Action after pupils drink ethanol

Head teacher David Mountney tells Bob Hockenhull inquiries are taking place

Safety procedures are to be reviewed at a school in the West Midlands where six teenage pupils drank ethanol taken from a science lesson.

Five girls and a boy were taken to hospital after drinking the pure alcohol at Aldridge School, Walsall.

The council said it believed the children had watched an episode of the BBC drama Waterloo Road, in which a similar event took place.

Head teacher David Mountney warned of disciplinary action.

In a statement Mr Mountney said: "Following the theft of a sample of pure ethanol from a science lesson yesterday six students, having admitted drinking some of the liquid, were sent to the local hospital for a blood test."

No health concerns

All returned home with their families after these tests, he said, and there are no concerns about their health.

"We are now undertaking a full investigation of these events, but can confirm that a full health and safety report will be undertaken and appropriate disciplinary procedures will be followed," he added.

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it had been notified of the incident and said it would be investigating "in due course".

Tony Stainer, managing director of the Walsall Council's children's services Serco, said he was satisfied the school was taking the matter seriously.

He said Serco was working with the school to find out what happened in order to prevent a further occurrence.

In the Waterloo Road episode aired on Wednesday, in which pupils drank ethanol, a nurse repeatedly told the youngsters it was very dangerous and they could die.

'Gritty storyline'

Earlier, Councillor Rachel Walker, portfolio holder of children's services for Walsall Council, said she understood pupils had seen the programme.

"The BBC has taken a risk with their programming as they do with lots of their gritty storylines," she said.

"It's unfortunate that the young people had access to the chemicals involved and did not take on board the further content of the programme."

A BBC spokesman said Waterloo Road always tackled serious issues of the day in a responsible manner.

He said the episode showed the dangers of using ethanol and did not glamorise it.

"Each storyline is thoroughly researched using experts within their respective fields," he said.