The school aims to protect its members from the harmful effects of the misuse of drugs.  We do this through a programme of education which seeks to prepare the pupils to make informed choices as they develop and mature in an ever changing society.

Drugs Education

Drugs education is delivered through the RP/Citizenship curriculum.

In RP/Citizenship some aspects of drugs education are taught throughout the four years. This is done by building self esteem and developing responsibility for individuals’ healthy lifestyles.

Years 5 & 6 follow the Rainbow Scheme “Good to be me”.

Year 7 includes work on alcohol misuse as well as building self esteem.

Year 8 has an informed and specific programme about drugs which includes input from Dorset Police.

How we would deal with Drug-related Incidents

Any knowledge of pupils’ involvement with drugs on the premises would be taken very seriously and dealt with immediately.

Our primary consideration would be for the pupil.

We would inform and involve a) the parents/carers and b) the police (if appropriate) and take appropriate action as a result.

Any suitable agencies would also be involved for advice and counselling of the pupil and parents/carers where necessary.

A multi-agency collaborative approach to drug-related issues is most effective and would be pursued.

Exclusion is not always automatic but would be exercised where necessary.

We would ensure that the course of action took into account the needs of the individual involved together with the health and safety of the school community as a whole.

This policy and our education programme have been drawn up in accordance with the Borough of Poole guidance for drugs education and the management of drug-related incidents.

2 December 2009