Handbook 2016/17
Dalneigh Primary School
St Ninian Drive
Inverness
IV3 5AU
Tel: 01463 232636
Head Teacher: Rhona MacCormick
dalneighblog1.wordpress.com
Facebook: Dalneigh PS
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Contents
Head Teacher’s Welcome 3
Contact Details 4
About the School 5
School Ethos 6
Absences 7
Placing Requests 8
School Staff 9
Behaviour 10
Dress Code 11
School Day 12
Lunches 13
Curriculum 15
Support for Pupils 17
Reporting 20
Houses 21
Extra-Curricular Activities 22
Parental Involvement 23
Health 24
Medication 25
Child Protection 25
Adverse Weather 28 School Calendar 30
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Head Teacher’s Welcome
Dear Parents/Carers
Welcome to Dalneigh Primary School.
Your child is about to join our family here at Dalneigh and this can be an apprehensive time for you both. We aim to make this move as smooth as possible and will work closely with you to ensure your child reaches their full potential whilst with us.
If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards
Rhona MacCormick Head Teacher
December 2016
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Contact Details
Dalneigh Primary School
St Ninian Drive
Inverness
IV3 5AU
Tel: 01463 232636
Website: dalneighblog1.wordpress.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Dalneigh PS
Parent Council Chairperson: Sheila Stephen Email: [email protected]
Good communication is vital in any school and parents are encouraged to contact the school if they wish to discuss an issue.
You can telephone the school directly and arrange a time to meet with a teacher or member of staff or you can send in a note to your child’s Class Teacher or come directly to the school office.
You can also send a note either to the office or with your child.
You can come directly to the school office.
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About the School
Dalneigh School was built in 1954. The name Dalneigh comes from the Gaelic Dail an Eich, which means field of the horse. The area was known for its horse racing in the 1600’s.
The school is within easy walking distance of all parts of Dalneigh, the Caledonian Canal, Eden Court Theatre and the town centre. A copy of the catchment area, which populace is around 10,000 people, is available from the school office. The current school role is 233 pupils with a further 40 places available in the nursery.
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School Ethos
Core values are used to decide how things are done in school and what we find most important.
After discussion with pupils and staff the four Core Values we chose for Dalneigh are to be
Respectful
Happy
Caring
Honest
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Absences
It is your duty as a parent to inform the school that your child is going to be absent from school or late arriving and let us know the reason for the absence.
Absences are only accepted if the child is ill or has permission to be off school.
There are several ways to do this:
You can phone the school on 01463 232636 or the absence line on 252261 You can send a note with a brother or sister or another child (no verbal messages) You can call at the office.
Reasons for absence should be received by the school before 9.00am on each day of absence or lateness.
Registers are taken in class at 9.05am and sent to the Office.
The following action will be taken if a pupil is not in school and no reason is given.
1. The Office will attempt to contact the parent by phone using the numbers supplied. Parents will be informed that the child is not present in school. 2. Messages will be left on answer machines but parents must contact the school to acknowledge that they have received the message. 3. If no contact can be made then the school may report the child as missing to the Area Education Office/ Police and/or Social Work Services on the third day of absence.
This sounds drastic, but we hope you understand that the alternative of having a child missing and unreported is unacceptable.
Permission must be given for children to leave during the school day. If pupils fall ill during the school day parents/guardians will be contacted and the absence will be recorded. All instances of absence and lateness are recorded on the school’s database. Parents can ask for a copy of a child’s absence record at any time.
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Placing requests
If you live outside the catchment area, an application (placing request) to send your child to Dalneigh must be directed to Area Education Manager, Area Education Office, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. If there is any uncertainty about the area please do not hesitate to get in touch with the school.
If pupils live out with the school catchment area and parents wish them to attend Dalneigh Primary School please contact the school on 01463 232636 to arrange a visit.
If your child attends this school but you live outside the catchment area of our associated secondary school—Inverness High School, you will need to complete a placing request to the Area Education Manager (address above) prior to your child attending Secondary School and no later than the 15th of March the year your child will be transferring. Please note that there is no guarantee that your placing request will be granted. Furthermore, you should still enrol your child at the local secondary school for the area in which you live. You should do this well before your child’s entry to the school in August.
