Drugs and alcohol education is fundamental for children and young people to grow up healthy and safe.
Effective alcohol and drug education build pupil resilience and develop confidence and life skills around alcohol and drugs. In September 2020, relationships education in primary schools, relationships and sex education in secondary schools, and health education in both primary and secondary became statutory— including specific reference to drug, alcohol and tobacco education.
The PSHE Association recommend drug and alcohol education continue to be taught within a planned, spiral curriculum in PSHE education lessons to make sure teaching is enhanced by, and enhances, the wider PSHE education curriculum and to facilitate progression of learning that is age and developmentally appropriate.
The Department for Education (DfE) advises all schools to have an up-to-date drugs policy, consistent with national and local guidance. Mentor has a comprehensive toolkit for schools offering detailed guidance on how to review your school’s drug and alcohol policy, including how to consult with the whole school community, along with a consultation planning framework. It can be used by primary and secondary schools and pupil referral units and should also be helpful for colleges.
If you would like any support/advice please email kentchft.wholeschoolhealth@nhs.net
- Campaign resources from PHE - students can explore the facts and impacts of vaping in these three flexible NHS-approved activities
- Drug and alcohol education (pshe-association.org.uk)
- No more free vapes for kids (Gov.uk)
- ADPH South East - managing vapes in school
- Alcohol Education Trust
- Teacher training: drugs, alcohol and tobacco - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Alcohol lesson plan pack | PHE School Zone
- Contact Frank Directly | Confidential Advice | FRANK (talktofrank.com).
We are with you in Kent
We are with you is the commissioned specialist provider of substance misuse treatment, working with young people aged 10 - 17 and targeted groups of young people up to 24 years across Kent, providing access to advice, information and support around their alcohol and drug use.
We are with you in Kent delivers early intervention work to groups of young people to reduce the risks and harm associated with substance misuse and also work one to one with young people who need specialist support and treatment.
Our trained skilled staff work with young people, including those with complex needs, to achieve positive change through evidence-based work.
We are devoted to developing a family focus within the organisation and building referral pathways for families affected by the substance misuse of young people.
The service also offers advice, information and support to parents, carers and families who are concerned about a young person’s substance use.
Should you require further information about any of the support and interventions we deliver please visit www.wearewithyou.org.uk or call our office on 01795 500881.
You must have the young person’s consent to refer into service.