Get documents about "HIV Policy
Document Sample
CROYDON COUNCIL
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Module 11c
HIV Policy -
Croydon Council
1
Module 11c
Contents
Section 1. Extract from Croydon Local Authority HIV Policy Statement
Section 2. Croydon LEA HIV Policy and Guidance
Section 3. Curricular Guidance for staff
Section 4. References
Appendix 1. Useful resources to support teaching about HIV and AIDS
Appendix 2. Further information
2
Module 11c
Section 1 Extract from Croydon Local Authority HIV Policy Statement
6. Policy Statement
The policy statement has been reproduced here in summary form. A copy of the full
statement is available in Occupational Health and each Department.
6.1 Introduction
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus which can cause AIDS, has
been identified by the Government as "perhaps the greatest new public health
challenge this century". HIV is significant for Local Authorities covering the
following issues:
Employment practices
Service delivery
Preventing the transmission of HIV
The key principles of our response as a major employer and service provider
to HIV infection and HIV related illness are:
Equality
Confidentiality
Providing the right training and information
The policy should be read by:
All staff, so they can comply with it
Managers and Council members so they can make sure all staff and
customers understand it and that it is being followed
6.2 Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equal opportunities in our employment practices and
service delivery.
We know that some communities experience considerable prejudice and
discrimination because of HIV. We will make sure that staff and customers
with HIV infection or HIV related illness do not experience discrimination.
Therefore, when people with HIV infection or HIV related illness apply for jobs
or request services, there will be no discrimination.
6.3 Medical Background
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an infection that can damage the
body's immune system. It weakens the body's resistance to other infections
and the development of some unusual forms of cancer.
3
Module 11c
"HIV related illness" means all the medical conditions and illnesses
associated with HIV infection. If the body's defence system is severely
weakened by HIV, a number of specific infections and diseases may develop
into a syndrome called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
For the virus to be passed on, three things must happen:
The virus has to get into your bloodstream before it can infect you
There has to be enough virus to cause infection
The virus needs to be fit. HIV is very fragile and unless it is passed on
quickly from one person to the next, it is unlikely to be in a fit state to
be transmitted
6.4 Health and Safety at Work
The risk of staff being infected with HIV at work is extremely low and there
has been no confirmed case anywhere in the world of anyone getting HIV
from doing Council work. However, all staff should know about the possible
risks of other infections such as Hepatitis B and follow the recommended
control of infection procedure.
Although HIV can only be transmitted in certain ways, it is still important to
use good hygiene practices when dealing with all body fluids and blood
products. This will give staff greater protection against a wide range of
infections.
It is important that staff keep to infection control procedures at all times and
not just when they know or suspect that someone is infected. It also means
that people do not feel that they have been singled out for special
precautions.
Managers must make sure that staff know procedures and have the proper
equipment to do their job safely. Each Department should make sure they
have guidelines to protect staff at all times and ensure that they have suitable
training programmes.
6.5 Confidentiality
The 1974 Venereal Diseases Regulations mean that Health Authorities must
keep information about people with sexually transmitted diseases strictly
confidential. The then Department of Health and Social Security said that
Local Authorities must also keep information about people living with HIV
infection and HIV related illness confidential. We accept and follow this
principle.
4
Module 11c
Principles of Confidentiality
The following apply to both our staff and customers:
Confidentiality must be maintained whether the person being given the
information is told formally or informally.
Only consider giving information where there are clear reasons why
this should happen.
Every time information is shared, the HIV positive person must give
their informed consent and the number of people told should be kept to
a minimum.
The person passing on the information must be satisfied that the
person or agency they tell, understands the need for confidentiality and
will make sure the information is handled correctly.
Always consider the possibility of sharing information in a general way
without naming the person.
Need to know
Confidential information should be given only where there is a legitimate need
to know.
There is no risk of getting HIV infection just by working with an antibody-
positive person, so you do not "need to know" about it.
Informed consent
Confidential information should be given only with the informed consent of the
person concerned. This involves talking to the person concerned and
explaining:
Why there is a need to share information.
Who the information needs to be shared with.
What will happen if the person agrees or does not agree with giving the
information. For example, their need for a service may not be shown
without the information being given.
