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Guidance for teachers on how to deal with drug users has been drawn up in consultation with Greater Manchester Police but schools have been told there is no legal obligation on staff to report such incidents.

Experts in the field say evidence suggests dealing sensitively with drug-related incidents in schools offered an opportunity to provide support for pupils.

They say the approach does not condone drug misuse but allows schools to provide information and support as an alternative to exclusion from school which would not help pupils with problems.

The policy is part of a strategy outlined to Manchester City Council which aims to delay young people?s use of class A drugs by up to six months and achieve a 10% reduction in the use of class A drugs among the 11 to 16 age group.

Links have been established with North Manchester Regeneration and North Manchester Health Authority which are working in schools and with parents to promote drug safety issues.

A theatre production is due to tour high schools in the north Manchester area focusing on delivering messages around drug and alcohol misuse.

A survey of schools has shown 70% have a drugs co-ordinator but drugs experts believe training should be given to teachers and support staff to promote safety around all aspects of drugs including alcohol and tobacco.

Work had been undertaken to use the literacy hour to educate children about drug use and abuse and funding has been made available for a dedicated youth worker to work with individual centres and provide training for all youth workers.