- 1 - Isham CEVA Primary School. Drugs Policy. The definition of a drug given by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is:

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1 - 1 - Isham CEVA Primary School Drugs Policy The definition of a drug given by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is: A substance people take to change the way they feel, think or behave The term drugs and drug education, unless otherwise stated, is used throughout this document to refer to all drugs: all illegal drugs (those controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) all legal drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, volatile substances (those giving off a gas or a vapour which can be inhaled), ketamine, khat and alkyl nitrites (known as poppers) all over the counter and prescription medicines Principles Drug misuse is a major threat to individuals, families and the wider community. It is an educational issue. At Isham CEVA Primary School we have recognised our responsibility to respond to substance misuse and we aim to work in partnership with health and social services, the police and other agencies. Although relatively few children of compulsory school age are actively involved in experimenting with illegal drugs, pupils are likely to be exposed to the effects and influences of drug misuse in the wider community. As a school we cannot alone solve the problem of substance abuse in society, but through a carefully planned and effective programme, we aim to take an important step towards tackling it. Young people are influenced by their parents, youth culture, the media, their peers, and others. As a school we can play a key role in ensuring that our pupils know the risks of drug taking and have the knowledge and skills to resist. Research indicates that children are sometimes muddled in their thinking or have their facts wrong. They make sense of new knowledge by using what they already know and filling in the gaps by drawing on previous experiences that appear to relate. This can give a totally false picture. Rather than giving children ideas, the drug education programme will provide opportunities for teachers to explore what the children already know, straighten out muddled thinking and correct false knowledge and beliefs. It will also offer the opportunity to develop the skills and attitudes that will be required to avoid drug misuse and live positive, healthy lives. It would be wrong to think of substance misuse as primarily an issue for schools in urban deprived areas or as an issue for secondary schools only. Pupils within the primary sector already display some knowledge of misuse and therefore we strongly believe that information and skills to resist are best first provided before exposure and experimentation are likely. The drug education programme at Isham CEVA Primary School is based upon the following principles:

2 - 2 - the need to start prevention programmes from a young age the child-centred approach which sees children as unique individuals the importance of school, home and community working as partners in prevention an approach exploring attitudes and behaviour as well as knowledge the development of personal and social skills, such as refusal and decision making skills the need to empower children to take increasing responsibility for themselves and their actions the importance of helping children to value themselves and others and to learn to help and support each other the need to emphasise active learning and group work the need for health promotion and child protection programmes in school the importance of a flexible programme complementing the personal, social and health curriculum provision. This policy not only focuses on illegal drugs but also deals with tobacco, medicines, alcohol, volatile substances and other substances whose use or misuse may have a harmful effect on the body. A clear distinction will be maintained between illegal drugs and others with the main aim being to equip our pupils to be better able to resist peer pressure. The drug policy was formed through consultation between staff, governors and outside agencies. A copy of the policy will be available for parental perusal and additional copies will be made available upon request. Purpose The purpose of the Isham CEVA Primary School drug policy is to: clarify the legal requirements and responsibilities of the school reinforce and safeguard the health and safety of pupils and others who use the school clarify our approach to drugs for all staff, pupils, governors, parents/carers, external agencies and the wider community enable staff to manage drugs on school premises, and any incidents that occur, with confidence and consistency, and in the best interests of those involved ensure that the response to incidents involving drugs complements the overall approach to drug education and the values and ethos of our school provide a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the drug education programme and the management of incidents involving illegal and other unauthorised drugs reinforce the role of our school in contributing to local and national strategies This policy reflects our whole school Christian ethos and the whole school approach to health. Aims At Isham CEVA Primary School we aim to: enable children to develop skills, attitudes, values and knowledge that will enable them to reject drug use enable children to develop their own personal values, beliefs, character and behaviour

3 - 3 - prepare our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life address knowledge and understanding about substance misuse help our pupils to approach problems rationally extend opportunities to explore and practise the skills of rational decision making provide quality of service through on-going staff, parent and governor training and development maintain the excellent relationships that exist between school, parents and outside agencies show our care for our children by providing good role models on which worthwhile adult and peer group relationships can be based Objectives to minimise the number of young people who ever engage in substance misuse to increase knowledge of personal, social and health issues relating to prescribed and illegal drugs to encourage more able children to reach their full potential through access to suitable materials and support groups Responsibilities The Headteacher has overall responsibility for the policy and its implementation, for liaison with the Governing Body, parents, the local community, LA and appropriate outside agencies. Also, for the appointment of a Personal, Social & Health Education Subject Leader who has general responsibility for handling the daily implementation of this policy. The Headteacher will ensure that all staff dealing with substance issues are adequately supported and trained. The Governing Body has a vital role to play in tackling drugs because of their key responsibilities for: agreeing all school policies maintaining good discipline agreeing the broad aims of the curriculum deciding which curriculum elements are going to be delivered over and above the requirements of the National Curriculum Science Order treating the staff fairly ensuring that everyone in the school community works in a healthy and safe environment The PSHE Subject Leader working closely with fellow teachers has responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the school s drug policy. They are responsible for: initiating and taking responsibility for the overall development of the drug education policy working with colleagues, governors and others liaising with parents attending training in relation to drug education

