At Battlefield Primary, We Aim to Provide a Friendly, Safe Place Where Each Child Can
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Our school was designed by McWhannell, Rogerson & Reid and was built in 1912. As one of our Centenary initiatives we worked in partnership with Glasgow’s Young Apprentices, some parents and some pupils on a major painting project sponsored by Dulux and we totally transformed the front of the lower school. www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk
. Dear Parent,
May I take this opportunity to welcome you and your children to Battlefield Primary School. I hope your association with this school will be a long and happy one.
At Battlefield Primary, we aim to provide a friendly, safe place where each child can grow in confidence and understanding, developing skills for life through a stimulating learning environment. We foster academic, artistic, dramatic and musical development, sporting ability and loyalty to both the school and our community.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 2 We want you to work in partnership with the staff and help us to provide a happy learning environment. We want you to encourage your child to work hard and behave well. If at any time you are concerned about your child, please come and tell us.
We hope you will see the school as an integral part of the community and that you will become involved in activities and events within the school. We want you to take an interest in what your child is doing at school.
As teachers, we aim to offer the highest standard of teaching and learning by providing planned learning experiences matched to the needs of our pupils. We hope to encourage all pupils to do their best in everything they do.
This handbook will hopefully help you to understand more about our school and how we organise learning. However, since it may not answer all of your questions, please feel free at any time to contact the school for an appointment to discuss matters with myself or any other member of staff.
Yours sincerely, Battlefield Primary School in Carmichael Place - photo Claire Curry taken in 1970s. HEAD TEACHER
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 3 SCHOOL INFORMATION
Name of school: BATTLEFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL Address: 44 CARMICHAEL PLACE GLASGOW, G42 9SY Telephone 0141 632 2162 E Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk Twitter @BattlefieldPS Parent Council Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Battlefield-Primary-School-Parent-Council/987452194603455 School Blog https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/gc/battlefieldps/
New Learning Community SHAWLANDS ACADEMY Capacity of school: 437 children Present School Roll: 350 children The working capacity of the school may vary, dependent upon the number of pupils at each stage, and the way in which the classes are organised. Recent regulations issued by Central Government limits the number of pupils in the Infant classes: P1 – 25, P2 & P3 – 30, P4-7 - 33. Composite classes - 25 Battlefield Primary is a non-denominational school. Boys and girls attend this school from Primary 1 to Primary 7. School hours Opening 9.00 am Interval 10.30 am – 10.45 am Lunch Primaries 1-3 12.00 pm - 12.45 pm Lunch Primaries 4-7 12.15 pm - 1.00 pm Dismissal 3.00 pm for whole school NB: For the first few weeks of term, pupils in Primary One are dismissed at 12pm daily until the first Monday of September. Thereafter, P1 pupils return in the afternoon and are dismissed at 3pm.
We have a breakfast club in our cafeteria which offers breakfast to all pupils at a cost of £1 per day or free if you are entitled to free meals, this operates between 8.00 am and 8.45 am.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 4 School Staff Details Please see our school website to see our school staff and find out a bit more about us through comments from our pupils.
Holiday List Details of holiday dates are available on the Glasgow Council website: http://www.glasgow.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8633
School Uniform Our school uniform is – White shirt School tie (blue and yellow) School polo shirt either navy blue or gold School jumper/ cardigan (navy blue) Grey trousers Grey skirt/ pinafore Sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts and ties with the school logo are available for purchase at the school office. Our uniform was agreed in consultation with pupils and parents. It is expected that all children attending Glasgow primary schools will adhere to an agreed dress code.
Clothing & Footwear Grants Parents/Carers receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Working Tax Credit (with a total annual income of less than £15,050*), Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Information and application forms may be obtained at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629
Registration Pupils should be registered in only one school for their catchment area. A catchment area is a list of dedicated streets to an associated school. To find out if you live in our catchment area, please access the following link; http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2945 Please put in your address details and then tick the Education box at the bottom of the link. Parents who want to send their child to a school other than their catchment school must make a placing request. If you have moved into the catchment area or wish your child to transfer to our school, please contact the school office for more information.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 5 Registration of Primary One children takes place in the second week of November and is widely advertised in local press etc. Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school and should contact the school office ( 632 2162) to confirm arrangements. Families living outside the catchment area wishing to make a placing request to attend Battlefield Primary should first of all enrol their child in their local school. Further information is available using the following link www.glasgow.gov.uk/schoolenrolment From this year parents will be able to apply for a placing request using this link.
