Drugs Policy
| Drugs Policy |
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Table of contents Return to Index Rationale Aims Parental involvement Drugs Education Programme: Equal Opportunities Organisation Drugs in school Monitoring Other relevant policies |
| Rationale |
| A drug is a substance that changes the way the body works. Children and young people are influenced by information and images about drugs from a variety of sources in the home, through the media and popular music and by mixing with others who have knowledge of or use drugs. In response to our shared concerns at a local and national level, we at Kinson Primary School believe that we have a duty to inform and educate young people on the consequence of drug use and misuse as part of our care for the welfare of our pupils |
| Aims |
| 1 To provide a whole school approach to drug education. 2 To enable children to make healthy informed choices, by increasing knowledge, challenging attitudes, developing skills of self-responsibility, promoting self-awareness and raising pupil self esteem. 3 Provide accurate information on drugs (specifically as role of medicines) with emphasis on school rules relating to medicines. 4 To raise awareness about the implications of drug use and its effects. 5 To give information about support services. 6 To create a climate where children feel comfortable to discuss concerns or worries. 7 To enhance pupils' decision making skills in relation to their own actions both now and in the future. |
| TOP |
| Parental involvement |
| This drugs education programme is seen as a partnership between home & school. On a regular basis, parents are invited to view the Life Education Unit & discuss the programme. |
| Drugs Education Programme: |
| Foundation and Key Stage 1 By the end of these stages pupils will have been provided with opportunities to consider that medicines are drugs and that all drugs are potentially harmful, unless we use them properly. Key Stage 2 By the end of this stage, pupils will have been provided with opportunities to consider that medicines, tobacco, alcohol, solvents and other drugs can have harmful effects. |
| Equal Opportunities |
| The school is committed to working towards equality for all aspects of the curriculum. Our aim is to offer drugs education to all our children ensuring that it is relevant and accessible. |
| TOP |
| Organisation |
| The whole school approach is reflected in the variety of ways it is delivered: - As part of topics - Through science, literacy, drama and circle time - Life education unit - As part of visits/visitors - Supporting national campaigns and initiatives. A variety of teaching strategies are used to reflect the needs of the children towards the use of medicines and drugs. Resources include Health for Life, Tacade, Life Education support materials + others. |
| Drugs in school |
| Prescription drugs will be kept in school by qualified staff and school procedures relating to medicines must be followed. See Appendix 2 + Staff Handbook The following is our procedure for dealing with pupils found in possession of unauthorised drugs on school premises: - Any pupils found carrying drugs or substances on school premises will have the items confiscated immediately. - Parents will be informed. - If a pupil is suspected of using illegal drugs, the school will consider each incident individually and recognises that a variety of responses will be necessary to deal with each one. The school consider very carefully the implication of any action it may take, seeks to balance the interests of the pupil involved, the other school members and the local community. - Permanent exclusion is seen as the last resort as it may only transfer the problem. - If a teacher is aware or knows of any possible criminal activity outside school premises, including information about the supply of illegal drugs, or has evidence that pupils are obtaining alcohol or solvents in contravention of the law, the headteacher must be informed and the police notified. |
| TOP |
| Monitoring |
| The effectiveness of the school's approach to drugs education will be monitored and assessed to include feedback from staff, pupils and parents. Evidence will be gathered from planning, work samples & discussions. |
| Other relevant policies |
| Health and Safety PSHE Science No Smoking Equal opportunities Coordinator: S.M. Chivers Agreed with staff and revisions made: Spring Term 2004 Approved by Governing Body: November 2004 Signed by Vice Chair of Governors 18/11/04 R.J. Keniston |
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