4 - 4 - contributing to the in-service training of staff liaising with external agencies including police, health, medical and social services and voluntary bodies All teaching and non-teaching staff will be involved in the development of the drug policy and be fully aware of the school s procedures. Morals and Values Framework Isham CEVA Primary School condones neither the misuse of drugs, alcohol, solvents, poppers nor any other substance by members of the school, nor the illegal supply of these substances Isham CEVA Primary School is committed to the health and safety of its members and will take action to safeguard their well-being Isham CEVA Primary School acknowledges the importance of its pastoral role in the welfare of young people, and through the general ethos of the school, will seek to persuade pupils in need of support to come forward. In response to our shared concerns at a local and national level, we wish to state that as part of its care for the welfare of its pupils, the school believes it has a duty to inform and educate young people on the consequences of substance use and misuse. The school takes a pro-active stance on this matter, believing that health education is a vital part of the Personal and Social Education of every pupil. Drug Education at Isham CEVA Primary School Drug Education will be provided in the broader context of the teaching of Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship as part of the pupil s life skills and preparation for adulthood. the curriculum will be delivered in a clear and honest manner that informs without encouraging substance misuse lessons will encourage active pupil participation backed up with adequate teacher supervision drug education will be provided at regular intervals throughout the school so as to maximise its effectiveness drug education will be provided by teachers and other professionals with specific training in the requirements of drug education and issues relating to substance misuse the drug education programme will be backed up with access to advice or help for pupils with problems or concerns Equality Schools have a responsibility to provide all pupils with accurate information about health matters including drug education. Drug education requires sensitive teaching matched to the particular needs and concerns of all pupils in the class. Consideration will be given on an individual basis to pupils with special educational needs. Children with learning difficulties may need more help than others in understanding what sorts of

5 - 5 - behaviour are and are not acceptable and desirable, in resisting peer group pressures and in developing the confidence and skills to resist drugs. Please also refer to our Equal Opportunities policy Organisation At Isham CEVA Primary School drug education will be provided within the planned PSHE Curriculum and within the Science teaching programme. To single out drug education for separate treatment may risk glamorising the subject or losing opportunities to reinforce wider messages about healthy lifestyles. The essential aim of our programme will be to give pupils the facts, emphasise the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and give young people the knowledge and skills to make informed and responsible choices now and in later life. Accurate information will be given to pupils on which they can base their decisions. This will include information about the law on substance misuse; the physiological and psychological effects of drugs; implications for the individual, the family and wider society. Pupils will be encouraged to reject drugs because they believe that to be the right thing to do not just because they have been taught to say no. Skills will be given to help them resist pressure to experiment with drugs and positive attitudes will be encouraged towards living healthy lives that will be strong enough to influence their behaviour. Alongside direct teaching, audio-visual materials, role-playing and group discussion will be used. Confidentiality The school will ensure that pupils and parents are aware of the policy for confidentiality. Pupils will be told: that their best interests will be maintained to talk to their parents or carers and give them support to do so that teachers cannot offer unconditional confidentiality that if confidentiality has to be broken, they will be informed first and then supported as appropriate of sources of confidential help; and of the need for the use of ground rules in lessons If through discussion or disclosure there is any possibility of abuse, staff will follow the school's child protection procedure. Specific Issues Statement In the event of an incident of use or misuse of illegal substances on school premises such as possession of an illegal drug, individual use and selling or sharing substances with other pupils, the following action will be taken appropriate to the incident: Ø Full investigation of incident. Discussion between staff members who know the pupil well. Ø The child will be interviewed in the presence of a parent or carer and this will be carried out on a need to know basis to ensure confidentiality. Members of staff have no right to undertake a physical search. This will only be undertaken with the consent of the parent or carer and in their presence.