CURRICULUM At Battlefield, we involve pupils in reviewing the curriculum we offer. Our aim is to ensure balance and breadth and to provide an education for all pupils which is appropriate to age, aptitude and ability. In all subjects, we try to offer a range of activities which is suited to children’s interests and needs. We offer all our pupils equal opportunities. At Battlefield, we aim that our pupils become: successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. These are the attributes of Curriculum for Excellence 3-18 which aims to help prepare children with the knowledge and skills they need in a fast changing world. It is therefore important that our curriculum helps our pupils to see the links between various curricular areas and to appreciate how learning in school links to real life and to their future as active citizens. Our aim is to assist and encourage our pupils to become lifelong learners. We aim for our children to receive a well- rounded education known as Broad General Education (BGE) The school continues to develop our curricular programmes in line with advice from the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council (GCC), Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Our curriculum includes study of 8 areas: Literacy, Numeracy and Mathematics, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Religious and Moral Education, Science, Social Studies and Technologies. We continue in this session to look at each of these areas and reviewing how we organise learning so that we maximise connections between subjects to make learning as meaningful and relevant for our pupils as we can. For more information on Curriculum for Excellence, please access national websites http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/index.asp and http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/41292.html Specifically in Battlefield Primary, throughout 2015-16, teachers will be working on Curriculum for Excellence, GIRFEC and Closing the attainment Gap – our priorities for improvement are detailed in our School Improvement Plan which is discussed with our Parent Council. This is available on our website. EXPRESSIVE ARTS Art and Design, Dance, Music and Drama are often incorporated into topic work as well as being taught as experiences and outcomes in their own right. The inspiration and power of the arts play a vital role in enabling our pupils to enhance their creative talent and develop their artistic skills. Our teachers have devised succinct and meaningful assessment procedures for all aspects of Expressive Arts however we continue to seek ways to improve and update our approaches.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 6 MATHEMATICS/ NUMERACY Number, money and measurement Shape, position and movement Information handling
Mathematics equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify problems, assess risk and make informed decisions. Teacher’s planning and assessment is directly linked to pupils’ Learning Stories targets. Formative assessment strategies are built into class lessons to maximise pupil participation and engagement.
LITERACY and LANGUAGE Listening and talking Reading Writing All areas of literacy are given equal status. We use a variety of relevant resources and teaching strategies to develop in all pupils, competences, confidence and enjoyment in listening, talking, reading and writing. Literacy and Language are at the heart of pupils’ learning. Through literacy, the pupils receive much of their knowledge and acquire many of their skills. We aim to provide structured and stimulating opportunities to use language in contexts appropriate to the needs of individuals and the world in which they live. The school is currently developing in house routines for planning and assessment which in turn is prompting improved reporting of progress for parents and carers. In addition, a variety of standardised and diagnostic tests are used as part of on-going assessment. Pupil progress is recorded systematically and shared with parents and other teachers as is appropriate.
SOCIAL STUDIES/ SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGIES It is important for children to understand the place where they live and the heritage of their family and community. Through Social Studies, children develop their understanding of the world by learning about their own people and what has shaped them, other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. Children learn through units called topics. Where possible, our topics are enhanced by external visits to places of interest eg The Science Centre, Art Galleries, Museums, theatres, etc. Great importance is attached to giving our pupils first hand experience of the immediate environment of the school and the community in which they live. Many parents help out by sharing their talents and knowledge and are often ‘hot seated’ as experts and questioned by pupils.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 7 We have been awarded 5 GREEN FLAGS, as recognition that we strive to be an ECO school. Our children and staff continuously work very hard on initiatives to improve our school and its surroundings. In session 2012/2013, we received Fairtrade status. Over the last two sessions, all our pupils have participated in a variety of Fairtrade activities and having growing knowledge and awareness of this issue. In session 2013/2014, we were awarded the Level 1, Rights Respecting Schools award. Children in P2-7 classes engage in weekly whole class meetings to voice their views which are then passed to the Pupil Council/ Houses/ Rights Respecting Schools/ Health and Wellbeing/ Eco/ Fairtrade and Communication committees. As a Rights Respecting School, staff and pupils value, expect and celebrate diversity. Teaching effectively about Technologies involves learning about ICT and craft and design , engineering and graphics as well as food preparation. Science and its practical applications in healthcare and industry is central to our economic future, for our pupils’ health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society HEALTH AND WELLBEING Learning in HWB ensures that children develop the knowledge, understanding and skills which they need now and in the future to help them with their physical, emotional and social wellbeing. In term 3, all pupils are taught lessons from GCC’s Sexual Health and Relationships programme. Most teachers from the school have participated in recent training and lead these lessons. Parents are prompted before these series of lessons begin and have access to the resources used as part of lessons.