Whether and how the information may be kept and who would have
access to it.
Once consent has been given, the person passing on any information must
make sure that it is given only on the terms agreed.
Permission to disclose - exceptions
In exceptional circumstances it may be against the law to withhold
information. To carry out good practice and to safeguard the trust which has
been developed, staff should try to get consent. If the person does not give
consent, explain why and in what circumstances this information may be
given without consent.
5
Module 11c
This must only happen after talking with senior managers and after getting
specialist medical and legal advice.
Receiving, recording and handling information
As soon as information is recorded in whatever form, the chances increase of
breaking confidentiality and accidentally giving information. It is important that
all our departments look at their own practices to ensure that confidentiality is
maintained.
Breaking confidentiality
If confidentiality is broken deliberately or through negligence or if
confidentiality is broken continuously, we will regard it as serious. It may lead
to disciplinary action being taken against the member of staff concerned and
could result in dismissal.
Strict confidentiality must be maintained regardless of how the information is
received - directly or indirectly, deliberately or accidentally.
6.6 Croydon Council as an employer
Recruiting staff
We will not discriminate against an applicant for any Council post. This
includes people who are HIV positive or who have an HIV related illness.
Applicants do not have to give information about being HIV positive at any
stage of the selection process.
Applicants will not have to be tested for HIV.
Applicants must give details of all illnesses which have affected them in the
past, so that the Occupational Health Unit can assess whether or not they are
medically fit for the post and whether they need any special facilities to carry
out their duties. Applicants need not say whether an illness is HIV related.
If applicants choose to give information about anything which shows they are
HIV positive, they will not have an offer of work withdrawn or withheld as long
as they are medically fit for the post.
Information given in medical questionnaires before employment is totally
confidential. All questionnaires must be sent unopened to the Occupational
Health Service.
Current staff
Staff do not have to be tested for HIV.
6
Module 11c
No member of staff has to tell their manager or colleagues that they have the
HIV infection.
If a member of staff chooses to give information that they have the HIV
infection, it must be treated in the strictest of confidence. The welfare facilities
and advice on counselling available from the Occupational Health Unit should
be brought to that person's attention.
We understand that it is valuable for a person with HIV infection to continue
working. If it becomes known that a member of staff is infected, we will make
sure that they are given enough support within our resources, to allow them to
continue to work.
We will only move staff to alternative employment if they ask us to. We will
not prevent them from continuing to work unless they are not medically fit.
In the interests of confidentiality, staff can give specific illnesses on sickness
certificates filled in by themselves or their doctors, rather than giving details
about being HIV positive.
Administrative procedures for dealing with all medical certification must make
sure there is maximum confidentiality.
Working with people living with HIV infection or HIV related illness
Our staff must work with people living with HIV in all situations without
prejudice or discrimination.
If a member of staff continues to discriminate and have prejudicial attitudes,
we will take disciplinary action against them. Such action could result in
dismissal.
6.7 Croydon Council as a service provider
We will not ask anyone applying for services to tell us if they are HIV positive,
but if we know this, it may help us to make the right services available to
them. We will not refuse someone a service because they have HIV.
If someone who is HIV positive decides to tell a member of our staff about
this, they can be confident that the officer will respond both sensitively and
appropriately and will maintain total confidentiality.
Monitoring and evaluating our policies
We recognise the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the policy
to make sure it is effective.
7
Module 11c
Complaints
If a member of staff has a complaint, they need to contact their line manager
where possible. An example of a complaint might be a breach of
confidentiality. If further help is needed, the Occupational Health Service or
the HIV Project Group should be contacted.
Staff can use the grievance procedure should an issue remain unresolved.
Officers will only take action with the permission of the person making the
complaint. Any information used during any action will be within strictly
agreed terms.
Review procedures
The policy will be reviewed every year by the HIV Project Group. The review
will include the results of monitoring and evaluating our policy, consultation
with departments and up to date information on HIV.
6.8 Information, training and preventing HIV
Information
We are committed to working with the Health Authorities and the voluntary
sector locally to make sure information is available. Challenging attitudes and
prejudice is an important part of this work.
