KYLE PRIMARY SCHOOL
School Prospectus
2021 - 2022
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The current pandemic has affected the normal running of schools in many ways. This Handbook reflects the way the school usually runs but does not cover all of the changes that we have made because of the pandemic. Our arrangements have changed in many ways this session, and may well change again, depending on how the pandemic develops. For the most up-to-date information about any aspect of the work of the school, please make contact and we will be able to tell you about our current arrangements. For the latest information about how the pandemic affects children, young people and families across Scotland, please visit the Scottish Government website, which has helpful information about Coronavirus and its impact on education and children. 3 INDEX
Page
Vision, Values & Aims 3 Introduction 4 Basic Information 4 The School 5 Enrolment Procedures 5 Placing Requests 5 & 6 Transition 6 Curriculum for Excellence 6 Curriculum Levels 7 Mathematics 8 Languages 8 Social Studies 9 Sciences & Technologies 9 Expressive Arts Music 10 Art & Craft 10 Drama 10 Religious Education 11 Health & Wellbeing 11 Cross-Curricular and Multidisciplinary Learning 12 Wider Curriculum 12 Personal & Social Development 12 Classes 12 School Policies 12 Assessment & Reporting/Assessment is for Learning (AifL) 13 Your Child’s Progress 13 Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) 13 & 14 Additional Support Needs 14 Classes & Staff 15 The School Day 15 School Transport 15 Adverse Weather 15 School Uniform 16 House System 16 Ethos 16 Rules 16 Attendance 17 Extra Curricular Activities 17 Community Use of School 18 Links with the Community 18 Child Protection 18 Parents Helping in School 18 Parents/Guardians/Carers as Partners 18 & 19 Health 19 School Meals 19 How Parents Might Help at Early Stages 20 School Fund 20 School Outings 20 Homework 20 Complaints and Requests for Service 21 School Calendar 22 Pupil Data 23
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KYLE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Vision, Values and Aims
We are currently updating the Vision Values and Aims as part of making our Curriculum visible and accessible to all. The pupils and staff have been working together as part of our School Assemblies to build this and members of our Parent Council have also been invited along to contribute. The Vision and Aims at the moment are still the same as what was agreed in the 2010 consultation, however our Values have been agreed and will support our whole school approach to Social Goals.
Vision
Our Vision for Kyle Primary School … Is that everyone involved would feel included, valued, safe, respected, happy and healthy. Where children are encouraged to become responsible citizens, successful learners, confident individuals and effective contributors. In an environment which is bright, welcoming, warm, eco friendly, enterprising and forward thinking. Whilst developing links with the local and wider communities as well as recognising and celebrating the successes and achievements of every member of our school in all aspects of life.
Values
The values we see as being most important in Kyle Primary School are K - Kindness Y - You are welcome L - Learning E - Excellence P - Polite R -Respect I - Included M - Mannerly A - Achieve R - Resilient Y – Young and Inspiring S - sharing C - caring H - happy O - open O - obedient L – LOL –lots of learning
These values will be shared, upheld and maintained through Leading by example and being consistent Rewarding and celebrating success, good behaviour and achievement Respecting one another Working together as a whole school community.
Aims In Kyle Primary School we aim to
Provide a stimulating, welcoming, safe and happy environment where children develop the confidence and life skills needed to succeed in their chosen paths in adult life whilst caring about their community and environment. Develop each child’s self awareness of his/her own potential by offering a broad, varied and relevant learning experience through outdoor learning, interdisciplinary learning, enterprise opportunities, learning from employers & businesses and developing citizenship skills. Encourage children to take responsibility in leading and evaluating their learning.
5 KYLE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Introduction
The following information is at the time of writing up to date. The school however is not a static place and changes occur throughout the year. Parents will be notified if any changes occur.
2. Some Basic Information
Address :- Kyle Primary School School Road, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8LG
01599534194 E-mail jennifer.skene-maclean@highland.gov.uk [email protected] Web site www.kyleprimary.wordpress.com
School Hours: - All classes Monday to Thursday 9.00 am. to 15.20 pm. All classes Friday 9.00 am. to 1.00 pm.
Lunch Break: - 12.50 pm. to 13.30 pm.
