Dear Parent/Carer,
We have been made aware by other local high schools of a growing pattern in young people of purchasing plastic disposable vapes. These are small pre-filled vapes with nicotine salt e-liquid. The current UK law states: “Selling vaping products to anyone under 18 is prohibited and so is buying vaping products for anyone under 18”
In line with our published behaviour policy, such items as these disposable vapes are prohibited items in school and as such, students who are thought to be in possession, or seen using, will be subject to routine searches and potentially sanctions too . There are two sets of legal provisions which enable school staff to search for and confiscate items from students:
· The general power to discipline enables a member of school staff to confiscate, retain or dispose of a student’s property as a punishment.
· The power to search without consent for weapons, knives, alcohol, illegal drugs and stolen items and any item prohibited by the school which has been identified in the rules.
Prohibited items that may be searched for and confiscated include:
· Knives or weapons
· Alcohol
· Illegal drugs
· Stolen items
· Tobacco or cigarette papers
· Fireworks
· Pornographic images or material
· Laser Pen
· Shisha pen
· Cigarettes
· Cigarette lighters
· Matches
· E-cigarettes and vapes
In these circumstances, it may be necessary to contact a parent/carer, for their support and to arrange an appropriate time for them to collect any items that can returned.
Should you have any queries regarding this guidance, please do not hesitate to contact the school, or myself directly via [email protected]
Yours faithfully,
Adam Smith
Vice Principal