Training
It is important that all staff receive current information and training on HIV
infection and disease to:
ensure only accurate information about the transmission of HIV is
available
promote good working practices
develop non-judgemental attitudes towards people living with HIV
infection and HIV disease
Training programmes will be offered on the relevant needs of each staff
group. Specialised training will be available.
Preventing HIV
We recognise our role in preventing HIV infection in the community and for
those in our care.
8
Module 11c
We will improve our role by:
providing services to reduce the risks to residents
working with the Health Authorities and voluntary sector locally to
provide information
developing education and training programmes for those in our care
6.9 Implementing, monitoring and evaluating our policies
The responsibility of service providers
Council departments must ensure that this policy is available for all staff. It
must be included in any induction material.
Each department is responsible for implementing this policy and developing
good practice guidelines.
Our HIV Project Group will provide advice on implementing this policy.
A nominated person from each department will liaise with the HIV Project
Group and pass on information to staff.
Section 2. Croydon LEA HIV Policy and Guidance
2.1 Confidentiality in schools
Confidentiality is a basic principle that respects the right of individuals to keep
their personal information private.
This policy emphasises the need to ensure that thorough procedures are in
place in your school so that HIV information is only passed on with the
expressed consent of the person concerned, strictly on a "need to know"
basis. A desire or interest to know, or even a desperate wish to care for
someone, is insufficient grounds to justify passing on the information.
By its very definition, confidentiality cannot be selectively applied. With regard
to HIV and AIDS, the issue of confidentiality cannot be overemphasised.
While attitudes towards people affected are hopefully becoming more tolerant,
there is still stigma associated with HIV, leading on occasion to discrimination.
The consequences of a breach in confidentiality can be exceptionally
distressing for those concerned and can lead to social isolation and even
harassment.
It is essential to refer to the Croydon Council policy statement on
confidentiality (Section 1) for an overview. This section will cover in more
detail issues of specific relevance to schools.
9
Module 11c
The key point to remember is that information relating to the health or medical
history of an individual belongs to that individual, is confidential to that person
and what happens to that information should be under their ultimate control.
It is important that teachers are trained to cope with the issues of disclosure
and confidentiality and to be able to respond sensitively and supportively.
Parent to teacher disclosure
There is no requirement for a parent to inform the school's authority if a child
is HIV positive, as there is no reason that the school needs to know.
If a parent does disclose to a teacher, the teacher is obliged to keep that
information confidential and not disclose it to other staff members. The
teacher may feel that the Head Teacher should be informed. However, this
should be discussed with the parent and it should be the parent's decision to
tell the Head Teacher themselves if they so choose. Written consent should
always be obtained from the parent before sharing information. It may be
useful to explain the policy on confidentiality and to give the parent a copy to
read.
Child to child disclosure
If a child is of an age where they understand the issue of consent and
confidentiality fully, ultimate control of information should be theirs. If they tell
their peers (e.g. at secondary school), this must be seen as being at their own
discretion and thus is not within the teacher's or the school's control.
Younger children may disclose information about their own, parent's or
sibling's HIV status without being fully aware of the consequences. In this
instance the teacher should contact the parent concerned and discuss the
issue fully and they should jointly decide what action (if any) to take. A
teacher hearing information in this way is still bound to keep it confidential and
is not obliged to tell other staff members. The Croydon Council policy
statement explicitly states that information must be kept confidential whether
heard formally or informally.
Teacher to teacher disclosure
There is no obligation for any member of staff who is HIV positive to disclose
their status to any other staff in a school setting. If any teacher finds out
directly (or indirectly) that a colleague is HIV positive, the information must be
treated as confidential with no obligation to share the information with other
staff, the Head Teacher or school Governors.
10
Module 11c
School nurse
A school nurse or health visitor may be aware of medical information about a
pupil which the school does not know about. School nurses and health
visitors are bound by a professional code of conduct and will not disclose
information to a Head Teacher or other staff without the specific informed
consent of the parent or pupil, if they are of appropriate age and
understanding to provide it.
Statementing
In the statementing process, detailed assessments of a child's circumstances
are made by a variety of agencies such as the school medical and nursing
service, education, psychology and social services. The need for
statementing would relate to specific medical or psychological problems rather
than HIV itself and it is this information which will be shared. HIV positive
status itself is not a primary reason for statementing a child. Information
about HIV status will not routinely be shared as part of the statementing
process.
Storage of information
Community child health medical records are confidential and are not available
to school staff. Existing procedures for protecting confidentiality of records in
school should not need to be extended if they are rigorously applied. Medical
data will be stored according to existing procedures and under the control of
the Community Medical Officer or school nurse.
Careful consideration should always be given when storing any sensitive
information. A child's school file may be handled by many people - teachers,
educational psychologists, secretaries, school nurses, welfare officers - all of
whom may be aware of HIV status.
Adolescent and HIV status
A child or young person has the same right to confidentiality as an adult. In
an exceptional circumstance, a young person could reveal their HIV status to
a teacher, before disclosing to their parents that they have had a test or are
HIV positive. The young person is likely to have discussed the issue fully
with a counsellor at the point of testing, but if they have not had this
opportunity, it will be appropriate to ensure that they have details of agencies
who can offer them support and advice. Details of local agencies can be
found in Appendix 2.
11
Module 11c
Information should only be disclosed against the wishes of a young person if:
The young person is at risk of significant harm if disclosure is not
made, e.g. a situation of abuse. In this situation it must be made clear
to the young person that confidentiality cannot be maintained.
There is a legal order for the information to be disclosed.
If a teacher is unsure what action to take, they should discuss the issue with
the Local Authority Principal Officer for HIV/AIDS, who may be able to offer
advice or support. The Principal Officer can be contacted at Rees House on
020 8654 8100.
Welfare issues
A teacher may feel it is essential to know a child's HIV status in order to be
able to provide the appropriate care and support. However, each child and
family will decide who they want to provide support and they may feel that it is
not appropriate or necessary for the school to be involved. This decision must
always be respected.
2.2 Health and Safety in schools
Avoiding HIV transmission does not require any special precautions.
Research and evidence to date shows that the risk of transmission of HIV in a
school or workplace setting is negligible. There are no known cases
anywhere in the world of anyone acquiring HIV in such a setting.
Standard procedures for hygiene and safety are more than enough to prevent
the transmission of any organism including HIV in the school community.
It is essential to refer to the Croydon Council policy statement on health and
safety (Section 1) and also to your own school health and safety policy. This
section will cover some issues of specific relevance to schools. Under health
and safety law, the responsibility to provide safe working conditions lies with
the employer and the responsibility to observe safe working practices lies with
the employee, so all staff should be aware of the health and safety policy.
It is vital to follow good hygienic practice when dealing with all body fluids. It
is often not possible to tell if a person has an infectious condition and so
precautions should be the same for everyone at all times. Common sense
precautions such as regular hand washing, wearing gloves when dealing with
any body fluids and covering cuts or sores will protect against a range of
minor and major infections. HIV can only be transmitted via sexual fluids,
blood and breast milk, but other body fluids such as saliva may contain other
infectious organisms such as Hepatitis B.
12
Module 11c
First aid
Standard procedures will protect both a casualty and a first aider and should
be followed in all first aid situations:
Disposable gloves should always be worn when dealing with cuts,
wounds or other body fluids.
Cuts or wounds should be cleaned and covered with a bandage or
waterproof dressing if necessary.
Blood spillage should be cleaned up with a solution of bleach or similar
disinfectant.
Blood in contact with another person's eyes or skin should be washed
off with water immediately.
First aid equipment should be disposed of in sealed plastic bags.
Mouth to mouth resuscitation should never be withheld from any child
and it is good practice for trained first aiders to use face shields for this
procedure. First aid instructors will be able to provide details of where
to obtain these.
Biting
If a child bites another child and the skin is broken, the wound should be
washed with water as quickly as possible. Researchers have concluded that
the risk of HIV transmission via a bite is negligible, as saliva does not contain
enough healthy virus to enable transmission to occur.
Sports injuries
Injuries during sporting activities should be dealt with in the usual way. Skin
abrasions should be washed and covered and bleeding wounds treated
immediately. Individual sponges should rep[lace buckets and communal
sponges. Sharing changing rooms, toilets and showers poses no risk of HIV
transmission.
Infectious diseases
Anyone with a compromised immune system could potentially be at risk from
other infectious diseases. It is thus good practice to have a set procedure for
notifying all parents when there are outbreaks of infectious diseases in school
so that individual parents can take the appropriate action. This could be via a
notice board or newsletter for example.
2.3 Equal opportunities in schools
There is every reason to avoid discrimination against people living with HIV or
AIDS and no reason why they should not lead a normal life.
Discrimination can still lead to harassment and victimisation, social isolation
and undue anxiety and stress.
13
Module 11c
Children are especially susceptible to psychological problems if they are
treated any differently from their peers and it is thus essential to remember
that a child with HIV in school needs no special treatment. Universal
procedures and good practice must be followed for all children and staff
regarding confidentiality and health and safety. Treating all people the same
will not only help maintain high standards, but will also eliminate the alienation
of those who may be affected by HIV.
HIV issues should be treated within the context and framework of equal
opportunities. A non-judgemental approach to HIV issues should ensure that
all people are treated equally regardless of HIV status and the rights to
confidential non-discriminatory services are preserved.
Any evidence of discrimination will be treated very seriously and followed up
within the appropriate complaints or grievance procedures. If a member of
staff is found to have discriminated against a person living with HIV or AIDS,
this could result in disciplinary action being taken against them.
Section 3. Curricular guidance for staff
3.1 Curricular guidance for staff falls into three main areas:
Education policy
Curriculum
Training
Education policy
There is national and local educational framework within which schools can
provide a planned and comprehensive AIDS education curriculum. This
framework comes in the form of Government support for sex education (1,2,3),
legalisation and official guidance(4,5), curriculum guidance(5) and Croydon's own
policy and curricular guidelines for sex education and personal relationships.
All staff, especially those involved in the planning, development and
implementation of AIDS education have a duty to become familiar with this
guidance. In addition, staff must be familiar with the issues relating to
confidentiality, disclosure of information and equal opportunities as outlined in
Section 2.
Since September 1994, school Governors have the legal requirements and
duties summarised below:
In maintained primary schools, Governing Bodies will have the
responsibility of considering whether or at what stage to offer sex
education. They must keep an up to date written statement of the
policy they choose to adopt, which must be available to parents.
14
Module 11c
In maintained secondary schools, sex education (including education
about HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases) must be
provided for all registered pupils. As in primary schools, the Governing
Body must make a written statement of their policy on sex education
available to all parents.
In all maintained schools, any sex education must be provided in such
a manner as to encourage young people to have regard to moral
considerations and the value of family life. The parents of a pupil at
any maintained school may, if they wish, withdraw that pupil from all or
part of the sex education provided.
School staff involved in AIDS education, either as part of sex education or the
Personal and Social Health Education (PHSE) curriculum must be familiar
with the content of the school's sex education policy and provide an
appropriate curriculum.
Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986 (as amended by Section 28 of
the Local Government Act 1988) stated that a Local Authority must not
"promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of
homosexuality as a pretended family relationship" or "intentionally promote
homosexuality". In May 1988, the Department of the Environment advised
that this clause applies only to the activities of Local Authorities themselves
and not to schools, as Section 18 of the Education Act (No. 2) 1986 gives
school Governors responsibility for decisions on sex education in schools.
Guidance on particular school projects or activities where risk may occur from
any blood borne disease, was revised by the DES from November 1998 and
is still current and includes:
(a) Music lessons. It is unhygienic to share instrument mouthpieces - cuts
or sores to the mouth may lead to the transmission of infected blood. If
sharing is unavoidable, the following hygiene procedures should be
observed:
Brass and reed instrument mouthpieces should be detached
and thoroughly washed in hot water and detergent or cleaned in
diluted spirit.
On instruments where lips might touch wood or those with
fipples or wind cape, the top should be removed where possible
and wiped with a spirit-soaked swab.
Reeds should never be shared.
(b) Science subjects. The Government advised in February 1987 that in
the interests of accidental inoculation with infected blood, the taking of
blood or cell samples for class use in schools or for non-advanced
further education work in colleges should be discontinued.
15
Module 11c
(c) Craft design and technology, sports and outdoor pursuits. Normal
safety precautions should be taken.
3.2 Curriculum
Since September 1994, following an order from the Secretary of State, the
teaching as part of the National Curriculum in Science of any material on
AIDS, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, or any aspect other than
biological aspects of human sexual behaviour is prohibited.