School Roll: - 37 Pupils
Staff :- Mrs. A. MacLennan Head Teacher (on Secondment) Mrs J. Maclean Acting Head Teacher Miss M. Logan Principal Teacher (Management) Mrs. S. Macdonald Teacher Mrs. D. MacRae Support for Learning Teacher Mrs. H. Beaton CCR and Management cover Miss A. Matheson Clerical Assistant/General Auxiliary Ms. J. Caven Pupil Support Assistant Miss C. Matheson Pupil Support Assistant Mrs. P Jardine Pupil Support Assistant Mrs. C. Grant Playground/Lunch Supervisor/General Auxiliary
Visiting Instructors Mr. N. Stewart. Piping Instructor Miss R. Llewellyn-Porter Fiddle Instructor Mr. A. Craig Drumming Instructor
Nursery Mrs. M. Thomson Early Years Practitioner Mrs. L. Urquhart Early Years Practitioner Mrs. A. MacLeod Principal Teacher Pre-School Education Mrs. L. Partridge Support Worker Early Years Miss A. MacRae Support Worker Early Years Mrs. R. Robertson Support Worker Early Years
Ms. H. Innes Cook Ms. E. Grant Assistant Cook Mr. T. Clegg Cleaner Miss D. Stewart Cleaner 6 Parent Council Committee Members
Jean Macrae Chairperson Stuart Taylor Secretary Susan MacVicar Treasurer Jennifer Maclean Acting Head Teacher Mary Logan Teacher representative
The Parent Council opt to take on a fund raising role in order to support the school.
Interim Area Education Manager – Mr Don Esson
Area Education Manager Care & learning service The Fingal Centre Portree Isle of Skye 01478 613697
Cluster – Kyle/Kyleakin Associated Schools
Mrs. Maclean is Acting Head Teacher of both Kyle and Kyleakin Schools. Her timetable is as follows:- Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday A.M. Kyle Kyleakin Kyle Kyleakin Kyle/Kyleakin P.M. Kyle Kyleakin Kyle Kyleakin (Week About) * this timetable rotates on a weekly basis.
The School The school is located in the north western end of the village of Kyle. It is set in its own grounds overlooking the Inner Sound of Raasay. The school’s catchment area includes the villages of Kyle, Badicaul and Erbusaig. The school is a two storey building and comprises of four classrooms and a dining / assembly hall. Rooms one and two are on the ground floor, rooms three and four are on the upper floor, as are the staff room and office. The Nursery is currently located within the school building. A separate brochure is available for the Nursery. There are separate cloakroom and toilets in the school for infants and senior classes.
The playground is limited in area and comprises of one asphalted vehicle free area to the rear of the school plus a tarmac sports field. The area to the front of the school is used for staff vehicle access and parking. We request that parents do not drive into the playground, for safety reasons.
Procedure for Enrolment Normally, advertised locally and in the local press. Application forms are available online at https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/887/enrol_your_child_for_school and from our Nursery and school office. Parents are encouraged to enroll their child through the online system. Enrolment for P1 takes place during the last week in January and for Nursery pupils in the middle of February. More information can be found online.
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Placing Requests – Parental Choice Each school serves its own particular catchment area. Pupils whose homes are located in that area will have priority in being allocated a place in the school. However, parents have the right to specify the school in which they wish to place their child. Application must be made to the Interim Area Care and Learning Manager, Mr Don Esson - 01478613697 placing request forms can be obtained from https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/887/enrol_your_child_for_school/2
Transportation to and from school, for placing request pupils, is a parental responsibility.
If pupils live outwith the school catchment area and their parents wish them to attend Kyle Primary School, they can contact Mrs Jennifer Maclean, Acting Head Teacher, to arrange a visit.
Parents of children with additional support needs, (including those that have Coordinated Support Plans) 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 will be referred to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal.
TRANSITION The catchment Secondary school is PLOCKTON HIGH SCHOOL, Ross-Shire, IV52 8TU telephone number 01599 530800. The Head Teacher is Mrs Susan Galloway. To help pupils with the transition they will spend a week in May at the High School and will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of transition activities throughout the year. If required, pupils who require additional support with transition may be offered an extended transition process that may begin earlier or involve more focussed visits.
Curriculum for Excellence 'A Curriculum for Excellence' provides explicit statements of the aims of education in Scotland, concepts which have long been implicit. In summary, the purposes of education are to enable all young people to become:
successful learners confident individuals responsible citizens effective contributors. The development of these capacities, attributes and capabilities lies at the heart of work on curriculum renewal.
'A Curriculum for Excellence' also established clear principles for curriculum design to provide a framework within which improvements can and should be made. The principles identified - challenges and enjoyment, breadth, progression, depth, personalisation and choice, coherence and relevance - will have different emphases at different stages and as each young person learns and develops. The purpose of the programme is to improve the learning, attainment and achievement of children and young people in Scotland.
All teachers will have responsibility for teaching numeracy, literacy and health and wellbeing. The following table shows the new attainment levels. 8
Curriculum levels for numeracy, literacy and health and wellbeing Level Stage: Early Pre-school and P1 First To the end of P4, but earlier for some children Second To the end of P7, but earlier for some children
Third and Fourth S1-S3, but earlier for some. The fourth level broadly equates to SCQF level 4.
