DRUGS POLICY Date:      23 May 2013 Prepared by:    Andy Till Ratified by:    Students & Curriculum Committee Review date:    May 2016 

1. General Information Page 1 2. Rationale and Content Page 2 3. Definition of Terms Page 3 4. Aims and Objectives Page 4 5. Equal Opportunities Page 5 6. West Exe Technology College’s Drugs Statement Page 6 7. Drugs Education - Content Page 7 - Aim Page 7 - Objectives Page 7 - Principles and Practice Page 8 8. Managing Drugs Related Incidents - Guidance for staff Page 10 - A summary for staff Page 10 - College Procedures Page 11 9. Summary Page 14 10. Appendices 1. The Law Page 15 2. Drug or Solvent Misuse : Recognising the Signs Page 16 3. Use of Visitors and Outside Agencies Page 18 4. West Exe Technology College – Drug Education Programme Page 19 5. Summary of Guidance on Responding to Drug Related Incidents Page 20 6. Timeline for update of West Exe Technology’s Drugs Policy Page 21

General Information Name of School: West Exe Technology College Background: West Exe Technology College is situated in

Exeter. Of its 1260 students the majority are of White and British origin and around 200 are on the Special Educational Needs Register.

Date of Policy: January 2005 Review Date: May 2013 Member of staff responsible for the Drug Policy: Andrew Till (Acting Deputy Headteacher) Location of the Drug Policy: Staff Handbook Member of staff responsible for Drug Education curriculum planning: Andrew Till (Acting Deputy Headteacher) Member of staff responsible for the Management of Drug-related incidents: Vicki Carah (Headteacher) Signed: _________________________________________________ Headteacher _________________________________________________ Chair of Governors

Rationale and Content

Education has a key role to play in ensuring that young people know the risks of drug taking and have the knowledge and skills to make healthy and informed choices. We alone cannot ‘solve’ the problem of drug misuse in society but an effective programme of drug education and a clear policy on managing drugs related incidents can be an important step in tackling it.

West Exe Technology College accepts its responsibility in challenging drug misuse through drug education and through the management of drugs related incidents on college premises. The college has a commitment to working in partnership with parents/carers, health and social services, the Police and other agencies in challenging drug misuse.

It is important to recognise that drug education is a whole-school issue and that each member of staff has a part to play.

This policy is based on the principle that young people’s welfare is central to the aims of the college and that an educational and positive approach to the issue supports this principle whilst a punitive and propagandist approach has little to offer.

This policy is based on a common sense approach and designed to be easy to understand and follow.

The terms drug, drug misuse etc. in the broader community usually applies to illegal drugs, however, within the college community it also applies to solvents, alcohol and tobacco.

Whilst recognising that it is not a statutory requirement to inform the Police about knowledge of the illegal use/supply of drugs, West Exe Technology College strongly supports the use of the links which exist with the Youth Affairs Officer by informing them of, and involving them in, supporting young people at risk.

This policy has been developed with reference to the following documents:-

- Devon County Council ‘ Creating a Drug Policy for Your School’ – Sept 2003 - Devon County Council ‘Drug Education in Schools’ – Sept 2003 - Devon County Council ‘Management of Drug Related Issues and

Incidents in Schools’ – Sept 2003 - DfES ‘Drugs : Guidance for Schools’ 2004

Definition of Terms The following gives a clear list of categories to help you define the word ‘Drug’:

Drugs which are controlled/illegal substances (for example cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, LSD) under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including those used

improperly which can include sleeping tablets and slimming tablets.

All legal drugs including alcohol, tobacco and solvents.

Drugs which are misused to enhance performance (for example analgesics or steroids)

Drug Use “Drug use is drug taking through which harm may occur, whether through intoxication, breach of college rules or the law, or the possibility of future health problems, although such harm may not be immediately perceptible. Drug use will require interventions such as management, education, advice and information and prevention work to reduce the potential for harm.” Drug Misuse “Drug taking which harms health for functioning. It may take the form of physical or psychological dependence or be part of a wider spectrum of problematic or harmful behaviour. Drug misuse will require a further range of interventions, which may include treatment.” Taken from SCODA 1999 ‘The Right Approach’

Aims and Objectives At West Exe Technology College we are committed to encouraging students to take on responsibility and be involved in decision making. We encourage high moral standards and are concerned with the education of the whole person. The Drug Education policy at West Exe Technology College has the followings aims.

To increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and their effects by providing accurate information

To improve self knowledge, particularly in terms of risk-taking

To promote positive attitudes towards healthy lifestyles; to challenge and

try to modify these when they may lead to behaviour harmful to health

To promote a sense of responsibility towards the use of drugs

To develop social skills such as making informed choices and resisting unhelpful pressures from peers and from advertising

Equal Opportunities West Exe Technology College is committed to a non-discriminatory approach to all issues. The Drugs policy applies equally to all students.

West Exe Technology College’s Drugs Statement Expectations

You must not come into college under the influence of an illegal drug, solvent or alcohol

You must not supply, buy, sell, possess or use illegal drugs, cigarettes, solvents or alcohol in college

Illegal Drugs The college has a legal responsibility to take action over illegal drugs, for example amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD or alkyl nitrates. It will also take action related to substance abuse, including the use of so-called ‘new psychoactive substances’ (NPS) previously known as ‘legal highs’ and similar substances. If students do not follow these expectations: 1. We will inform their parents/carers and the Police 2. Students are very likely to be excluded from college As bringing weapons onto the college site will result in a permanent exclusion, so will being in possession of, supplying of, or attempting to supply, drugs. Encouraging others to take drugs will also lead to permanent exclusion. Solvents, Alcohol and Cigarettes

Solvents can be extremely dangerous Alcohol is also a drug and must not be brought into college. You must not

come into college under the influence of alcohol Cigarettes contain drugs. Smoking is not allowed in or around college

within visible distance from the college entrance. Smoking materials will be confiscated and parents requested to collect these items.

If you are found in possession, under the influence, or using any of these substances parents will be informed and disciplinary action will be taken in line with the College Behaviour Policy.

If you have worries about any drug related issues and you want advice you can talk to your tutor, your Year Leader or any responsible adult

Drugs Education Content The National Curriculum indicates a statutory requirement to cover certain

aspects of drugs education

- Students at Key Stage 1 (5-7 year olds) should be taught about the role of drugs as medicines

- Students at Key Stage 2 (7-11 year olds) should be taught that tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can have harmful effects

- Students at Key Stage 3 (11-14 year olds) should be taught that the abuse of solvents, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs affects health

- Students at Key Stage 4 (14-16 year olds) should be taught the effects of solvents, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs on body functions

At West Exe Technology College the topic is covered in considerably more detail. The current government guidelines are given in Appendix 4.

Aim The specific aims of our programme are to –

- to give students the facts - emphasise the benefits of a healthy lifestyle - to give young people the knowledge and skills to make informed and

responsible choices now and later in life

The broader aims of our programme are to –

- maintain the ethos of the college - uphold the agreed behaviour management policy - reduce situations of risk for the majority - deter future occurrences - meet the needs of any offending student and his or her family

Objectives Knowledge, attitudes and skills

- To provide opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and understanding about the dangers of drug misuse

- To provide opportunities for students to be equipped with the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to avoid the misuse of drugs

- To increase knowledge of social and personal issues relating to drugs

- To help students benefit from their own capacity to contribute to college policies on drug education

Behaviour - To minimise the number of young people who engage in drug misuse - To delay the age of onset of first use for those who do experiment at any time - To minimise the proportion of users who adopt particularly dangerous forms

of misuse - To encourage any students who are misusing drugs or who have concerns

about the misuse of drugs to seek help - To enhance young people’s decision-making skills, generally, using drug

education as a vehicle Context - To deliver the programme in the context of the college as part of the wider

community - To take account of the age and social background of the student at which the

programme is targeted - To include referral routes for appropriate support Principles and Practice - To single out drugs education for separate treatment may risk glamorising

the subject or losing opportunities to reinforce wider messages about healthy lifestyles

