Wells MP congratulates school's 'robust approach' to vapes
The Blue School in Wells sent a letter to parents and carers last week over the issue
Last updated 26th Sep 2023
Parents and carers of pupils at the Blue School in Wells are urged to help them clamp down on the use of vapes.
It's as the city's MP and Armed Forces Minister - James Heappey - has 'congratulated' a local school for their 'robust approach' to the issue.
Last week, their headteacher Mark Woodlock wrote a letter to parents and carers, laying out the school's response - saying those who have or are using vapes will be suspended over three main concerns.
He said the rise in usage has generated concerns over the environment, as well as the health and the safety of the school and his pupils.
Mr Woodlock said in his letter that he has spent a 'substantial proportion of his time' over the past year dealing with issues surrounding vapes, and has spent time working with other headteachers at other schools trying to rack-up support for a change in the law.
He added he hopes this collective voice against the use of vapes will help 'create the environment for change'.
The school's response to vaping
In the letter sent to parents and carers, The Blue School outlined their response to vaping.
The school told parents those who have or are using vapes will be suspended.
Headteacher Mark Woodlock said: "As a school we will maintain our robust line on vapes in school as part of our duty to keep students safe.
"Students have been informed that the possession, use, or dealing in vapes will result in suspension. In addition to this deterrent, we will:
- Continue to provide educational input into the dangers of the use of vapes through RSE lessons and assemblies
- Work with young people and families to provide support and signpost external assistance wherever necessary, particularly where individuals are seeking to quit.
- Work with local and regional schools in sharing good practice and support effective safeguarding practices
"I have seen this community work collectively to achieve great things for our children. Our school is highly regarded for its cohesive strength and that has worked very well during difficult times, such as the pandemic. I believe that we can use that strength to create change where it is now needed to protect our young people."
In response to the school's crackdown on vaping, Wells MP James Heappey said: “I congratulate the Headteacher of The Blue School on his excellent letter to parents and the robust approach that he and his staff take to the use, possession and dealing of vapes in school.
“I also welcome the steps being taken by Avon and Somerset Police Force to clamp down on the illegal sale of vapes to clearly underage people.
“It’s time that we all realised what a scourge vapes are and how widely they are being used by school aged children.
“I will of course pass on The Blue School’s recommendations to the Government but in the meantime we as a community, police force and school will need to work together to ensure the existing laws are enforced.”
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to close a loophole allowing free vape samples to be given to children, which you can read more about here: Crackdown on vaping being targeted at children
You can find out more about vapes, and their intended use to stop people smoking,on the NHS website.