After impressing while speaking about the dangers of vaping, a drug educator has been invited to work with staff and pupils across a network of schools in the area.

Dave Parvin from DrugSense UK was recently welcomed by Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN), after Jo Jaloszynski, headteacher of Mead Vale Primary School, was impressed by his presentation.

Vaping has been a topic of recent concern, especially as year six pupils move on to secondary school, where they will likely encounter it.

 

 

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In light of this, over 70 ELAN staff attended a workshop, followed by 220 children who participated in sessions where Mr Parvin educated them about the potential dangers.

An EYFS lead said: "Dave Parvin's Drug Sense workshop was really interesting and we certainly learnt a lot".

Staff and pupils alike were educated about not just the hazards of vaping, but also on how to confidently make the right decisions.

A year one teacher, commenting on the effectiveness of the workshop, said: "(It was) An excellent workshop that highlighted that we can support children is by empowering them to be confident to make right choices and decisions for themselves and to challenge thinking that encourages children to follow the crowd".

ELAN, which consists of nine primary schools across North Somerset, thanked all who participated and supported the event, which aimed to improve pupil's understanding of the topic, especially to those moving onto secondary school.

The network of primary schools are in Banwell, Bournville, Locking, Oldmixon, Mead Vale, Mendip Green, Milton Park, Walliscote and Windwhistle.