Agenda item - Drug, alcohol and tobacco education guidance for educational settings

Report of the Executive Director- Families, Children & Learning (copy attached).

1)           That the Committee approve the final draft Brighton & Hove Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education Guidance for Educational Settings Guidance (2017)

2)           That the Committee approve the stance on alcohol on school and college sites.

3)           That Committee continues to support the continued improvement of drug, alcohol and tobacco education within a planned programme of PSHE Education.

13.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Families, Children & Learning that presented the final draft of the Brighton & Hove Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education Guidance for Educational Settings Guidance (2017) for comment and approval.

13.2      Councillor Phillips thanked officers for a very thorough report. In relation to alcohol being served at school events, Councillor Philips noted that this was a valuable income for schools and her concern was that this may potentially place restrictions on school budgets.

13.3      The Partnership Adviser: Health and Wellbeing stated that the issue did have sensitivities and there would be careful consultation with any school that chose to hold events restricting the sale of alcohol. The Partnership Adviser: Health and Wellbeing supplemented that some schools faced a challenge in relation to inclusivity for some of its pupil’s families and there was anecdotal statements from schools that staff had uncertainties about responsibility for children at school events where parents were consuming alcohol.

13.4      Martin Jones stated that he understood the challenges to some schools however, events were a valuable income for schools and a prohibitive style may stop parents attending.

13.5      The Partnership Adviser: Health and Wellbeing stated that any decision would be for schools to make and the document was provided as guidance, one that may prompt a discussion about the school environment.

13.6      Councillor Penn stated that an important issue underlying the guidance was that of faith based family’s integration in social environments and some Muslim families would choose not to attend events where alcohol was being served.

13.7      Councillor Wealls stated that the guidance did read critically rather than advisory of providing alcohol in schools that gave him some concern as responsible consumption of alcohol could provide a good reinforcement indicator for children in later life. Councillor Wealls added that he was worried the guidance may not have the desired reaction from parents.

13.8      RESOLVED-

1)           That the Committee approve the final draft Brighton & Hove Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education Guidance for Educational Settings Guidance (2017)

2)           That the Committee approve the stance on alcohol on school and college sites.

3)           That Committee continues to support the continued improvement of drug, alcohol and tobacco education within a planned programme of PSHE Education.