Please see attached a brief summary on the new equalities law and what it means.

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untitled (.doc 22.0 kb)

 

You may be aware that a very dangerous drug 'Mephedrone' has been given a great deal of media attention over the last week. This has been due to the fact that it has been associated with the tragic deaths of two teenage boys.

Mephedrone is on the street in Hereford. Its effects have been noted at the hospitals, by the police and referrals are being made to our supporting agencies Zigzag and DASH.

The media have focused on the many frightening side effects the drug can have. I think it very necessary to highlight some of the trends that are occurring in Hereford at present in order to begin to understand the dangers that may be faced by children and young people.

Even though there has been a decrease in the number of young people drinking, the amount drunk has significantly increased.
Binge drinking (drinking twice the recommended safe adult level of alcohol in one session ) has increased significantly.
Poly drug use is popular with young people in Hereford. This is when more than one type of drug is taken in any one session. The main drug usually being alcohol. The risks then associated with these drugs are seriously increased.
Legal Highs such as Mephedrone are easily accessible to young people via internet sites. These drugs often mimic the effects of illegal drugs but can be bought for a lot less money, sometimes up to ten times cheaper.
A hit with one of these drugs can cost less than £1.00.
Although the dangers highlighted by the media are very serious ones, there are many additional dangers that need to be acknowledged.
Risk taking increases with consumption of alcohol and can be significantly increased when mixed with additional drugs.
Teenage pregnancies, car accidents, road accidents, assaults, truancy etc all increase when drugs including alcohol are involved.

In December 2009, two legal highs were classified as being illegal. Spice - a synthetic drug that has similarities to Cannabis, now a Cat B and BZP, a stimulant that is seen as an alternative to ecstasy, now a Cat C.
Unfortunately there was not enough information about Mephedrone available to the government at that time. It is now under review and hopefully a ban will soon follow. As always though, there will be others to take its place. It is only through educating both children and young people about the dangers of taking drugs that we are likely to see a reduction in their uptake.

Attached is some further information. If you wish to discuss the topic any further please do not hesitate to contact Sandie Leask, Drug Education Development Officer on 01432 383399

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untitled (.pdf 116.7 kb)

 

NHS Herefordshire and Herefordshire Council are launching a programme to
improve the dental health of local children. The Give Me a Smile programme, which aims to make tooth brushing at school a part of the daily routine and help children to grow up with a healthy smile, will be launched at Ledbury Primary School and Childrens Centre on 4 March. It will then be rolled out to other schools and nurseries around the county. The dental health of children in Herefordshire compares poorly to rest of the country. Yet dental decay, the most common dental disease in children, is largely preventable. Brushing childrens teeth twice a day with a family fluoride toothpaste and cutting down on sugary food and drink are important steps that parents and carers can take to protect their childrens teeth from decay. The Give Me a Smile programme will involve nursery and reception aged children brushing their teeth at school as part of the school routine. Children will also get top tips on brushing their teeth properly and lessons on the importance of keeping mouths, teeth and gums healthy. A toothbrush bus (a storage unit for the childrens toothbrushes) will be wheeled out each day so that the children can take part in daily, supervised tooth brushing sessions.

The director of children's services is asking schools to get involved in events organised for this year's Internet Safety Week (9 February)

Links:
http://www.cs.herefordshire.gov.uk/SOL/Internet_safety_week.doc.dot

If you are interested in accessing an inclusive programme of peer massage for your class or school, please contact Annie Finch or Di Budge on 01432 260873 to discuss further.

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untitled (.pdf 401.3 kb)

 

The new Healthy Schools Enhancement model is being launched locally in Herefordshire on 4th December.

See events page for further details and how to book.

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untitled (.doc 29.5 kb)

 

Our new Parents Page is now 'live'. Here we will have up to date tips and advice for parents, from parents. Also there will be a list of helpful resources and websites etc for parents' information.

This month, the National Healthy Schools Programme hit its 75% target for schools achieving National Healthy Schools Status ahead of the target date which was December 2009.

Attached is a letter from Will Cavendish, Director of Health and Wellbeing, Department of Health, congratulating all local programmes for their efforts and achievements.

