Understanding Substances Specialist Award
Welcome to the Bristol Healthy Schools’ Understanding Substances Specialist Award
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What is the Understanding Substances Specialist Award?

The Understanding Substances Specialist Award aims to prevent, delay and reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among young people in Bristol.

The Understanding Substances Specialist Award:
  • Focuses on a whole school approach to preventing and delaying substance misuse
  • Looks at how a school might address concerns when young people, staff or parents/carers are using substances.
  • Highlights the importance of staff skills and clear pathways to support young people
The award has been designed in an age-appropriate way, meaning that the criteria are suitable for both primary and secondary level settings.

The secondary level criteria include more detail about protecting oneself from risk and, where appropriate, signposting young people to support services.

The award is informed by local and national guidance and evidence.

Is this the right award for us?
Typically schools decide a topic of focus based on health need. The School Health Data packs provided by Bristol City Council/ Healthy Schools provide a good insight and schools may also have their own data and insight.

How long does it take?
We recommend that you complete the application within one year, so that your answers stay up to date. It may take only a few months if you already have good practice in place.

How does the online system work?

Throughout your journey you can log in and out as many times as you like, updating your evidence as you go. Your email address becomes your login. Please keep saving your changes as you go.

Most of the criteria require a Yes/No response, others ask for more detail via a text box. We never ask you to upload documents or provide additional evidence. Only this form is needed.


IMPORTANT:
Please keep saving your changes as you go. 

Do not click the back button at the top left of your browser as you complete the form. To go back to the previous section, click ‘previous page’ at the bottom of the survey.

 

Do I get guidance?


Yes, there is guidance throughout. This will either help you make sense of what we are asking for or signpost you to helpful documents.  For example, we might ask you to write a policy about something. In that case, we have provided you with an example policy and that should save you time.

If you would like a printable version of all the criteria and guidance for reference, please visit the website.


At any point, you can email us for help or further guidance on healthy.schools@bristol.gov.uk.


How is it assessed?


Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If required, the criteria can be adaptable to meet the specific requirements of your setting (e.g., for special schools). Please use this application process as a guide and do not feel discouraged if there is something you do not have in place just yet. The aim of the process is to work through it step-by-step and support can be provided where needed. 

 

To pass this award, you need to be able to answer ‘yes’ or ‘correct’ to every question (other than the text box questions) as they are all essential. For unanswerable questions or “no” responses, you can briefly explain in the last section. Need more help? Please reach out. The Healthy Schools team offer drop-in sessions and network meetings throughout the year for support.  

 

After you submit your application the Healthy Schools team will be in touch to let you know the outcome. It may be that you need some extra time to put the required practice in place. If this is the case, additional support will be provided. 

At any point, you can email healthy.schools@bristol.gov.uk.

Good luck!