Management Information Sheet
Information for Schools about Mephedrone
You will be aware that, currently, there is much discussion of this substance and we hope the following information will be of help to you. Indeed, we note that Veron Coaker (the Schools Minister) has also written to all headteachers. We would advise that you share the information contained in these two letters with all staff and consider how it can be incorporated into your drug education programme so that young people are aware of its risks.
Mephedrone:
This is a white/off-white crystalline powder (sometimes sold in tablet or capsule form). Although not fully understood at present, it has some known side effects and is not a safe substance. Its effects are similar to amphetamine ('speed') and MDMA ('ecstasy') and may cause euphoria, alertness, talkativeness, feelings of empathy, paranoia and drowsiness and hallucinations. It can also cause seizures, severe nose-bleeds, memory problems, heart palpitations and even coma. Currently, this is a legal substance originally developed as substance to promote healthy plant growth. Mephedrone falls into a group of legal substances which are available in some shops/market stalls and via the internet. If you require further details, please refer to www.talktofrank.com and search for Mephedrone.
School Drugs Policy:
In 2004 the government issues Drugs: guidance for schools (available at www.dcsf.gov.uk, reference Dfes/0092/2004). In order to assist schools a model School Drugs Policy was developed locally and sent to all Norfolk schools in May 2004. Included in the model policy was guidance on how to manage any drug-related incidents as well as a 'record of incident' proforma. The Local Authority advice to schools remains that they adopt and implement this policy. Since 2004, there have been annual INSET courses on reviewing and developing a schools drugs policy: these are offered free of charge to schools. As Drug Education (and PSHE Education) will become statutory with effect from 2011, this model policy will be updated and issued to schools in due course. In addition, there are also INSET courses available for staff to improve their knowledge and understanding of drugs (including 'legal highs' such as Mephedrone) and courses for those teachers responsible for drug education in schools: these are also free of charge.
Dealing with incidents of use/significant concern: additional specialist support:
We wrote to schools on 3rd October 2009 informing them of the specialist service offered by The Matthew Project (see Management Information sheet MI 185/09). Should you have concerns about suspected/reported use of any substance, please follow the agreed procedures set out in SID (Support and Information on Drugs) which was sent to all high schools in November 2009 (see www.nordat.org.uk where details relating to SID can be found in the section on Young People). The Matthew Project Under 18 Service (01603 774360) can provide an initial consultation and they will be able to advice on whether or not to instigate CAF procedures.
If you require any further assistance on these matters please contact Barry Gibson outlining fully the additional information/assistance you are seeking.
Mephedrone:
This is a white/off-white crystalline powder (sometimes sold in tablet or capsule form). Although not fully understood at present, it has some known side effects and is not a safe substance. Its effects are similar to amphetamine ('speed') and MDMA ('ecstasy') and may cause euphoria, alertness, talkativeness, feelings of empathy, paranoia and drowsiness and hallucinations. It can also cause seizures, severe nose-bleeds, memory problems, heart palpitations and even coma. Currently, this is a legal substance originally developed as substance to promote healthy plant growth. Mephedrone falls into a group of legal substances which are available in some shops/market stalls and via the internet. If you require further details, please refer to www.talktofrank.com and search for Mephedrone.
School Drugs Policy:
In 2004 the government issues Drugs: guidance for schools (available at www.dcsf.gov.uk, reference Dfes/0092/2004). In order to assist schools a model School Drugs Policy was developed locally and sent to all Norfolk schools in May 2004. Included in the model policy was guidance on how to manage any drug-related incidents as well as a 'record of incident' proforma. The Local Authority advice to schools remains that they adopt and implement this policy. Since 2004, there have been annual INSET courses on reviewing and developing a schools drugs policy: these are offered free of charge to schools. As Drug Education (and PSHE Education) will become statutory with effect from 2011, this model policy will be updated and issued to schools in due course. In addition, there are also INSET courses available for staff to improve their knowledge and understanding of drugs (including 'legal highs' such as Mephedrone) and courses for those teachers responsible for drug education in schools: these are also free of charge.
Dealing with incidents of use/significant concern: additional specialist support:
We wrote to schools on 3rd October 2009 informing them of the specialist service offered by The Matthew Project (see Management Information sheet MI 185/09). Should you have concerns about suspected/reported use of any substance, please follow the agreed procedures set out in SID (Support and Information on Drugs) which was sent to all high schools in November 2009 (see www.nordat.org.uk where details relating to SID can be found in the section on Young People). The Matthew Project Under 18 Service (01603 774360) can provide an initial consultation and they will be able to advice on whether or not to instigate CAF procedures.
If you require any further assistance on these matters please contact Barry Gibson outlining fully the additional information/assistance you are seeking.