Blueprint programme update

Blueprint is the Government’s research programme designed to test the effectiveness of a multi-component approach to school-based drug education.   The programme targeted Year 7 and 8 pupils and involved work with their parents, the wider community, health policy professionals and the local media.  The intensive set of lessons and supporting components were delivered in spring term 2004 and 2005.
 
The programme was designed as an exploration of trial conditions, results of which will give us both immediate learning to influence drug education policy and practice, and a clearer idea of what future research priorities should be.  We have brought the original reporting timetable forward slightly so that we can start getting findings into policy and practice as soon as possible.  Results of the research will be released in two phases:

• Full report on the implementation of the programme will be published in late summer 2007; alongside this will be released a practitioner-oriented report on delivery of the programme in the classroom and later in the year a series of targeted practice newssheets
  
• Final report on the impact and the cost effectiveness of the programme is due for publication in early summer 2008, as well as a report on the research methodology. 

Home Office and DfES colleagues will keep the Association up to date with developments; we hope we can work with members to ensure that results are disseminated widely and can have the appropriate impact on policy and practice development. Any queries on this please contact jonathan.scanlan@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.