Senior Phase S4-S6
The curriculum areas are the organisers for setting out the experiences and outcomes. In drawing up the experiences and outcomes, learning in each curriculum area has been reviewed and updated to emphasise the contributions it can make to developing the four capacities.
The curriculum areas are: Sciences Languages Mathematics Expressive arts Social studies Technologies Health and wellbeing Religious and moral education
Curriculum areas are not structures for timetabling: establishments and partnerships have the freedom to think imaginatively about how the experiences and outcomes might be organised and planned for in creative ways which encourage deep, sustained learning and which meet the needs of their children and young people. The above explanation has been quoted from ‘The Learning and Teaching Curriculum for Excellence’ website. Additional information can be found on that website.
9 Mathematics
Mathematics is taught to all years in the school. Much of maths is taught through practical experience. Where possible, maths is related to real situations such as, shopping, traffic census, the measurement of buildings etc. The calculator is used in the upper primary classes to check answers and in specially designed problems that demand the use of a calculator. It is therefore important that children should own a calculator to use at home and in the school.
Computers are used for data – handling. We appreciate help from parents, particularly with learning times tables, days of the week, months of the year and telling the time (both digital & analogue.)
Through these mathematical activities we hope that the children will become conversant with mathematical language and concepts.
Languages Language comprises reading, writing, poetry, drama, talking and listening.
Reading is taught by using The Highland Literacy Project approach. The school uses a variety of resources such as the Oxford Reading Tree Scheme, Storyworlds and a selection of novels. Alternative resources are available for children as needed.
Writing - As soon as they arrive in school children are read stories and poems. Gradually, the teacher introduces the ideas of title, author, characters, feelings, atmosphere and plot. This enables the children to consider what makes a good story or poem and leads to them writing stories and plays of their own.
Through reading and experiencing other forms of writing, children learn to write instructions, reports, formal and informal letters and to produce leaflets and posters.
During P1-3 we use a mixture of Wrap Around Spelling and The Highland Literacy Project – Emergent Literacy, to teach word building, spelling and grammar. In classes 4 -7, the emphasis is on spelling strategies through Wrap Around Spelling.
We use a variety of writing resources in Kyle Primary School, for example Talk for Writing, Highland Literacy and Big Writing which provide a framework to ensure the children develop all the skills needed to write well. They receive constant feedback from the teachers and have personal targets to meet.
Staff are currently being trained in the new 1+2 language resources. Gaelic and French is taught from P1 to P7. 10 Social Studies
Social Studies serve to bring together the main ways in which pupils learn about the world. They involve learning about social and physical conditions which influence, or have influenced, the lives of individuals and communities and which shape, or have shaped by the actions, artifacts and institutions of successive generations. The environmental studies curriculum provides a rich context for developing the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to interpret experience. It provides for the structured development of pupils’ knowledge and understanding of scientific and technological principles, ideas and application. It also provides for the study of society at different times and in different places. It encourages pupils to adopt informed values and attitudes towards the environment and towards their own health and well-being. Teaching and learning in the secondary school will build on environmental studies in the primary school, principally through the three modes of Scientific Studies and Applications, Social Studies and Technology Activities and Applications.
Sciences and Technologies
The Primary curriculum includes basic science and technology. The emphasis is very much on the children experimenting for themselves. We do not try and teach a body of scientific facts but rather the skills of observation, the recording of results, the discussing of results, the checking of results, the testing of results and finally arriving at some kind of explanation of the results. Technology involves the children examining problems and designing a solution. Model making using construction materials, e.g. paper, card, junk etc.
Expressive Arts
Expressive arts is the study of Music, Art and Drama.
Music All classes are taught singing and music, following Curriculum for Excellence. Children from P4 upwards can also register for music tuition in fiddle, chanter and drumming through Highlife Highland. More information can be found here: https://www.highlifehighland.com/music-tuition/
Art and Craft
The children are given the opportunity to experience a wide selection of different art and craft techniques with their class teacher. Older children study the works of famous artists.
Drama
Drama takes place within each class in line with the Curriculum for Excellence. All children take part in our Christmas Concert. 11 Many group activities such as preparing and presenting exhibitions, shows, plays and concerts and taking part in team games and competitions, have an important role to play in developing qualities of cooperation, responsibility for self and others, loyalty, leadership and enterprise. We also welcome Drama Workers (organised by Eden Court) and visiting theatre groups throughout the year.
