POLICY ON DRUG USE AND MISUSE (Reviewed May 2009)

Background to the Policy:

After a request from the College Principal, the following policy was developed.  Information was gathered from D.E.N.I., W.E.L.B. and the Health Promotion Agency forNorthern Ireland.  Seminars on drugs run by W.E.L.B. and P.S.N.I. were attended, and feedback from governors and parents obtained.  There has been considerable concern locally throughout all our communities at the alarming recent escalation in drug-related problems.

POLICY STATEMENT

Introduction:

A ‘drug’ is a substance which, when taken, has the effect of altering the way a person behaves, feels, sees or thinks.  This covers a wide range of substances, not all of which are illegal, but many of which can be harmful in their effects.  Some drugs, for example, alcohol and nicotene, have restricted sale.

Whilst we acknowledge that the numbers of young people who are using and misuing drugs is increasing, it is important to realise that a large proportion of children choose not to use drugs; however we also realise that students will be exposed to the effects and influences of drug misuse in the wider community.

In the drawing up of this policy, consideration has been given to:

(a) Drug Prevention and

(b) Protection of students if found abusing or in possession of drugs

GENERAL AIMS:

n    The College’s Policy on Drug Use And Misuse will centre around Prevention and Protection

n    To ensure that the safety of students is of paramount importance at all times

n    To develop the school as a health promoting environment

n    To work towards these aims with the help of parents and outside agencies

n    Different Curricular areas will help raise student awareness of the dangers of drug abuse

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

n    To help students clarify their own attitudes to drug use

n    To increase their knowledge about drugs

n    To experience methods of learning which involve co-operation, negotiation and developing assertiveness

n    To develop skills to be used in drug-related situations

n    To consider how drugs might affect them

n    To explore the legal issues associated with drug use

DRUGS AND SOLVENTS:

Prevention:

Programmes of work in P.S.E., Science, Physical Education, Religious Education and Home Economics cover the physical and moral effects of drug and solvent abuse in society today. 

In PSE the programs of work help students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the use, misuse, risks and effects of drugs and other potentially harmful substances. They should develop an awareness of the relevant personal, social and economic implications.

Each member of staff at OakgroveCollege will be made aware of the problems, signs and symptoms of drug and solvent abuse.  Opportunities will be made to update staff in the struggle against drug abuse and parents will be provided with appropriate literature from time to time.

Tipp-ex and any solvent based glues are banned within the College.  If teachers find a student in possession of the above, they should confiscate the solvent and report the incident to Form Teacher and Co-ordinator.

Aerosol canisters are also banned.  Roll-on deodorant must be used.  If staff find students in possession of canisters, they should follow the above procedures.

If suspicions that a student has been abusing solvents within the school are confirmed, parents will be informed, and the school Pastoral Care Program will support the student.  The Principal will decide on whether this is a major breach of discipline, and on what action should be taken.

Procedure should an incident occur involving Drugs or Solvents:

If an incident occurs involving drug or solvent abuse, the following procedures should be carried out:

Legally Held Substances:

(a) In the case of misuse of legally held substances, the member of staff who discovers the incident should summons a teacher with First Aid Training and the Drugs Co-ordinator who will together

n    Assess the situation

n    Ensure the safety of the student and others

n    Give Emergency Aid and, if necessary, seek medical attention

n    Inform the Principal and parents

(b) It is important to remain calm and not to raise your voice at the student, especially if sniffing is suspected.  Ensure that the student has fresh air and if  (s)he wants to sleep, turn them on to their side to avoid choking in the event of sickness

©  If it is thought necessary, the student will be taken to a health centre to receive medical assistance

(d) The Principal will decide on what action should be taken

Illegally Held Substances:

(a) In the case of misuse of illegally held drugs, the above steps will be taken.  If the situation is not a medical emergency, the student should be removed to the Principals’s Office or other private room where they can be supervised constantly.  A witness should be present to corroborate.  Should any illegal substances be found, staff should take possession of the evidence.  The Drugs Squad will be informed, and parents contacted.  The Principal will decide on what action shall be taken.  This will be seen as a major breach of discipline.

(b) If suspicion of a student(s) possessing illegal drugs within the College is confirmed, this will be seen as a major breach of discipline and the Principal will decide on what action shall be taken e.g. suspension pending further investigation.  The Drugs Squad will be informed and parents contacted.

     Drug Dealing within the College will be seen as a major breach of discipline and the above procedures will apply.

©  If incidents where students are suspected of supplying illegal drugs to friends in the College are confirmed, this will be seen as a major breach of discipline.  The above procedures will apply.

(d) If staff are approached by the friend of a student concerned at their activities, the College’s pastoral care program will support the student in question, giving them an opportunity to discuss any problems they may be having.