Transportation to and from school, for placing request pupils, is a parental responsibility. Please note that transport is not a school responsibility and any queries should be addressed to the Local Transport Officer, Transport Office: http://www.highland.gov.uk/learninghere/schools/informationforparents.
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School Staff
Head Teacher Mrs Rhona MacCormick
Depute Head Ms Lesley McPherson
Principal Teacher Miss Kathleen Mackinnon
Class Teachers Pupil Support Assistants
P1 Mrs L Doherty Mrs C MacLean
P1/2 Mrs M Mason Mrs J Morrison
P2/3 Mr J Marshall Mrs S Clark
P3/4 Mrs J Grainge Mrs W Kelsey
P4 Mrs I Sherriffs Mrs C MacDonald
P4/5 Mrs M Paterson Mrs S Ross
P5 Mr M Doyle Mrs M Macritchie
P5/6 Miss M Riddle Mrs G Rattray
P6/7 Miss D Gilmour Mrs H MacLennan
P7 Miss K Mackinnon Mrs F Scott
Support for Learning Teachers Ms H Hodge
Mrs F Hewitson Mr F Cabrera
Ms A McQueen Vacancy
Mrs K Dunbar
Mrs M Everitt
Nursery CSW: Ms Jill Templeton
Ms P Bevans Clerical Assistant: Mrs D Martin
Mrs S Maciver FMA: Mr A Hooper
Miss S MacLeod
Vacancy
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Promoting Positive Behaviour
At Dalneigh we promote positive behaviour using praise and a range of rewards including stickers, golden time, house points, extra breaks and Star of the Week to reward and reinforce positive behaviour.
Pupil Council
Each class nominates a representative to give input on school improvements.
P1 Cameron Fraser P4/5 Dean Howley P1/2 Logan Stephen P5 Anthony Maclellan Macritchie P2/3 Blaine Hercher P5/6 Shvan Dilan P3/4 Lucas Dingwall P6/7 Amber Quin P4 Amber McQuade P7 Callum Goodall
Golden Time
Golden time takes place on Friday afternoons.
Golden Time information can be found in each class to remind children to follow the rules. Dealing with Behaviour Incidents 1. Minor incidents are dealt with by Class Teachers, Learning Support Teachers or Pupil Support Assistants. These include break time and lunch time incidents. 2. More serious incidents or repeated incidents are dealt with by the Class Teachers, Learning Support Teachers, Principal Teachers, Depute Head or Head Teacher and an incident report may be recorded. Parents are informed if appropriate. 3. If poor behaviour continues an individualised behaviour management programme may be set up in consultation with parents/carers. 4. Advice from outside agencies is sought if challenging behaviour persists and parents will be called to a Solution Focused Meeting.
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Complaints If a parent has any concerns they should contact their child’s teacher in the first instance, or the Senior Management Team for more serious issues.
Dress Code
All pupils are expected to wear the Dalneigh School Uniform this adds to the sense of belonging at school.
Dalneigh Primary School Uniform consists of:
Red sweatshirt or cardigan with school badge White shirt/ blouse or polo shirt, Black or grey trousers or skirt
Children also have the option to wear their white shirt with a school tie. School uniform can be purchased at the National Schoolwear Shop, Academy Street, Inverness or Gilmour Sports, Harbour Road, Inverness.
School ties are available to buy from the school office.
The school can become warm throughout the day and children may remove their jumpers or cardigans, please ensure that all clothing is labelled to ensure that it does not get lost.
All children change into indoor shoes on arrival in school. Black pumps are ideal for this.
PE kit should be brought in on Monday and kept in your child’s tray until Friday. No football tops please.
Outdoor Clothing
Suitable outdoor clothing and shoes should be worn every day, especially in the autumn, winter and spring term when the weather can be unpredictable. The children spend their break times outside unless there is torrential rain or we have problems with snow. Please clearly label all items of outdoor clothing so that things don’t get lost.
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The School Day
P1-3: 9.00-2.30pm
P4-7: 9.00-3.00pm
Break time
10.45-11am
Children may bring a snack for break, but please remember that we are a health promoting school so we would prefer children did not bring sweets to school.
The children can also visit the tuck shop, operated by the school canteen. They may purchase toast, fruit and other healthy snacks as well as bottles of water.
We encourage children to drink water throughout the school day and a bottle of water can be kept in the classroom, however this must be just plain water.
Cans, fizzy and energy drinks and glass bottles are not allowed in school at any time.
Lunchtime Arrangements
P1, P1/2 & P2/3 12.00 – 12.45pm
P3/4, P4 & P4/5 12.15 – 1.00pm
P5, P5/6, P6/7 & P7 12.30 – 1.15pm
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School Lunches
As of the 5th of January 2015 all Primary 1-3 children will be entitled to a free school meal.
This Scottish Government funded initiative will entitle all Primary 1 to 3 children to a free school meal at lunch time only – you will still need to provide your child with money for any other service provision in school such as morning break or breakfast. The meal is completely optional and all the choices provided are healthy and nutritious and meet all the requirements of the Scottish School’s Health Promotion and Nutrition Act.
There is no application form involved for a child in Primary 1-3 to have a school meal however you will still need to apply for clothing grants where applicable. If your child has a medically confirmed special diet an application form (available on request from school) must be completed and returned to the Head Teacher.
This initiative does not cover children in Primary 4 to 7, who, if entitled still need to apply for Free School Meals following the usual process.
All Highland Primary Schools have been awarded the bronze Food for Life Catering Mark, for more information on school meals and to view school meal menus please visit – www.highland.gov.uk
Clothing Grant and Free School Meal Application Form- http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/899/schools_- _grants_and_benefits/10/free_school_meals_and_assistance_with_clothing
Menus are provided by Highland Council and copies are sent home twice a year.
Every effort is made to accommodate any child who, for medical reasons, requires a special diet.
The dining hall is always supervised by staff.
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Packed Lunches
As we are a Health Promoting School it is expected that packed lunches will provide a healthy and balanced meal.
Home Lunches
The majority of our pupils stay in school for a school dinner or bring a packed lunch; however you may choose to take your child home for lunch. To ensure that there is no misunderstanding about arrangements parents must ensure that they telephone the school or send a letter before a child goes home for lunch.
If a pupil is to go home every day a letter at the beginning of each term will be sufficient. Pupils whose parents have chosen to have their child at home for lunch are in the care of their parents for the duration of the lunch break.
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Curriculum
A Curriculum for Excellence is the Scottish curriculum and covers all children from 3-18 years and the main aims are to encourage children to become:
Successful learners Confident Individuals Effective Contributors Responsible citizens
Successful learners at Dalneigh are:
enthusiastic and motivated to learn determined to reach high standards of achievement open to new thinking and ideas
Confident individuals at Dalneigh have:
self-respect a sense of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing secure beliefs ambition
Effective contributors at Dalneigh have:
an enterprising attitude resilience self-reliance
Responsible citizens at Dalneigh have:
respect for others commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life
Children follow a broad curriculum with eight curricular areas; Expressive Arts, Languages and Literacy, Health and Wellbeing, Mathematics and Numeracy, Religious and Moral Education, Sciences, Social Studies and Technologies.
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Interdisciplinary projects are undertaken and opportunities are sought to encourage and celebrate a wide range of achievement for pupils as well as striving for high levels of attainment.
Interdisciplinary projects are undertaken each term; these allow a range of subjects to be taught in context within a topic. Opportunities are sought to encourage and celebrate a wide range of achievement for pupils.
Literacy is at the heart of all learning and at Dalneigh Primary it is our main priority, especially in the early years. Pupils are taught the skills they need to successfully develop their reading, writing, talking and listening skills co- operatively. All these skills are reinforced across the curriculum with IDL projects and in other curricular areas.
Maths is another core subject at Dalneigh. We aim to provide children with a good understanding in maths and equip them with excellent skills for lifelong learning. Maths is taught in line with the Highland Numeracy Strategy and teacher aim to deliver active, meaningful lessons to reinforce mathematical concepts in an engaging manner.
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Support for Pupils
Additional Support Needs Class teachers, in conjunction with Additional Support Needs Teachers monitor the progress of pupils with additional support. The needs of such pupils are generally catered for within the normal curriculum but with specialist advice and support as required. If necessary, a child’s plan may be put in place to help plan, organise, monitor and regularly review a child’s progress. Parents and pupils will be involved in these procedures and in reviews. More information can be found about the Highland Council model for support and child’s plans at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/230/highland practice model - delivering additional support for learners http://www/highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11/co-ordinated support plan
Sometimes a Children’s Services Worker will be involved in supporting a child. A CSW is often based at the school and will generally focus on more social and emotional needs rather than issues about the curriculum or classroom learning. They: work in collaboration with the support team in school work to support families in their own communities work with individual pupils and small groups – offering a further level of support
Parents/Carers will always be involved in discussions about any additional support being suggested for their child and any need that may be identified within the school.
Highland Council would seek to work in partnership with parents at all times, but sometimes you will have a concern that you don’t feel is being addressed, or will want to talk to someone out with the school. Should you have any concerns that your child’s additional needs are not being met, you should contact your child’s named person in the first instance and/or the Head Teacher. If your concerns continue, there are a number of means of resolving difficulties and disputes and information on this can be found at: http:/www.highland.gov.uk/info/886/schools – additional support needs/1/support for learners
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Progress Parents wishing to enquire about a pupil’s progress or have concerns about their progress ae invited to get in touch with the class teacher or Head Teacher.
Information about the 2009 Additional Support for Learning Act Legal information The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 came into force in November 2005. In June 2009, the Act was amended. These amendments form the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 and it comes into force on 14 November 2010.
What does this mean for pupils and parents? The new Act doesn’t change the basic purpose of the 2004 Act – it aims to strengthen some duties under the Act and clarify parts that have been confusing. Here are some of the main changes: • Under the 2004 Act ‘additional support’ means support that is provided in a classroom or a school. The 2009 Act changes this to include support that is given out of school but that helps a child get the most out of their school education. This could include a social worker helping a child who refuses to go to school or a mental health nurse supporting a child to cope with issues affecting their school life. • Children who are looked after by a local authority will automatically be assumed to have additional support needs. For looked after children who don’t need extra help this will have little impact. For those who do need help it will make sure their needs are considered as they move through school or if they change school. Local authorities will also be expected to check whether these children require a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) or not. • The 2009 Act allows parents to ask their local authority for a specific type of assessment at any time. Under the 2004 Act parents had this right only when asking the education authority to identify whether their child had additional support needs or when asking the education authority whether their child required a CSP. • The duties that local authorities have towards young disabled children have been strengthened. Under the new Act local authorities have a duty to assess disabled children aged between 0 and 3 and provide them with additional support, if required, in agreement with their parents.
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• Local authorities will have to publish information on where parents and carers can find help, information and advice, including contact details for Enquire. Local authorities will have to make sure that a summary of this information (including details of dispute resolution and mediation services) is available from all schools (and other sites that provide education). They also need to make sure this information is included in school handbooks and on their website. • There is a section about placing requests that states that parents of children with additional support needs, (including those that have CSPs) can make placing requests to any school in Scotland including schools outside of the local authority area they live in. • All appeals about placing requests to special schools (whether the child has a CSP or not) will be referred to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal. Some of the changes made in the 2009 Act deal specifically with children who have, or may require a CSP, and in particular to disagreements between local authorities and parents about the CSP. • The Act extends the reasons that a parent or young person can make a referral (called a reference) to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal. Parents can make a referral when a local authority decides that a child does not need a CSP but also when local authorities have: failed to provide the additional support set out in the CSP; not responded to a parent’s request to find out whether their child needs a CSP within a given time; or, after having said they will consider whether a CSP is required have not made a decision (within a given time) on whether the child needs a CSP or not. • The Act also gives the Additional Support Needs Tribunal extra powers to force local authorities to provide, or make arrangements providing additional support that is set out in a CSP if they have not done so. • The new Act includes a duty for the Scottish Government to fund a national independent advocacy service (on request and free of charge) to support parents and young people in Additional Support Needs Tribunal proceedings. The above points do not include all the changes resulting from the 2009 Act but simply cover the main points. Throughout the summer Enquire will be changing all their guides and fact sheets to take account of the 2009 Act. If you have any questions about the 2009 Act Please contact the Enquire Helpline on 0845 123 2303 or by email on [email protected]
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Reporting and Assessment
Assessment is an important and integral part of the learning and teaching process.
Teachers begin assessment as part of the process of planning, when account is taken of the pupils’ previous experience; and part of teaching, as the teacher and pupil constantly monitor the effectiveness of learning and teaching.
In Dalneigh School we encourage the active involvement of pupils in their own learning from entering Nursery as 4 year olds to moving on to High school at the end of P7. As children enter P1 we build on the Active Learning they have undertaken in Nursery. We share learning intentions with pupils so they are clear about what is to be learned and what success would be like, Success Criteria. This encourages pupils to be actively involved in their learning, identifying and setting their own targets and evaluating their own success.
You will be invited to attend parent/teacher consultation interviews at which you will be able to discuss your child's progress with the class teacher twice yearly. Open Days are held when parents and friends are invited to visit the school and view the work on display in the classrooms. A full written report is issued in May. Parents are invited to use the Parent's response sheet to raise points for discussion.
If you have any urgent concerns please don’t wait for the parent / teacher interviews, contact your child’s Class Teacher, or Head Teacher, immediately and the matter will be addressed promptly. This can be done via the school office.
School Improvement
All details of the School Improvement Plan are included in our Standards and Quality Report which is available to view on our website at dalneighblog1.wordpress.com
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Head Boy and Head Girl
We highly value giving the children responsibility in the school and so each year we give the Primary 7s the chance to become Head Boy and Head Girl. This is a huge honour and children are chosen by vote and interview. They are given extra responsibilities throughout the year and are called upon to represent the school at a number of school.
Head Boy: Callum Goodall Head Girl: Lauren Chisholm
Depute: Dani Kostov Depute: Lily MacDonald
Houses
Dalneigh Primary School has a well-established houses system; there are four houses at Dalneigh; Lilac (Blue), Maple (Yellow), Hawthorn (Green) and Rowan (Red). All children are allocated a house, siblings will be in the same house, and they will be given opportunities to earn points for a variety of achievements.
Children can win extra playtimes for their house and ultimately they are earning points for the end of year House Cup.
Primary 7 pupils are elected to represent their house as a House Captain or Vice-Captain for the year and can apply for this role at the start of their P7 session.
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Homework
It is generally accepted that Homework can make positive contributions to the learning of individual pupils. Homework is given to consolidate class work and does not involve new, unfamiliar skills which have not been taught. Children will sometimes be asked to carry out some research or collect information in connection with their project.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We have a variety of extracurricular activities at Dalneigh. These take place after school. There are also opportunities for children in the middle and upper stages to learn an instrument.
October 2015 Clubs
Gymnastics/Cheerleading P4-7 Monday 3 - 4pm Gym Hall Choir P4-7 Tuesday 3 - 4pm GP Room Football – Boys P2-3 Monday 2.30-3.15pm Playing Field P4-5 Tuesday 3.15-4.45pm P6-7 Monday 3.15-4.45pm Football – Girls P4-7 Thursday 3.00-4.00pm Hockey P6-7 Thursday 12.30-1.15pm Playing Field Badminton/Tennis P4-7 Wednesday 3.00-4.00pm School Hall James Cameron Centre
At other times (usually summer months when we can use outside) we have athletics and games for P1-2.
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Parental Involvement
Parents are kept fully informed of developments taking place in school through regular newsletters, general letters, parent open days and online. Parents are regularly invited to attend their children’s performances in school assemblies.
We have a very popular Facebook page which is update regularly as is our webpage.
If you have any hidden talents, please feel free to offer them. We are particularly keen to have support in delivering additional lunchtime and after- school clubs and activities.
Workshops are offered at various points throughout the school year to give advice and information as to how you can support your child’s learning.
We believe that much of the strength of the school lies in the positive relationships between staff, pupils and their parents. These relationships must be nurtured by a healthy exchange of information between teachers and pupils, between home and school. We always welcome parental interest in the welfare of our pupils. Whatever the nature of the issue, you can be assured of our help.
The support of parents in their children’s education is key to the success of young people. Taking time with them, discussing work, practicing language, helping them manage their homework and encouraging responsibility are important ways of supporting children’s learning. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/
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Health
Health questionnaires are issued to each pupil on enrolment. Health screening is carried out in P1 by the school nurse team. Periodically other screening may take place throughout your child’s time in primary school. Please feel free to contact the school if you wish to speak with the school nurse about health matters.
The school also has the service of a visiting speech and language therapist.
We understand that from time to time some younger pupils may experience toileting accidents at school. This can be embarrassing for the child however staff endeavour to ensure these matters are handled with sensitivity and discretion. Parents will be offered support and advice by the school nurse or other health professionals, if required.
Head lice are often a problem within school and the wider community. Regularly practising ‘wet combing’ is advisable for parents of children throughout their school years. If head lice are detected, Pharmacists are able to advice on the management of a head louse infection. We would be grateful if you would contact us if your find your child has head lice. Children should be returned to school once they have been treated. We will contact you personally or by letter if we detect head lice and will be able to give advice and support about treatment if required. Information about how to treat and deal with head lice is available from the school at all times. Head Lice ‘alert letters’ are against Highland Council policy as most schools will have a few pupils with head lice at any one time. In the past these letters have led to parents attempting preventative treatment, this does not work and over-use of treatment may lead to resistance.
We have a first aider who deals with minor cuts and bruises which occasionally happen in school If your child has been involved in an incident you will be informed. If the First Aider suspects something more serious you will be contacted straight away.
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Relationships
Throughout the school we look at healthy relationships. The school nursing team work with the senior pupils to discuss puberty and sex education. You will be informed of this in advance. Medication to pupils
Staff are not authorised to administer medication to pupils. In the event of it being essential that a pupil be given medication during school hours parents are asked to complete a form giving permission to a member of staff to administer the medication.
Medication which the parent is satisfied the child can take unaided e.g. inhalers for asthma, may be brought to school and given to the Class Teacher for safe keeping.
Medication or treatment which the School Doctor wishes the school to supervise or administer will be subject to an agreed written protocol. Child Protection
All Highland Schools have child protection policies and procedures in place. These procedures are part of the Highland Inter-Agency Child Protection Guidelines and are agreed by all agencies working with children. If the school has a child protection concern about a child the Head Teacher has the duty to contact Social Work Services to obtain further advice or assistance with the matter. A referral to social services does not necessarily mean that a child is being abused or neglected. What it does mean is that the Head Teacher is very concerned about the child’s welfare and recognises that some support may be required for the child and family. If you have any concerns about a child in the community you can contact the Head Teacher, local social work office, police station or health professional for advice and guidance.
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Confidentiality
Parents and children have a right that confidentiality be maintained. • Staff will not discuss individual children with people other than the parents or carers of the child • Staff are always willing to listen or help with any concern you may have about your child. However, parents should be aware that if they disclose any information of a child protection nature then staff are duty bound to pass this on to the Head Teacher who may be required to involve other agencies.
Due to the multi-agency nature of child care services it may be necessary to share information with other professionals e.g. School Nurse, Social Workers, Speech Therapists etc.
Access to Pupil Records The school pupil records (Scotland) Regulations 1990 extend to parents the right of access (with certain specific exceptions) to any record held by the Authority in relation to their child. Parents may make application to the Head Teacher.
Data Protection Act 1998 Information on pupils, parent and guardians is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The information is protected by the data Protection Act 1998 and may only be disclosed in accordance with the codes of practice. Further information can be obtained from http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed
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Transition
Children at Dalneigh Nursery are involved in many activities with the primary school to ensure that they have an understanding of primary school. Nursery children attend a variety of events with the whole school to ensure an effective transition. N4 children have regular visits to the P1 classroom throughout the year.
Children from Dalneigh usually transfer to Inverness High School and throughout their time in Primary seven various transition activities are set up to ensure that this move is as smooth as possible. Children with additional support needs will have an enhanced transition process.
If you do not want your child to attend Inverness High School please see the guidance on placing requests earlier in this handbook.
Inverness High School Montague Row Inverness Tel 01463 233586 Email: [email protected]
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Adverse Weather
It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions. The Council encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather conditions the safety of pupils is much more important. Parents and pupils are often concerned that important examinations may be missed, but this should not over-ride good judgement. Schools normally make alternative arrangements for missed examinations. The school updates its procedures for adverse weather closure annually, therefore parents should advise schools of an alternative address, as close as possible to the school, which may be used by their children in emergencies the school will advise parents of normal local arrangements for school transport and any special arrangements in the event of adverse weather the school will establish a system of communication with parents and local transport operators and ensure that parents are fully informed of any revised arrangements. A telephone service is offered to provide parents with up-to- date information. Parents may call 0800 564 2272 to access your schools’ information. Please note, you will need the unique pin number for your school which is available from your school or Highland Council website. http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/4653/telephone_pins_for_checki ng_if_a_school_is_closed
The Highland Council Website, Facebook and Twitter website http://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures will be updated with information for individual schools Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/highlandcouncil will show updated posts on the latest news of school closures and weather related problems Twitter page at https://twitter.com/HighlandCouncil will list Tweets of the latest news of school closures and weather related problems Care & Learning Service, Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX, Tel: 01349 886606
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When weather conditions are poor Local radio stations issue news and weather bulletins on traffic conditions and school closures. Transmissions may not cover all households and may be subject to re-scheduling but should be helpful. Parents are advised to remain “tuned in” to ongoing road weather, or school information updates. Broadcast times
BBC Radio 7.30 a.m. 8.30 a.m. Highland 6.30 4.30 p.m. 5.30 p.m. a.m. 12.30 p.m. In extreme conditions, Radio Highland will interrupt Radio Scotland transmissions (usually on the hour), to carry emergency bulletins. Nevis Radio will carry bulletins at roughly ten minute intervals between 7.00 am and 8.00 am Lochbroom FM will carry bulletins at quarter-hour intervals between 7.15 am and 8.45 am. Moray Firth Radio www.mfr.co.uk Local news on the hour 6am – 6pm carries local information on weather, roads and conditions affecting schools. In severe conditions normal programmes will be interrupted more frequently to carry emergency bulletins. Two Lochs Radio will broadcast a local news bulletins from 7.30am. In severe conditions normal programmes will be interrupted more frequently to carry emergency bulletins. Please do not telephone local Radio for advice but listen to appropriate broadcasts.
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School Calendar 2016/2017
Autumn
Autumn term starts - 16 August 2016 Autumn term ends - 7 October 2016
Winter
Winter term starts - 24 October 2016 Winter term ends – 23 December 2016
Spring
Spring term starts - 9 January 2017 Mid term break – 20 and 21 February 2017 Spring term ends – 5 April 2017
Summer
Summer term begins – 24 April 2017 Summer term ends – 30 June 2017
Public holidays
Good Friday - 14 April 2017 Easter Monday - 17 April 2017 May Day – 1 May 2017
In-service days
15 August 2016 22 September 2016 23 September 2016 22 February 2017 5 June 2017
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School Calendar 2017/2018
Autumn
Autumn term starts - 15 August 2017 Autumn term ends - 6 October 2017
Winter
Winter term starts - 23 October 2017 Winter term ends – 22 December 2017
Spring
Spring term starts - 8 January 2018 Mid term break – 19 and 20 February 2018 Spring term ends – 28 March 2018
Summer
Summer term begins – 16 April 2018 Summer term ends – 29 June 2018
Public holidays
Good Friday - 30 March 2018 Easter Monday - 2 April 2018 May Day – 7 May 2018
In-service days
14 August 2017 21 September 2017 22 September 2017 21 February 2018
Whilst the information in this handbook is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.
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