Religious and Moral Education
Religious Education encompasses a significant area of human experience. All pupils should develop some understand of this area as one of the main motivating factors behind human behaviour. For the majority of pupils, this objective will be achieved through a curriculum for religious education which is firmly based on the experience of Christianity; but pupils should also be encouraged to develop understanding of and respect for people of other faiths and people who adopt a non-religious stance for living. The curriculum will also help pupils to explore the more personal aspects of religion by addressing questions about meaning, value and purpose in life. Religious Observance complements religious education. It makes an important contribution to pupils’ spiritual development, increases their understanding of religious practices, promotes the ethos of the school and provides opportunities for individual reflection on spiritual and moral concerns.
Moral Education is developed both implicitly and explicitly. Opportunities for the development of moral values are present, and should be taken, in virtually every aspect of the curriculum. By the establishment of a caring atmosphere and by emphasis on good personal relationships, the ethos of the school is an important element in developing appropriate moral values and a sense of individual and collective responsibility. Activities in this area of the curriculum help pupils to appreciate values such as honesty, fairness and respect for others and also a personal code of behaviour.
Throughout the year, ministers from the area may conduct assemblies or visit classes.
If any parent wishes to withdraw their child from Religious and Moral Education or school assemblies, they may do so in writing. Special arrangements will be made for pupils whose parents do not wish them to participate in religious observance.
Health and Well Being Health Education is an integral part of the school’s environmental studies programme. All the children are taught the importance of good personal hygiene and the importance of eating the right foods. The school endorses a Healthy Snack Policy. The older children undertake a drugs awareness programme and also a sexual health and relationships programme.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Staff will support the emotional development and wellbeing of pupils through formal and informal curricular activities. Any concerns about a pupil’s wellbeing can be discussed with the named person. School has access to Highland Council’s Primary Mental Health Worker Service and consultation and advice may be sought if there are concerns that might require more targeted support. Parents would always be involved in discussions beforehand and this step would only be taken with full consent from parents and (where appropriate) the pupil themselves.
12 Drugs Misuse – All incidents of Drugs Misuse will be reported and dealt with in line with Highland Council Policy.
Physical Education P.E.is on Wednesday and Thursday of each week. Each child should bring PE Kit comprising shorts or leggings, T-shirt and PE trainers or plimsoles. All staff take their own classes for games on occasions. The older children also have the chance to use the games facilities at Plockton High School, in tournaments arranged by the Primary Schools’ Sports Co-ordinator. Each class gets a block of swimming lessons once a year. It is essential for them to bring their swimming kit.
Cross-curricular and Multi-disciplinary Learning
It is important to recognise that the curriculum as provided by the teachers, and experienced by pupils is more than the sum of a number of different areas. The Curriculum for Excellence is intended to cater for the needs of all pupils in a society which is rapidly changing and developing. The school is developing planning so as to allow children to lead their learning as well as including the above curricular areas, and a number of important issues relevant to contemporary life. These cross-curricular considerations will include aspects such as Education for Equality, Enterprise Education, Environmental Education, Information Technology, Media Education and The European Dimension. The curriculum will be enriched and pupils’ learning will be enhanced both by learning about these aspects and through the contexts for learning which they provide.
The Wider Curriculum
Simply identifying the curriculum with what is taught is not enough. The curriculum is complex, reflecting the values and priorities of the school which, to a considerable extent, determine the opportunities afforded to pupils. These values and priorities are expressed in written form as guidelines and school policy documents, or orally, in messages communicated explicitly or implicitly by members of staff. Also influential on the curriculum are the attitudes and values of the community of which the school is part. The quality of the educational experiences of pupils depends on the effectiveness of the management of the curriculum and on the support shown to the school by both the parent body and the community at large.
Personal and Social Development
Thus the whole curriculum should contribute to the personal and social development of pupils. They will learn to identify, review and appraise the values which they and society hold and to recognise that these affect thoughts and actions. They will take increasing responsibility for their own lives, will develop a positive regard for others and their needs and will be able to participate effectively in society. The achievement of these aims requires pupils to increase their knowledge and understanding about themselves, others, their immediate environment and the wider world. They will also need to develop the skills which enable them to care for their personal needs; to assess their own capabilities; to work independently and with others; and to make decisions. More information can be found at https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/
Classes
Sometimes we require to split a class because of numbers (maximum number for a composite class is 25). When this happens, we ensure that children of the same age-group in both classes undertake the same basic curriculum and skills. Topics may be different, but each child will be given work at the appropriate level. We do our best to ensure that the age-group is brought together the following session.