The Secretary of State's view is that sex education should include information
about HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases at a point
appropriate to the age and maturity of the pupils. Since sex education in
secondary schools, by law must include education about HIV and AIDS, then
AIDS education at Key Stage 3 and 4 will be taught in the PSHE curriculum.
All staff in primary schools must be aware that whilst it is not a requirement for
AIDS education to form part of the sex education curriculum, this does not
preclude introducing the subject directly as part of sex education. In addition,
pupils may ask questions about HIV or AIDS and related issues.
In both instances, teachers need to prepare themselves to answer children's
questions and take into account the maturity of the pupils and their capacity to
absorb sensitive information and the extent to which it is necessary for them
to have such information at that point in their development(5). Teachers are
advised to ensure that any education they provide in this area is supported by
the school's sex education policy.
If staff are to successfully deliver AIDS education, they need access to
appropriate teaching materials and they may need to review their teaching
methods (see Training).
Croydon's Health Promotions Department has a wide range of leaflets and
teaching resources for borrowing (see Appendix 1) and has specialist staff
(Health Education Development Officer and Senior Health Promotion Officer
(Sexual Health)) who can provide advice, training and support on using
resources most effectively. The Health Promotions Library also has a
selection of reference books and journals on HIV and AIDS.
The 1993 Croydon policy and curricular guidelines for sex education and
personal relationships provides staff with a framework within which to teach
sex education. Staff should be familiar with these guidelines, and in addition,
provide an AIDS education curriculum appropriate to the age and maturity of
pupils which:
(a) provides clear and factual information about HIV transmission,
prevention and protection;
16
Module 11c
(b) enables young people to carry out activities which may help them to
develop the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves;
(c) explores the consequences of behaviour, personal responsibility and
the importance of informed decision-making in relation to HIV and
AIDS;
(d) recognises the importance of personal and family values and the
influences they and religious, cultural moral and ethic perspectives may
have on young people with respect to AIDS. Prejudices and
stereotypes will need to be addressed and challenged constructively;
(e) encourages young people to explore what HIV means in the social
context of their lives and to develop their own opinions and values in
the light of accurate information;
(f) informs young people about the laws relating to sexual behaviour;
(g) considers the wide range of emotive issues AIDS can touch upon, e.g.
disease, death, sexuality, human rights etc. and provides opportunities
to discuss them both through the curriculum and pastoral system;
(h) is regularly reviewed and updated in the light of pupil and staff
evaluations.
Ideas for activities with young people
Designing leaflets and posters - young people could be asked to produce their
own resources for use in their school or youth clubs or with others of their own
age. These could be factual or just visual images. Photo-stories are a good
way of working - ask the young people to think of a story line (e.g. someone
hears that an ex-partner has HIV - what might happen, what should they do)
and to develop a photo-story using drawings or real photographs if a camera
is available.
Drama - help young people to develop a drama or simple role plays to
provoke discussion. If you have access to video-making equipment, this
could be an exciting option.
Collect or make relevant World AIDS Day resources and give young people
the task of producing an eye catching display.
Involve young people in writing a quiz - either to use with other young people
or try out on teachers, youth workers - or parents!
Debating is a useful way of exploring key issues - if your school or club has a
debating society, here are some suggestions for a World AIDS Day debate:
17
Module 11c
"Everyone should be tested for HIV"
"Children with AIDS deserve more sympathy than adults"
"Condoms should be more freely available"
Media discussions can be a useful way of looking at the prejudice, fear and
discrimination which surrounds HIV. Find examples of reports about HIV and
AIDS and explore whether the media presents a true picture of the HIV
epidemic. Perhaps young people could write their own article or newsletter.
What about getting some white T-shirts and water insoluble pens and getting
young people to design their own red ribbon logos on the T-shirts?
Dispel myths about condom use - use different condoms to explore what they
look like and how to put them on properly - perhaps design a "Ten tips for
condoms use" flyer or poster. Fun games with condoms often break down
barriers of embarrassment.
Hold a school assembly perhaps on World AIDS Day covering the key issues.
