3rd February 2022

Dear parents and carers,

Following my letter earlier this week, reminding everyone of our behaviour and drugs/smoking/vaping policies, I am writing to let you know of the message that has been given to students today.  My Assistant Headteachers, Mr Carr and Mr Sabri have delivered an assembly to every year group throughout the day.  We have talked to students about the dangers, health risk and laws connected to vaping, smoking and drugs.  We have also made clear the risks and damage to health linked to all of these activities and made it clear what sanctions will be given to any students who contravene our policies.

Any student found to be in possession of a vape, cigarettes or any related equipment will result in the items being confiscated and disposed of, parents will be called and students will be internally excluded with a member of the senior leadership team.  If a student is caught vaping anywhere in school, they will be excluded.  Similarly, any student found to be in possession, or under the influence of any illegal substance, or involved in its supply, will face permanent exclusion from Blacon High School.

All students have been reminded of our core principles - the foundations on which our behaviour policy is built.  We ask for your support in upholding our values and policies in order to maintain our high standards of conduct and to keep everyone safe.

Students have also been instructed that only one person should be in a toilet at any one time and anyone found to be with others in a toilet, will be drawing attention to themselves unnecessarily and this will be deemed as suspicious.

We know that the majority of students will not be involved in or aware of these issues but it is important that every member of our school community is clear about the rules, policies and values which we uphold.

I ask that you talk to your child about this and remind them of our policies.  We have a culture in school where we encourage students to stand up for what is right, to talk to a trusted adult if they have seen or heard something which is of concern and to allow staff to take the action necessary to tackle the issues and to keep everyone safe.

May I thank you in advance for your support in this matter and ask that we work together to ensure that our young people are protected.

Regards,

Rachel Hudson

Headteacher