CIS aims to promote a drug-free and safe environment for all our students through a considered application of the following policy. Issues concerning alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse are tackled through discussion and occasional visiting speakers as part of our Advisory programme as well as an annual community forum on drug and alcohol awareness.
Students are not permitted to have either alcohol or tobacco/e-cigarette on site at any time. Students found to have alcohol in their possession, caught consuming alcohol or found to be under the influence of alcohol on site, or in the vicinity of school, or whilst in school uniform or on school-sponsored trips, will be subject to Level 4 or 5 consequences (please see the Behavioural Policy).
Students caught smoking or using an e-cigarette on site, in the vicinity of school, whilst in school uniform or on school-sponsored trips, will be subject to Level 4 consequences.
Possession:
If a student is found to have an illegal substance in his/her possession in school, immediate suspension will ensue and, following an investigation, parents may be asked to withdraw the student.
Distribution/Dealing:
If it is proved that a student is dealing, or distributing illegal substances to other students, then he/she will be withdrawn from school immediately.
Subject to law and the circumstances, the Head of School may be required to inform the police. In all cases, we will endeavour to ensure confidentiality.
Illegal Substance Abuse/ Under the Influence of Illegal Substances:
If a student is suspected of illegal substance abuse, the Advisor, Head of Year, Director of Student Life and will monitor the student very closely and if the suspicion is justified, our approach will be supportive rather than punitive. If a student is under suspicion of using illegal substances in school, or of being under the influence of illegal substances whilst in school, the following procedure will be followed:
Students would be interviewed by their Advisor, Head of Year and the Head of Secondary regarding illegal substance use. The school reserves the right to respectfully ask students to empty their bags, lockers, clothes, pockets and to let them know that they may be searched.
Parents are requested to come into school and will be asked to witness or sanction the collection of a hair sample for the purposes of testing. Every effort will be made to contact the parents but in the event that they cannot be contacted, the authorisation form signed by the parents and held at school, signifies consent. (Costs will be borne by parents whether the result is positive or negative).
If it is proved that an illegal substance has been used, the parents would be required to meet with the Head of Year, Director of Student Life, Counsellor and/or the Head of Secondary to discuss the matter.
If the decision is made that the student will be able to continue in school then the student would need to undergo professional external counselling/ treatment (at the parent’s expense) and sign a contract that stipulates:
There will be regular meetings with the school counsellor.
The school will liaise with the recommended external counsellor to ensure the student is attending and to consider the application of suitable support strategies for the student.
The school will liaise regularly with parents regarding the student’s progress.
Further illegal substance tests may be administered randomly and without warning at the parents’ expense.
Any positive return will result in the student being asked to leave the school.
If the parents refuse to arrange professional counselling/treatment for their child, the parents will be asked to withdraw their child.