Implementing a smoke free and vape free policy

We recommend that your school has a smokefree policy which also covers vaping and use of e-cigarettes.

Where to start

Get the whole school involved! It’s important to ensure that pupils, teachers, support staff, parents/guardians and community partners have the opportunity to contribute to the new or updated smoking policy. Decide together what should go into the policy, communication and signage. Raise it at the next PTA, school governor’s board, display on school website and hold a separate focus group involving a selection of pupils. Having staff and pupils play a significant role in shaping a smoke/vape free school policy means it is far more likely they will fully understand what is expected of them and help to monitor the new policy.

What the policy should include

Clearly state which areas are smoke/vape free on the school premises. It’s up to you on how far past the school gates you wish to take it. Some have gone as far as the first school road crossing patrol area. If you have extra spaces that are part of the school, like playing fields, put these into consideration too. Include what times the policy is to be adhered to, such as after school or half term events, activities or meetings held by the teachers and when the children have been taken off site on school trips. Include sign posting for quit smoking support for teachers, staff, parents, visitors and pupils.

Communication

Make sure everyone knows where to find your policy: put it on your school website, social media channels, notice boards or in the school newsletter if you have one. Hand a policy out to each member of staff and send a letter out to every parent. Involve any school clubs, the school council, mentors or sports teams to actively assist in communicating the policy.

Send a letter to parents/guardians that:

explains the smokefree school policy
provides the health, academic and social reasons for the policy
asks for support in enforcement

How to launch your policy

An excellent way of raising awareness of a new smoke/vape free school policy is to organise a formal launch event. Organising an event helps to set a clear date for the implementation of the policy and provides an opportunity to involve and inform key community partners, pupils, parents and staff.

Smoke/vape free parents/guardians supporting letter templates

We hope you are finding our Smoke Free & Vape Free Toolkit helpful. We would love to hear your feedback via our short form below:

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