6 - 6 - Ø Support using school s own pastoral arrangements (class teacher, PSHE Subject Leader, Headteacher). Ø Temporary possession of suspected substances by Headteacher. Ø Direct contact with parents by Headteacher. Verbal notification followed by consultation meeting (written report to be kept). Ø Inform police. Hand over of substance to police. Ø Inform Chair of Governors and Senior Education Officer. Ø Application of appropriate sanction in accordance with behaviour policy. It will not necessarily be appropriate to issue a fixed term or permanent exclusion as a sanction. These may be necessary as a final sanction when all other reasonable steps have been taken or in the case of persistent misuse. Permanent exclusion is seen as a last resort as it may only transfer the problem. Ø Enabling access to appropriate professional support and advice from health and social services, including early intervention services. The Headteacher will be responsible for liaison with the media. As the issue of substance misuse is an emotive one and is likely to generate interest from the local and national media, the school will take appropriate advice and guidance from the LEA Press Officer and Legal Department. Links with other Agencies Police Based at: Health Service Based at: Social Services EWO Based at: Health Promotion Kettering Police Station London Road, Kettering Tel: St. Mary s Hospital London Road, Kettering. Tel: Chesham House, Lower Street, Kettering, Tel: William Knibb Centre, Montagu Street, Kettering. Tel: Northamptonshire Health Authority Highfield Cliftonville Road, Northampton NN1 5DN Tel: For information, resources, advice

7 Solve It Advice and counselling on solvent misuse and solvent education. Also as a speaker for parents meetings or to lead class work. Barbara Skinner: The Hollies 225 Barton Road Barton Seagrave Other Support Services The Council on Addiction (CAN) Connaughty Youth Centre, Corby Addictions Service Huxlow House, St. Mary s Hospital Outside agencies will be used to assist with the delivery of the drug education programme. Local Police and staff from Solve It will be involved in specific lessons according to the scheme of work and will also address issues on a need to know basis through individual class visits or through assemblies. The school nurse will input to the curriculum according to need and in line with her job specification. Advice will be sought from Health Education and where possible members of the school team will be invited to give input to lessons. The Life Education Bus visits once per year and all children and teachers use this to support our drug programme. Working With Parents Fundamental to our school s values and practice is the principle of sharing the responsibility for education of young people with parents, by keeping them informed and involved at all times. Effective communication and co-operation are essential to the successful implementation of this policy. Personal, social and health education and the promotion of the protection of children will be most effective when home and school support each other in close partnership. Isham CEVA Primary School in liaison with police, health service and appropriate agencies will, through parents meetings explain the school s approach to drug education. At these meetings parents will be able to view the school policy and teaching materials and meet any outside professionals. Such meetings will also contribute to the public education of the wider community on the facts about drug misuse, helping parents to recognise the signs of drug misuse and to know where to turn for specialist help and advice. These meetings are held in the Summer term and are combined with a Sex and Relationship education evening. Please refer to Sex Ed policy Monitoring and Evaluation The Headteacher and Governors will carry out the monitoring of this policy and its effectiveness though scrutiny of the number of reported incidents. The number of reported incidents of substance misuse will judge the success of the policy. Drug education teaching is monitored by the PSHE Subject Leader in line with the school policy on monitoring and evaluation. Staff development needs are identified through appraisal and by means of staff discussion with the staff development co-ordinator. There will be an annual review of

8 - 8 - this policy by the PSHE Subject Leader. Should there be any changes then the policy will be reviewed by all staff and governors. In addition to this, the policy and procedures will be reviewed formally every two years by the Governing body.

9 - 9 - WARNING SIGNS 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 school staff need to be vigilant. The signs listed below may indicate that individuals or groups are misusing drugs. Their presence alone is not conclusive proof of drug or solvent misuse, but the presence of several signs together may point to a need for greater vigilance. Warning Signs in Individuals Warning Signs in Groups Objects that may indicate Drug Misuse changes in attendance and being unwilling to take part in school activities decline in performance in school work unusual outbreaks of temper, marked swings of mood, 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 physical appearance sores or rashes especially on the mouth or nose lack of appetite heavy use of scents to disguise the smell of drugs wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times (to hide dilated or constricted pupils) regular absence on certain days keeping at a distance from other pupils, away from supervision points being the subject of rumour 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 use of drugtakers 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 foil containers or cup shapes made from silver foil, perhaps discoloured by heat metal tins spoons discoloured by heat pill boxes plastic, cellophane or metal foil wrappers twists of paper straws small plastic or glass phials or bottles sugar lumps syringes and needles cigarette papers and lighters spent matches plastic bags or butane gas containers cardboard or other tubes stamps, stickers, transfers or similar items shredded cigarettes, home-rolled cigarettes and pipes paper (about 2 square) folded to form an envelope