Example one

[Insert School logo]

Proud to be smoke free/vape free

Dear parent or guardian,

[Insert name of School] will be adopting a smoke/vape free policy. This means you can no longer smoke or vape throughout our school grounds including:

• outside the school gates
• near school crossings
• on our sports fields

This applies to all school events and activities before and after school. Please note it is not law but is a voluntary code. [Insert name of School] has chosen to take this action for the benefit of our children and parents and carers.

These are the reasons why we have become a smoke free school:

1. Protect children from harm
2. Three out of four children are aware of cigarettes before they reach the age of five. Evidence tells us that children are less likely to start smoking if they do not see it.
3. Two thirds of smokers say they began smoking before the age of 18, when it’s illegal to purchase cigarettes, and 9 out of 10 began before the age of 19.
4. Children exposed to second hand smoke are at much greater risk of cot death, meningitis, lung infections and ear disease.
5. A child or parent who already has asthma or other respiratory conditions is at a high risk of being affected by second hand smoke, even brief exposure can trigger an attack. Children are powerless to protect themselves from the dangers of second-hand smoke ...but you can!

There is help available to give up smoking.

For children and young people vaping

Contact COMPASS

Visit: https://www.compass-uk.org/services/warwickshire-cypdas/

Call: 01788 578 227

Email: compass.warksypsduty@nhs.net

For anyone smoking over 12

Fitter Futures Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service

Call:0333 005 0092

Visit: https://fitterfutures.everyonehealth.co.uk/stop-smoking-service/

Text: QUIT to 60777

We would like your support in making [Insert name of School] a smoke/vape free school and community. You can make the difference!

[Signature]

Head Teacher

[Insert name of School]

Example two - template letter for parents/guardians

Dear parent/guardian

On [date] our school will be adopting a new [or updated] smoke/vape free school policy.

This policy prohibits smoking and vaping throughout all of our school grounds, outside the school gates, on our sports fields [insert other places if relevant] at all times. This policy will apply to all school events and activities before and after school and will apply even when students are taken off site for school trips/external events.

Please find attached a copy of our new policy. This policy can also be found on our website [website].

The policy will provide a strong message to students, parents and staff that is consistent with our education programmes and with the fact that smoking remains the largest preventable cause of death and illness in England.

Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.

Exposure to role models who smoke also normalises smoking behaviour, which can have a significant negative impact on the smoke/vape free message.

Two thirds of smokers start before the age of 18, and almost 40% start smoking regularly before the age of 16. The earlier children become regular smokers, the greater their risk of developing life-threatening conditions, such as lung cancer or heart disease if they continue smoking into adulthood.

A smoke/vape free school provides positive health promotion, contributing to the development of children and young people for life after school.

We are committed to improving the health of all our staff and students, as well as that of other members of our community. We also recognise the important role that teachers, parents and other adults have in influencing the attitudes and smoking behaviour of children and young people.

We seek your support in maintaining [name of school] as a smoke/vape free community.

If you or another family member would like support to stop smoking, please contact

For children and young people vaping

Contact COMPASS

Visit: https://www.compass-uk.org/services/warwickshire-cypdas/

Call: 01788 578 227

Email: compass.warksypsduty@nhs.net

For anyone smoking over 12

Fitter Futures Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service

Call: 0333 005 0092

Visit: https://fitterfutures.everyonehealth.co.uk/stop-smoking-service/

Text: QUIT to 60777

Yours sincerely,

[Signature]

Head Teacher

[Insert name of School]

[Insert School logo]