13 School Policies
A list of school and authority policies can be found here: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/893/schools_- _general_information/29/school_policies_procedures_and_guidelines
Assessment and Reporting As a school, we seek to provide information to pupils, parents and staff to assist in the effectiveness of learning and teaching process and in raising attainment. Teachers will use the assessment process as an evaluative, diagnostic and formative tool to provide evidence of pupil attainment and progress and to inform learning and teaching approaches and pupil targets.
Pupils should view the assessment process as a motivating experience which takes place within the overall context of a supportive school. Pupils should make use of feedback, in all its forms to inform next steps for the improvement of their own learning. Parents will receive feedback on their son or daughter’s progress through 6 assessment snapshots, 2 informal and 2 formal parent evenings, pupil reports, and target setting information. Pupils will reflect on their progress, achievement and best work on their Learning Journal and in P4-7 – weekly letters home.
Progress Parents wishing to enquire about a pupil's progress are invited to get in touch with their child’s class teacher.
Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC)
Getting it right for every child is the programme that aims to improve outcomes for all children and young people by promoting a shared approach that builds solutions with and around children and families. It enables children to get the help they need when they need it; supports a positive shift in culture, systems and practice; involves working together to make things better.
OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN All children in Scotland should be: • Confident Individuals • Effective Contributors • Successful Learners • Responsible Citizens
To achieve this, every child and young person needs to be: SAFE: protected from abuse, neglect or harm at home, at school and in the community. HEALTHY: having the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, access to suitable healthcare and support in learning to make healthy and safe choices. ACHIEVING: being supported and guided in their learning and in the development of their skills, confidence and self-esteem at home, at school and in the community. NURTURED: having a nurturing place to live in a family setting with additional help if needed or, where this is not possible, in a suitable care setting. ACTIVE: having opportunities to take part in activities, such as play, recreation and sport which contribute to healthy growth and development at home and in the community. 14 RESPECTED AND RESPONSIBLE: should be involved in decisions that affect them, should have their voices heard and should be encouraged to play an active and responsible role in their schools and communities. INCLUDED: having help to overcome social, educational, physical and economic inequalities and being accepted as part of the community in which they live and learn. We remember this as S.H.A.N.A.R.I.
The above has been quoted from Highland Virtual Learning Community ( http://hvlc.org.uk/gir/) Additional information can be found on that website.
The Getting it right for every child Project Team includes representatives from the following agencies:
The Highland Council Education Social Work Integrated Children’s Services NHS Highland Police Scotland Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration Voluntary Organisations Adult Services Postal address: Getting it right for every child The Highland Council Headquarters Glenurquhart Rd., Inverness IV3 5NX Tel. No. 01463 702807 E-mail address: [email protected] More information on Getting it right for every child can be found at the For Highland’s Children Website: http://www.forhighlandschildren.org/htm/girfec/girfec.ph
Additional Support Needs Class/Subject teachers, in conjunction with the Additional Support Needs Teacher and Head Teacher 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 Service Worker will be involved in supporting a child. A Children’s Service Worker 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. 15
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 outwith 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 the Head Teacher, Mrs Jennifer Maclean. 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
Further information regarding support for pupils with additional support needs can be found here:
(a) Enquire – the Scottish advice and information service for additional support for learning http://enquire.org.uk/ (b) My Rights, My Say – an advocacy and advice service for young people over 12 with additional support needs http://enquire.org.uk/myrightsmysay/ (c) Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, an advocacy service to support parents and children (d) Scottish Child Law Centre, an organisation providing free legal advice to young people
Classes and Staff
Kyle Primary School takes pupils from Primary 1 through to P7, when they transfer to Secondary Education at Plockton High School. There is a Nursery attached to Kyle Primary which takes eligible two, three and four year olds.
The present roll is 37 pupils.
Class 1/2/3/4 Miss M. Logan Classes 5/6/7 Mrs. S. Macdonald
All the classes are mixed ability and in general, the classes are composite, i.e. covering more than one age range. In forming these classes, account is taken of ability and social grouping. This allows us to form a balanced mixture in each class.
The School Day
The school day for pupils runs from 9.00 a.m. to 3.20 p.m Monday to Thursday and 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Friday. Pupils Monday to Thursday Friday Primary 1 and 2 9.00 a.m. to 3.20 p.m. 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Interval 10.50 a.m. to 11.10 a.m. 10.50 a.m. to 11.10 a.m. Lunch 12.50 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. Interval 2.25 p.m. to 2.40 p.m.
Primary 3 to 7 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Interval 10.50 a.m. to 11.10 a.m. 10.50 a.m. to 11.10 a.m. Lunch 12.50 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.
16 School Transport
Free school transport is available for pupils living more than 2 miles from the school. This usually means those children living in Badicaul or Erbusaig can access transport. The bus departs from Erbusaig at 8.45 a.m. approximately, returning from the school at 3.20 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 1.00 p.m. Friday. Application forms for free transport are available from the Head Teacher or the Highland Council Website. Transportation to and from school, for placing request pupils, is a parental responsibility.
