Ardler Primary School Handbook 2012

Ardler Primary School Handbook

2012

Ardler Primary School

Turnberry Avenue

Dundee

DD2 3TP

Telephone 01382 436500

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @ArdlerPrimary

If you require any further information or have any queries, please telephone the school office where our staff will be pleased to help. Information of a more general nature about Education in Dundee is available from

The Director of Education

Education Department

Floor 2, Dundee House

50 North Lindsay Street

Dundee

DD1 2RJ

Telephone: 01382 434000

CONTENTS Page

INTRODUCTION 3

SCHOOL INFORMATION 3

PARENTAL PARTNERSHIPS 6

SCHOOL ETHOS 8

THE CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE 10

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING 13

TRANSITIONS 14

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS 15

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT 16

SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION 16

SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS 20

SCHOOL TERM DATES AND HOLIDAYS 22

TRANSFERRING EDUCATIONAL DATA ABOUT PUPILS 23

INTRODUCTION STAFF

Dear Parent/Carer Welcome to Ardler Primary School. Some of you are already familiar with our school, others we welcome for Miss L Reid Head Teacher the first time. Mrs J Bell Principal Teacher Parents have the right to expect their children to be Miss J Gibson Nursery Class Teacher provided with the highest quality of education in a climate where they are safe, valued and treated with Miss D Begg Early Years Practitioner dignity and respect. Mrs C McCabe EYP (supply) We believe that in Ardler Primary School is a caring school where children can fulfil their potential. We Mrs N Snee P1 Class Teacher strive to ensure that our children have the opportunity to maximise their attainment and achievement. Mrs J McNaughton EYP

We endeavour to equip our children with the Miss Galbraith P2/3 Class Teacher necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to successfully continue on a journey of lifelong learning. Mrs G Carroll P2/3 NQT cover, RCT Nursery

We believe that working together with parents and the Miss P Semple P3/4 Class Teacher community, and communicating openly ensures the best possible outcomes for all. Miss V Cordiner P4/5 Class Teacher

Welcome to Ardler Primary School! Mrs J Clark P5/6 Class Teacher

Miss Louise Reid Mrs K Liddell P7 Class Teacher Head Teacher Mr D McLeish Covering P7 Maternity Leave December 2012 Mrs J Bell RCT P1-P7

SCHOOL INFORMATION Mrs E McBride Support for Learning

Mrs A Piggot Admin Officer CONTACT DETAILS Adler Primary Mrs A Sutherland Clerical Assistant Turnberry Avenue Dundee Mrs S Cruickshank Classroom Assistant DD2 3TP Telephone 01382 436500 Miss G Watt Auxiliary

Email: [email protected] Mrs A Gordon Health Assistant Miss A Carmichael Breakfast Club Assistant Twitter: @ArdlerPrimary Visiting Specialists Miss M McFadyen (Strings)

Miss A Bird (Brass) PARENT COUNCIL Our Parent Council can be contacted on Active Schools Coordinator Mr M Brash [email protected] Facilities Assistants Mr T Greig

SCHOOL ROLL Mr J Finnegan

December 2012 Dining Hall Staff Mrs M Stewart

Nursery 30am 30pm Mrs S Bruce

P1 24 P2/3 22 Mrs P Freedman Cleaners Mrs A Pannel l P3/4 23 P4/5 24 Mrs J Logie P5/6 24 P7 24 Mrs M Low

ATTENDANCE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that We value complaints and use information pupils attend school regularly and punctually. In the learned from them to help us improve our event of absence, written or telephone explanation is school. We regard a complaint as any required. The school will send a text message to expression of dissatisfaction about our school or parents who do not contact them to ascertain the reason for their child’s absence. Cases of lack of action, or about the standard of service unsatisfactory attendance may involve the School provided by us. Community Support Service. If something goes wrong or you are dissatisfied Parents should also try to avoid requesting children to with some aspect of Ardler Primary School, be withdrawn from school during term time on account please tell us. of family holidays although permission may be given if it is impossible to arrange otherwise. Please find below a link to Dundee City

Council’s Complaint Procedure The school must be informed if a child is kept off for holidays. Permission to remove a child from class for any reason must be obtained from the Head Teacher. http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/complaints/

LATECOMING AND PUNCTUALITY CARE COMPLAINTS

All pupils are encouraged to arrive in school on time. If If your complaint relates to a care service we pupils are to be late, it is helpful if the parent contacts the school either by telephone or by letter as to the provide, you can choose whether to complain to reason and also to pre order lunch. Lunch orders are us or the Care Inspectorate. You can find out sent to the kitchen by 9.30am. more about their complaints procedure, or make a complaint, by contacting them at: In the event of constant, unexplained late coming or absence, parents will be notified and a meeting arranged with the Head Teacher to discuss the http://www.scswis.com/ (Online complaints problem. form)

Telephone: 0845 600 9527 EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS Fax: 01382 207 289

Email: [email protected] In the event of an emergency, such as an unplanned closure, parents/carers will be notified by telephone wherever possible. The Dundee City Council DELINEATED AREA website/twitter site also have the most up to date information available on severe weather arrangements.

If the need should North Boundary Eastwards from the New City ever arise to Boundary by the south of evacuate the Grimond Lane, then by building for a Birkdale Place to Macalpine lengthy period of Road. time, all pupils and East Boundary Southwards from Birkdale staff will make their Place by the centre of way to St. Fergus Macalpine Road to Kingsway. Primary School and South Boundary Westwards from Macalpine remain there until it Road by the centre of is either safe to Kingsway, to the New City return or for collection by their parents. Boundary. West Boundary The New City boundary to a point just south of Grimond The importance of up to date Emergency Contact Lane. Forms being kept in school cannot be emphasised enough . These forms are distributed annually for an up-date in information. It is imperative that these contact numbers are kept up to date. No child will be sent home without prior warning to the parent/carer.

ENROLMENT

Parents who wish to visit the school in order to reach a decision regarding enrolment of their child at Ardler Primary School may do so after consultation with the Head Teacher. Such visits are actively encouraged and can be arranged easily by appointment.

• NURSERY ADMISSION Our Nursery class caters for children between the ages of three and five. We offer morning and afternoon sessions and have places for 30 children at each session. Please contact us before your child reaches three years of age for information on our enrolment procedures.

• PRIMARY 1 ADMISSION Children who reach the age of five on or before the 28 February 2014 are eligible for enrolment at Ardler Primary School. Parents of children who reside in the school’s catchment area should enrol their child by 4 February 2013.

Families who reside outwith the catchment area must make application to the Director of Education by 4 February 2013.

When enrolling your child at Ardler Primary School, please bring proof of address and your child’s full Birth Certificate. Prior to beginning school in August 2013, children and their parents will be invited to an open afternoon in Ardler Primary School which will give parents an opportunity to discuss school procedures, meet staff members and see round the school.

TRANSPORT

For pupils attending the local primary school proposed by the Authority, the Authority provides free transport or travelling expenses for all primary school pupils attending their catchment area school and living over two miles from that school. In addition the Authority provides transport to those pupils whose journey between home and the catchment area school is deemed to be unduly hazardous.

Parents may apply to the Director of Education for consideration to be given to the provision of this transport. This applies only where no suitable public transport is available. Parents who have made successful placing requests for their children at other schools of their choice have to make their own transport arrangements.

PARENTAL PARTNERSHIPS Parental Involvement Officer Taletta Jamieson Throughout the school year we have class assemblies, Dundee City Council shared start and open afternoons and parents/carers Tel: 434888 are invited into the school to see the work their Email: [email protected] children are doing. We have a number of parents who regularly volunteer to assist in educational excursions but we are always in need of your support. Guidance on the Scottish Schools (Parental At Ardler Primary School, parental involvement is Involvement) Act 2006 provides guidance on the welcomed and recognised as being essential in developing a strong partnership between parents and act for education authorities, Parent Councils and schools. We communicate regularly through our others – monthly newsletter; this provides an ideal platform to keep all parents/carers informed of on-going school http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/ events. We also text parents to remind them of any 08094112/0 events which are happening in school or nursery. Parentzone provide information and resource for parents and Parent Councils – Research has shown that children do better if their parents are involved in their education. Whatever that http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/i sphere of involvement may be it is greatly appreciated and welcomed. ndex.asp

PARENT COUNCIL

The Parent Council is a group of parents who have been selected in accordance with the Parent Council HOME/SCHOOL LINKS constitution to represent all the parents of children at our school. Parents of any child at Ardler Primary We welcome parents’ views and suggestions and School can seek to be part of the Parent Council in line encourage parents to visit the school. As mentioned with arrangements set out in the constitution. The earlier however it is advisable to make an appointment. Telephone calls are also welcome Parent Council can co-opt other members as it sees fit. regarding issues you may wish to discuss. Parents are invited in from time to time during the session to The aims of the Parent Council are:- participate in classroom activities during ‘open afternoons’, which we try to have once a term. Parents • To work together with everyone involved in are also welcome on school trips that require school life - parents, learners, teachers, school volunteers. The school communicates mainly by staff and the wider community newsletter four or five times a session. Letters • To make sure that all parents have a say in regarding special events are distributed from time to their children's education - and are able to time and individual letters to parents are sent out as and when necessary. express their views and wishes

• To build links between the school, parents, We like to think we are an open, developing school pupils, nurseries and pre-school groups and and part of this development comes from suggestions the community and ideas put forward by In Ardler Primary, we have a very supportive Parent parents. Council who meet regularly with the Head Teacher. Please offer The Parent Forum is everyone in the parent any suggestions community of Ardler Primary School. If you would like you think may to participate in our Parent Council meetings, please help a contact the clerk to the Parent Council, Christine particular Friedman or by email [email protected] situation and the ideas will Current Parent Members: be looked at. Mrs Mary O’Conner Parent Council Chair Mrs J Burns Vice Chair Our parents Mr D Friedman Treasurer work hard throughout the year with ‘Bring and Buy Mrs C Friedman Clerk Sale’, Christmas Fayres etc. If you wish to lend a Mrs J Bell Teacher Representatives helping hand please contact the school office. Co-opted Members

HOMEWORK

Ardler Primary School, as a learning community, acknowledges that parents and carers play an important part in their child’s education. We believe that strong links between home and school will enhance your child’s achievements, continue to promote a positive ethos and provide effective two way communication.

AIMS

• To provide regular opportunities for parents and carers to become involved in their child’s learning. • To value each child for their individuality, culture and heritage. • Share parents’ and carers’ expertise for specific tasks. • To maintain an open – door approach where parents/carers feel comfortable and confident in approaching schools with any concerns and queries.

Many classes are using the homework grid system. This itemises a variety of homework activities to be undertaken over a two or four week period. These activities cover a broad range of curricular areas; some linked to specific maths and language work of each child and others of a more generic nature linked to health, eco issues, religion, science, research etc. Some classes will have homework set through GLOW. This requires the pupils to have access to a computer. We run a homework club during the school year which you are able to attend with your child to support your child with this.

In order to help families achieve better time management of homework, we set regular assignments within an agreed time frame in order to allow children/families to choose when they undertake the tasks. We hope that this alleviates the current pressures on families to complete homework in narrow time scales. With this flexibility, we acknowledge that children often undertake out-of-school activities and have other family commitments. We also hope that our homework provides activities that can be completed by families together as well as independently. Siblings are able to undertake tasks together too if they would like to! Please do not allow homework to become an issue which dominates your evenings and impacts on quality family time. We are aiming to achieve a balance of good quality homework which the children will enjoy and learn from but greatly value family time too. Any problems or question, please get in touch.

SCHOOL ETHOS Aims VISION Successful learners

Ardler Primary School will strive:- Our vision for Ardler Primary School is To provide opportunities and motivation for personal to provide a safe, secure, welcoming achievement and nurturing environment where To engage children in independent learning everyone is valued equally. We aim to be an integral part of the community, To encourage the setting of attainable but challenging goals inspiring our children to be successful lifelong learners, effective contributors, confident individuals and responsible Confident individuals citizens. We will do this in partnership Ardler Primary School will strive:- with home, community and other To promote a positive ethos for all members of the service providers. school community

To encourage self-esteem and self-respect

To encourage personal aspiration and ambition

To celebrate success

Values Responsible citizens Ardler Primary School will strive:-

To ensure everyone is aware of their responsibility Wisdom Justice within the community

Compassion Integrity To ensure everyone knows and understands Scotland’s place in the world

To ensure everyone develops the capacity to understand different beliefs and cultures

To ensure everyone can make informed choices

Ardler Primary School will provide an inclusive learning environment, which Effective contributors will be a positive stimulus for personal achievement. Through the broadening Ardler Primary School will strive:- of experiences of the world, we will To provide opportunities for everyone to contribute to encourage everyone towards informed the life of the school and the wider community and responsible citizenship. To enable everyone to gain experience and skills necessary for lifelong learning

To provide opportunities for everyone to work in partnership and in teams

To provide opportunities for creativity and innovation.

PARTNERSHIPS More information can be found in the service leaflets. http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/deps/ The school has strong links with many partner agencies who work in school with pupils and also consultation with staff/parents approach as HEALTH CARE appropriate. These include the Chalmers Ardler Medical inspections take place at various times in a Church, Education Psychology Service, Outreach child’s school life and parents are notified when these Teachers, School Community Support Service, take place. Hearing and sight are also tested. The Barnardo’s, NHS, Tayside Police/Fire and Rescue etc. dentist, speech therapist and school nurse make regular school visits regarding hygiene and general health care. If a child suffers from a specific medical LOCAL PARISH condition please contact the Head Teacher. The Chalmers Ardler Parish Church school auxiliary attends to children who become unwell Turnberry Avenue in school or are hurt at play. If the illness or injury is Dundee considered too serious for school attention only then DD2 3TP parents/emergency contact will be contacted so that Tel 01382 827439 the child can be collected and attended to. http://www.chalmersardlerchurch.org Medication in liquid or tablet form is not permitted to be Minister: Rev Kenneth Stott brought to school. Children requiring medication at Family Support Worker: Mags Willis lunch time must return home for same. In exceptional cases, for example inhalers, permission should be Prayer Meeting 9.30am-10.30am requested from the Head Teacher. Sunday Morning Service 11am Sunday Evening Service 6.30pm School Nurse: Rhona Dale

THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY SUPPORT Ryehill Health Centre SERVICE St Peter Street Ardler Primary School works closely with the Dundee School Community Support Service which is designed to contribute to a community DD1 4JH approach to effective learning and teaching and the management of disruptive behaviour. WHAT IF MY CHILD BECOMES ILL?

The service aims to: If a child becomes unwell at school, we will contact • Improve attendance and raise achievement parents/carers. If we cannot make this contact we shall for young people among the lowest call the emergency contact number in the pupil’s performing 20% of the school population records. It is therefore very important that we have up- • Provide targeted support for vulnerable and to-date parental contact numbers and up-to-date disadvantaged children, young people and emergency contact numbers in order to get your child their families home as soon as possible. • Sustain more children and young people in mainstream schools and in their local TAKING MEDICINES IN SCHOOL communities • Prevent children and young people entering No medicine of any kind will normally be administered residential and secure care to your child in school. If your child requires prescribed • Enhance existing community support medicine you should ask your doctor to prescribe a strategies in partnership with partner agencies dosage which can be taken before or after school time. If your child requires to have medicine administered Dundee Educational Psychology Service because they have an on-going condition such as (DEPS) asthma, epilepsy, diabetes or nut allergy this must be negotiated formally with the school and the appropriate Ardler Primary School works closely with DEPS. forms and procedures signed and agreed beforehand. DEPS works with others, applying psychology in Pupils are not allowed to bring medicines of any kind educational settings, to support children and to school. offer support and advice. Educational If your child is asthmatic and requires to use an psychologists provide a support and advisory inhaler, please arrange for a spare reliever (blue one) service covering the age range 0-24. to be kept in school for emergency purposes. 9

THE CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE

The Curriculum for Excellence is developing in line with Scottish Office Guidelines. These guidelines cover Literacy and English Language, Numeracy and Mathematics, Health and Wellbeing, Social Studies, Sciences, Expressive Arts, Technologies, Modern Languages and Religious & Moral Education. Assessment material for Curriculum for Excellence is being developed at National level, Authority and School level.

Health and Wellbeing

Learning in health and wellbeing ensures that children and young people develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes which they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future. Children and young people should feel happy, safe, respected and included in the school environment and all staff should be proactive in promoting positive behaviour in the classroom, playground and the wider school community. Good health and wellbeing is central to effective learning and preparation for successful independent living. Ardler Primary School is a health promoting school.

Languages

Our ability to use language lies at the centre of the development and expression of our emotions, our thinking, our learning and our sense of personal identity. Children and young people should experience an environment which is rich in language and which sets high expectations for literacy and the use of language. Children and young people need to spend time with stories, literature and other texts which will enrich their learning, develop their language skills and enable them to find enjoyment. Spoken language has particular importance in the early years.

Mathematics

Mathematics is important in our everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. Using mathematics enables us to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions. Learning mathematics gives children and young people access to the wider curriculum and the opportunity to pursue further studies and interests.

Expressive Arts

Learning in, through and about the expressive arts enables children and young people to be creative and express themselves in different ways, experience enjoyment and contribute to other people’s enjoyment through creative and expressive performance and presentation. Children develop important skills, both those specific to the expressive arts and those which are transferable and develop an appreciation of aesthetic and cultural values, identities and ideas. For some children this will prepare for their advanced learning and future careers by building foundations for excellence in the expressive arts.

Religious and Moral Education

Religious and moral education enables children and young people to explore the world’s major religions and views which are independent of religious belief and to consider the challenges posed by these beliefs and values. It supports them in developing and reflecting upon their values and their capacity for moral judgement. Developing an awareness and appreciation of the value of each individual will assist in counteracting prejudice and intolerance.

In our school we are committed, through the ethos and curriculum, to provide appropriate opportunities for the development of the pupil’s spiritual, moral, social & cultural values. This will be undertaken in partnership with parents and will take into consideration the needs of the pupil and the views of the parents. The school welcomes and encourages diversity and individuality, while emphasising our common commitment to moral values such as honesty, respect for others, compassion and justice.

It is a fundamental principle, that all who are involved in the daily life of the school have the right to be respected as individuals and carry the responsibility to act in a considerate and respectful manner towards others. We implement the Authority’s Policy for Equal Opportunities and try to ensure that all pupils have access to the full range of educational experiences available within the resources of the school. We are firmly committed to the elimination of any form of discrimination such as race, gender, religion or disability.

The school holds regular assemblies that provide opportunities for pupils to share together and celebrate as a school community those things that we value. They also provide opportunities for the pupils to take part in musical or dramatic presentations related to religious themes. Through this pupils can increase their understanding of religious practices and the experience which underlies them. Under the terms of Education (Scotland) Act 1980, ‘Any pupil may be withdrawn by his/her parent from any instruction in religious observance’. Any parent wishing to exercise this right must put it in writing and address it to the Head Teacher.

Sciences

Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the home. Through learning in the sciences, children and young people develop their interest in, and understanding of, the living, material and physical world. They engage in a wide range of collaborative investigative tasks, which allows them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising adults in a world where the skills and knowledge of the sciences are needed across all sectors of the economy.

Social Studies

Through social studies, children and young people develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances; they also develop their understanding of their environment and of how it has been shaped. As they mature, children and young people’s experiences will be broadened using Scottish, British, European and wider contexts for learning, while maintaining a focus on changes that have shaped Scotland. With greater understanding comes the opportunity and ability to influence events by exercising informed and responsible citizenship.

Technologies

The technologies offer challenging activities which involve research, problem solving, exploration of new and unfamiliar concepts, skills and materials, and the rewarding learning which often results from creating products which have real applications. These attributes are essential if, in the future, our children and young people are to play a major part in the global economy and embrace technological developments in the 21st century.

LEARNING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

Technology, Science, RME, Social Studies, Literacy and English, Numeracy and Mathematics, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing

Throughout all of our activities there will be a focus on developing skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. These include literacy and numeracy, thinking skills, working with others, leadership, presenting and communicating, enterprising skills, and physical coordination. These activities will normally be incorporated into other areas of the curriculum.

Across all stages of the school children will be given the opportunity to plan certain aspects of learning with their teacher. Through these discussions the children will be able to choose what they would like to find out and learn about. This will then be incorporated into the plan for the term.

In homework children will again be able to exercise choice. Although some activities must be completed children will be able to choose other activities from a list of optional and family tasks.

More information about Curriculum for Excellence can be found at http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/whatiscurriculumforexcellence/index.asp

At Ardler Primary School we promote a policy of inclusion. This means that all children will have access and opportunities to experience a broad and balanced curriculum alongside their peers. Our Support for Learning teacher works with all children in school, either within the classroom or in smaller groups. Individual Education Programmes are written for those children who require them, but again, the class teacher, supported by the Support for Learning teacher, delivers this within the classroom.

ASSESSMENT REPORTING

At Ardler Primary School we assess routinely as part Two formal parent contact interviews to discuss your of the on-going learning and teaching process, at fixed child’s progress are offered each year, normally in points from 3-18 and at transitions e.g. from nursery to October/November and May/June. The Annual full P1, from class to class etc. We assess knowledge and report is issued in Term 4 prior to parents contact. understanding, skills, attributes and capabilities, and the application of these. We assess to support the For any parent who has a concern regarding their learning process, to promote learner engagement and child’s progress, extra contact time can be arranged. If to determine the nature of the support required by you have any concerns regarding your child at any individual learners. point in the year, please bring these to the attention of the Head Teacher. Teachers will use a variety of approaches to obtain information about pupils’ success and progress. These We hope, during the year, to invite you into the School approaches will include firstly and most importantly, a during the day and in the evening to see your child’s range of day-to-day classroom observations and work and to find out more about how and what he/she interactions with pupils. Teachers will also use their is learning. own teacher-devised tests and standardised test materials. You will also receive your child’s Learning Journey giving you an overview of what your child is learning Much of the assessment in school is carried out in an and how you can help. informal basis by means of the teacher’ s professional skill and judgement in observing both written and oral work and engaging in discussions with children. More formal procedures are in place to assess progress in language and mathematics and to identify any learning difficulty.

The main type of assessment is formative assessment. This is where pupils are assessed against learning objectives on an on-going basis. Pupils are given regular feedback on how they have done and they are encouraged to self-assess and assess each other. It is important that pupils take ownership of their learning, understand why they are doing a task and what the expectations are for a lesson or project.

The second type of assessment is summative or diagnostic. This incorporates the more formal type such as a short test either oral or written in Maths and Reading or an assessment of a piece of writing or the solving of a problem.

Within a Curriculum for Excellence, schools can make use of the developing National Assessment Resource (NAR) to confirm a child’s progress within language and mathematics. A teacher’s professional judgement, based on a child’s progress from term to term, is an extremely vital assessment tool which we at Ardler make very good use of through professional discussions between teaching staff and the school’s Management Team. Staff at Ardler Primary School meet regularly to share professional judgements on children’s work.

We are currently following authority policy and using PIPS (Performance Indicators for Primary Schools) in Primary 1 and InCAS (Interactive Computerised Assessment System) in Primary 4 and 6. These are presented to the children as computer quizzes.

TRANSITION FROM NURSERY TO PRIMARY It is important to note that we presume that children SCHOOL and young people in Dundee will attend their local school or a school in which they can access enhanced Transition is the word that is used to describe the provision, unless, through our process of observation, process of a child moving from nursery into primary assessment and consultation, it is considered, (i) that school and, in Dundee, the planning for transition such education is not in the best interests of the begins the day your child enters nursery. For most individual child, (ii) that such placement would not be children, moving into primary school needs no in the best interests of other children, or (iii) that the additional, enhanced planning, in terms of meeting cost of providing necessary additional resources would their learning needs. For some children who have or be prohibitive and unrealistic. may have additional support needs, there is an on- going process, which consists of professional TRANSITION TO SECONDARY SCHOOL observation, assessment and consultation with parents. Pupils transfer to Secondary School at the end of P7. Ardler Primary School is an associate school for

The outcomes of the observation, assessment and Baldragon Academy consultation, of the child’s additional needs inform and Burn Street support the appropriate route into primary education in Dundee the city. A child may enter a primary school where their DD3 0LB needs can be addressed by a combination of class Telephone 01382 436170 teacher and support for learning staff. The child’s needs may be such that the best place for them might Head Teacher: Mr K. Hearn be a primary school with enhanced provision. These are schools where additional staff are in place to help The transition from primary to secondary school is children with significant additional support needs with assisted by the following liaison: their learning. Lastly, a child may need the highly 1. Baldragon Academy holds an Open Evening for P6 specialized support and care provided in Kingspark and P7 pupils and parents in November. School. 2. Parents will be notified of their child’s secondary school placing by the Authority. 3. The Head Teacher and various members of There are 5 mainstream primary schools with Baldragon Academy staff visit Ardler Primary School to additional staffing to support more vulnerable Dundee discuss the transition procedure. children in small groups. These are: 4. Primary 7 pupils visit Baldragon Academy for events o Eastern PS throughout the session and for two days in June, when o Gowriehill PS they are notified of their classes. During the latter visit o Rowantree PS the pupils follow a secondary timetable similar to the o St Fergus RC PS one they will use in August. o St Vincent’s RC PS o St Joseph's RC PS Mrs Bell, our Principal Teacher, will coordinate transition arrangements.

There are a further 8 mainstream primary schools with additional staffing where Dundee children who have more specific and defined needs can be supported. o Craigowl PS (Physical Disability) o Claypotts Castle PS (Hearing Impairment) o Clepington PS (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) o Craigiebarns PS (Visual Impairment) o Fintry PS ( Language and Communication Disorder) o Hillside PS (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) o Ballumbie PS (Physical Disability) o Our Lady’s RCPS (Physical Disability)

Kingspark School supports children and young people with complex and profound, physical and cognitive needs, as well as children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder.

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance Ltd The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance: is a Support for Learning Information charitable body under registration number SC033576. It offers a free of charge advocacy service which As a parent/carer you can access a wide range of provides support for parents and young people from information with regard to additional support needs. the time they have grounds to make a reference to the The information is available both at your local school Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland and on the Dundee City Council website on this (ASNTS). internet page Advice and information regarding this service can be http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/education/support/ obtained from their website - www.siaa.org.uk

The following are available for you at the above internet page. Scottish Child Law Centre , • Assessing Additional Support Needs The Scottish Child Law Centre is a charitable body • Attending Pupil Support Planning Meetings registered in Scotland under registration number • Co-ordinated Support Plan SCO12741.” It offers advice and support for families in • Dispute Resolution regard of additional support needs. • Dispute Resolution Referral Form • Mediation - Parent to Parent leaflet • Supporting Learning (Dundee City Council School Policy Education Department, Support for Learning Our school policy is to promote and provide the Policy) education of pupils with additional support needs within the classroom setting. Individually targeted work • Supporting Learning in Dundee at a level accessible to the child and designed to

support the learning progress is normally provided by This internet page also has many other leaflets on the class teacher and/or Support for Learning teacher. related topics which might be of interest to you. Progress is monitored from day to day and is regularly

reported to parents who are also consulted if any If you cannot access the internet, please ask the change in the programme of support is being school office if you would like a copy of any of these considered. documents.

Although learning support staff and/or care assistants The Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act are regularly deployed as necessary, our aim must 2004 as amended by the 2009 Act came into force on always be to promote the maximum degree of 15 November 2010. We try to keep all our documents independence in learning, personal management and as current as possible. They are in the process of social activities of which the child is capable. being revised to reflect the amendments brought in by the 2009 Act to ensure the information is as up-to-date To cater for children’s needs, our school entrance and as possible. some classrooms allow access for children in

wheelchairs or whose mobility is restricted. In cases Information on additional support needs is also where specialised equipment is identified as being available to you from outside Dundee City Council. necessary to facilitate a child’s progress within the

peer group, the school and Education Authority will Enquire - the Scottish advice service for additional take action to provide it where possible. support for learning

Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent, confidential advice and information on Ardler Primary School’s Additional Support Needs additional support for learning through: provision this session is as follows:

a telephone helpline - 0845 123 2303 Support for Learning Teacher Mrs E. McBride 1.0 FTE an email enquiry service - [email protected] an online enquiry service Classroom Assistant Mrs S. Cruickshank 1.0 FTE two websites - www.enquire.org.uk (for parents/carers and practitioners) and www.enquire.org.uk/yp (for children and young people) The timetables of these members of staff are co- ordinated by the Head Teacher in consultation with Enquire also provide a range of clear and easy-to-read class teachers and representatives of the particular guides and fact sheets explaining everything from service areas which are represented. 'additional support in the early years' to 'what planning Further information and leaflets can be found at should take place for moving on from school'. http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/education/support/

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION The Local Authority Extended Review and our own self evaluation provided the focus for school improvement Further information can be found on the Dundee City planning 2012-2013. Council’s website; Dundee City Council School Information Our strengths were found to be: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/education- • Pupils at Ardler are confident individuals, who learning/second/Schools contribute to the life and work of the school. • Pupils are given a wide range of opportunities Dundee City Council Education Publications to engage in an extensive range of sporting, http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/department- cultural and charitable activities with an publications/Education

emphasis on learning in real-life situations. • There is an atmosphere of respect and trust SCHOOL PUPIL RECORDS (Scotland) Regulations between staff and pupils. 1990 • Pupils were very knowledgeable about school routines and how their achievements outside These regulations make provision for granting access by parents and pupils to manually maintained of the classroom and in the community, are records held on pupils. Parents and pupils wishing to acknowledged/celebrated. avail themselves of this service must submit their • Pupils feel that Staff take into account pupils’ request on an application form obtainable from the view about how to improve the school through Head Teacher. groups including the Pupil Council. • Staff set high expectations of behaviour for BEHAVIOUR everyone in the school. • The school has developed very strong links In Ardler Primary School we pride ourselves on the with the community, partner agencies and a high standards of behaviour shown by our school range of agencies and voluntary bodies to children. Pupils are required to show a proper regard support children’s learning both in and outside for their own safety and the safety of others. Our of the classroom school discipline is rooted in our school aims and • Children in the nursery make very good values and we continually promote positive behaviour progress in their development and learning. through: - our quality teaching and effective class management, pupil-staff relationships which are based They have many opportunities to follow their on mutual trust and respect and the support of our own interests, to develop independence and to parents/carers. make choices within their daily activities. Several staff have also been trained in restorative approaches to help pupils to explore and discuss the Particular emphasis will be placed on improving the behaviour which occurs in difficult situations. This following: allows pupils to appreciate how their actions may have • Supporting learning affected others, explore their feelings, and repair any • Children’s ownership of learning harm and hopefully plan ahead to ensure a similar • Tracking children’s progress situation is less likely to happen again. • Attainment • Development of skills for learning, life and To encourage children to make positive choices as work regards their own conduct in the school, we use the

‘Traffic Lights’ system to recognise and praise

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PRIORITIES appropriate behaviour. We depend on parents checking individual planners to make this fully Project 1 – Planning for Improvements effective. Project 2 – Improving Learning and Teaching Project 3 – Curriculum for Excellence Project 4 – Meeting Learning Needs BULLYING

The school has an Anti-Bullying Policy which compliments the Authority Policy. We place great emphasis on appropriate behaviour and pupils are encouraged to confide in any member of staff if they have any worries. Parents are urged to contact the school if their child confides in them.

Our message to the pupils is ‘as soon as we know, we INSTRUMENTAL TUITION can do something about it.’ A copy of the School Policy is available on request. Piano Instructor Violin/Viola/Cello Instructor MISS M McFadyen The Authority Anti Bullying Policy can be viewed at Brass Instructor Miss A Bird

The school currently offers tuition in brass and strings. http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/dundeecity/uploaded_pu blications/publication_1473.pdf We have instructors who visit our school for approximately one hour per week. From P4, pupils are tested for aptitude. SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT AND CLASS RULES The cost of tuition is currently £126 per session School rules, as well as discipline and strategies to plus a charge of £79 for instrument hire. prevent bullying, are intended to develop a happy, controlled environment for everyone in the building and Pupils are exempt from instrumental tuition fees if their the playground. Whilst some rules are in operation all parents are in receipt of a clothing grant and/or free of the time, others such as ‘No ice slides’ apply only to school meals. Alternatively, pupils are exempt from specific occasions for safety reasons. From time to instrumental tuition fees if their parents are in receipt of time rules may be amended or added to meet changes Income Support, Income Related Employment and within the school. Support Allowance, Income based Job Seekers Allowance, support under Part VI of the Immigration CODE OF CONDUCT and Asylum Act 1999, Guaranteed Pension Credit, We take every opportunity to learn Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit and an annual We look after property income of less than £15,860. We show respect for everyone

ACTIVITIES AND EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS CLASS RULES Good attitude Thanks to the continuing support of parents, pupils and Good listening staff, Active Schools and Sports Development Good sharing Coaches, the following activities take place in Ardler Good tidying Primary School. Good sitting Good manners • Football • Multi Sports • Girls Football • Heroes Club • Netball • Basic Moves MOBILE PHONES • Homework Club • Choir • Athletics • Cycle Training The school discourages, and advises parents to • Newspaper Club • Dance discourage, pupils from bringing mobile phones to schools on the grounds that they are valuable and may be lost or stolen. Where a pupil does bring a mobile As part of our P.E. programme the P6 pupils attend the phone to school, the phone must remain switched off swimming pool at Baldragon Academy. Visits include and out of sight during the school day and may not be country parks, zoos, places of historical or used, for any purpose, on school premises . The only geographical interest, local industry and a special exception to this would be in an emergency or with the Christmas Outing. P7 will also be undertaking a express approval of a member of school staff. The residential trip to PGL Dalgusie for 4 days of outdoor policy is based on Dundee City Council policy. pursuits. Parents are more than welcome to accompany us on certain trips.

CHILD PROTECTION

As a school we have a responsibility to act in the best NON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF PUPILS interests of our pupils. This may mean using our city Ardler Primary School pupils participate in many non- wide child protection procedures which will involve academic events throughout each school session. It is communicating with other agencies, taking immediate a positive school decision to include pupils in as many action and recording sensitive information in order to competitions/quizzes and events as possible in order keep your children safe. The school aims to work in to raise the profile of the school and to give pupils partnership with parents but sometimes when there opportunities for representing the school and are concerns it may not be in the best interests of the identifying with the school community. Pupils also have child to have the parents/carers involved immediately. weekly opportunities to achieve Pupil of the Week, Top If you have any concerns you should approach the Table status, awards for achieving a level of success Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO), posters in in something from that school week and Golden Owl the school will indicate who this is. Alternatively the awards for acts of kindness. number for Dundee City's child protection line is 307999. 17

PUPIL COUNCIL Menus for Primary School Meals

Children have the chance to become members of the School Council and Eco Committee. The The Primary Menu provides a variety of dishes children may also like to become Junior Road where the children are encouraged to eat their Safety Officers, monitors, House Captains, lunch alongside their friends in a calm and Buddies etc inviting atmosphere. The children are encouraged by school staff to taste and try dishes that they may not (Compiled by Sophie Booth and Skye Boyd – Primary be familiar with and are encouraged to eat a healthy, 5) well balanced meal.

By 'clicking on' the link below you will be able to use the interactive site to get more details on the recipes and nutritional information on the current menu used within the schools.

Interactive Menu http://www.tayside- contracts.co.uk/_assets/_user/File/menus/Menu _2012.pdf

At lunchtime, pupils have the choice of school meals, packed lunch or going home. Any drinks included in the lunch box must be in plastic containers or non- breakable flasks. On a Friday, Primary 7 pupils ONLY are allowed to go to the local shops to buy their lunch if parental permission is granted. The current cost of school lunch is £2.

Some special diet requests can be catered for and Last year the Pupil Council were involved in lots of must be requested through the school and medical discussions and activities. letters must be provided in regards to allergies. For

details on a special diet request please contact the We changed the Code of Conduct and class rules to make them clearer for the little ones. All classes now school office. have the same Code of Conduct and class rules. We did this because all the teachers had different rules and it was strange going into different classrooms. Free school meals are available to pupils whose parents are in receipt of Income Support / Income based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Related MEALS IN SCHOOL Employment and Support Allowance, Support under PartV1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, In the Nursery Class, children are offered a healthy Guaranteed Pension Credit, or in receipt of Child Tax Credit only and have an annual income of less than snack. A variety of food is provided, which conforms to £15,860 or Working Tax Credit and have an annual National Guidelines issued by the Scottish Executive. income of less than £6420. Children are also offered milk and chilled water is always available. Snacks are provided on self financing basis and to cover costs, a small charge is made. The cost is currently £1.50 per week.

In Primary, there is a school tuck shop open during morning break, selling a variety of food, including milk, fruit and healthy options, all of which conform to National Guidelines.

UNIFORM AND CLOTHING • SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANT

We actively encourage pupils to wear school uniform The Authority will consider one application per year for as research indicates this improves the ethos and a grant towards the cost of purchasing essential attainment in schools. We feel it is important that each clothing to enable their children, up to the age of 16, to pupil is proud to be part of the school community and attend school. The school clothing grant payment will that they are part of a team effort. It would be gratefully be made through BACS transfer into a nominated bank appreciated if parents would support us in this. account or paid by cheque. Application forms may be obtained from Ardler Primary School, Main Reception, Dundee House, or download School sweatshirts, fleeces and reversible jackets are from the Council website. Secondary schools should available from the school. School colours are grey, include information regarding the application by blue and golden yellow . We are also encouraging parents for an Education Maintenance Allowance for all children to wear our school tie. pupils over the statutory leaving age of 16.

• MARKING OF CLOTHING

Please ensure that names are clearly marked on all items of clothing and belongings, including packed lunch boxes and water bottles. All “lost property” is kept in the area outside the Assembly Hall.

INSURANCE

The Authority insures against its legal liability for:- (a) Accidental personal injury, or (b) Loss or damage to property of third parties

Parents are advised that no insurance cover is maintained for circumstances in which the Council Children also require suitable footwear, shorts and T- does not have a legal liability. Parents may wish to shirt for P.E. and this is available in school colours consider their own insurance arrangements. from the school office. Some kind of protective clothing is also handy for Art work (an old shirt works a treat). ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL DAY

NURSERY HOURS

am 9.00AM-11.30AM pm 12.45PM-3.15PM

SCHOOL HOURS

Morning 9.00 am - 12.15 pm Afternoon 1.15 pm - 3.15 pm Morning interval 10.30 am - 10.45 am Please note: Primary 1 children attend school mornings only for the first 3 weeks of school.

School Achievement Activities

In recognition that many achievements and important learning takes place out with the classroom, at Ardler Primary School we continuously strive to offer varied experiences to our pupils which focus on celebrating success and achievements. Our ‘Achievement Tree’ focuses on some of these wider

achievements. There have been a number of notable achievements this year, including:

Curriculum focus weeks have come to be a fun and regular feature of school at Ardler. We enjoyed wonderful Health and Wellbeing (Active Ardler), Science,

Literacy (Ardler Reads) and Career (Ambitious Ardler) focus weeks. These provide our pupils with unique, engaging and often new learning experiences.

Valuing our place within our local community, we worked closely with the Ardler Village Trust, carol singing at the Christmas light switch on and

flower planting during ‘Ardler’s in Bloom’.

We were awarded a grant of £600 towards Keen to involve parents in pupil’s learning, developing our playground. regular ‘Shared Starts’ were introduced where parents from Nursery – P7 can join their child at school in the morning and share in their learning in an informal way.

In conjunction with the University of Dundee, Ardler took part in the Doctors’ and Nurses’ Programme. P3 and P4 20 pupils thoroughly enjoyed practical,

focussed workshops from medical students.

Staff and pupils enjoyed a We raised nearly £200 for Children in Need fantastic whole school BBQ at from taking part in a variety of fun activities! lunchtime before Sports Day.

The whole school braved the wind and There was a terrific turn rain to complete the Tesco Scottish out from parents and Schools 2k Run, raising over £800 for members of the Mary’s Meals. community as P1 led the Christmas church service with their annual Nativity.

Our Primary 7 pupils challenged themselves at Dalguise in our annual Residential Trip with Craigowl Primary, as part of our transition programme.

P6 pupil Jamie Goodfellow represented Ardler in the Dundee Primary Select Squad, while Courtney Airlie (a member of the successful Ardler Girls’ Football Team) was named as ‘Most Promising Emerging Talent’ by Dundee Girls Football League.

‘Pandamonuim’ hit Ardler, as we received a visit from Edinburgh Zoo to mark the arrival of the Giant Pandas in Scotland!

The whole school ‘teed’

off in the inaugural

Ardler Golf

Championship.

Ardler became one of the first schools in

Dundee to use ‘E-portfolios’ – online 21 profiling for P7 pupils to aid transition to

S1.

We developed a new ICT Suite to further SCHOOL TERM DATES AND HOLIDAYS enhance and develop pupils’ ICT Skills.

Session 2013-2014

Autumn Term Start Staff Monday 12 August 2013 In Service Day (1)

Start Pupils Tuesday 13 August 2013

End Friday 4 October 2013

Autumn Holiday Start Monday 7 October 2013

End Friday 18 October 2013

Winter Term Start Monday 21 October 2013

Thursday 14 November 2013 In Service Day (2)

Friday 15 November 2013 In Service Day (3)

End Friday 20 December 2013

Christmas Holiday Start Monday 23 December 2013

End Friday 3 January 2014

Spring Term Start Monday 6 January 2014

Thursday 13 February 2014 In Service Day (4)

Friday 14 February 2014 Mid Term Holiday

Monday 17 February 2014 Mid Term Holiday

End Friday 28 March 2014

Spring Holiday Start Monday 31 March 2014

End Friday 11 April 2014

Summer Term Start Monday 14 April 2014

Friday 18 April 2014 Good Friday

Monday 5 May 2014 May Day

Friday 23 May 2014 In Service Day (5)

Monday 26 May 2014 Victoria Day

End Friday 27 June 2014

Transferring Educational Data About Pupils Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. Data is held securely and no information on The Scottish Government and its partners collect and use individual pupils can or would be made publicly available by information about pupils through the Pupil Census to help Scottish Government. to improve education across Scotland. This note explains why we need this information, how we use it and what we The individual data collected by Scottish Government do to protect the information supplied to us. through the Pupil Census is used for statistical and Why do we need your data? research purposes only .

In order to make the best decisions about how to improve Your data protection rights our education service, Scottish Government, education The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed authorities and other partners such as the SQA and Skills data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act Development Scotland need accurate, up-to-date data (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of about our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do Practice requirements and other legislation related to well in all aspects of school life and achieve better safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data examination results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use us to: your data. This note can give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of each individual ScotXed o plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of survey, including the purpose of each and the published all pupils data, can be found on the ScotXed website o plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of (www.scotxed.net ). specific groups of pupils Scottish Government works with a range of partners o better understand some of the factors which including Education Scotland, Skills Development Scotland influence pupil attainment and achievement and the SQA. On occasion, in order to help meet our aim of o share good practice improving the life of young people in Scotland, we may o target resources better make individual data available to partners such as the o enhance the quality of research to improve the National Registers of Scotland to carry out research relating lives of young people in Scotland to the national population census and also academic

institutions and organisations to carry out additional research and statistical analysis to meet their own official Data policy responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, and will be consistent Information about pupils’ education is collected through with our data policy. This will ensure that no individual level our statistical surveys in partnership between the Scottish data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and Government and Local Authorities through the ScotXed that these data will not be used to take any actions in Programme which aims to help schools and Local respect of an individual. Decisions on the sharing of data Authorities by supporting efficient collection, processing will be taken in consultation with relevant colleagues and and dissemination of statistical information. The Scottish individuals within and outwith Scottish Government. At all Government then provides analysis of the data to support times pupils’ rights under the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation will be ensured. research, planning, management and monitoring of education services as well as to produce National Statistics publications. Concerns Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systems and is exploited as a valuable If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections corporate resource, subject to confidentiality restraints. As you can email the Head of Schools Analysis, Mick Wilson, at part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish [email protected] or write to The ScotXed or make publicly available any information that allows Support Office, Area 2D, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. individual pupils to be identified, nor will data be used by Alternative versions of this page are available, on request

23 from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print.