Thematic Toolkit padlet - Vaping by NCC Partnerships, Schools and Communities team

Possible indicators of vaping:

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Physical symptoms such as coughing, headaches, dizziness or sore throats
Increased thirst
Changes in mood
Impact on academic attainment
Anxiety or irritability
In possession of vaping equipment
Unusual odours (sweet or fruity vape flavours)
Talking with peers about vaping or using popular phrases, such as “stealth mode” (vaping discreetly) or “ghost” (exhaling a thick cloud of vapour in a ball like shape).

Example plan

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What should I do if a CYP is found to be selling vapes and vaping equipment?

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For step by step guidance, refer to the checklist within this padlet!

You would need to respond in a way that feels most appropriate.
If a CYP shares where they are buying the vapes from then Trading Standard could be contacted.
If there were concerns that the CYP is being exploited then a CADs referral should go in with all relevant details.

If you need any more specific support or further advice please contact us using the referral form (linked to within the next section of this padlet).

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Understand possible indicators for CYP who are vaping. Please be mindful that the presence of these indicators does not always mean that the CYP is vaping, always consider the wider context around the CYP and family.

Checklist - Responding to vaping

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Complete this short checklist to identify your immediate actions following a vaping incident.

If you require any support, please call 0333 313 7165 to get in touch with one of our advisers. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm.

If your query relates to training, please email sendandinclusiontraining@norfolk.gov.uk

Model letter to parents

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Use this letter to communicate to parents following a vaping incident

Parent guide - Talking about tricky topics

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Share this guide with parents to help them talk to their children about vaping and other tricky topics.

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Access step-by-step guidance on how to respond to a vaping incident, including editable resources and further links.

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Use this model risk reduction plan to help you confidently continue to support CYP within their mainstream school setting.

If you require any support, please call 0333 313 7165 to get in touch with one of our advisers. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm.

If your query relates to training, please email sendandinclusiontraining@norfolk.gov.uk

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A collection of FAQs around vaping from school colleagues, with guidance provided by NCC inclusion advisers and Safer Schools Officers and informed by national guidance.

Am I allowed to search a CYP for vapes and vaping equipment?

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Yes but vapes are not explicitly listed as prohibited items within the Searching, Screening and Confiscation document, you can choose to add them to the list of banned products for which searches and confiscation can apply. See further guidance on searching here.

What if we know a CYP is using vapes out of school hours?

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Treat this the same as you would if you were aware a CYP was smoking out of school hours, including the following actions:

Inform the parents
Consider educational consequences for the CYP

What is an appropriate consequence for breaking the school behaviour policy?

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Appropriate consequences depend on the reasons behind why the CYP is vaping. You should consider protective consequences and educational consequences:

Protective consequences may include increased supervision at break times (if this is when vaping is most likely) or bag searches before school.
Educational consequences may include supporting the CYP to learn about the risks associated with vaping.

Finding out why a CYP is vaping means you can provide more bespoke support, this may include pastoral support, referrals to support mental health or interventions around managing peer pressure.

If I do suspend a CYP for vaping, how do I code this?

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The correct code should be DA (drug and alcohol related).

As with all suspensions, you must carefully consider how the suspension is going to change or improve things for the CYP - see further guidance on reintegration following suspension (see further resources related to this in the 'What do I need to do?' section of the padlet).

How do I prevent this happening again?

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Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of CYP vaping by building this into your whole school culture and ethos. See further guidance here in our Vaping Whole School / Setting Approach guide.

What information can I signpost parents to?

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Smokefree Sheffield have put together this fact sheet that you can share with your families: Vaping: The Facts | Smokefree Sheffield.
Just One Norfolk can also provide bespoke guidance and support to your families: Smoking, E-Cigs & Vaping (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk)

Families may need support to talk to their children about vaping, especially if they have found out their child is vaping and are finding this upsetting or challenging. You may find it helpful to share these 'Top Tips on talking to your child about tricky topics' (link to WSA guide). We recommend you upload our guidance sheet to your school website, and/or link to this in any newsletters or communications to parents as relevant.

What educational resources can be used with CYP?

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Please see further signposting links for CYP:

FRANK provide simple and clear information about vaping.
Smokefree Teen provides information for CYP about vaping and guidance on how to quit including advice around how to manage social triggers, cravings and anxiety / depression.
Drugs | Childline includes information about the risks of drugs, how a CYP can spot if they have a problem and where to go to get support.
Guidance from FRANK on how to deal with peer pressure.

Ensure you consider the CYP’s learning profile when working through educational resources with CYP i.e., if they struggle with literacy, then adaptations need to be made to the response.

What should I do if I find vapes or vaping equipment on a CYP at school?

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Refer to the checklist within this padlet for step by step guidance!

Blank plan

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I feel confused about how we should respond to vaping - it is a bit of a grey area!

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Vaping can feel like a bit of a grey area! For step by step guidance, refer to the checklist within this padlet!

If you require any support, please call 0333 313 7165 to get in touch with one of our advisers. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm.

If your query relates to training, please email sendandinclusiontraining@norfolk.gov.uk

Do I need to contact the police?

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You should be able to respond to and manage vaping incidents internally following your own policies and procedures. The guidance within this padlet and the WSA guide can support with this also.

If you become aware of illegal sales of vapes to under 18s then notify the police on 101 as well as notifying trading standards.

This 'When to call the police' guidance for schools has advice around wider issues including drug use and weapons.

If you feel unsure or need further advice please contact us.

What is vaping?

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Vaping is defined as 'the action of inhaling and exhaling vapour containing nicotine and flavouring created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device.'

Reintegration following suspension guide

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Reintegration meeting template

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Reintegration letter for parents

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If you require specific support regarding the following, please use the contacts provided below:

Attendance. The NCC Attendance Team can be contacted via emailat csattendance@norfolk.gov.ukor via the attendance duty line on 01603 223681
Harmful Sexual Behaviours. Consultations can be requested by emailing hsbproject@norfolk.gov.uk with a brief summary of what the consultation is for
Special school consultations / placements. Contact the EHCP team on 01603 679183
Processes around exclusions. Contact the NCC exclusions team on 01603 303333
Mental health Visit Just One Norfolk: Emotional Health - Just One Norfolk
Mild to moderate mental health referralsSupport for Mild to Moderate Mental Health Needs (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk)
Specific health needs. Visit Just One Norfolk and search for the need: Health Advice & Support for Children - Just One Norfolk or call Just One Number 0300 300 0123

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If you require any support, please call 0333 313 7165 to get in touch with one of our advisers. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm.

If your query relates to training, please email sendandinclusiontraining@norfolk.gov.uk