Adverse Weather
To enquire about school closures in times of adverse weather please phone – Highland Council Number – 0800 564 2272 and enter the school’s pin number when prompted – 04 2440 or visit the web site https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures 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 Education Authority encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather conditions the safety of pupils is much more important. Pupils using school transport are not expected to wait longer than 20 minutes past the normal pick-up time.
School Uniform
Kyle Primary School encourages all its pupils to wear a school uniform. The uniform consists of a sweatshirt or polo shirt, along with dark trousers/dark skirt.
Sweatshirts, poloshirts, T-shirts, fleece and jogging trousers can be purchased from the following website. http://kyleps.imagescotland.com
Application forms for assistance with school clothing are available from the following site: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/899/schools_- _grants_and_benefits/10/free_school_meals_and_assistance_with_clothing
House System
Each child in the school is placed in one of three houses; BRUCE, ROY or WALLACE.
As far as possible, we try to place members of the same family in the same house. The House System was introduced to raise the children’s’ pride in Kyle Primary School. It has succeeded in this goal and has also raised the general ethos of the whole school, giving the children a good sense of team spirit.
Ethos
Circle time is a valuable resource towards the school’s positive ethos. It gives the children an opportunity to listen to each other, to express their feelings, to cooperate and form a caring, supportive group. All children are encouraged to follow the Golden Rules.
17 Rules We rely on and encourage the respect that each child has for his/her fellows. We expect each child to follow the Golden Rules.
Golden Rules for Moral Values
Do be gentle, don’t hurt anybody. Do be kind and helpful, don’t hurt people’s feelings Do be honest, don’t cover up the truth. Do work hard, don’t waste time. Do look after property, don’t waste or damage things. Do listen to people, don’t interrupt.
We ask the children to observe rules for their own safety.
The school has an anti-bullying policy in place designed to identify and deal with any problems. This policy was drawn up with the cooperation of parents and pupils.
Attendance and illness
Good attendance is vital if pupils are to achieve their full potential. But if a pupil is absent from school, a parent or guardian should phone the school on the first day of absence, on either the school message number on the school number: 01599 534194 by 9:15 am. When returning to school after an absence, the parent or guardian must give written reason for the time absent.
Permission to leave during the school day: If a pupil needs to leave during the school day for an appointment etc, pupils need to bring with them a note from parent or guardian. Where at all possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outwith school hours.
If pupils fall ill during the day, parents are contacted for them to collect their child, therefore it is essential that we have up to date day time contact numbers and emergency contact numbers for all pupils. Schools are required to keep an attendance register by law. We have a responsibility for the care and welfare of all pupils during the school day therefore need to know the whereabouts of absent pupils. When parents are considering whether or not to remove their children from school for a family holiday, they should be aware that such a decision: will result in a significant loss in classroom experience; will result in a pressure to ‘catch up’ on missed work by pupils; could result in pupils missing assessments with consequential impact on pupils and teachers; could result in the loss of curricular activities; will affect school attendance records and efforts to raise standards of attendance; under the guidance issued at a national level, most family holidays will be coded as unauthorised absence, only in exceptional cases will the absence be recorded as authorised.
In conclusion, we would ask parents to be aware of these considerations when making decisions on planning holidays during term time. We have enclosed a link to the school term dates on the Highland Council website to aid parents in planning any holidays they may be considering https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/32/school_term_dates
If parents decide to make holiday arrangements during school term, this should be confirmed in writing to the Head Teacher.
Late Arrivals It is also the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at school by 9.00 a.m.
18 Extra-Curricular Activities
After school, activities rely heavily on the goodwill of staff members, parents or members of the community. Transport is not available after the normal dismissal time. Activities at present include football and shinty training.
Throughout the school year, pupils will experience a variety of visitors, including theatre groups, speakers etc. Children also take part in Science, Maths and design workshops organised by Careers Scotland.
Community Use of School
The school is widely used in the evenings. Activities include Feis music lessons. Official Let forms are available from the school office.
Links with the Community
The school has quite strong links with the local community. Local people such as the police and firemen are invited into the school to talk to the children. Parents and others with specialised knowledge are also invited to work with or give talks to the children. This is done usually as part of their enterprise activities
Library Van
Library van comes to school every 3rd Tuesday.
Child Protection
From time to time incidents can occur within the school setting which cause concern and could indicate that a pupil is suffering some form of abuse.
