‘Health & Safety’.

Local and National Guidance

This policy has been written with references to:

2012 UK Department For Education & Association of Chief Police Offices (ACPO)

non statutory drug advice for Schools (replaces 2004 guidance)

Lincolnshire County Council ‘Reviewing Your Drug And Alcohol Policy – a toolkit for schools

Screening, searching and confiscation: advice for head teachers, staff and governing bodies

Healthy School Advisor

Defining Drug Related Incidents

A drug related incident is one of:

  • Intoxicated behaviour in which a person lacks control of his/her faculties
  • Aggressive, threatening or insulting behaviour resulting from substance misuse, causing disturbance or risking health and safety of learners
  • A parent/carer thought to be under the influence of drugs
  • The selling, supply or harassment to buy drugs, by learners or others, with or without the exchange of money.
  • Students disclosing they or a family member/friend are misusing drugs
  • Suspicions, observations, disclosures or discoveries of situations involving illegal/unauthorised drugs, for example of a student in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia or a student who is thought to be a recognised source of drugs.

Managing Medicines In School

The Pilgrim School recognises that many learners may be taking prescribed drugs but all drugs are potentially harmful. Prescribed drugs or over the counter medicines should only be taken in school with the knowledge of school staff. Parents and carers should sign a declaration/consent proforma when students are first accepted at a base and made aware that should learners subsequently need to take any medication in school a signed note should be brought from parents or carerswith that medication of how much should be given and under what circumstances. When medication of any form is given this should be recorded with the name of the learner, name of the supplier, type of medication, time, date and amount in a book kept for this purpose at the base. Such medication should be kept in a clearly labelled container in a safe place. All staff responsible for a student should be aware of where the medication is kept and circumstances and procedures under which it should be taken. Learners who may need to use sharps in order to manage diabetes monitoring should have their own sharps disposable box which should also be kept in the designated safe place at each base. All learners in school who have a diagnosis of diabetes, epilepsy, Potts syndrome, asthma etc which require constant monitoring and response should have a plan and written guidance from their school or surgery nurse in how medication is taken, required doses, circumstances in which it is taken, symptoms to look out for and how to respond. It is the responsibility of The Case Manager to see this advice and guidance has been incorporated into a school risk assessment plan and that all staff who come into contact with the learner are aware of the plan and what to do should they need to respond to any changing condition before the learner begins at The Pilgrim School. All staff who are involved with a student who has epilepsy should undergo epilepsy training from the school nursing service before the learner begins at The Pilgrim School. Information about training is in an epilepsy folder on shared drive.

Managing Drug Related Incidents

The first concern in managing drug related incidents should be the health and safety of the school community and meeting the pastoral needs of learners. There are two categories of drug related incidents:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Other related incident

Medical Emergencies

A medical emergency arises when a person is:

  • Unconscious
  • Having trouble breathing
  • Seriously confused or disorientated
  • Known to have taken a harmful toxic substance

The following steps should be followed:

  • Assess the situation remaining calm and keeping the person warm and quiet
  • Seek medical help / ambulance
  • Assess if others might be at risk
  • If the person is unconscious seek assistance
  • Ensure that the person can breathe and place in recovery position
  • Do not leave the person unattended or in charge of another student
  • Try if appropriate to find out what has been taken
  • When medical help arrives pass on any information available including vomit and substances.

The incident should be recorded on a ‘Record Of Drug Related Incident’ (see appendix) and passed to The Headteacher

Non Medical Emergencies

A pupil may be intoxicated without it being a medical emergency. In such cases pupils should be kept in a quiet safe place, apart from other pupils and continually observed in case of changes in their condition. Moods may change rapidly and learners may appear detached or aggressive. If possible ask the learner what substance they have taken or gain information from others. Take possession of any substances. Interviewing, disciplining or counselling of learners should not take place while the learner is intoxicated.

It is important to realise that symptoms associated with intoxication may be due to other medical conditions not connected with substance misuse, which may produce similar symptoms and require medical attention.

When necessary, arrangements should be made with a parent/carer for the student to be collected or escorted home. However, if staffare aware that this could be contradictory to a learner’s safety, the situation should be discussed with a member of the senior management team who will consider whether alternative arrangements should be made or safeguardingprocedures implemented.

The incident should be recorded on ‘Record Of Drug Related Incident’ (see appendix) and passed to The Headteacher

Other Drug Related Incidents

Drug using parents and carers - We are aware of the impact that a parent/carer’s drug misuse may have on a learner’s education. Where problems are observed or suspected or if a pupil chooses to disclose there are difficulties at home, members of staff should discuss the situation with senior management who will decide the most effective form of pastoral support to offer and may suggest liaising with external agencies such as CAMHS, Addaction, Oasis or the LA over possible referral to other agencies. It is important at all times to refer to the school confidentiality and safeguarding policy and to keep the learner informed.

Dealing with intoxicated parents/carers – When dealing with intoxicated parents or carers it is important to maintain a calm atmosphere. A member of staff may have concerns about discharging a learner into their care, for example, if they are intending to drive a learner or teach a learner in the home. If such an occasion arises staff should endeavour to discuss with the parent/carer if alternative arrangements could be made but the focus for staff should always be the maintenance of the learner’s welfare and where behaviour of an intoxicated parent places a child at risk, or if the parent/carer becomes abusive the incident should be discussed with senior management whether to involve the police or invoke child safeguarding procedures.

