Substance Use Policy

School: Carlow Educate Together NS

1. Introduction

Carlow Educate Together National School recognises that there are issues surrounding the taking of drugs and their consequences.  This school does not allow teachers to administer medicines to pupils.  In very exceptional circumstances, a Special Needs Assistant will administer medicines on completion of an Administration of Medicines Form, (see relevant policy).

 

This policy aims to give Carlow Educate Together’s policy in relation to the following categories of drug:

 

 

The Education act (1998) provides that schools should promote the social and personal development of students and provide health education for them. We refer to the National drugs strategy, ‘Building on experience’ which is currently Government policy.  We also refer to a report from the National Advisory Committee on Drugs entitled ‘Drug use prevention’ (November 2001) which underlines the importance of schools developing substance use policies.

 

The school currently delivers an SPHE programme to the students. This explores themes such as self-identity, taking care of my body, safety and protection, making decisions and developing citizenship. This policy is to be considered in the context of this policy and also in the context of other school policies i.e.

 

 

2. Development

The policy was developed by the whole school community. It was originally developed in draft form by Emer Dowling (Teacher) Siobhan Moore (Secretary) and Simon Lewis (Principal).  The policy was circulated to the wider school community for input i.e. school staff members, parents and Board of management. The policy will be adjusted accordingly and ratified by the B.O.M. in June 2010.

 

3. Content

The school shall respond to incidents in a planned and considered way. In certain cases it may be necessary to seek legal advice. Due care will be important in deciding on the balance between a pastoral and disciplinary response.  An appropriate pastoral response to an incident involving drug misuse may include referral to a support agency. Parental involvement at an early stage is central to such an approach.  The content of this policy is divided into three sections:

 

Drug Policy in relation to:

 

3.1 Children

3.1.1 Over the Counter (OTC) medicines: Teachers cannot administer medication under any circumstances, not withstanding administration of basic first aid.  If a child requires OTC medicines during school time the parent may come to school to administer same.

 

In exceptional circumstances, where the child could not participate in school otherwise, prescription drugs may be administered by a staff member, (not a teacher). We refer to our Administration of Medicines Policy which states that express parental consent is required for administration of any medication.

 

3.1.2 Alcohol, Tobacco and Solvents: Any incident of consumption of these substances amongst students shall be treated as serious misbehaviour. With regards to our school’s behaviour policy, the above breach of rules will automatically be treated as: Step “g” where:

 

A repeat of any of these offences will result in further suspensions and possible expulsion, (see step “g” and Section 5 of Behaviour Policy)

 

3.1.3 Illegal Drugs and associated paraphernalia: Offences under the Misuse of drugs acts, 1977 and 1984 include possession with intent to supply and possession for personal use. The school shall take due action in line with legislation. This will usually include referral to a support agency. Any breach shall be noted to facilitate review.

 

If illegal drugs are found in a child’s possession they will be taken from child and reported to Gardaí.   Any found drugs will be confiscated and reported to Gardai.  The same steps as in section 3.1.2 will also be taken.

 

3.2 Staff, Parents and other Adults

 

3.2.1 Smoking: As Carlow Educate Together NS is a designated workplace, a no smoking policy is enforced within the grounds and the building. Should an adult be found to be smoking within the building, they shall be requested to cease immediately. Should they continue, to do so, it may be necessary to contact the local environmental officer and/or Gardaí.

 

3.2.2 Alcohol: No staff member shall be under the influence of alcohol or illegal substance during pupil contact time. The school’s duty of care towards students shall dictate this. In this instance, the staff member shall be removed from duty.  Should a member of staff require support, the school may consider facilitating links with an Employee Assistance scheme.

 

Should a Parent/Guardian be under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance when presenting to collect a child, it may be necessary to contact an alternative guardian on our file to provide for the safety of the child and ensure his welfare.

 

If Parent/Guardian is aggressive and deemed to be a danger to staff and pupils Gardaí will be contacted immediately and parent/guardian will be asked to leave school premises.

 

If a parent insists on taking child the school has no option but to let child leave with the parent/guardian.  However the Gardaí will be called to make them aware of the situation..

 

3.2.3 Drugs/Illegal Substances: Any adult found in possession or under the influence of drugs will be reported to Gardaí or Social Services.

 

Any incidence of illegal drug misuse shall be dealt with, with regard to procedure. This shall be in the context of the Misuse of drugs act 1977 and 1984.  Should the Principal/Secretary have a suspicion that any Visitor to the environs of the school is in possession of any illegal substance with intent to supply, the local Gardaí shall be contacted immediately.

 

4. Responsibilities

All parties in the school community have a role in the development, implementation and evaluation of this policy.

We recommend a community approach in this regard.

Within this approach, the following roles shall apply:

 

Simon Lewis (Principal) shall:

 

The Board of Management has overall responsibility for policy implementation within the school.

 

The Board of Management shall:

 

Simon Lewis (Principal) is the school’s Designated Liaison Person (DLP) with Clare Keohane, the deputy DLP.  Simon Lewis shall liaise with local Gardaí with a view to improving staff awareness of the symptoms of substance misuse. This should produce a proactive, rather than reactive, approach.

 



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