Scoil Bhride BNS

SUBSTANCE USE POLICY
OF

SCOIL BHRIDE


KILCRUTTIN


TULLAMORE


DECEMBER 2008


18524K


(057)9321194





" TO WHOM DOES THIS POLICY RELATE?

IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE POLICY SHALL APPLY TO ALL USERS OF THE SCOIL BHRIDE PREMISES- I.E.
" STUDENTS
" TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL STAFF
" VISITING TUTORS
" PARENTS
" VISITORS
" OTHER USERS OF THE SCHOOL.

THIS POLICY SHALL APPLY, NOT ONLY DURING SCHOOL TIME (INCLUDING BREAK TIMES), BUT ALSO TO ANY VISITOR TO THE SCHOOL AT ANY OTHER TIME.


CENTRAL OBJECTIVE

THE CENTRAL OBJECTIVE OF OUR SUBSTANCE USE POLICY IS THE WELFARE, CARE AND PROTECTION OF OUR STUDENTS-IN LINE WITH THE EDUCATION ACT 1998.

OTHER OBJECTIVES OF THIS POLICY


IT IS INTENDED THAT THIS POLICY SHALL ENABLE THE CHILDREN WITHIN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO:

" Develop an understanding of healthy living, an ability to implement healthy behaviour and a willingness to participate in activities that promote and sustain health.


" Be self confident and have a positive sense of self esteem.



" Make decisions, solve problems and take appropriate actions in various personal social and health contexts.


" Become aware of and discerning about the various influences on choices and decisions.


" Begin to identify, review, and evaluate the values and attitudes that are held by individuals and society and to recognise that these affect thoughts and actions.



" Develop some of the skills and abilities necessary for participating fully in groups and in society.



SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT


Our School mission statement refers to a spirit of partnership which permeates the school community. Positive self-concepts are nourished and the learning environment is supportive and respects diversity and inclusiveness. The school aims to empower and enable all to achieve their full potential.
It is with this in mind that we formulated this policy, keeping in mind the ethos and values of a Christian community guided by the patron under whose remit we operate.



SCOPE OF THIS POLICY

THIS POLICY RELATES TO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF DRUG:

1. ILLEGAL DRUGS
2. NICOTINE
3. ALCOHOL
4. SOLVENTS
5. PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES
6. 'OVER THE COUNTER' (OTC) MEDICINES.


POLICY DEVELOPMENT

THIS POLICY WAS DEVELOPED BY THE WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY. IT WAS ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED IN DRAFT FORM BY ÁINE SMITH (OF SCOIL BHRÍDE PARENT'S ASSOCIATION) AND JOHN HEALY (TEACHER AND SPHE CO-ORDINATOR) THE POLICY WAS THEN CIRCULATED TO THE WIDER SCHOOL COMMUNITY FOR INPUT I.E. BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL,
PARENTS ASSOCIATION AND SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS. THE POLICY WAS ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY AND RATIFIED BY THE B.O.M. IN SPRING 2005.
This current review was initiated by J. Healy(SPHE coordinator) and was reviewed in conjunction with Aine Smyth,Parent's association in 2008.




Why this policy?


The environment in which we live presents many young people with challenges that affect their health and well-being. Exposure to alcohol, tobacco and, possibly, other drugs is part of this reality. We recognise that we need to reflect on this and on how we might provide for the student cohort in our care, and to respond appropriately to what are sometimes sensitive and emotive issues.

In relation to National Government and Departmental policy:

" 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 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 1999 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other drugs (ESPAD) report highlighted the seriousness of the problem among sixteen-year-olds in Ireland, as compared to the other 29 ESPAD countries surveyed. Alcohol was identified as the most common drug of misuse in Ireland whilst the use of tobacco and other drugs was above the ESPAD average.




Substance use policy in the context of SPHE.

The school currently delivers a SPHE programme to the students. An SPHE policy is also in place (See school plan.)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.

" Scoil Bhride health and safety statement

" Scoil Bhride Code of behaviour

" Scoil Bhríde school plan

" Scoil Bhríde mission statement

" Department of Ed. and Science- Child abuse prevention guidelines.



POLICY CONTENT


The policy shall have two main aspects:

1. Education and Prevention

2. Management of Drug-related incidents.





1. Education and Prevention

A substance misuse programme will be implemented at all class levels in accordance with our SPHE primary Curriculum Statement. Through SPHE which is generic in approach and spiral in nature our pupils will practice specific skills and experience a value system which supports primary prevention in a holistic, caring supportive environment. We will address the content objectives relating directly to substances in an age appropriate manner using discrete SPHE time.






2. Management of Drug-related incidents.


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.



IN RELATION TO CHILDREN:


ALCOHOL,TOBACCO,SOLVENTS Any incident of consumption of these substances amongst students shall be treated as serious misbehaviour. This shall be dealt with in accordance with the school's discipline policy.We refer to the code of behaviour. The breach shall be noted to facilitate review and performance.



OTC MEDICINES: We would request that any Parent who wishes their child to take any OTC medication should supply written permission to their child's teacher. Teachers cannot administer medication under any normal circumstances, not withstanding administration of basic first aid. We refer to our health and safety statement which states that express parental consent is required for administration of any medication.


ILLEGAL DRUGS AND ACCOSIATED 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.





WITH REGARD TO ADULTS:


As Scoil Bhríde is a designated workplace, a no -smoking policy is enforced within 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.


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




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 have a suspicion that any Visitor to the environs of the school be in possession of any illegal substance with intent to supply, the local Gardaí shall be contacted immediately.



TRAIN ING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

" The SPHE coordinator shall make staff aware of details on any courses available in this area.

" The SPHE coordinator shall liase 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.

" The use of an outside visitor/speaker to enhance the work done in class will be considered in the context of the full SPHE programme and would be undertaken in the presence of a teacher.


" The local branch of the Health services executive has a continuing relationship with the school with regard to health education .This relationship shall be continued and enhanced if possible.




ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN REGARD TO THIS POLICY

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:

The SPHE coordinator shall:
" Research and develop this policy in conjunction with all parties involved.
" Circulate the draft version to the teaching staff for analysis/discussion/feedback
" Make all new teachers in the school aware of the contents of the policy.
" Provide for implementation of the policy within the school.
" Ensure that parents of new entrants to the school are aware of the policy.

The Chairperson of the Parent's association shall:


" Circulate the draft version amongst the parent body within the school and encourage feedback/analysis/discussion.

" Circulate the draft version to B.O.M. level and encourage analysis/feedback/ discussion.



The Principal has overall responsibility for policy implementation within the school.


The Board of management shall ratify the amended and completed policy and shall provide any supports where necessary, in the implementation of the policy.


SUCCESS CRITERIA

This policy shall be deemed to be effective should a breach of this policy not occur. This shall be monitored on a bi-annual basis, by the SPHE coordinator, in conjunction with the Principal. This policy shall be reviewed every two years.
A breach of our 2005 policy did not occur. There is a consensus then, that the policy is effective. Should a breach occur,it may be necessary to review the policy.



TIMEFRAME

A policy for substance misuse has been in place in the school since January '06.
This latest review has taken place in 2008-9.This policy is due for review in 2010-2011.


IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME

The policy is widely available to the school community. It is available on the school website www.scoilbhride.ie and advertised in our newsletter to all parents and children.