HEADS' DUTIES OVER DRUGS IN SCHOOLS

From Mr Peter Inson

Sir, The suggestion by Estelle Morris, School Standards Minister (report,
November 17), that head teachers should not automatically expel pupils who
are found in possession of illegal drugs in school, and her call for
flexibility in these matters, will add to the difficulties of head teachers.

Schools are unusual in that they are part of a custodial system; they are
responsible to parents for the safety and security of their children while
they are at school. They cannot share with parents knowledge about poor or
dangerous behaviour on the part of particular children who may be in close
contact with their children while they are at school and, sometimes, on the
way to and from school. The school alone has the responsibility and duty to
act on behalf of all its parents in the light of this particular knowledge
and parents have little option but to trust schools in these matters.

Many parents will insist, quite understandably, that they do not wish their
children to be compelled to keep company with children who are involved
with illegal drugs. Indeed, the notion that this is somehow acceptable is
morally repugnant. Schools have to bear this in mind when acting on behalf
of such parents.

The minister is concerned for the continuing education of pupils who are
excluded from school. In the long term it would be more constructive to
address the attitudes and actions of families so that it was more generally
realised that access to a worthwhile education in a school worth attending
depends on families presenting their children for education in a reasonably
socialised and self-disciplined state.

I fear that the minister's comments will simply be used to make even more
difficult the complex and fraught particular situations with real families
with which head teachers have to deal.

Yours sincerely,
PETER INSON
(Headmaster, Twyford High School, 1995-98),
15 Priory Crescent, Sudbury, Middlesex HA0 2QQ.
peterinson@compuserve.com
November 17.

From the Headmaster of More House School, Frensham

Sir, As headmaster of a school for boys with specific learning difficulties
who are inevitably vulnerable and very amenable to peer pressure, I have a
totally draconian policy on drugs.

All boys, and their parents, know that if a student is found with any
quantity of an illegal substance within his possession, at school, then he
is expelled instantly.

During the last five years I have only had to make use of this measure on
one occasion and my staff and I are convinced that this policy has kept the
school so clear of drugs at a time when other establishments have had
considerable difficulties. It is the only disciplinary area where we have
such a stringent rule.

I would urge the minister to think again.

Yours faithfully, BARRY HUGGETT, Headmaster, More House School,
Frensham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3AP. November 17.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski