A Paddock Wood school has told parents sniffer dogs could be used in a bid to tackle the risk of drugs and “legal highs” entering.

In a letter sent to parents, Mascalls School states it does not have a problem with drugs, but fears that towns and villages in its catchment area are being targeted by dealers.

Headteacher Stuart Reeves said following an increased national concern about the “risks posed to young people with regard to illegal substances” staff at the Maidstone Road school will be taking extra precautions.

He added: “This is something we take very seriously and feel that it is therefore vital that we respond to the increasing risks for our children.”

Extra safety measures reportedly being introduced would include educational programmes and unannounced sniffer dog spot checks carried out by local police.

However, Kent Police today denied that any unannounced checks will be taking place.

A spokesman said the force works in partnership with local schools to run education sessions, which include advice about drugs and sniffer dog demonstrations to show their effectiveness.

He said that while plans are in place to run an education day at schools in west Kent next month, officers have no plans for unannounced visits.

“Furthermore, when police officers do undertake checks at schools they are never unannounced. Any search would always be arranged in advance with the school and only once the school has participated in the education programme,” he added.

Speaking to the Kent Messenger Mr Reeves defended the letter and claimed the school has run drug education days since 2002, and that spot checks would only be introduced if a serious substance problem was to arise.

“I speak to the students about drugs every year when they return from the summer holidays. The letter is nothing particularly new.

"We have worked with Kent Police before. Sniffer dogs have been brought in and they plant a package on someone to show how quickly the dog can find it.

"There will not be unannounced spot checks unless a problem develops.

"The school does not have a drug problem, and I think a big part of that is because of these preventative measures."

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