At Padworth Collage we take health education very seriously and are keen to ensure that the school is a drug free environment where students can learn in safety.
Under the Misuses of Drugs Act 1971, it is generally illegal to possess or supply a drug covered by the Act, unless authorised (e.g. possessing drugs prescribed for personal medical use). Solvents are dangerous substances as well. Under the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1965, it is illegal for anyone to supply or offer to supply a substance if they know or believe that the substance being supplied will be inhaled by a person under 18 for the purpose of intoxication. Paradoxically it is not actually an offence to inhale solvents for the purpose of intoxication. However, the police are normally able to deal with such persons under public order provisions.
Aims:
- to ensure that Padworth College is free from illegal drugs (and solvents)
- to educate students on the effects of drugs (and solvents) on the mind and body
- to provide opportunities for students to practise the personal and social skills and the strategies needed to deal with situations involving drugs
- to promote the individual’s self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth
- to explain the legal situation with regard to the use and misuse of drugs
- to enable young people to identify sources of appropriate personal support
Padworth operates a zero tolerance policy regarding substance abuse, with immediate expulsion for any offence.
In addition, where it has been brought to the attention of the Principal that a student has been formally cautioned by the police for the possession of an illegal drug, the College reserves the right to exclude him/her.
In order to maintain a safe environment at the College, we reserve the right to conduct random drugs testing. With this in mind, a student may be asked to provide a urine sample under medical supervision. A refusal to take a test will be treated as a serious breach of discipline.
From time to time, the College may also call upon the Community Police Officer to talk to students or carry out random searches of the College premises. The topic of drug abuse is also covered in PSHE and Biology lessons, as appropriate.
Tobacco:
Smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death and ill-health in our society. Whilst we allow College students over 16 to smoke in a designated area of the grounds, (with parental permission if they are under 18) , nevertheless, the College policy on smoking aims to give pupils the message that the habit creates health problems for smokers and non-smokers alike, that non-smoking represents the norm in society (although we recognise that in some of the cultures from which our students come, this is not always the case)and that it receives support from the College and staff. The Children and Young Person Act (Protection from Tobacco) makes it an offence for children and young people of 16 and under to be sold tobacco. Paradoxically, it is not an offence for children under 16 to possess it.
Aims:
- to educate students as to the immediate dangers of smoking
- to encourage those students who do smoke to break free from the habit
Under age students or those without parental permission found smoking or in possession of cigarettes or tobacco can expect their parents to be informed and an appropriate punishment administered (see punishment sheet). Subsequent offences may result in suspension.
Alcohol:
The Licencing Act of 1964 makes it generally illegal for alcohol to be sold to anyone under the age of 18, or for a person under 18 to buy alcohol.
Aims:
- to develop knowledge and understanding about alcohol as a drug and its effects on the body
- to encourage sensible, appropriate and safe drinking behaviour
- to practise personal and social skills and the strategies needed to deal with situations where alcohol is present
- to educate the pupils as to the place of alcohol in the political, social and economic environment in which it exists.
Drinking, or being in possession of alcohol is prohibited:
- in College buildings or grounds (exception formal occasions for 18+, sanctioned by the Principal)
- when under the authority of the College, in public houses and other licenced premises and whenever prohibited by law
- whilst on school outings and trips (exception formal occasions for !8+ sanctioned by the Principal)
Students found in possession of alcohol or using it, can expect to be suspended.
Educational programme:
The school has a pro-active policy concerning the use of illegal drugs and substances, alcohol and tobacco. This is expressed in assemblies, Tutor periods, science lessons and Religious, Personal and Social Education lessons.
Possession of an illegal drug
If any student is found in possession of a suspicious substance, it will be taken from him/her. The substance will then be taken immediately to the Principal or in her absence, a member of the Senior Leadership Team. In the latter case, the Principal will be informed straightaway. The student will then be interviewed by the Principal. The police will be consulted concerning the nature of the substance. If it is an illegal drug, the student will be isolated immediately and his/her parents/guardians contacted. The Principal will speak with them and the student will be expelled. The illegal drug will be handed over to the police who may prosecute the student.
Drug Testing
Where there is concern about a student regarding the misuse of drugs, the College Nurse would consult Dr Miller of Mortimer Surgery for any relevant testing.
September 2011