Vape Use and Prohibited Items

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy and learning-focused environment, we are reminding all students and families that Parliament Hill School is a smoke- and vape-free school. Smoking tobacco or using vapes is not permitted by any student, member of staff, governor or visitor within the school buildings or grounds.

Recently, students received guidance in assembly from Camden health professionals on the health and safety implications of vaping, including the risks associated with nicotine addiction and unregulated vape products. This formed part of our wider safeguarding and wellbeing education programme. Vapes and tobacco products are classified as prohibited items under our Substance Policy.

The highlighted section of the Behaviour Framework below clearly illustrates the consequences and outcomes for possession, use or distribution of vapes in school. As with other prohibited items, sanctions escalate in line with our Behaviour Framework, and repeat offences will be treated more seriously.

Achievement Team Leaders are reinforcing this message in assemblies to ensure students are very clear on expectations and consequences. Spot searches may also take place where there is reasonable cause to believe a student may be vaping or in possession of a vape. Factors that may prompt this include persistent lateness to lessons, congregating in toilet areas, or being found in out-of-bounds spaces.

We ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home so that together we can maintain a safe and healthy environment for all members of our school community.