(e) If concerns about a student having drug-related problems outside of College are confirmed, parents will be informed and if necessary, the Drugs Co-ordinator will refer the student to outside agencies for extra support.

(f)   Any incident concerning misuse of drugs will be documented and a record kept in confidential files.

(g) Any media involvement will be dealt with by the Principal.  If staff are approached, they make no comment, and refer them to the Principal.

(h) Staff will be informed that:

n    A drug-related incident has occured

n    Action has been taken by the Principal

n    They should be vigilant for any further incidents

n    The College Policy has been carried out

(i)   All staff within the College, both teaching and non-teaching, will be made aware of the above procedures.

ALCOHOL

Prevention:

The PSE program within the College covers the consequences of alcohol abuse.  Pupils are not permitted to be in the possession of alcohol during school time, or to consume it within school or during a College activity.

Protection:

Any pupils who are found to be in breach of the above rules wil be dealt with according to the College’s discipline policy.

If suspicions that a student has consumed alcohol before a College event are confirmed, their parents will be contacted, and the student escorted home.

SMOKING:

Objectives:

n    To educate students about the serious health risks of smoking

n    To protect non-smokers from the effects of passive smoking

THE POLICY

n    Students will be forbidden to smoke while on College premises, while in public wearing the College uniform or while engaging in any school related activity outside the College. Students disregarding or breaking this rule will be disciplined in accordance with the College dicipline policy.

n    Staff may not smoke while teaching or when supervising school related activities outside of College.  The College is a non-smoking school.

n    Visitors including parents, governors, suppliers and repair or maintenance workers will not be permitted to smoke on College premises including all buildings and grounds.

This policy will apply to all persons using the college for whatever purposes.

LINKS WITH PARENTS:

The involvement of parents/guardians is seen to be central to life at Oakgrove.  The college will take every opportunity to involve parents/guardians by:

*  contact from the college

n    encouraging them to contact the college if they have concerns

n    awareness of parents views in helping to develop the policy

n    parents evenings

n    facilitating and participating in Parents’ Council Meetings

DISSEMINATION OF THE POLICY:

A copy of the policy will be given to staff, governors and will be available to parents visiting the school on request.

STAFF:

Staff are not expected to act “in loco parentis” when they meet a student in a social place outside of school hours.

Staff are reminded that to secure the surrender of any suspected substance from a pupil that this may not be achieved by the search of their personal property.  All attempts must be made for the child to voluntarily surrender substances in their possession.

Appendix 1:

Roles and Responsibilities:

Individual Staff Members (WholeSchool Community)

• Call First-aider if situation is an emergency
• Forward any information, substance or paraphernalia to co-ordinator together with a short factual report

The Drugs Co-Ordinator:

n    Overview and plan the curricular provision for drugs education and liaise with other pastoral care staff

n    Co-ordinate school procedure for handling suspected drug-related incidents

n    Keep staff aware of these procedures

n    Liaise with outside agencies/parents

n    Keep abreast of relevant knowledge and circulate this

n    Keep a lookout for students who may be at risk

Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator:

n    Helping students who may be at risk

n     Work to ensure the school drugs education program is relevant

n    Refer students/parents to outside agencies if appropriate

Principal

• Ensure parents/PSNI have been contacted
• Arrange safe storage/disposal of any drugs-related paraphernalia
• Inform BOG and decide on pastoral/disciplinary response

BOG

• Foster and support the development of the drugs policy by collaborating with the school community
• Ensure policy is published in the school prospectus and is reviewed at regular intervals
• There will be a designated governor for drugs

Teachers with First Aid Training:

• Current list available in office

Appendix 2:

The following numbers can be used for more specialised assistance:

Altnagelvin Hospital (ask for Casualty)  028 71345171

Western Health and Social Services Board        028 71860261

(Westcare Health Promotion Unit)

Community Addiction Team                              028 71311488

Woodlea House                                               028 71865238

Health Promotions Agency for N.I.                   028 90644811

N.I. Council on Alcohol                                    028 90664434

National Drugs Helpline                                    0800 776600

Community Police Liason                                  028 71379752

Appendix 3:

Medication:

n    Students are not permitted to carry medication during the school day.  It must be left into the office on arrival at the College accompanied by a note of  permission from parent/guardian outlining the times of administration during the day. This includes non-prescription drugs, for example, aspirin.

n    Only in very special circumstances, for example severe asthma, may any medication be carried.

n    This extends to College Outings where medication must be handed to the teacher in charge, together with a permission note and details of administration.

Appendix 4:

Action to be taken in the event of a suspected incident of drug misuse in the College.