Each set of standards has been produced for a specific target group:
1. Delivering effective alcohol and drug education in the classroom as part of a planned UK PSHE programme: Primary and secondary schools, independent practitioners or anyone else delivering alcohol and drug education, in formal or informal environments.
2. School context for effective alcohol and drug education: School leaders and governing bodies, as well as other members of staff in primary and secondary schools – including free schools, academies, private schools, and faith schools – responsible for, or involved in the delivery of alcohol and drug education or policy.
3. Staff policies and safeguarding: External agencies delivering alcohol and drug education within schools and employing staff and/or volunteers.

What are the aims of the standards?
• To help schools and others assess their own practice, in and outside the classroom, and make the case for appropriate support and resources.
• To help external providers of drug education assess their own practice and convey their aims, methodology, and approach to schools.
• To help schools have clearer expectations of external contributors, choose those that deliver to a high standard, and work more effectively with them.

The quality standards will help schools and practitioners:
1- Meet their statutory obligation to promote children’s wellbeing and develop a healthy environment.
2- Meet their statutory obligations to deliver alcohol and drug education.
3- Provide evidence of effectiveness for UK Ofsted inspections.