Introducing Drug Education at Primary Schools

Developing activities for pupils to take home and share with parents is an approach employed by most schools. However, the ‘Learning Together' concept, by asking parents and carers to come into school and work alongside the children, takes this involvement a step further.

For such an approach to work successfully, it is important to choose the most appropriate topics from a well-planned PSE programme. In 1998 the Government published its 10-year strategy for tackling drugs misuse and it's recommendations included:

‘Prevention should start early, with broad life skills approaches at Primary School and built on over time. '

‘Because of the complexity of the problem, partnership is essential at every level.'

Over a period of 2 years Suffolk Education Authority, working with the Suffolk Drug Action Team, piloted the ‘Learning Together' approach as a means to introduce drug education at Key Stage One and Two . The exercise was a resounding success and has lead to the concept being made available to all Suffolk primary schools.

Two of the lessons learnt during the pilot period were:

•  the importance of explaining clearly to teaching staff and parents how ‘Learning Together' actually works and
•  providing reassurance to those wary of becoming involved.

To assist in communicating these aspects, the ‘Learning Together' DVD was developed. Divided into sections, the programme looks at five steps to be considered by schools or Education Authorities contemplating a similar approach. It has been produced to support not only briefing sessions to teaching staff but also to provide an introduction to the concept at parents meetings. The DVD can be stopped after each section to open discussion or answer any questions.

Step 1 - Planning

Step 2 - The Parents Meeting

Step 3 - The Activity Session

Step 4 – Evaluation

Step 5 – Celebration

Includes a set of presenter notes providing additional information and facts plus a suggested presentation approach.

Produced in conjunction with Suffolk Local Education Authority & The Suffolk Drug Action Team