SCHOOL NURSES GET TRAINING TO SPOT DRUG USE

SCHOOL nurses are being trained to spot whether children as young as
four are high on drugs, the Gazette has learned.

All school nurses in Islington are now being taught to spot whether
youngsters are under the influence of illegal drugs like cannabis,
ecstasy or LSD. Even primary school nurses are given the training
before starting work with pupils as young as four.

A further programme of drug training is due this summer to make sure
school nurses are better prepared to spot signs of drug use.

Education bosses say it is a shame it has come to this - but that
parents should feel reassured.

Councillor Ursula Woolley, executive member for children and young
people, said: "It is a difficult issue. But we should be proud to
know there are health professionals looking after our children. We
all know what a social problem drugs are and it is important to have
nurses with these skills."

She continued: "When we think of school nurses we think of nit nurses
and jabs, but it's a good thing that the PCT are concerned. I think
parents would be sorry it is needed but delighted it is provided."

Mother Marnie Rose has a child at Hanover Primary School in Noel
Road, Islington, and is a member of the parents and teachers
association. She said: "You want to have nurses who can detect all
sorts of things. Primary schools go up to the age of 11 so it may be
more relevant to those children."

She added: "It is a sad sign of the times, but these things may have
been happening before without nurses trained to deal with it."

A spokeswoman for Islington PCT, which provides the nurses, said:
"School health advisers work across both primary and secondary
schools in Islington so all schools can access substance misuse training.

"The training includes recognition of symptoms if under influence of
drugs and importantly, a referral pathway for a young person who may
need help.

"The training is continuous and all health advisors will receive
further awareness training during the summer term.