In terms of Highland Child Protection Committee Inter-agency Protection Guidelines, Education Service staff must report such incidents to Social Work Services which can lead to a joint Social Work/Police investigation. All agencies involved in Child Protection are obliged to make the welfare of children their paramount consideration and this will be priority for Education Service Staff.
More information about Child Protection Procedures within Highland can be obtained from the Child Protection Development Officer, Highland Child Protection Committee, Kinmylies Building, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NN – Telephone 01463703483 – Fax – 01463713237.
Parents Helping in School
The school welcomes parents willing to help in the life of the school. This ranges from helping on school excursions to helping in the class at craft activities or “eco” activities. It is now necessary for any person involved in the life of the school to be checked. Forms are available from the school. Parents can also support their own child in school by making sure they arrive with the right equipment, such as pen, pencil and rubber. Also they can help by taking an interest in their homework, listening to them read and by generally encouraging them to do their best.
19 Parents/Guardians/Carers as Partners
The current pandemic has affected the way in which we are able to engage with parents, and this may change further depending on how the pandemic progresses. For the latest information, please contact the school.
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 school works very hard to keep parents informed regarding their child’s progress and any key decisions being made about their education. This includes:
Parents’ evenings Progress checks Target Setting Information on the school website
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.
The school always seek to involve parents in any key decisions about their child’s education and keep parents informed about progress.
Parental information is obtained from questionnaires issued regularly at Parents evenings and from Parent Forums.
A member of the Senior Management team is in school most evenings for parents to contact with any issues.
Parent Council is a group of parents selected to represent all parents of children at the school. Any parent who wishes to raise an issue for the Parent Council to consider can do so through the generic Kyle Primary Parent Council email: [email protected]
Useful information for parents and how to get involved in your child’s education, how to support the school, information on curriculum developments can all be found at Parentzone: https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/
Health
All pupils have a medical examination on entry in Primary 1 and usually again during Primary 7. There may also be periodic tests of eyesight and hearing, as well as School Nurse visits during the pupil’s school life. Speech Therapy is also available to those who require it. It is appreciated that sometimes neither parent is at home during school hours, therefore in the event of an accident, sudden illness or early closure it is necessary that the school has an emergency telephone contact of someone known to the child who would assume responsibility for him/her.
School Meals
All pupils in P1/2/3 are entitled to Free School Dinners. P4 upwards continue to pay £2.30 per day per child for their school dinner. Dinner money should be brought to school on a Monday. School dinners are provided by Highland Catering Services. Please notify the school if your child has any special dietary requirements. 20
Arrangements can also be made for children to have packed lunches provided by their parents. It should be noted that glass bottles and flasks containing hot liquids should not be brought to school.
Families on low income or supplementary benefit might be entitled to free meals. Application forms are available from the following link: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/899/schools_- _grants_and_benefits/10/free_school_meals_and_assistance_with_clothing
Highland Catering Services run a Milk Bar at morning interval only. It is hoped that this will encourage healthy eating habits.
How Parents Might Help at Early Stages.
There is much that parents can do, even before the child enters Nursery, to help in the early stages of learning. The main thing is to create interest and to stimulate the child. Some examples are listed below:-
1. Encourage the child to dress himself, i.e. fasten buttons, zips, belts etc. 2. Encourage discussion with the child about every day things, e.g. at the shops, in the park etc. This will help develop the child’s vocabulary. 3. Read along with your child, words which he/she comes across everyday e.g. names of shops, other buildings, objects in the house etc. 4. Go over the initial sounds of words. Remember, that at this stage only the phonic sound of the letter should be introduced. If you are introducing written letters to your child, use only the lower case and not capitals. 5. Count orally with the child. This will foster an interest in number. Perhaps, at this time the child will recognise number shapes. 6. Encourage the child to recognise basic colours.
Most of these suggestions are common sense and there are many different things that the parent can do along the same lines. It is important for the child that the parent takes an interest in what he is doing. Once the child enters school, it is important that the parent consolidates any learning which has taken place at school such as listening to reading. The infant teacher is only too pleased to discuss things with you at any time. We want to make learning fun for your child.
School Fund
The school operates a fund that helps subsidise school outings and events from commission from the sale of school photographs and school sweatshirts. Audited accounts are submitted every year to the Highland Council. The Parent Council also fund raise and help the school to purchase equipment. We have a very active fund-raising committee. Sometimes we do ask parents to contribute towards the cost of transport/events/activities, when the need requires, if cost cannot be fully met by School Fund or Parent Council contributions.
School Outings
The school encourages trips linked to the various curriculum areas. Cost is a major factor in this and, quite often, we request help from parents with transport. Parents’ cars must have fully comprehensive insurance and should inform their insurance company before we can use them. Parent helpers must undergo a PVG disclosure check. All outings require written parental permission.