3.3 Training
All staff (teaching and non-teaching, Head Teachers and Governors) must be
provided with specialist sex education and HIV and AIDS training.
Teaching staff
Provision of in-service HIV training will depend on schools identifying the need
for it on their inset bids. Staff are encouraged to make this need for HIV
training known, especially as the 1994 changes to sex education provision
may mean that AIDS education is now being taught by staff who need to
update their knowledge and possibly develop new skills.
AIDS education training for teaching staff should:
provide accurate and factual information about HIV transmission,
prevention and protection;
provide opportunities to explore personal beliefs and attitudes towards
HIV and AIDS, sex education and sexuality;
disseminate this policy and explore issues related to equal
opportunities, confidentiality and disclosure of information;
review teaching methods and resources and explore good practice,
suitable teaching materials and effective ways of using them; and
provide information on planning and evaluating an AIDS education
curriculum.
18
Module 11c
Head Teachers
In addition to the training outlined for teaching staff, Head Teachers need to
have access to training which explores the particular issues HIV may raise in
schools in terms of personnel issues (recruitment and selection, equality of
opportunity etc.) as well as pastoral issues (health and safety, confidentiality
etc.) issues.
Governors
Governors must have access to HIV information and training so that they fully
understand and address the policy and curriculum development, staffing,
confidentiality and support issues involved.
Parents
Parents will also need to understand the issues related to HIV so that they
can communicate with their children, have accurate information on which to
base that communication and are familiar with the school's policy on
confidentiality and pastoral care.
Non-teaching staff
Non-teaching staff must also receive HIV training. They need access to
accurate information and the opportunity to talk through the relevant issues.
They will also need to know and understand guidelines and procedures.
3.4 Summary
HIV raises ethical and social problems, there are no effective, affordable
drugs and there is no vaccine. Health education remains the only reliable
means of reducing the spread of HIV.
Children and young people need access to accurate information and need to
be given the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to protect themselves
from HIV. Effective health education in schools must raise the issues
associated with HIV and AIDS appropriately throughout the pupil's school
careers so that concepts, beliefs and attitudes are developed and explored
regularly and with increasing maturity. Effective health education in school
needs:
confident and enthusiastic staff who are appropriately trained and
supported by policies and colleagues;
to enhance people's interpersonal skills and sense of control over their
own destiny;
a spiral PSHE curriculum which explores HIV in a social and sexual
content and enhances decision-making capabilities;
19
Module 11c
appropriate timing of the education and intervention, which is balanced
and non-sensational and is before "at risk" behaviour starts;
education policies and programmes which are supported by parents
and Governors;
varied resources and teaching methods which encourage experimental
learning, participation and feedback; and
regular review and evaluation of effectiveness.
4. References
1. Department for Education, Education Act 1993: Sex Education in Schools.
2. Department of Education and Science, The School Curriculum, HMSO 1981.
3. Her Majesty's Inspectorate, Health Education from 5 to16, HMSO 1986.
4. National Curriculum Council, Health Education, NCL 1990 (Curriculum
Guidance 5).
5. The education (National Curriculum) attainment targets and programmes of
study in science (amendment) Order 1994. Statutory Instrument 1520, HMSO
1994.
6. "What Should I Do?" Guidance on confidentiality and under 16's for
community nurses, social workers, teachers and youth workers, Brook
Advisory Centres, 1996.
20
Module 11c
Appendix 1
Useful resources to support teaching about HIV and AIDS
Secondary
The Grapevine Game (T231) - a sex education board game developed by the
National Youth Agency. Includes questions on HIV and AIDS and aims to stimulate
discussion about facts and feelings. For groups aged 12 plus.
The Gill and Mark Story (T2501) 1994 - a video and teaching pack which extends
the EastEnders storyline to provide young people with vital information about
relationships and safer sex as well as exploring myths about HIV and AIDS.
Presentation is lively and creative.
Exploring Healthy Sexuality - A Guide to Sex Education in the Youth Setting
(T2791) - a practical sex education resource for those working with 12-14 year olds.
Clear accessible explanations of key issues including quizzes, games and
discussion cards.
AIDS - Working with Young People 1993 (T2361) - a resource pack developed in
conjunction with young people and containing lots of practical materials and
exercises to use to stimulate interest and debate. Includes good background notes
for facilitators on social, medical and scientific aspects of HIV and AIDS.
