Drug, Alcohol and Weapons Policy
1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote a safe and healthy environment in which teaching and learning can take place
- Clarify the legal requirements and responsibilities of Keysoe International concerning the misuse and/or possession of drugs, alcohol and weapons
- Enable participants to make informed decisions about the use and/or possession of drugs, alcohol and weapons
- Ensure a consistent approach to the management of drug, alcohol and weapons-related incidents
- Assist with supporting and signposting participants with drug or alcohol-related problems
2 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
KIF-0056 Drug, Alcohol and Weapon Search Record
3 SCOPE
The policy applies to all participants attending the Alternative Provision at Keysoe International or Keysoe Therapy & Wellbeing Centre.
4 DEFINITIONS
Alcohol: In the context of this policy, “alcohol” refers to any beverage or substance that contains ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is a psychoactive substance that can alter mood, perception, and cognitive functions. This includes, but is not limited to, beer, wine, spirits, and any other alcoholic drinks or products, regardless of concentration or quantity.
Drugs: Illegal Class A, B and C drugs, alcohol, psychoactive substances, solvents (including aerosols, glue, cleaning and lighter fluid) and prescription medication that is not being used for the nature it was prescribed.
Drug paraphernalia: Button bags, grinders, bongs, stash jars/ containers, needles or similar items that could be linked to the use of drugs (possession/ supply).
Weapons: Objects that are likely to be used to cause harm and are likely to be concealed (as opposed to in clear, supervised use for curriculum reasons), including knives, pistols, screwdrivers, blades, martial arts equipment, etc.
DSL: Designated Safeguarding Lead – a trained staff member responsible for safeguarding at Keysoe.
DDSL: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – a trained staff member responsible for safeguarding at Keysoe.
5 UNDERPINNING LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE
- Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
- Misuse of Drugs Act (1971)
- Psychoactive Substances Act (2016)
- DfE Advice: Searching, screening and confiscation for schools
6 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1 Senior Management Team
The Senior Management team have strategic responsibility for health and safety and safeguarding arrangements and will:
- Implement this policy and ensure appropriate personnel are in place to support its successful implementation
- Take responsibility for handling drugs, alcohol and weapons-related incidents reported in their area in liaison with the referring School or College
- Liaise with Police if illegal drugs, including psychoactive substances (formally known as ‘legal highs’), are found
- Follow clear procedures for taking disciplinary action fairly and consistently
- Provide adequate training to staff on both this policy and general drug, alcohol and weapons awareness, including the links to mental health/addiction/crime, such as County Lines
6.2 Members of Staff
Our staff play a particularly important role in health and safety and safeguarding as they are in a position to both promote welfare and identify concerns early.
All members of staff have a responsibility to:
- Read and understand this Policy and related procedures
- Undertake regular and appropriate training, which is regularly updated
- Take action and report concerns if they observe or are informed about drug misuse/possession/dealing/concealed weapons
- Refer the matter to the DSL (or DDSL if unavailable) should an incident be linked to a potential safeguarding concern (e.g., if the perpetrator is suspected to be involved in criminal activity or if abuse is disclosed during any debriefing)
- Know how to maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality
7 POLICY
7.1 Behavioural Expectations
- Reporting for Alternative Provision whilst under the influence may put the individual and others at risk. Therefore, participants must present for their session in a fit state and not whilst under the influence
- The drinking of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, and misuse of substances during the session, which includes all breaks, is strictly forbidden
- Participants are not permitted to possess, store, trade or sell controlled drugs, weapons or other illegal substances (banned items) on Keysoe premises. To do so is a criminal offence, and perpetrators will be reported to the authorities in such cases
- Participants taking prescription and/or over-the-counter medication are responsible for informing us should those medications be likely to impair their ability to undertake their course safely
- Participants are prohibited from using any item that could be perceived as a weapon during activities. All tools and equipment must be used in accordance with their intended purpose and under the supervision of staff
7.2 Banned Items
Participants must not bring any of the following banned items onto our site:
- Alcohol
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia (see Definitions)
- Weapons
- Stolen items
- Any article that a member of staff reasonably suspects has been or is likely to be used to commit an offence or to cause personal injury or damage to the property of any person (including the participant)
7.3 Searches
To ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals on Keysoe premises, authorised staff (the equivalent of the Head of Education and Animal Welfare or another staff member within the teaching team / HR manager) shall conduct searches of participants if there is a reasonable suspicion that they are in possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons.
Staff will follow established protocols, which include obtaining consent where possible and ensuring that searches are conducted by staff of the same gender as the participant whenever practical.
Searches shall be conducted in a private setting and with at least one witness (usually the DSL / DDSL) present.
If consent is not given or if there are concerns about immediate safety, staff will not conduct a search and will refer the matter directly to the Police.