21
Homework
Homework must be a co-operative exercise between school and home. We expect parents to help and check their children’s homework. Maths Language It cannot be stressed enough that at any stage + in school, parents should try and take part in 1 + 1 = Spelling their children’s learning. The easiest way to do this is to hear and read to your child. Homework is made up of work that is within the child’s capabilities. Homework may sometimes not be given due to the time of year such as the run up to Christmas. We expect all children to read or to be read to, every evening.
Complaints and Requests for Service
If a parent has any concerns they should contact their child’s Named Person in the first instance, Mrs Jennifer Maclean or the Senior Management Team for more serious issues.
The school will always endeavour to resolve issues by listening to parents and seeking solutions in partnership. Should a situation not be resolved, parents can contact the Interim Area Education Officer, Mr Don Esson. Please note that transport is not a school responsibility and any queries should be addressed to the Transport Development Officer, Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX, or [email protected].
School Improvement
This year, because of the pandemic, all schools in Highland are focusing on certain key priorities as followings: 1. Health and wellbeing 2. Recovery of learnng, teaching and assessment 3. Attainment in session 2020/21 (focusing on identifying new or widened gaps caused by the Covid-19 situation)
An overview of our School Improvement Plan and Standards and Quality report can be found on the school website: www.kyleprimary.wordpress.com. If you wish a copy of the full Standards and Quality Report please contact Mrs Jennifer Maclean.
And Finally
We hope that you have found the information contained within this handbook useful. If you have any questions about its contents or the school as a whole please do not hesitate to contact the school on 01599534194 where the Acting Head Teacher, Mrs. MacLean, will be glad to help.
22 Our aim is to develop good working relationships between, pupils, parents and staff whilst promoting positive attitudes to learning for all.
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.
23 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Term Dates 2020-2021 OPEN CLOSE 2020 Tuesday 11 August (Staff only) 2020 Wednesday 12 August (Pupils) Friday 9 October 2020 Monday 26 October Tuesday 22 December 2021 Wednesday 6 January Thursday 1 April 2021 Monday 19 April Friday 25 June
HOLIDAYS - May Day Monday 3 May 2021
CASUAL HOLIDAYS - Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February 2021.
Closures to pupils due to In-Service The first day back after summer – Tuesday 11 August 2020 Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September 2020 One day following the February mid-term break – Wednesday 17 February 2021 Thursday 6 May 2021.
Term Dates 2021-2022 OPEN CLOSE 2021 Monday 16 August (Staff only) 2021 Tuesday 17 August (Pupils) Friday 8 October 2021 Monday 25 October Wednesday 22 December 2022 Thursday 6 January Friday 1 April 2022 Tuesday 19 April Thursday 30 June
HOLIDAYS - May Day Monday 2 May 2022.
CASUAL HOLIDAYS - Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 February 2022.
Closures to pupils due to In-Service The first day back after summer - Monday 16 August 2021. Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 September 2021. One day following the February mid-term break – Wednesday 23 February 2022. Thursday 5 May 2022.
24 Transferring Educational Data About Pupils Education authorities and Scottish Government have collected data about pupils on paper forms for many years. We now work together with schools to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed programme. Thus Scottish Government has two functions: acting as a ‘hub’ for supporting data exchange within the education system in Scotland and the analysis of data for statistical purposes within Scottish Government itself.
Why do we need your data? In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, Scottish Government, education authorities and other partners such as the SQA and Careers Scotland need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better examination results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows us to:
• plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils, • plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils, • better understand some of the factors which influence pupil attainment and achievement, • share good practice, • target resources better.
Data policy The ScotXed programme aims to support schools and Local Authorities by supporting the collection, processing and dissemination of statistical information required for planning, management and monitoring of Scottish education services. A subset of this information is passed to Scottish Government for research and National Statistics publications. Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systems and is exploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject to confidentiality restraints. As part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish or make publicly available any information that allows individual pupils to be identified, nor will data be used by Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by Scottish Government. The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for statistical and research purposes only. We hope that the explanations contained on the ScotXed website will help you understand the importance of providing the information.
Your data protection rights The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This message can give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net).
Scottish Government works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of Education and the SQA. On occasion, we will make individual data available to partners and also academic institutions and organisations to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that these data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual. Decisions on the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with relevant colleagues and individuals within and outwith Scottish Government.
Concerns If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Senior Statistician, Peter Whitehouse, at [email protected] or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, braille and large print.
Want more information? Further details about ScotXed are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed.net., which contains a section on ‘frequently asked questions’ at https://www.scotxed.net/jahia/Jahia/lang/en/pid/220.