1.2 Drugs and Substances

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This Chapter informs staff of how to deal with drugs and substances found on the Children's Centre premises. It also includes the Children's Centres No Smoking Policy.

OUTCOME STATEMENT:

All reasonable measures are used to reduce or prevent adults or children attending the Children's centre to be affected by the misuse of drugs and substances.

Relevant Polices and Procedures

1.	Definition
2.	Permissible and Non Permissible Drugs and Substances
	2.1	Smoking
3.	Adults under the influence of drugs, alcohol or solvents.

1 Definition

For the purposes of this Chapter, the following are defined as drugs and Substances:

Alcohol, Tobacco, Aerosols, Gas, Glue, Magic Mushrooms (Amanita), Petrol, Solvents and all controlled substances such as Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Cannabis, Cocaine, Hallucinogens, Hashish and Narcotics.

2. Permissible and Non Permissible Drugs and Substances

2.1 Smoking

All staff and parents who wish to smoke are prohibited from doing so on the Children's Centre grounds, including car parks, thus reducing the chance of any child seeing a member of staff or parents smoking. Staff should notify all parents and visitors to the Children's Centre that this also applies to them.

Signage

No smoking notices should be prominently displayed throughout the Children's Centre

Responsibility and Enforcement

The Children's Centre Manager and all staff on duty should manage compliance with the legislation and this procedure. Staff should inform all visitors and parents to the Centre of the non-smoking procedure and ensure they comply with the requirements. Failure to conform to the requirements of this procedure by staff will constitute as a disciplinary offence and may result in formal action. Any parent or visitor who refuses to comply with the requirements of this procedure would be required to leave the Children's Centres premises.

2.2 Other Drugs and Substances

The Children's Centre will not tolerate anyone brining onto the premises any drugs, alcohol or substances.

If any drugs and substances are found in the Children's Centre staff should

Inform the Manager.
With a colleague to witness, place substance in a sealed container with details
Take to police station for disposal.
Ensure details are recorded in an Incident Report, see Incidents Procedure

3. Adults under the influence of drugs, alcohol or solvents.

If staff are made aware of an adult under the influence of drugs, alcohol or solvents they should consider their own safety and the children in their care.

Staff should notify the Manager
Consider whether the person under the influence of drugs, alcohol or solvents needs first aid or an ambulance.
If a child's well-being is affected by the substance misuse of their parents then staff should refer to the Milton Keynes Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures .
Ensure details are recorded in an Incident Report, see Incidents Procedure

End