- Teaching about illegal drugs is unlikely to have any lasting effect if a lesson is

given in isolation or as a one-off response to a drug-related incident in the school. Teaching approaches which set out to shock or to frighten may actually increase interest and encourage experimentation. It can also increase the need for counselling in those ill-equipped to cope

- Information and skills to resist misusing drugs are best first provided before

exposure and experimentation are likely - All students need accurate information on which to base their decisions about

drug use. This should include information about the law on drug misuse; the physiological and psychological effects of drugs; a realistic account of their attractiveness and their negative implications for the individual, the family and wider society. Drug education should be ‘about’ drugs, not ‘for’ or ‘against’ drugs. As a result students will be better equipped to make healthy informed choices.

- Students need skills to help them resist pressure to experiment with drugs;

especially training in assertiveness techniques and they need positive attitudes towards healthy lifestyles which will be strong enough to influence their behaviour

- A full range of teaching and learning styles should be used in drugs education and appropriate differentiation

Managing Drugs Related Incidents Guidance for Staff 1. The West Exe Technology College’s drug statement makes clear the college’s

stance on drugs and all staff need to be aware of the rules 2. Legislation on tobacco, alcohol and solvents deals only with the sale of these

items to young people, not with their use. The rules and sanctions applying to these are therefore the college’s responsibility

Smoking An Internal Exclusion and detention will be set using

the standard reporting system. Parents/carers will be informed

Alcohol/Solvent Abuse Incidents should be reported immediately to a senior

member of staff. Parents/carers will be contacted and the student may be sent home. Support will be arranged as is thought necessary and appropriate sanctions used

3. The college will promote drugs awareness through the PSE programme,

though obviously, it also has implications for the wider curriculum. We also have to recognise that students involved with drug misuse need support and advice. If you are approached by a student about drugs issues you should be prepared to listen in the first instance. However, you must share this information with a senior member of staff so that appropriate guidance can be offered and you must inform the student that you have to do this and that you can make no promises of confidentiality.

A summary for staff 1. Do not panic 2. Be aware of the facts 3. Assess drug use and situations carefully 4. Know the legal position 5. Listen to students – create a dialogue 6. Be attentive to individual needs 7. Always report the incident to a senior member of staff

College Procedures 1. Illness or Inappropriate Behaviour as a Result of Substance Misuse Teachers should be prepared to deal with a drug-related emergency in the

following ways:

Follow established procedures for First Aid in which the student’s welfare is paramount. Remember the student’s behaviour maybe the result of a medical condition

Call on a trained First Aider if available, or emergency services if absolutely necessary

Make a safe place for the casualty, either in situ, or by moving to a private area. It is important not to crowd or lecture the casualty

Provide constant adult supervision until either parents/carers or medical personnel take responsibility for the student

Remove any substance or equipment which should be taken immediately to a senior member of staff and in his/her presence placed in a tamper-proof bag which must be labelled and subsequently stored securely, or in a “sharps box” in the case of needles

A senior member of staff will coordinate support for the casualty, observe the sealing of any suspicious substance, be responsible for storing it securely in a labelled tamper-proof bag and subsequently reporting details of the incident to the Headteacher, including checking that an accident report form is completed if necessary

The senior member of staff will inform the parents/carer of the student If the incident is thought to involve suspected illegal drugs the Headteacher

will decide the most appropriate course of action All teachers need to be aware of the “Signs and Symptoms” of drug abuse

(see Appendix 2). However, please interpret these with caution as many are related to normal adolescent behaviour, or unusual behaviour caused by things that are not necessarily drug related

2. Possession of Suspected Illegal Substances

Do not over react. This may not become a serious incident Remove or confiscate the suspected drug and any associated equipment and

take immediately to a senior member of staff and in their presence place the suspicious substance in a tamper-proof bag which must be labelled and subsequently stored securely

Record the time, date, place and circumstances of the incident having talked to the student/students concerned. Involve a senior member of staff as soon as possible. He/she will collate the information and write a report.