All searches shall be documented, and any findings will be reported to the appropriate authorities and guardians as necessary.
Please note that strip searches can only be carried out by Police officers and will not be carried out by Keysoe staff.
7.4 Drug and Alcohol Test
We reserve the right to carry out a drug and alcohol test should we feel it is necessary.
The test shall be conducted in a private setting and with at least one witness (usually the DSL / DDSL) present.
If consent is not given or if there are concerns about immediate safety, staff will not conduct a test and will refer the matter directly to the Police.
All tests shall be documented, and any findings will be reported to the appropriate authorities and guardians as necessary.
Please note if the test is refused, the outcome would be classed as the same as a positive test.
7.5 Confiscation
An authorised staff member shall confiscate any item that they have reasonable grounds to suspect that it:
- Poses a risk to others[1] (including our animals); or
- Is prohibited; or
- Is evidence of an offence
Controlled drugs, weapons, stolen items or items which are evidence of a suspected offence must be delivered to the Police as soon as possible.
Other substances which are not believed to be controlled should be safely disposed of (if possible) or delivered to the Police as soon as possible.
7.6 Record Keeping
To ensure transparency and accountability, we will keep detailed records of any:
- Search (whether or not a banned item is found and whether it is performed by a staff member or the Police)
- Confiscation
Each record shall include the date and time of the search, the names of the individuals involved, a description of the items found or confiscated, and the reasons for the search or confiscation. These will be recorded on KIF-0056 Drug, Alcohol and Weapon Search Record.
These records shall be securely stored in a confidential file, accessible only to authorised personnel.
The documentation will be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with policy procedures and to identify any patterns or areas for improvement.
In cases where the search or confiscation involves criminal activities, the records will be used to support any subsequent investigations or legal actions.
7.7 Informing Others
Where participants are under 18, Parents/guardians and referrer (School, College or Social Worker) shall always be informed of any search for a prohibited item that has taken place, the outcome of the search and what, if anything, has been confiscated as soon as practicable.
7.8 Reporting Breaches
Participants and visitors must immediately report any knowledge or suspicion of breaches of this policy to a member of staff.
7.9 Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the Drugs, Alcohol, and Weapons Policy and not allowing a drug and / or alcohol test, shall result in disciplinary action, which may vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach. This may include confiscation of items, temporary suspension, permanent exclusion, or they may be asked to leave site immediately, depending on the nature of the violation.
Additionally, participants may be reported to the Police if their actions are considered to be criminal.
All incidents of non-compliance shall be thoroughly documented and reviewed to ensure appropriate action is taken and to prevent future occurrences.
8 MONITORING AND REVIEWING
Keysoe International Ltd. will review this policy at least annually and will update it as needed so that it is kept up to date with safeguarding issues as they emerge and evolve, including lessons learnt.
The policy shall also be revised following any national or local updates, significant local or national safeguarding events and/or learning, and/or any changes to our own procedures.
9 APPENDIX A: SEARCH GUIDANCE
- A search shall be a last resort and must only be undertaken when the staff member reasonably believes that the participant is in possession of a prohibited item and has refused to prove that they are not (e.g., by emptying their pockets or opening their bag/locker)
- Consent shall always be requested before any search is performed
- Before any search takes place, the member of staff conducting the search shall explain to the participant why they are being searched, how and where the search is going to take place and give them the opportunity to ask any questions
- The law states the member of staff member conducting the search shall be:
- Of the same sex as the pupil being searched; and
- The equivalent of the Headteacher or have the authorisation of the equivalent of the Headteacher
- There shall be another member of staff present as a witness to the search. This should be the DSL / DDSL, if possible
- An appropriate location for the search shall be found. Where possible, this should be away from other participants and visitors
- The person conducting the search:
- Where illegal banned items are found, they shall be confiscated
- Whether or not any items have been found as a result of any search, staff shall consider whether the reasons for the search, the search itself, or the outcome of the search give cause to suspect that the participant is suffering or is likely to suffer harm and/or whether any specific support or a referral to the DSL is needed
- After the search, the staff member shall complete the KIF-0056 – Drug, Alcohol and Weapons Search Record which records:
- the date, time and location of the search;
- which participant was searched;
- who conducted the search and any other people present;
- what was being searched for;
- the reason for searching;
- what items, if any, were found; and
- what follow-up action was taken
[1] This includes fireworks, harmful substances and/or offensive material. This list is not exhaustive.
[2] ‘Outer clothing’ means any item of clothing that is not worn wholly next to the skin or immediately over a garment that is being worn as underwear, as well as hats, shoes, boots or scarves.
[3] ‘Possessions’ means any goods over which the participant has or appears to have control, including lockers and bags.
KIP-0040 Revision 1
Last updated November 2024
