2.3.2 Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking

Overview

The safety and wellbeing of all participants must always come first on educational visits. Clear expectations around alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping help maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved.

This guidance applies to young people, staff, volunteers and other adult participants, including during residential visits.

General Expectations

All visits must follow the law and establishment and employer policies on alcohol, smoking, vaping and drugs, just as they would on the establishment premises. These expectations should be clearly communicated to participants before departure.

Behaviour Expectations

Where appropriate, a visit code of conduct should be agreed with participants before the visit takes place. This should clearly outline expected behaviour and the consequences of any breaches.

Parents should be informed of these expectations and implications where relevant.

Supervision and Safeguarding

You must plan supervision carefully, particularly during downtime and overnight stays on residential visits.

Substance misuse can increase the risk of accidents and safeguarding concerns. Staff should remain vigilant and respond promptly to any concerns.

Alcohol

Any alcohol consumption by adults aged 18 or over (including staff, helpers or adult participants) must be discussed and agreed in advance.

Where alcohol is permitted:

• There must always be enough alcohol-free leaders available to supervise participants and respond to emergencies
• Alcohol must not affect judgement, professional reputation, behaviour or supervision
• Staff must be able to return to duty if required
• Staff must be fit for duty the following day
• Young people must always be supervised by alcohol-free leaders, including overnight
• Ensure you have checked insurance cover requirements

If there is any possibility that young people under 18 may consume alcohol (for example on overseas visits), explicit parental consent must be obtained in advance.

Smoking and Vaping

Schools should encourage young people not to smoke or vape. However, where participants who smoke are present, it may be safer to allow smoking only at agreed times and in designated locations, rather than encouraging hidden behaviour. Any arrangements will depend on the group and the nature of the visit.

Adults who smoke or vape must follow agreed rules. Smoking should be discreet and must not interfere with supervision or the running of the visit.

Legal Considerations

When travelling overseas, staff and participants must follow local laws and customs relating to alcohol, smoking and drugs. If these laws are more restrictive than UK law or visit rules, the local regulations must be followed. All involved must be aware of the legal implications.

If Problems Arise

You should be prepared to respond to incidents involving alcohol, drugs or smoking and seek support from senior leaders where necessary.

Clear expectations and good supervision help ensure visits remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

OEAP National Guidance available at https://oeapng.info

7.2p Drinking, drugs and smoking