The Headteacher, having considered the circumstances, will contact the parents/carers and having informed and consulted them decide who else should be contacted

In the case of suspicious substances the Police should be informed. This will normally be done by liaison with the Police Youth Affairs Officer in the first instance if he is available. It is not always possible, or necessary, to get an immediate response. If the substance confiscated cannot be identified on the spot there is no proof of illegal activity until it has been identified

If the circumstances are considered serious enough for prompt Police action, the Headteacher should contact the local Police Station Duty Officer

In an emergency in which a young person is in physical danger or a serious criminal act is taking place, telephone 999 for immediate attendance of the Police and an ambulance, if necessary

The Police will collect the tamper-proof bag and analyse the confiscated substance. Teachers should never attempt this themselves

The Headteacher will notify the Board of Governors initially via the Chair of Governors

The senior member of staff called in will instigate an enquiry and write a report, including the account of the staff first involved, on the nature and extent of this specific incident, taking the following into consideration –

What is the nature of the incident?

- Who is suspected of being involved? - Is the young person still under the influence of experiencing side-

effects? - Was the substance for personal use? - Was the intention to share or deal the substance with others? - It is essential to substantiate the facts as the previous two points may

have legal implications under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Establish the context of the Incident

- Is bullying/peer pressure involved? - Is it experimentation? - Is the use of medical origin? - Is the use to cope with a problem? - Has the use been sustained over time? - Is this just an isolated incident? - Is the use recreational?

In the light of the report further action will be taken in line with the college’s behaviour management policy. While disapproval must be expressed where an illegal activity has taken place, it is not always relevant to exclude students, even where their behaviour could constitute a violation of the criminal law. The type of punishment and support that are instigated will be dependent on the nature of the incident itself and the needs of the individual students involved. Students who present problems because of their involvement in substance use continue to be entitled to their education and in many cases will be more exposed to risk outside college premises. The fundamental principle of continuing to value the student must be maintained. To this end the college will offer a full range of structured pastoral care and guidance within the Year Team network. Specifically –

- advice related to the problem - day to day support in matters of general welfare - counselling relevant to the particular needs of the student

If appropriate the college, in consultation with parents/carers, will seek professional counselling for the student.

As part of this process the Headteacher may refer to outside agencies who can support the student and his or her family, for example the local drug and alcohol young persons service, Devon Educational Psychology Service, Devon Educational Welfare Service or the student’s G.P. Meetings about drug use should clarify the roles of the associated agencies and should result in an agreed strategy for action and review

3. Sharing/Dealing in Suspected Illegal Substances Where sharing/dealing is alleged the following procedures should be followed –

A senior member of staff collects the evidence and writes the report as previously described in the section on suspected possession

The Headteacher must inform the parents/carers after assessing the situation in consultation with the senior member of staff coordinating the report

The assistance of the Police Youth Affairs Officer will be sought In circumstances where a pastoral resolution is anticipated the Youth

Affairs Officer will liaise between the college and family to resolve the matter. When an informal resolution is not appropriate, and more positive Police action is required, the outcome will be decided in accordance with the Police procedure. In all cases the Headteacher will be involved in discussions

Where it is clear that illegal sharing or dealing has taken place, the college will offer support and will refer the student and his/her family to local referral networks where appropriate

In all cases the college will undertake a thorough investigation of background and circumstances. Involvement with drugs is often a symptom of difficulties in a student’s life rather than a cause of inappropriate behaviour

The LA are automatically informed if any exclusion occurs

Summary

Drugs education at West Exe Technology is seen as part of the broader issue of promoting the healthy well being of students, both mental and physical

It is taken as being an integral part of the college’s learning and not as a single topic to be over emphasised or ignored

Everyone who works at the college has a role to play to ensure that this policy filters through to good practice

It is in everyone’s best interest to challenge drug misuse

Remember, education can make a difference!

Appendix 1 THE LAW

Drugs

It is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 –

To supply or offer to supply a controlled drug to another in contravention of the Act

To be in possession of, or to possess with intent to supply to another, a controlled drug in contravention of the Act; it is a defence to the offence of possession that, knowing or suspecting it to be a controlled drug, the accused took possession of it for the purpose of preventing another from committing or continuing to commit an offence and that as soon as possible after taking possession of it s/he took all such steps as were reasonably open to her/him to destroy the drug or to deliver it into the custody of a person lawfully entitled to take custody of it

For the occupier or someone concerned in the management of any premises knowingly to permit or suffer on those premises the smoking of cannabis; or the production, attempted production, supply, attempted supply, or offering to supply of any controlled drug

Solvents (Volatile Substances)

The possession of volatile substances is not illegal. However, it is an offence in English law to supply or attempt to supply a substance to a person aged under 18, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the substance or its fumes are likely to be used by that person for the purpose of causing intoxication. Nevertheless, the wide variety of volatile substances in common use in the home and workplace (including adhesives, aerosol gases, cigarette lighter refills, paint stripper and typewriter correction fluid) makes them relatively accessible.

Tobacco

The Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991 strengthened the existing law on illegal sales of tobacco products to children under the age of 16, greatly increasing the penalties for doing so, making illegal the sale of unpackaged cigarettes and requiring warning statements to be displayed in all retail premises and on cigarette vending machines. A voluntary code operates to prevent tobacco advertising in the vicinity of schools or which is designed to encourage young people to smoke. Through public health education campaigns the Government encourages a reduction in smoking.

Alcohol

It is an offence under the Licensing Act 1964 to sell intoxicating liquor without a licence. This would prevent the sale of alcohol at school events unless an occasional licence had been obtained under the Licensing (Occasional Permissions) Act 1983. It is also an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. No licence would be needed by the school to offer alcohol at school events (i.e. where no sale takes place) or to store alcohol on the school premises. It is an offence under Section 6 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 to give any child under the age of 5 intoxicating liquor

Appendix 2 DRUG OR SOLVENT MISUSE : Recognising the Signs Warning Signs

1. 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. Therefore, teachers need to be vigilant, particularly when they are in charge of activities which take groups of young people away from the school premises. Research has shown that first experiments with drugs by young people almost always involve a substance provided by a friend.

2. The signs listed in Tables 1 and 2 may indicate that individuals or groups of young people are misusing drugs. Their presence alone is 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. Table 3 lists equipment which, if found in certain circumstances, might also give grounds for concern.

Table 1

Warning signs in individuals 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/carers 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, colognes, etc. to disguise the smell of drugs Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times (to hide dilated or constricted pupils)

Table 2

Warning signs in groups

Regular absence on certain days Keeping at a distance from other students, away from supervision points (e.g.

groups who frequently gather near the gate of a school playground or sports field) 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 (e.g. 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

Table 3 Objects that may indicate Drug Misuse 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 Small plastic or glass phials or bottles, especially those discoloured and/or with a

hole punctured in the side 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 inches square) folded to form an envelope (heroin) (Reproduced from DFE/Welsh Office Booklet - “Drug Misuse and the Young – A Guide for the Education Service” 1992)

Appendix 3 USE OF VISITORS AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES Drug Education is a shared responsibility : what is learned at school can and should be supported by experiences at home and in the community. It is therefore sometimes appropriate to involve visitors from outside agencies – not to undertake the above but to support it. Before involving visitors in Drug Education staff should consider: Does the visitor share the college’s values and approach? Will the contribution be consistent with the college’s policy? Will the information be impartial? Why is an outsider’s input being sought and is that particular visitor the most

appropriate source of that input? Is the contribution from a visitor an integrated element of the curriculum, with

appropriate planning, preparatory and follow up work? Does the visitor understand the emotional and intellectual levels of the young

people involved and can s/he communicate at the appropriate level? Is the Key Stage Manager aware of the visit? Is the visitor known and approved by the LA Visitors should never be left alone to work with students. The teacher has the responsibility for the group and needs to be part of the experience so s/he can provide appropriate follow up work. Before using a visitor the following should be discussed – The aims of the session? Why do you want this agency’s involvement? What drug education the students have already experienced? What they will experience in the future? How the session fits with the planned programme? Details of the group – number, age, time, resources and arrangements for arrival (Taken from Drug Education Guidelines for Teachers and Staff in Schools Norfolk County Council 1993)

