ONE STRIKE AND YOUR OUT

Making sense of exclusions

by Gill Morris

The whole area of exclusions related to drug incidents is fraught with contradictions and inconsistencies. Over the years schools have responded in varying degrees to a range of drug-related incidents. Some have permanently excluded pupils for possessing cannabis whilst others have only reprimanded pupils for the same offence; permanent exclusions have been used for possession in some cases and for supply in others. These in-consistencies reflect the situation both within a school and between schools. Though there are no official records of drug-related incidents and to what extent schools exclude pupils for such offences anecdotal evidence suggests that in some areas there is a move away from simply permanently excluding pupils and instead, responding with a mixture of pastoral care, support and appropriate sanctions. But in other areas schools are excluding pupils as a first solution, without reference to the particular incident.

Exclusions may in some instances be counter-productive by unintentionally glamorising drug use amongst pupils and thereby do not deter young people from using drugs. The pupil(s) who have been permanently excluded simpl) move on to another school/establishment and the problerr is not resolved.

There is a need for both a more consistent and morf considered approach that puts the welfare of the pupi first. This does not rule out the use of exclusions, whethe fixed term or permanent, in some cases this is thr appropriate action, but it serves to prevent a "knee-jerk reaction to drug-related incidents. Permanent exclusion need to be considered as a final resort.

There are a number of issues to consider when decidin to exclude for a drug-related incident. There is a choic of fixed term or permanent exclusions which must follo~ official procedures informed by the education acts an discussed between head teachers, governors and wher appropriate LEAs and other authorities.

A school will want to have considered and prepared clear policies and procedures for dealing with drug-related incidents which are understood by staff, governors, parents and pupils and which include working with services that give support, care and treatment to young people concerned about drug use.

Different situations will merit different responses and will mean different sanctions being imposed. A school will want to be clear which sanctions are appropriate for which incidents. Some schools will permanently exclude for supplying illegal drugs on the premises and give fixed term exclusions for possession or using illegal drugs. It is for the school to decide and to be consistent and clear. If exclusions are to be considered they need to be supported by the whole school community.

Exclusions, whether fixed term or permanent will have an effect on the pupil(s) concerned, their parents and the pupils in the school. The pupil(s) concerned need to be supported and offered counselling and care by internal staff and specialist drug services where appropriat preparing for a considered response schools will wa liaise with education welfare services, local health social services as appropriate, as well as be familiar work collaboratively with local services to ensure pupils have access to the range of support service.

The welfare and care of pupils is paramount, involvement in a drug-related incident has to bear tP mind. By using exclusions to respond to every kir incident we do not help the pupil(s) involved nor the iz of drug prevention amongst young people. Drug-rel incidents need to be carefully considered with sancl being given consistently and appropriately with pas care and support a crucial part. Permanent exclus need to be seen as the final sanction after other respo have been tried.

Gill Morris has been a health education co-ordinati Camden LEA since 1990.