We believe this policy should be a working document that is fit for purpose, represents the school ethos, enables consistency and quality across the school and is related to the following legislation:

• Health and Safety at Work 1974

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2005

• Food Hygiene (Northern Ireland)  Regulations 2005

• Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2005

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

• Health Act 2006

• Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

• Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006

• Smoke-free Premises (Wales) Regulations 2007

• Smoke-free (exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007

• Smoke-free (Offences in Vehicles and Fixed Penalty Notices) Regulations 2007

• Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007

• Equality Act 2010

• Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2010

We are aware that it is illegal under the Health Act 2006 (and regulations made under the Act) to expose a person in an enclosed workplace to second-hand smoke. Therefore, smoking is prohibited in any part of the school building, school grounds, school playing fields, on educational visits, school events and school letting events.

We believe it is our duty to discourage school personnel and pupils from smoking by highlighting the damaging effects it has on a person’s health. We will provide support and advice to all smokers but we hope all school personnel will act as role models.

We will ensure that the school environment becomes smoke free and anyone found breaching this policy will face disciplinary action.

We wish to work closely with the School Council and to hear their views and opinions as we acknowledge and support Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child that children should be encouraged to form and to express their views.

We as a school community have a commitment to promote equality. Therefore, an equality impact assessment has been undertaken and we believe this policy is in line with the Equality Act 2010.

We believe it is essential that this policy clearly identifies and outlines the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the procedures and arrangements that is connected with this policy.

Aims

• To comply with the Health Act 2006 (and regulations made under the Act) in order to protect all employees and pupils from second-hand smoke.

• To work with other schools and the local authority to share good practice in order to improve this policy.

Role of the Governing Body

• appoint a member of staff to be responsible for Health and Safety;

• responsibility in supporting school personnel and pupils to maintain their health and wellbeing and in helping those stop smoking;

• appointed a member of staff who has received formal training to smoking cessation methods who will be available to offer advice and support to school personnel and pupils;

• responsibility to ensure that the school complies with the Health Act 2006;

• delegated powers and responsibilities to the Headteacher to ensure all school personnel and stakeholders are aware of and comply with this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring that the school complies with all equalities legislation;

• nominated a designated Equalities governor to ensure that appropriate action will be taken to deal with all prejudice related incidents or incidents which are a breach of this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring funding is in place to support this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring this policy and all policies are maintained and updated regularly;

• responsibility for ensuring all policies are made available to parents;

• a duty to make effective use of relevant research and information to improve this policy;

• responsibility for the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this policy.

Role of the Headteacher

• ensure the school complies with the Health Act 2006;

• ensure all school personnel, pupils and parents are aware of and comply with this policy;

• ensure approved 'No Smoking' signs are placed:

1. in school entrances

2. in the school hall

3. in school vehicles

4. in other conspicuous places around the school

• deal with any breaches to this policy;

• apply sanctions if anyone breaches this policy;

• keep a record of all breaches to this no smoking policy;

• provide a duty of care for all pupils from smoking when attending educational visits and inter school sporting activities;

• ensure the school curriculum informs pupils of the health risks of smoking;

• support the member of staff who has received formal training to smoking cessation methods who will be available to offer advice and support to school personnel and pupils;

• work closely with the link governor and coordinator;

• provide leadership and vision in respect of equality;

• make effective use of relevant research and information to improve this policy;

• provide guidance, support and training to all staff;

• monitor the effectiveness of this policy by speaking with pupils, school personnel, parents and governors;

• annually report to the Governing Body on the success and development of this policy.

Role of School Personnel

• comply with this policy;

• seek advice and support if they wish to give up smoking;

• take reasonable care of themselves and others whilst at work;

• co-operate with the Headteacher and others in school to comply with legislation;

• inform pupils that smoking damages people’s health;

• inform pupils that they will be disciplined if they are caught smoking;

• act as role models;

• ask any visitor who is seen smoking on the school premises to refrain from smoking;

• report any breach to this policy;

• implement the school’s equalities policy and schemes;

• report and deal with all incidents of discrimination;

• attend appropriate training sessions on equality;

• report any concerns they have on any aspect of the school community.

Role of Pupils

• be aware of and comply with this policy;

• understand the consequences if they are found smoking;

• be informed of the harmful effects of smoking;

• listen carefully to all instructions given by the teacher;

• ask for further help if they do not understand;

• treat others, their work and equipment with respect;

• support the school Code of Conduct and guidance necessary to ensure the smooth running of the school;

• liaise with the school council;

• take part in questionnaires and surveys.

Role of Parents/Carers

• be aware of and comply with this policy;

• be asked to take part periodic surveys conducted by the school

• support the school Code of Conduct and guidance necessary to ensure smooth running of the school

Training

• have equal chances of training, career development and promotion

• receive training on induction which specifically covers:

  • All aspects of this policy

  • Health and Well-being of School Personnel

  • Workplace Environment

  • Awareness training of the harmful effects of smoking

  • Asthma

  • Fire Safety

  • A healthy lifestyle

  • Dealing with breaches to this policy and disciplinary action

  • Equal opportunities

  • Inclusion

• receive periodic training so that they are kept up to date with new information

• receive equal opportunities training on induction in order to improve their understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and its implications.

This policy will be review when required