Appendix 4 DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAMME Substance use and misuse Curriculum Guidance No 5 – Health SCAA Science Statutory Requirements Key Stage : 1 5 – 7 years old know that all medicines are drugs but not all drugs are

medicines know that all substances can be harmful if not properly

used know about different types of medicine and that some

people need them to live a normal life know and understand simple safety rules about

medicines, tablets, solvents, household substances

Key Stage 1 : 5 – 7 years old Should be taught about the role of drugs as

medicines

Key Stage 2 : 7 – 11 years old know that all medicines are drugs but not all drugs are

medicines know that there are over the counter, prescribed, legal

and illegal substances and have some understanding of their effects

know how to make simple choices and exercise some basic techniques for resisting pressure from friends and others

know the important and beneficial part which drugs have played in society

Key Stage 2 : 7 – 11 years old Should be taught that tobacco, alcohol and

other drugs can have harmful effects

Key Stage 3 : 11- 14 years old recognise personal responsibility for decisions about

substance use know the basic facts about substances including their

effects and relevant legislation be aware of myths, misconceptions and stereotypes

linked with substance use develop appropriate techniques for coping with

situations in which substances use occurs

Key Stage 3 : 11- 14 years old Should be taught that the abuse of solvents,

tobacco, alcohol and other drugs affects health

Key Stage 4 : 14 – 16 years old explore the historical, cultural, political, social and

economic factors relating to the production, distribution and use of drugs worldwide

understand that Britain is a drug-using society and recognise the different patterns of use and their effects, e.g. transmission of HIV infection through shared needles and the detrimental effect on the foetus of al1 types of drug use

recognise that individuals are responsible for choices they make about drug use

be able to analyse safe levels of intake, e.g. tobacco use is never safe, limited use of alcohol maybe

discuss the role of the media in influencing attitudes towards drugs, particularly smoking and alcohol

be able to communicate effectively and confidently with those who administer medication

Key Stage 4 : 14 – 16 years old Should be taught the effects of solvents,

tobacco, alcohol and other drugs on body functions

Appendix 5 SUMMARY OF GUIDANCE ON RESPONDING TO DRUG RELATED INCIDENTS Closely linked to School’s/College’s Behaviour Management Policy and Procedures for First Aid and the Administration of Medicines Illness/Inappropriate Behaviour Don’t Panic Usual First Aid procedures Call First Aider/Ambulance if serious concern Make casualty safe and comfortable Remove any substance and/or equipment, seal and store securely or send with casualty if necessary Check against known medical conditions and prescriptions in records Constant supervision until parents/medics take over Inform senior member of staff to over- see and coordinate. He/She will Inform parents/carers Subsequently collect all evidence and write report, including accident form if necessary If substance suspicious inform Youth Affairs Officer Inform Chair of Governors If proved to be an illegal substance may need punitive response and referral for support, in line with Behaviour Management Policy Inform LA if exclusion occurs

Suspected Possession Don’t Panic Report to a senior member of staff Senior Member of staff to question student(s) Remove substance and/or equipment if possible. Could be over the counter/prescribed medication Report to designated person, seal, store secure the substance, minimising handling. Collect all other information from staff and students and write a report Consultation with head who will inform parents/carers of concerns and decide whether to involve others If suspected illegal substance contact Youth Affairs Officer for support for school/college and family unless the seriousness requires more prompt Police involvement Inform Chair of Governors If illegal substance involved act in line with Behaviour Management Policy for punitive response and support Inform LA if exclusion occurs

Suspected Dealing/Sharing Don’t Panic Report suspicions/allegations to a senior member of staff who will Remove substances or equipment if present, seal and store securely as future evidence, minimising handling Collect all other information from staff, students and write report for Head who will inform/consult with parents/carers about allegations and decide whether to involve others If allegations have some grounds and/or suspected illegal substances are collected contact the Youth Affairs Officer for support unless seriousness requires more prompt Police involvement Inform Chair of Governors If illegal substance involved act in line with Behaviour Management Policy for punitive response and support Inform LA if exclusion occurs

Careful thought needs to be given to how school/college staff and students will be informed of and reassured about any incident