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Drug Education Policy Statement
Name of school	Pen Y Dre High School
Date of policy	January 1998
Member of staff responsible	Mr.Wyn Morgan
DEFINITION
Drug misuse is defined as the non-medical use of drugs that are only intended for use in medical treatment, and the use of drugs that have no accepted medical purpose. Drug misuse is a major threat to individuals, families and the wider community. Children are influenced by their peers, parents, youth culture, the media and others - but education, particularly through schools has a key role to play in ensuring that young people know, and understand the risks of drug taking and have the knowledge and skills to resist. Evidence indicates that the age of first use of illegal drugs is falling (13-14 years in 1994) while the number of deaths resulting from drug misuse is rising. Drug misuse extends across socio-economic and ethnic boundaries, and educationally successful young people are just as likely to find themselves at risk.
STATEMENT
Pen y Dre accepts the need for teachers, governors, pupils, their parents and other agencies to work together to combat drug misuse by our pupils, particularly within school.
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
No school can afford to be complacent or to think its pupils are not at risk from drugs. Teaching about drugs is generally best provided as part of an integrated programme of health education spanning all four key stages. Drug education programmes need to be flexible and responsive to changing trends in drug misuse. Drugs education needs to provide a credible and consistent message. Saying "No" to drug misuse is the healthiest thing to do, but all pupils need accurate information on which to base informed and responsible choices now, and in later life. Teaching about drug misuse is unlikely to have a lasting effect if the lesson is given in isolation or as a one-off response to a drug-related incident in the school. Drug education requires sensitive teaching matched to the particular needs and concerns of pupils in the class. Drug education should give pupils the facts and emphasise the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Drug-related incidents should be managed swiftly and sensitively. Pupils involved in drug-related incidents should be helped by support within the pastoral system, and where appropriate, by outside agencies.
ORGANISATION OF SCHOOL'S DRUG EDUCATION
Drug education is taught by form tutors as part of the PHASES curriculum at Pen Y Dre (see Appendix A below). These lessons provide opportunities for pupils to discuss approaches to a more positive lifestyle with the emphasis being placed on the personal responsibility of the individual in decision making and healthy choices. Such lessons involve attitude clarification, cultivating personal and social skills, enhancing self-esteem, acquiring relevant information and developing awareness of social influences and pressures. The PHASES programme includes opportunities for the use of videos, extended writing, class and group discussions, role play activities and many other learning activities. Drug education is planned to demonstrate progression as well as being revisited in different years as part of a spiral curriculum. Elements of drug education also appear in other areas of the curriculum. Science makes a major contribution to health education and has explicit references to drug education in the National Curriculum programmes of study both at key stages 3 and 4. Other subject areas, however, are also able to consider particular dimensions such as coping skills and self-esteem, e.g. English, Drama, Media Studies and Art via extended writing, discussions, advertising, drama, and role play situations etc. Such references will serve to reinforce other teaching about drugs and drug misuse. Consequently, the teaching of drug education involves many members of staff offering between them a broad and balanced approach to drug education.
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Children with Special Educational Needs are entitled to the same opportunity as others to benefit from drug education. Specific help to understand what sorts of behaviour are acceptable and desirable may be needed as well as particular help in resisting negative peer group pressure, and in developing the confidence and skills to resist drugs. Where pupils are taking prescribed medication it is essential to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate drugs.
TRAINING
An investment in training is vital. All teaching staff received training from ESIS, the South Wales Police Drug Squad and Drugaid in December 1997. It is also important that other staff, including non-teaching staff, receive information and/or training in the recognition of illegal drugs, equipment used in drug abuse and possible signs and symptoms of pupils' drug abuse. Each teacher has been given a copy of the Merthyr Tydfil Crime Prevention Partnership's 'Drugs Information Booklet' and copies are also available in the School Office, Staff Room, Canteen and Caretaker's Office.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
The school prospectus should contain reference to the drug policy. At induction meetings, parents should be made aware of the drugs policy and informed of the school's procedures for dealing with incidents of drug abuse. Copies of the policy will be available to all parents on request.
