Police are liaising with The Bay CE Secondary School in Sandown after 2 children were suddenly taken unwell yesterday (Thursday), with investigations underway as to whether an illegal vape was to blame. Island Echo can reveal that a pupil was rushed to hospital after becoming unwell on school grounds having smoked a vape – thought to contain a cannabis-infused liquid high in THC. Police, fire and ambulance crews all responded to the school on The Fairway, with paramedics subsequently conveying the unwell child directly to St Mary’s Hospital. Thankfully, they were discharged a short time later. Another student was also taken unwell later in the day, but Police say it is unconfirmed at this time whether or not this was connected with the use of a vape. The school says it was a medical incident. Parents have expressed their anger at the school’s handling of the incident, with no emails, texts or letters sent home yesterday to explain what had occurred during the school day. Island Echo is told that letters will be distributed to all parents today (Friday) which will include guidance on the dangers of vapes. In recent weeks, parents have raised concerns about the growing use of vapes by pupils. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary says that officers have been speaking with school officials, as well as the children involved and their parents, to establish the circumstances. It has not yet been confirmed what was in the vape, but enquiries continue. A spokesperson for the force has said:
“We are in regular contact and work with schools across the Island to address any issues and concerns that may be impacting the welfare of pupils, and provide support and resources for children and young people. “Police and partners will be visiting The Bay School again next week to provide some further education input to pupils”.
In a joint statement, Executive Headteacher Duncan Mills and Headteacher at The Bay CE School, Emma Bowden, have said:
“Two incidents during the day required attendance from the emergency services. Families of those students directly involved were informed immediately and, to respect the confidentiality of these families, thorough investigation is being undertaken before further comment.
“In the first instance, a student was taken unwell in a classroom, with an ambulance being called. Our initial understanding is that this was linked to a reaction to a vape. Investigations are still ongoing, but this serves as a timely reminder that vaping in any form is not ‘safe’ or risk free, especially for children, and that the long term impacts of vaping are not understood. For this reason we will be reminding students of the potential dangers of vaping during tutor time and assemblies over the coming week.
In the second, unrelated incident, a student was taken unwell due to a medical condition and again an ambulance was called. A nearby fire engine responded to provide first responder assistance and make the student comfortable until the ambulance arrived. Medical tests undertaken at St Mary’s Hospital yesterday afternoon have confirmed that this was purely medical in nature.
“We thank the emergency services and our staff for their swift and professional response to these incidents to ensure that our community was safeguarded”.
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A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has added:
“The Isle of Wight Council is aware of an incident at The Bay C of E School on the Secondary site. The Local Authority will continue to work with the school and partner agencies to understand the circumstances of the situation.
If you are a parent or guardian, you can make use of the resources for parents on the Safe4Me website at https://www.safe4me.co.uk/parents/. Safe4Me provides a wealth of information to help parents, carers and education professionals discuss a number of issues with young people from online safety, to alcohol and drug use.
