It is one of my statutory requirements relating to safeguarding that I have to keep all students safe and able to learn, and enable staff to teach and promote learning without interruption or harassment. This includes the use and misuse of drugs.

I am aware that in the Wigston Area drugs are taken and they contribute to damaging individuals’ health and their relationships.

Guthlaxton College is a place of learning and therefore we do not condone the misuse of legal drugs nor the use of illegal substances by members of the College community anywhere.

If a member of Guthlaxton is found with drugs. I will take appropriate steps to deal with any such incidences. In dealing with any drug related incident, the welfare and best interests of the young person will always be taken into account, and balanced against the needs of the whole College community.

However, if a student is found in possession of an illegal drug it will be unlikely that they will be allowed to remain at Guthlaxton, even if it is the first offence. For example, Cannabis has been a Class-B drug since January 2009. If the police find a young person in possession of Cannabis they will be arrested. It has no place at Guthlaxton.

In addition I wish to remind everyone that Guthlaxton College is a no-smoking site.

At Guthlaxton College we believe in the importance of the partnership with parents, the local community and the various specialist agencies in promoting a healthy lifestyle. We also believe in a proactive and positive attitude to making the right choices.

In relation to drugs we have a comprehensive education programme and we will continue to work closely with the local Oadby and Wigston Police force on drug detection and drug prevention, to encourage young people to choose not to take, or be anyway involved, with the misuse of drugs.

The Government has a drug strategy to support parents and young people through the FRANK campaign. FRANK provides free, confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours per day. The key purpose of the campaign is to ensure that young people understand the risks and dangers of drugs and know where to go for advice and help. It also offers advice to parents and carers on how to talk to their children about drugs. For more information please ring 0800 77 66 00 or visit the FRANK website: www.talktofrank.com.

John Keller

Published on Wednesday 23rd September 2009 at 09:00