From Identification to Intervention: Managing Drugs in Schools
π·οΈ Β£175
π§ Senior boarding and pastoral staff, Heads of Boarding, safeguarding teams, school nurses
π Venue – Haileybury School
Course outline:
How can schools respond confidently to changing drug trends and the challenges they present for young people?Β
This practical, interactive day will provide senior leaders and pastoral staff with an update on emerging drug trends and current concerns, with a particular focus on vaping, alongside ketamine, prescription drug use and spiking.Β
Delegates will explore how to manage suspected drug-related incidents, from the handling of suspected substances and associated paraphernalia to recording incidents and reviewing school policies. Through discussion, breakout activities and shared practice, the day will also consider how to involve parents effectively in drugs education and awareness.Β
A dedicated session will examine the advantages, limitations and practical considerations of drug screening, including collection procedures, laboratory processes, costs, staff training and ethical considerations. A practical display of drugs and associated paraphernalia will help staff build familiarity with the substances and equipment they may encounter.Β
Designed for senior staff, Heads of Boarding, safeguarding teams, school nurses and other key pastoral colleagues, this event will support a more informed and consistent approach to drug-related concerns in school.Β
Learning outcomes
By the end of the day, delegates will be able to:Β
- Recognise emerging drug trends and current concerns affecting young people, including vaping, ketamine, prescription drug use and spiking.Β
- Identify key steps in managing suspected drug-related incidents, including the seizure, recovery, storage and disposal of suspected substances and associated paraphernalia.Β
- Review incident-recording practices to support clear and consistent documentation.Β
- Assess school drug policies and identify areas for improvement.Β
- Identify practical ways to engage parents in drugs education and awareness.Β
- Evaluate the advantages and limitations of drug screening, including its practical, financial, training, ethical and policy implications.Β
This event will be held jointly with:
ProgrammeΒ
09:30β09:45 | Welcome and introduction
An overview of the day, its key themes and learning objectives.
09:45β10:45 | Emerging drug trends and current concerns
An update on current issues affecting schools and young people, including:
- Vaping (including concerns around Vapes that may contain THC/SPICE)
- Nicotine Pouches
- Cannabis
10:45β11:00 | Refreshment break
11.00- 12.30
(Emerging Trends and current concerns contβd)
- The impact Alcohol has in terms of making bad choices β including taking Drugs
- Spiking (Drink and Needle Spiking)
- Ketamine
- Nitrous Oxide |NOS)
- Rise in use of Prescription Drugs
12.30-13.15 / Lunch
13.15 – 2.30pm/ Managing suspected Drug Related Incidents:
The first part of this session (approx. 30-40 mins) will be a practical group exercise to explore the following:
- Seizure/Recovery of suspected substances and associated paraphernalia- best practice.
- Recording of the incident and subsequent disposal of any items seized.
- Review of current procedures and Policies in terms of dealing with above β tips and advice.
Remaining time we will discuss the following:
- Methods students are using to covertly hide their drugs to get them on site (or if boarding school stash them on site).
- The impact of many popular Social Media Platforms are having on the ease to which teenagers can now source Drugs
- Parental Drug Awareness Presentations β how can Schools promote and encourage more parents to attend these type of sessions and support schools in the overall Drugs Education of their children..?
Speaker:
Dave Parvin
Married to Shirley, with two grown up children David aged 37 and Rachel aged 41 and with three ‘very active’ grandchildren, Joseph aged 10, Charlotte aged 7 and Florence aged 5.
I grew up on an estate called ‘Roseworth in Teeside’ and it’s fair to say it had more than it’s fair share of problems (Crime and Social deprivation to mention a few). A pivotal moment in my life was joining the Armed Forces (Army at 16) – not planned but that’s what happened.
The Army discovered quite a unique skill I had, and that was I could take Morse Code at a very ‘high speed’ and it was this unique skill that defined the next 19 years of my life (12 years in the Army as a – Special Operator fondly referred to as a SPEC OP and then 7 years working for GCHQ – ‘The Government Communications Headquarters’ working as a RADIO OFFICER again in signal intelligence work.
When I left the GCHQ – I joined the Police and after my 2 years probation I spent the next 10 years working as a Drug Squad Officer and other Covert duties.
Since leaving the Police I have spent over 20 years delivering bespoke Drug Awareness Education and Training to both Independent and State Schools all over the UK (often delivering sessions to students, staff and evening parental presentations all on the same day).
I have also had the privilege to work with several ‘high profile’ schools overseas, particular in Switzerland, Austria and the Republic of Ireland as well as providing training on behalf of the BSA (Boarding School Association), HIEDA (Health in Education Association), SGIS (Swiss Group of International Schools), NAMSS (National Association for Managers of Student Services). Working alongside these organisations has without doubt helped maintain my profile as a very sought after speaker in these very important areas of Training and Education.
ENGAGE, EDUCATE and EMPOWER – is the thrust of how I deliver my presentations and training which has served me well over the years and more importantly empowered your students in particular to manage situations they may find themselves in when Drugs are being used or offered to them.
