Pupils smoking alert after e-cigarettes found at junior school
A PRIMARY school with pupils as young as seven has warned parents after children brought electronic “vape cigarettes” into class.
Staff at a primary school have confiscated an 'increasing number' of electronic vape cigarettes
Staff have confiscated an “increasing number” of the devices in recent weeks at Lowerhouse Junior School in Burnley, Lancashire.
Teachers have reminded parents that youngsters face expulsion if caught in possession of the nicotine vapourisers.
Headteacher Claire Holgate said in a letter to parents: “Children need to be aware that electronic cigarettes are not toys.
“It is incredibly concerning that nicotine-based products, which are illegal to sell or provide to children under the age of 18, are on school premises.
“Any pupils found to be in possession of or bringing into school electronic cigarettes may be excluded from school.”
The devices have shown up in recent weeks at Lowerhouse Junior School in Burnley, Lancashire
Retailers were banned from selling e-cigs and e-liquids to people under the age of 18 in October last year.
Children need to be aware that electronic cigarettes are not toys
The school has not disclosed how many e-cigs were found or the ages of the pupils involved but insisted they were not vaping at the time.
Bea Foster, local councillor for the Rosegrove area of Burnley, said she is “absolutely shocked” and called for more education.
Youngsters face expulsion if caught in possession of the nicotine vapourisers
Face swap and vaping don't mix
She said: “Children think it is acceptable to smoke e-cigarettes but it isn’t, they are just as bad as cigarettes.”
The county council’s education boss has praised the headteacher’s handling of the situation.
County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “It’s hard to comprehend why this has happened and where they have got the e-cigarettes from.”