News

Nurseries urged to help children of drug abusers

Nursery school staff are being asked to join other professionals in keeping a watchful eye out for children whose parents are drug addicts in a draft national strategy, Getting Our Priorities Right, published by the Scottish Executive this month. Launching the document, deputy education minister Nicol Stephen said, 'Drug abuse destroys lives, and children are often the most damaged. This guidance provides a way forward for services across Scotland working together.'

Launching the document, deputy education minister Nicol Stephen said, 'Drug abuse destroys lives, and children are often the most damaged. This guidance provides a way forward for services across Scotland working together.'

The strategy paper says, 'Nursery and school staff and teachers are particularly well placed to observe physical or psychological changes in a child that may signal emerging problems within their family. Children may also confide in their teacher about their parent's drug misuse.' The strategy has grown out of concerns that the desire for agencies working with drug addicts to maintain the confidentiality of adult clients has meant that the needs of their children have been ignored. The chair of the strategy's advisory group, Jacquie Roberts, who is Dundee City Council's director of social work, said, 'The lives of some of the children of drug addicts have been put in danger because of this.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here

Early Years Educator

Munich (Landkreis), Bayern (DE)

Nursery Education Officer

Hackney, London (Greater)

Deputy Manager

Streatham Hill, London (Greater)