RECORDS
A 'Cause for Concern' register will be kept by one of the Deputy Headteachers for incidents where drug abuse cannot be confirmed. This register will be kept in a secure place and will record the details of the drug related incident and what action, if any, is taken. If there is further cause for concern and a pupil's name appears in the register again the Deputy Headteacher will contact the parents of the pupil concerned. Where appropriate outside agencies such as DrugAid should be involved. The issue of substance abuse is sensitive and emotive both for pupils and parents. Members of staff must show the utmost caution in their conversation with pupils under suspicion and must inform Senior Staff at the earliest possible opportunity.
OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Any involvement of outside agencies such as 'DrugAid', the local Health Promotion Officer, Police/Schools Liaison Officer etc. must contribute to a properly planned teaching programme and not be a substitute for it. Consequently, they must be provided with a copy of the policy prior to their visit and their contribution should complement the rest of the programme and the tone and substance match the age and maturity of the pupils involved. Teachers will always be present to deal with discipline problems and any follow up questions or concerns. The PHASES Co-ordinator must be consulted before any outside agencies are invited to contribute to the PHASES programme.
PROCEDURES
Where there are problems with a pupil's work or discipline, they will be subject to the normal pastoral procedures. If the school feels that these problems may be related to the use of drugs, they may seek advice on such symptoms from Drugaid or other outside agencies. It is the policy of the school to confront behavioural difficulties or changes, or work problems or particular incidents through Positive Discipline or the pastoral system. this should remain the norm. During informal interviews with pupils, which can include parents, reasons for the particular difficulty may be discussed. At this stage the use of drugs may be queried as a possible contributory factor. Rumours or unsubstantiated allegations may be shared with pupils and parents at this stage. Parents who express concern about drugs, and who need confidential advice may be referred to Drugaid.
THE POLICE
There is no legal obligation for schools or individuals to inform the police about situations in which legal or illegal drugs are being consumed or sold. However, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is an offence "for the occupier or someone concerned in the management of premises knowingly to permit or suffer the smoking, supplying, attempting to supply or offering to supply, of controlled drugs to take place on those premises". It is important for us to uphold the law, and to co-operate with the police when necessary. It is recommended that where there is strong evidence of dealing that the police be involved.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Care must be taken when handling any substance suspected of being a drug. If possible disposable gloves should be worn. If these are not available, care should be taken to wash hands immediately after handling. Needles and syringes should be handled with great care to avoid needle-stick injuries. Consideration should be given to having a sharps disposal box ( a box specifically designed for the disposal of needles and syringes) on the premises. For further information on safe disposal contact the police or Drugaid. In the event of a needle-stick injury, medical attention should be sought immediately.
CONFISCATION
Where a member of staff confiscates a substance which is believed to be a drug, every attempt must be made at the earliest opportunity to obtain an adult witness to confirm that the substance has been placed in a secure place. This information should be recorded and countersigned. The substance should be held until a decision has been made as to the appropriate course of action. If a pupil has to be taken to hospital, the remains of any substance in tablet form that he/she may have used should be sent with the accompanying member of staff or ambulance personnel
DISPOSAL
Substances believed to be illegal: If a decision is made to involve the police the substance should be handed over to them and the records signed by the receiving officer. If the police are not going to be involved, the substance may be taken to any police station for disposal. The records should be taken to the police station and signed by the receiving officer. Alternatively, specialist agencies may be prepared to take responsibility for disposal. The same precautions with regard to record keeping should be taken. Substances believed to be legal: Where it is proven that it is legal for the pupil to possess the substance which has been confiscated, the following should be considered when deciding the best method of disposal. Does the substance belong to the pupil? Is the substance a medication which the pupil needs? Is there evidence that the substance has been misused? Having considered the above points it may be more prudent to return the substance to the parent/guardian rather than the pupil.
