§ 18. Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if it is her policy to introduce independent assessment of the effectiveness of drug prevention programmes(a) in schools and (b) elsewhere. [124283]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyAs part of the Government's ten-year strategy "Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain" we are committed to identifying what works. This includes education and prevention initiatives. To support this objective the Drug Prevention Advisory Service (DPAS), is currently discussing with the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) ways in which the school inspections system can monitor schools drug policies and activities.
DPAS also has a key role in assessing all Drug Action Teams prevention programmes. These cover a wide range of activities, including those, which take place in schools. The Anti Drug Co-ordinator, with the support of DPAS is currently reviewing DAT action plans for the year ahead.