Drug education policy

Aims:

To ensure:

• that all students at PMS are provided with a broad knowledge and understanding of drug related issues
• that Plumstead Manor School has a structured procedure in place that fulfils its responsibilities within the context of:-
  • DFE Circular 4/95: Drug Prevention in Schools
  • Government Whitepaper Tackling Drugs Together (1995)
  • The legal framework

Principles:

• All Plumstead Manor students are equipped to make informed decisions around drugs issues and take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others, to understand how to obtain help and advice.
• A programme of drugs education will be delivered which is informed, balanced and appropriate to student needs and which gives accurate information about the effects of drug misuse.
• Procedures are in place for the management of any drug related incident that may occur in school.
• The procedures are clear and concise yet demonstrate an appropriate range of sanctions providing support for students, staff and parents within the context of the wider school community.
• All students, staff, governors and parents are aware of and understand the position of the school and its responsibilities with a legal framework (click here)

Practice:

• Drugs education is provided for all students KS3/4 as part of the PSHE programme and is delivered within the overall aims of this programme.
• The content of the drug module is based on guidelines produced by DFE/SCAA 1995 and “Drug Education Policy Practice: Guidelines for Greenwich Schools”  (B&GHA: G.Ed 1997).
• All teachers of Drugs Education at Plumstead Manor are provided with support, training, resources and INSET.
• Full use is made of the expertise and support of outside agencies: a drugs or local agency, the Youth Service, the Police etc.  This support is part of a co-ordinated programme.
• All students have access to information and resources on drugs education; helplines; support groups and specialist counselling.
• Posters, leaflets, information helplines are displayed on the PSHE notice board in school.
• Systems are in place at Plumstead Manor that support students with drug related issues both in and out of school.
• The drug education programme is supported by extra-curricular approaches; assemblies etc.
• Drug related incidents are dealt with promptly adhering to the agreed school procedure.
• All drug related incidents are recorded.

The Legal Framework

The misuse of Drugs Act (1971)

Various drugs are controlled by law.  The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) defines the legal boundaries concerning:

• Possession.
• Possession with the intention of supplying to another.
• Production
• Supply or offering to supply to another (this includes selling, giving and sharing).
• Import or export.
• Allowing premises you occupy or manage to be used for the supply of controlled substances, or for the use of certain controlled substances.

The law permits school staff to take temporary possession of a substance suspected of being a controlled drug, for the purposes of protecting a pupil from harm, and from committing a drug-related offence.

The Misuse of Drugs Act also makes it an offence for those who occupy or manage premises (e.g. a school or a youth club), to knowingly permit certain offences under the Act to take place on those premises (e.g. the sale of drugs or the smoking of cannabis).  The Act therefore places a responsibility on the Head Teacher to act if they become aware that such an activity is taking place.

Police Action

If a pupil is found in possession of a substance prohibited by law or school rules, school action should reflect the severity of the incident.  Although not required to do so by law, schools are expected to discuss the incident with the local police, to assess whether their direct involvement would be necessary or useful to the successful resolution of the incident.

Where the incident does not involve substantial criminal behaviour, the police will be happy to work with the school in considering the needs of both the school and the individual(s) before any action is taken.

The vast majority of cases are dealt with by the young person being issued with a caution, a formal warning, or by no action being taken.  Below is a list of options open to the police in such situations.

Police options for case disposal in relation to juveniles:

‘No further action’ The offence is not capable of proof either because there is insufficient evidence to connect the suspect with the offence or because there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations made.

‘Not proceeded with’ There is sufficient evidence of the person’s guilt, but it is not in the public interest to pursue the matter further, due to the minor nature of the offence or the particular circumstances of the offender.  No central police record is kept.

‘Formal Warning’ The person admits the offence, whether in custody or not, but either it is not in the public interest or it is not thought appropriate to pursue the matter further.  The formal warning may be administered immediately or by letter in certain circumstances (e.g. for a traffic offence).  It cannot be cited in any further court case.  A local record is maintained which can be considered when determining any further case disposal decisions.

‘Formal caution’ The person admits the offence and is cautioned by a senior police officer.  The aim is to divert a young offender from the criminal court and to reduce the chances of re-offending.  It is formally recorded and may be cited in subsequent court proceedings.  Juveniles are not usually cautioned for a first offence unless it is particularly serious.

‘Prosecution’ For particularly serious offences or for those with a considerable criminal history.

The Police Schools Liaison Officer can offer further advice on legal issues in relation to drug incidents.

Click here to see a table showing additional basic information relating to drugs and the law.

Updated: October 2, 2008