SUBSTANCES OF CONCERN
There are a number of substances, both legal and illegal which young people commonly misuse or abuse. These include: Tobacco - Illegal to sell to under 16s Alcohol - Illegal to sell to under 18s Cannabis - Class B (Misuse of Drug Act 1971) Solvents - Illegal to sell to under 18s Tranquillisers - Prescription only L.S.D. - Class A Magic Mushrooms - Class A. Illegal if processed. Ecstasy - Class A Amphetamines - Class A if injected - Otherwise Class B Heroin/Cocaine/Crack - Class A Steroids - Class C (Supply) Other substances - Prescription or Counter e.g. Inhalers, pills, tabletsetc. Trends are continually changing. Up to date information can be obtained from the Police or Drugaid.
HEALTH & SAFETY OF STUDENTS
In cases of acute intoxication, physical collapse or unconsciousness from drug and/or alcohol use, staff will automatically contact the school office for assistance from one of the Senior Management Team and the School Nurse. The emergency services should be contacted at the earliest opportunity. Parents should also be contacted.
DEALING WITH HEARSAY
Teachers should not ignore information about a young person's use of drugs, even if it turns out to be untrue. We should use professional judgement to evaluate the rumour and share our concerns with the appropriate Head of Year/Member of the Senior Management Team.
CONFIDENTIALITY
On receipt of information or knowledge about a person's misuse of drugs the teacher must discuss it with either the appropriate Head of Year or a Member of the Senior Management Team to decide upon a course of action. Schools may maintain confidentiality and are not obliged in law to take any action in the following circumstances: a) being told that a young person has used an illegal drug; b) observing possession or use of illegal drugs outside the school day or off the school premises.
CONTACTING PARENTS
Where a student has been identified as having experimented with drugs, parents will be telephoned by the appropriate Head of Year and names of supporting agencies supplied.
CONTACTING THE POLICE
In some individual cases, it may be necessary to liaise with the police and seek their advice and support on the best course of action. Although there is no statutory requirement to inform, it is in the interests of safeguarding the health and safety of our pupils, that any knowledge of criminal activity concerning illegal drugs will be passed on.
DISCIPLINE
The Headteacher has responsibility for deciding how to respond to particular incidents and will take into consideration such factors as the age of the pupil concerned, whether the incident involved one pupil or a group of pupils or whether there is evidence of particular peer group pressure. The fact that certain behaviour may constitute a violation of criminal law does not in itself lead to automatic exclusion of the pupil.
DEALING WITH THE MEDIA
Staff will not report any incidents and/or issues concerning drug and alcohol misuse to the local press and media generally. The Headteacher, in consultation with the LEA and Governors will deal with it personally.
MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
Parents/Guardians of any pupil on prescribed medication must supply the school with written information on usage and dosage.
MONITORING & EVALUATION
This policy, the procedures and curriculum will be monitored and periodically reviewed in order to ensure currency and effectiveness.
WARNING SIGNS (Adapted from Liverpool Education Authority & TACADE materials)
Early detection of drug misuse is extremely important. If a young person's drug misuse is identified at an early stage, it is easier for action to be taken to prevent his or her further misuse of drugs. Therefore, teachers need to be vigilant, particularly when they are in charge of activities which take groups of young people away from school premises. Research has shown that first experiments with drugs by young people almost always involve a substance provided by a friend. The signs in individuals listed below are not conclusive proof of drug or solvent misuse - many of them are a normal part of adolescence, but the presence of several signs together may point to a need for greater vigilance.
