Advisory posts face the axe

Explains why schools′ abilities to deliver health education should be severely hampered by the loss of many health education co‐ordinators. Points to the apparent incongruence of the Department of Education′s policy with those of the Department of Health, and the withdrawal of funding. Discusses the government′s attempts to place the responsibility of funding on the shoulders of schools. Looks at reasons why, with limits on spending, schools might be reluctant to buy in health education expertise. Considers attempts to reverse the Department of Education′s decision and the effects if the campaign fails. Concludes by considering the effects of the removal of drugs education from the agenda, and the possible disappearance of skills which have been acquired, and the fact that health co‐ordinators are unlikely to be replaced by anyone else, either in local education authorities or outside of them.