Hertfordshire Drug Education Forum drug education national guidance

Over the years there has been an increase in knowledge and understanding of what drug education is able to achieve and effective ways of delivering it. The DEF recommends that before undertaking any drug education programmes, organisations must be familiar with and follow national guidance (see right).

Clear evidence has shown that purely information-based programmes are not sufficient in helping young people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, they can have a role to play as part of a life skills programme. Life skill approaches that address drugs alongside other issues and within a wide, coherent framework are the most effective.

Drugs: Guidance for Schools has been produced by the Department for Education and Skills and replaces previous guidance to schools. It provides guidance on all matters relating to drug education, the management of drugs within the school community, supporting the needs of pupils with regard to drugs and drug policy development.

It is particularly relevant for teachers and school governors and those providing support and guidance to young people including youth workers, Connexion PA’s and school nurses.

Note: Organisations who fund local drug education projects aimed at schools and young people should also be familiar with the content of this document to ensure that good practice is followed and projects compliment and support the national agenda.

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The guidance is based on principles, which underpin good practice in drugs education and managing drugs incidents. It is intended to help schools formulate a planned, co-ordinated and considered response to drugs.

If you would like a copy of Drugs: Guidance for Schools then contact DfES publications Tel: 0845 602 2260 quoting reference number 0092/2004 or click the following link and download from www.dfes.gov.uk/drugsguidance.

Drugs: Guidance for Further Education Settings is also available from the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Team, a joint project of Alcohol Concern and Drugscope. Tel: 0207 928 7377. This guidance supports Drugs: Guidance for schools and draws out areas of relevance for FE institutions. Schools with sixth forms and colleges with an increasing population of 14-16 year olds should particularly refer to Drugs: Guidance for schools (DfES 2004).