Drugs Policy
Philosophy
Definition
Drugs Co-ordinator
Drugs Education
Safety
Prescribed Drugs and Medicines
Management of Drug-Related Incidents
Philosophy
At Warren we believe that we share with parents/carers the responsibility for ensuring that children develop knowledge, skills and understanding to be able to make informed choices about drug use and misuse in order to lead a healthy lifestyle and achieve their full potential.We believe that children have the right to a safe and healthy environment.
Smoking, use or possession of illegal or dangerous substances is not allowed in any part of the school premises. Exceptions will be scientific or cleaning materials, which will be used according to the Health & Safety Policy. Consumption of alcohol on school premises is only allowed with the express permission of the Headteacher.
This policy applies to school trips and residential activities arranged by the school. Back to top
Definition
A drug is a substance that alters the way the mind or body works; this may be physically, mentally or emotionally. This includes tobacco, alcohol, prescribed, over the counter and illegal drugs. Back to topDrugs Co-ordinator
The school drugs co-ordinator will disseminate the drug policy to the school community and publicise it to all parties affected by it. They will ensure staff are appropriately trained in procedures and recognition of drug use. They will maintain an up-to-date knowledge of drugs and legislation. Back to topDrugs Education
At Warren, drugs education will be taught according to the National Curriculum Science and as part of the Personal, Social & Health Education programme. Regardless of personal life choices, teachers will promote a responsible attitude to the role of drugs.In the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, pupils learn to identify common harmful substances. They understand why some people need medicine, and are taught basic safety rules for medicines. Alcohol and tobacco are discussed, and the children learn their general effects on the body and behaviour. They are encouraged to develop their own attitudes towards the use of alcohol and cigarettes. In Year 2, they identify situations where risky substances are available, and how to ask for advice and say 'no'.
In lower Key Stage 2, pupils learn about different types of medicines and legal drugs (including alcohol and tobacco). They learn about their form, effects and associated risks. They begin to develop attitudes and beliefs about legal recreational drugs and people who might use or misuse them and why. They express their opinions about the media and the advertising of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs. They learn about the dangers of discarded syringes and needles. In upper Key Stage 2, pupils learn about the effects, risks and consequences of illegal drugs. They learn about the law relating to the use of these substances, and begin to develop their own attitudes towards illegal drug use. They recognise influences from friends, the media and other sources and how to deal with these. They consider their own reactions to risk and recognise how to be assertive in decision making. They know where to check information and advice. Back to top
Safety
The Site Manager will check the grounds weekly for signs of debris from dangerous substances. If necessary, items will be removed in accordance with the Health & Safety Policy. The Site Manager, a member of the Senior Management Team and the Drugs Co-ordinator will be trained to deal with discarded injection equipment. Whenever a sharps scoop has been used for an incident, it will be disposed of appropriately and steps to replace it will be taken immediately. Back to topPrescribed Drugs and Medicines
The school must be informed in writing of any medicines a child may need during the school day or on school premises. Prescribed medicines will be issued daily at 12.00pm in the medical room by a named person or deputy.If children need medicines at other times parents/carers will be able to come to the school to administer the required doses.
If a child requires emergency chronic treatment, this will be kept in a safe place in the classroom in accordance with the Health & Safety Policy. Staff will have details of all the children who may require emergency treatment and the procedures to take. Details of these children will be displayed in the medical room and staff room.
Asthma
Asthma pumps will be kept in the class teacher's cupboard. All pumps should be labelled with the name of the child. All staff will be informed of the action to take in the case of an asthma attack. Back to top
Management of Drug-Related Incidents
On discovery of a drug related incident, priority must be given to First Aid or hospital treatment to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.If a child is found to be in possession of drugs or suspicious items, these items should be locked in the school safe and the time and details should be logged. This should be witnessed by another member of the staff. Parents will be informed immediately. The support of outside agencies will be sought if appropriate and any substances handed over to relevant authorities or destroyed as soon as possible. The Headteacher will keep records of all drug related incidents and these will be reported to Governors. Back to top