NCB Now: Drug education is on the right track

In particular, the charity welcomed Ofsted's recommendation that drugeducation should focus more on legal drugs such as alcohol andtobacco.

"Young people tell us they want more opportunities to learn aboutalcohol, the reasons people use it and how it can increase thepropensity for different types of risk taking behaviour, as well asdevelop the skills to manage these risks," said Simon Blake, actingdirector of children's development, NCB.

NCB also believes the issue of volatile substance abuse is oftenneglected. These concerns were echoed by the Department of Health, whichrecently published a framework identifying the need for more effectiveeducation on volatile substances.

"We are delighted that Ofsted is telling us drug education is generallyimproving and we continue to urge the Government to ensure all childrenand young people receive their entitlement to high-quality drugeducation by making personal, social and health education statutoryacross all key stages," said Blake.