Dealing with disclosures – Although it is important learners feel there is an adult to whom they can discuss confidential issues,learners need to also understand that staff have responsibilities that require them to share certain information. (See confidentiality policy). If a learner discloses information because they are seeking help,discuss with senior management the most effective support that can be offered to the learner either from the school or other agencies. A record of the disclosure should be made on ‘RecordOf Drug Related Incident’ (see appendix) and forwarded to The Headteacher

Dealing with observation and discovery –Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, solvents or other suspect substances could be found in isolation or in the possession of a learner/s. At the bases a member of staff should take possession of the substance, preferably in the presence of a reliable witness, then in a quiet setting and with a serious but non confrontational approach ask about possession and use of the substance. A member of the senior management team should be made aware of the incident and be involved in subsequent decision making, review or discipline procedures.

The incident should be recorded on ‘Record Of Drug Related Incident’ (see appendix)

Supplying illegal substances to other young people is always taken as a serious matter. The Headteacher or, in his absence,the Pastoral or Deputy Head should take into account the law in relation to the possession of substances and the law in relation to the supply of drugs and substances (see appendix) and will consider who to inform about the possession or misuse of substances.

Dealing with a complaint or allegation– It is important that information gained in this way is evaluated consistently and thoroughly but actions should remain in proportion to the issues, the welfare of the learner being the paramount consideration.

Staff should clarify:

  • Whether the complainant directly witnessed the events of the allegation
  • Whether the complainant is willing to testify to the truth of the allegation should it be taken further
  • Whether there are others who can corroborate the information

Complaints or allegations should be discussed with senior management who will advise whether to inform other agencies, pursue their own investigation or interview the learner and/or their parent(s) or carer(s). These incidents should be recorded on a ‘Record Of Drug Related Incident’ and the forms given to The Headteacher for safekeeping. For data protection reasons when using these forms only the identifying details of the person reporting the incident should be given.

Dealing with suspicion or rumour – Suspicions or rumours should be handled with caution, consistency and thoroughness. Information should be evaluated in relation to whether it is:

  • The result of someone saying they witnessed an action which they are uncertain about or having a concern but no evidence
  • Rumour or hearsay
  • From a possibly unreliable source, such as someone with a grudge or someone who would gain by diverting people from their own activities.

Whilst avoiding making assumptions or jumping to conclusions, the situation should be discussed with a member of the senior management team and if the information is firm enough to give a clear indication of substance misuse or identify patterns of substance misuse a course of action should be considered. This could be recorded on the Record Of Drug Related Incident’ (see appendix) and given to the Headteacher for safe keeping.

Safeguarding

If staff receive information indicating the safety and well-being of a learner may be at risk through the actions of, or neglect by, another person/people a member of the senior management team should be contacted and safeguarding procedures implemented. (see safeguarding policy) Risk may be due to:

  • A learner being given harmful substances including medicines and tablets
  • A learner witnessing the taking of harmful substances by others in the home
  • A learner being left with access to harmful substances, drugs and drug paraphernalia
  • A learner being left in the care of a person in an unfit state due to drink or drugs

Confiscation And Disposal of Drugs and Drug Related Paraphernalia

Illegal substances

“The Schools’ general power to discipline, as set out in Section 91 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, enables a member of staff to confiscate, retain or dispose of a pupil’s property as a disciplinary penalty, where reasonable to do so. Where the person finds other substances which are not believed to be controlled drugs these can be confiscated where a teacher believes them to be harmful or detrimental to good order and discipline. This would include new psychoactive substances or ‘legal highs’. If school staff are unable to identify the legal status of a drug, it should be treated as a controlled drug.

Note: Schools are not required to inform parents before a search takes place or to seek their consent to search their child. There is no legal requirement to make or keep a record of a search. The Pilgrim School would normally inform the learner’s parents or guardians where alcohol, illegal drugs or potentially harmful substances are found, though there is no legal requirement to do so. Complaints about searching should be dealt with through the normal school complaints procedure.

  • Ensure a second adult is present throughout
  • Seal the sample in a plastic bag and include details of the date and time of the seizure and witness present
  • Store it in a secure location, such as the school safe or other lockable container until it can be safely disposed of by the police or a pharmacist
  • Consult a member of the senior management team who will decide whether the police need to be informed to collect, store or dispose of it in line with locally agreed protocols. (The law does not require a school to divulge to the police the name of pupils from whom the drugs were taken. Where a pupil is identified the police will be required to follow set internal procedures)
  • Record full details of the incident, including the police incident reference number if appropriate on the record of decisions made in response to a drug related incident and given to The Headteacher for safe keeping
  • Inform parents/carers unless this would jeopardise the safety of the pupil

Note – any substance that may assist in the diagnosis of a person’s medical condition should be handed to ambulance or other responsible medical staff.

Legal substances

  • Any legal substance which a learner should not have in their possession, should be returned to the parent or carer, if identification known, otherwise disposed of appropriately.
  • Volatile substances such as lighter fuel, glue or aerosols should not normally be returned to a parent because of the level of danger they represent to pupils and should be disposed of securely
  • Learners are becoming increasingly aware of, and in some cases using, new psychoactive substances (NPS). These are designed to mimic the effect of illegal drugs but are structurally different enough to avoid being classified as illegal substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Despite being labelled as legal these substances are not always safe to use and often contain controlled drugs making them illegal to possess. New psychoactive substances should be included in the school drug policy as unauthorised substances and treated as such. If there is uncertainty about what the substance is, it should be treated as a controlled drug.

Finding Hypodermic Needles Or Syringes