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untitled (.doc 34.5 kb)

 

The new rules for food in school will ensure that:

School lunches are free from low quality meat products, fizzy drinks, crisps and chocolate or other confectionery

High quality meat, poultry or oily fish is available on a regular basis

Pupils are served a minimum of two portions of fruit and vegetables with every meal

Any deep-fried items are restricted to no more than two portions in a week.

For further information follow the attaached link.

Links:
http://www.sustainweb.org/page.php?id=116

Change4Life is a lifestyle revolution involving thousands of local organisations and charities which will help mums, dads, and families eat well, move more, live longer. Change4Life aims to improve childrens diets and levels of activity, helping them develop healthier lifestyles and reduce the threat to their future health. Look out for healthy food promotions and recipes in supermarkets, walking campaigns, cycling groups etc. Check out their website for top tips, and register for your free welcome pack, or call 0300 123 4567.

Links:
http://www.nhs.uk/change4life

There has been fantastic progress on the Million Meals Campaign in the region with over 400 schools now signed up.

Million Meals aims to have a million more children eating a school meal by 2010. Pendock Primary in Worcestershire was the 400th school to register and a celebration event was held where all children received a free meal and £400 was given to the school to support improvements to the dining room environment.

To register your school visit the School Food Trust website and follow the link.

Links:
http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/index.asp

Think Food and Farming is the exciting legacy project building on the successes of the Year of Food and FArming. It will promote healthy living by offering children and young people direct experience of the countryside, farming and food through growing and cooking activities, and visits to farms.

Links:
http://thinkfoodandfarming.org.uk

As part of the GetReal campaign, the School Food Trust has teamed up with the UN World Food Programme on The Really Good School Dinner initiative, which is designed to demonstrate the value of a school meal, not only in this country but in parts of the developing world.

During the last week of January 2009, pupils of all ages are being asked to have a school dinner and donate an extra 10p. All the money raised will be used by the UN World Food Programme to provide children in countries including Kenya, Cambodia and Guatemala with a school meal, often their only meal of the day.

The campaign will also help provide an education for many as evidence shows that many children, especially girls, are kept home if they are not being fed at school.

All Schools, school councils, local authorities and caterers are being contacted and asked to get on board and make this initiative the success it deserves to be.

Click on the link below to register your school and receive a campaign pack which contains posters, bucket wraps and information to help school councils promote The Really Good School Dinner to their fellow pupils.

Links:
http://www.getreal.uk.com/really-good-school-dinner

Million Meals - fantastic section of the School Food Trust website to support schools with the compulsory standards regarding all aspects of school food.

"A revolution is underway in school food. Since September 2006, every pupil taking a school lunch is guaranteed, by law, a balanced, nutritious meal.

We now need to make sure they are eating them and the 'Million Meals' campaign aims to do just that.

If you represent a school, talk to your head teacher and sign up today using your school's URN number.

In return you will get access to a panel of experts and champions who will be able to give insights into how they have transformed their meal service and answer any queries schools may have. There is also a dedicated section of this website containing case studies, films, details of visits to members' schools and a host of other resources. The most successful approaches will be recognised in our Roll of Honour scheme."

Lots of other useful links below to support your school in meeting the food standards in imaginative and fun ways.

Links:
School Food Trust
Food for life Partnership
Food - a fact of life
I'm in season
Million Meals

Links:
School Food Trust (SFT)homepage
School Food Trust document downloads
British Nutrition Foundation (BNF)
Teen Weight Wise (British Dietetic Association)
School Food Trust resouces

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BNF Packed lunch leaflet (.pdf 225.1 kb)
BNF poster (.pdf 277.4 kb)
Teen packed lunch leaflet (.pdf 1.3 MB)
Example of a packed lunch policy (.doc 52.5 kb)

 

Local mother of two and author, Joanne Roach, has produced a series of books that are to be given free to all 3, 4 and 5 year old children in Herefordshire. The 12 Foodies books are colourful, fun and each one tells a story about a fruit or vegetable of the month. They are grouped into seasons and contain a story, factual information, recipes, activities and links and encourage children to think about the particular fruit or veg and associate it with its 'season' in the garden.