AIDS - Sex, Lies and Stereotypes 1990 (V1801) - uses drama to provoke
discussion and challenge young people to look at their sexual behaviour and explore
how HIV and AIDS may affect their lives and relationships (suitable for 16-18 year
olds).
Drawing the line 1990 (V1971) - video produced by six drama students.
Encourages young people to think about sexual health and relationships, including
information about HIV and AIDS (suitable for 15+).
Teens and Aids (V2341) - American film which includes facts about HIV and AIDS
and shows HIV positive teenagers talking about their experiences (suitable for 15+).
Whose Problem 1990 (V1621) - video and teaching pack which portrays a 16 year
old boy whose mother is in hospital with AIDS. Highlights issues of isolation, stigma
and discrimination and provides useful discussion points.
Action AIDS 1990 (T801) - drama based video and teaching pack to promote
discussion about HIV, AIDS and related issues (13+).
AIDS - The Secondary Scene 1992 (T741) - this book aims to help secondary
teachers when planning HIV and AIDS education programmes. Includes
background information and relevant facts and guidelines (secondary teachers).
21
Module 11c
HIV/AIDS Resource Pack 1995 (T2781) - board game and activities for HIV and
AIDS education. Includes teacher guide and pupil activity booklets (11-14 year
olds).
Yes, AIDS Again 1993 (T721) - includes clear information and background notes for
teachers and ideas and activities with students (11+).
Primary
Positively Primary 1991 (T731) - overview of strategies for approaching HIV and
AIDS with primary school children. Activities for teachers to work through, does not
include activities for children (teachers).
Teaching AIDS in the Classroom 1994 (T2701) - this book aims to help primary
teachers in planning HIV and AIDS educational programmes. Includes background
information and useful suggestions for teachers (primary teachers).
The AIDS Team 1994 - comics and teachers notes to look at HIV and AIDS in
primary schools.
22
Module 11c
If you would like to order any of the above resources, please complete a booking
form and return it to the Health Promotion Department, Croydon Community Health,
12-18 Lennard Road, Croydon CR9 2RS.
Ideally one week's notice is required for bookings. Resources can be delivered and
collected. For further help, information or details of leaflets available, contact the
Health Promotions Department.
Photocopiable Booking Form
Name Date Required
Delivery Address
Self
Time Required
Collection
Please
Tick Telephone
Circle Date of Return
Base Address
Time of Return
Delivery
Telephone
Title and Number Office Use Only
NOTE:
The
borrower is
responsible
for the
safe-
keeping
and return
of the items
loaned. If
lost or
damaged a
charge will
be made for
the full
replace-
ment value
Hardware
23
Module 11c
Appendix 2
Further Information
Education Link Officer - Education Department, Taberner House.
020 8686 4433.
Principle Officer HIV/AIDS - Social Services Department, Rees House.
020 8239 4200.
Occupational Health Department - Croydon Council, Taberner House.
020 8686 4433 Ext. 2138.
Health Education Development Officer (LEA/CCH), Croydon Community Health,
Health Promotions Department, 12-18 Lennard Road, Croydon, CR9 2RS.
020 8680 2008 Ext. 259.
Senior Health Promotion Officer - Sexual Health, Croydon Community Health, Health
Promotions Department, 12-18 Lennard Road, Croydon, CR9 2RS.
020 8680 2008 Ext. 257.
General information and Advice
Genito Uniary Medicine Clinic, Mayday Hospital - confidential counselling advice and
testing for HIV and other STD's.
020 8401 3002.
Young People's Clinic, Broad Green Centre, West Croydon - advice on general
health, sexual health, contraception and relationships.
020 8665 7485.
Young People's Clinic, Parkway Clinic, New Addington - advice on general health,
sexual health, contraception and relationships.
01689 842554.
Drop In, 132 Church Street, Croydon - free and confidential information and
counselling for young people.
020 8680 0404.
Off The Record, 72 Queens Road Croydon - free and confidential youth counselling.
020 8251 0251.
National AIDS Helpline - free and confidential advice and information.
0800 567123.
24
Module 11c
Related docs
Other docs by HC120911205018