WARNING SIGNS IN INDIVIDUALS (Adapted from Liverpool Education Authority & TACADE materials)
Changes in attendance and being unwilling to take part in school activities Decline of performance in school work Unusual outbreaks of temper, marked mood swings, restlessness or irritability Reports from parents that more time is being spent away from home, possibly with new friends or with friends in older age groups Excessive spending or borrowing of money Stealing money or goods Excessive tiredness without obvious cause No interest in personal appearance Sores or rashes, especially on the mouth or nose Lack of appetite Heavy use of scents, colognes etc. to disguise the smell of drugs Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate time (to hide dilated or constricted pupils)
WARNING SIGNS IN GROUPS (Adapted from Liverpool Education Authority & TACADE materials)
Regular absence on certain days (e.g. when benefits are paid) Keeping at a distance from other pupils, away from supervision (e.g. groups who frequently gather near the school gate or behind the sports hall) Being the subject of rumours about drug taking Talking to strangers on or near the premises Stealing which appears to be the work of several individuals rather than one person (perhaps to shoplift solvents) Use of drug takers slang Exchanging money or other objects in unusual circumstances Associating briefly with one person who is much older and not normally part of the peer group
OBJECTS THAT MAY INDICATE DRUG MISUSE (Adapted from Liverpool Education Authority & TACADE materials)
Foil containers or cup shapes made from silver foil, perhaps discoloured by heating Metal tins Spoons discoloured by heating Pill boxes Plastic, cellophane or metal foil wrappers Small plastic or glass phials or bottles Twists of paper Straws Sugar lumps Syringes and needles Cigarette papers and lighters Spent matches Plastic bags or butane gas containers (solvent abuse) Cardboard or other tubes (heroin) Stamps, stickers, transfers or similar items Shredded cigarettes, home rolled cigarettes and pipes (cannabis) Paper (about 2" square) folded to form an envelope (heroin)
THE LEGAL POSITION FOR STAFF
1. Whilst pupils are at school, the school's teachers are regarded as being in loco parentis. This means: that the school's Headteacher and other teaching staff have a duty to act as prudent and careful parents at all times. This duty applies to all pupils entrusted to their care in accordance with the pupil's needs; that the parent delegates to the teacher "all his own authority, so far as it is necessary for the welfare of the child". 2. Where a teacher suspects that a pupil or pupils in his/her care may be misusing drugs or alcohol, the teacher's primary responsibility must be for the health, safety and welfare of the pupils, including the protection of those pupils who may not be involved in the abuse. 3. Although the teacher is in loco parentis, it is important to inform and involve a pupil's parents as soon as it is clear that their son or daughter may be involved in abuse. 4. In view of the authority given to teachers by the concept of in loco parentis, it is reasonable for them to conduct an initial investigation into any suspected case of drug or alcohol abuse. This would extend to interviewing those pupils who are suspected of being involved. However, it is not the function of teachers to conduct an investigation into possible criminal activity. Therefore, it is important to involve the police and/or the pupil's parents as soon as any misuse is established. 5. Most of the legal case law concerning the issue of the rights and duties attached to the concept of in loco parentis dates from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is not very helpful therefore in clarifying the precise legal rights associated with the investigation of suspected drug and/or alcohol abuse. However given the seriousness of this matter and the potential risk to the health and safety of pupils, it is probably reasonable for a teacher when interviewing a pupil to ask that pupil to make his/her bags available for inspection. The teacher must be careful to ensure that there is no opportunity for allegations of assault or improper conduct to arise, and therefore a witness should be in attendance at any interview. 6. A distinction must be drawn between incidents that are suspected to have taken place on school premises and during the school day and those that may have occurred off the premises outside school hours. Generally speaking, if the incidents take place at a time when the pupil is outside the school's jurisdiction, it is inappropriate for the school to investigate the matter. In that situation, the pupil's parent should be informed of the school's suspicions and, if appropriate, the police should be notified.

APPENDIX A
Drug Education @ Pen Y Dre
Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11
Smoking	Alcohol	Drugs: "What are drugs?" "Under Pressure" "You Choose"	Drugs - Facts, Historical background, The legal situation, Terminology, The media, Society, Science, Messages	Using your time effectively Relationships Drugs and sexual behaviour
Drug Education is an integral part of the PHASES programme at Pen Y Dre. Every class in years 7 to 11 has one, 50 minute, lesson of PHASES each week - taught by their form tutor. See the Vocational Education & Business Faculty Handbook and PHASES files for further details.

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