§ 23. Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will visit the DARE drug education programme and make it a model for a nationwide scheme for all 10-year-olds. [5164]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthI am unable to visit the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Programme at present.
I am aware of the contribution made by DARE Programme to drug education schemes in a number of areas, particularly the strong support it has in the Nottinghamshire area. However, it is for local education authorities to decide on the most appropriate approach to drug education in their schools, taking account of the specific needs and circumstances of pupils in that area.
The Department for Education and Skills (DFES) has issued guidance encouraging schools to deliver drug, alcohol and tobacco education as part of a broader personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum. This framework has been in place since September 2000 for pupils aged five to 16 and gives PSHE an assured place in the national curriculum.
Drug education in schools is part of a wide range of services for young people jointly planned and commissioned through Drug Action Teams (DATs), and monitored through Young Persons Substance Misuse Plans. The plans aim to ensure that, by 2004, in every DAT area there will be substance misuse education and information for all young people and their families; advice and support targeted at vulnerable groups; early identification of need; and tailored support to all who need it.