Joanne has worked in partnership with Orleton school and Herefordshire Healthy Schools Partnership to produce this fabulous resource.

For more information and to see the book of the month, visit www.thefoodiesbooks.com

Links:
Foodies books website

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Background (.pdf 200.7 kb)
Research (.pdf 132.6 kb)

 

The first in a series of 'Fresh look' booklets from the School Food Trust to support schools with the new food standards in school is now available.

'Making the food we provide in school healthier is only half the battle. Young people have to want to eat it. If you have a pleasant and happy environment, people will want to eat there. The School Food Trust has created this booklet to help overcome issues your school may face when trying to improve the experience children and young people have during their lunchtime.'

A fresh look at the school meal experience looks at how schools can make improvements to the look and feel of their dining hall, manage lunch times effectively, reduce queuing and improve behaviour.

Links:
School Food Trust website

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Fresh look at the school meal experience booklet (.pdf 885.8 kb)

 

COMPULSORY STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL FOOD

In May 2006, the Government announced new standards for school food. There were three parts to be phased in by September 2009. Interim food standards for schools lunches should have been in all schools by September 2006 and the second step including all school food other than lunch should have been in place as of September 2007. The final stage is to introduce nutrient based standards in primaries and secondaries by September 2008 and September 2009 respectively.

The responsibility for implementing the new changes lies with Local Authorities or schools themselves depending where the budget for school food is placed and has huge implications on tuck shops, after school clubs, vending, break snacks etc - all food provided in school.

New guidelines have been published and the latest information is on the School Food Trust website - links below. The Healthy Schools Team work closely with the local Community Dietitian and also have access to people who can support schools with policy, parents, children or can give support and advice on implementing the new standards.

For more information, support or advice, contact us.

Links:
School Food Trust website
Fruits and veggies matter
Food standards agency
British Nutrition Foundation

Downloads: (Right-click to save)
REVISED school lunch standards (.pdf 892.0 kb)
School food other than lunch standards (.pdf 1.1 MB)
Guide for parents (.pdf 1.5 MB)
Useful newsletter (Food - a fact of life) (.doc 31.5 kb)
School based food initiatives (to be updated soon) (.pdf 984.5 kb)

 

Where can a young person or a member of staff go for support or guidance on a substance related issue?

THE SCHOOL NURSE is an excellent starting point for help. They have all attended basic drug awareness training and can refer young people to the relevant agency if further help is required. Many of the school nurses are now trained to help young people quit smoking and can issue nicotine patches or gum as part of that process. Anything discussed with the school nurse is confidential.

ZIG ZAG The process for referrals to Zig Zag has changed. Trev, is currently the only Zig Zag worker. He can offer guidance, support and information to both young people and the adults who work with them regarding substance misuse. He can offer interventions to individuals but he is no longer able to offer education in schools. Parents evenings may be possible in some circumstances.

STAFF - FOR ALL REFERRALS ZigZag Young Persons Substance Misuse Service
c/o Connexions
6 St Peters Street
Hereford
HR1 2LE
Office Tel No: 01432 269404
Mobile No Ruth: 07792 881534 Christian: 07792 881507 Karen: 07792 881521
Email: rsterry@herefordshire.gov.uk
kgadsby@herefordshire.gov.uk
chorton@herefordshire.gov.uk
:


Young people can contact Zig Zag through their school nurse, local Connexions Centre or School Personal Adviser.

For any other support or information regarding drug education in schools, contact: Sandie Leask, Drug Education Development Officer, 01432 383399 or email sleask@herefordshire.gov.uk


1: Drugscope 2003
2: A Study of Alcohol Consumption in Young People-Beinart, S - 2002

Links:
www.drugsfaqs.co.uk - Drug information and advice
www.wrecked.co.uk - for young people re alcohol
www.talktofrank.com or 0800 776600 - National Drug Helpline
www.drugscope.org.uk or 0207 928 1211 - National drugs charity
www.re-solve.org - advice and information on the issue of solvent abuse

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Zig Zag referral form (.doc 23.0 kb)