PRIMARY MODERN LANGUAGES French is introduced from Primary One and formally taught through weekly lessons to all pupils in Primaries 5, 6, and 7. In addition to this, all pupils learn some very basic Gaelic. Having 23 community languages in the school is a challenge for us but we do try to integrate language awareness as appropriate throughout our teaching. This session, we have developed a band of pupil volunteers who use their own language skills to act as interpreters for us. This session, Mrs Langford, our EAL teacher, is working with various pupils to encourage them to share their knowledge of their language with the rest of the school. In 2014, the school again achieved GCC’s formal recognition for excellence in INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, MORAL and CULTURAL VALUES Religious Education This includes learning about Christianity and other world religions, and supports the development of beliefs and values. Our aims are to teach children how important religious faith is to the believer and to develop tolerance of the beliefs of others especially where they are different from one’s own.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 8 Religious Observance Whole school general assemblies are held weekly throughout the session on Friday mornings - these are led by pupils in Primary 7. These can sometimes refer to news items or acknowledge major festivals. Additionally, throughout the session, all the school classes lead a class assembly. A social, moral or religious theme is developed by the class and presented to the school through drama, music or art. Visitors can be asked to contribute to these assemblies sometimes just to speak to pupils e.g. an official from a charity to promote our knowledge of how children’s lives in other parts of the world are different from our own or a faith leader may tell a story or discuss a subject. Parents not wishing their children to be present at religious observance assemblies or to take part in religious class work should contact the school so that suitable alternative arrangements can be made. Parents and carers from religions other than Christianity may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Useful websites www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parenzone/index.asp
ASSESSMENT Progress in learning is indicated through curriculum levels as detailed below LEVEL Early The pre school years and Primary 1 or later First To the end of Primary 4 but earlier or later for some Second To the end of Primary 7, but earlier of later for some Third and Fourth S1-S3, but earlier for some
All children are assessed both formally and informally throughout the year. Assessment is a continuous process undertaken by the class teacher in order to group children within a class and to check the effectiveness of teaching, whether children have ‘got’ particular skills and concepts and to identify individual strengths and areas for development. In Battlefield, we have made great headway in incorporating approaches to formative assessment throughout the curriculum. These include the teacher in the classroom: Creating a climate and culture of growth mindset Waiting longer after asking a question, giving extra thinking time. Discouraging ‘hands up’ to encourage all pupils to think of a response. Encouraging ‘talking partners’ where pupils discuss the answer to a question before reporting back to the class. Sharing learning intentions and success criteria with pupils. Giving oral feedback and written comments instead of giving a mark.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 9 Using a range of questioning techniques to stimulate thinking. Involving pupils in assessing their own and others’ work. Using coloured pens in marking to highlight ‘best bits’ and areas for improvement. Using individual LEARNING STORIES to support pupils in setting their own personal targets. Co-operative teaching often takes place at all stages of the school whereby two teachers are in the classroom working together to give a high level of support to all children. Sometimes it is necessary to call upon the expertise of outside agencies such as Psychological Services to identify specific wellbeing needs and to offer advice to staff. Parents’ Meetings are held in October and March to discuss children’s progress. Through LEARNING STORIES, we ensure that pupils are increasingly responsible for their learning and that parents have more regular and comprehensive, written communication on progress. If necessary, parents may make an appointment to see any member of staff at any point in the school year by contacting the school office. All Primary 7 pupils now develop a pupil profile which is essentially an individual learner’s statement outlining his /her best achievements in and out of school. See http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/index.asp for more information on pupil profiles and how pupils create these to share their achievements with parents and Secondary school staff. Nurture Class We have been recognised by our authority as being an inclusive school. We were given additional funding to create a nurture room and this has allowed us for several years to teach small groups of P1 pupils into informal surroundings so that they can further develop their social skills and confidence. Children can access the same programmes of work as their peers , if this is appropriate and receive extra support in personal and social development. This initiative brings many positive benefits to our school and to the support we are able to offer our pupils and families. Our Nurture class is known as the HONEYPOT. Our Nurture class teacher, Mrs Roz Wilson, liaises with class teachers, the DHT and parents to select children who would benefit from having afternoon sessions in the Honeypot. This includes supporting P1-7 pupils in dealing with change through Seasons for Growth. It also includes providing support to P1-7 pupils in developing strategies to: lesson anxieties; increase confidence; increase resilience. In session 2014/2105, Mrs Wilson was accredited as a Triple P trainer so she works with parents who have pupils in Nurture class as well as other groups of parents to support them with any parenting concerns. Mrs Kathleen Carberry, our Nurture Class assistant, works closely with the Nurture class teacher in providing activities that develop social skills and help children to deal with their emotions. Recent funding has allowed us to buy resources and develop a Toy Library to further support families . OUR VALUES
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 10 One of the main aims of the school is to provide a quality education for every pupil within a happy and supportive environment. Staff are committed to working in partnership with parents to raise the attainment levels of all children and ensure equality of opportunity for all. Within Battlefield Primary we value; Honesty – We will grow as responsible citizens by developing an atmosphere of trust, openness and fair play. RRSA ARTICLE 31 RIGHT TO LEISURE, PLAY AND CULTURE - Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural activities. Tolerance – We will effectively contribute to our positive ethos by treating everybody fairly with consideration and respect. RRSA ARTICLE 16 RIGHT TO PRIVACY - Every child has the right to privacy. The law should protect the child’s private, family and home life. Love of Learning - We will become successful learners by opening our minds to knowledge, skills and the opinions of others. RRSA ARTICLE 28 RIGHT TO EDUCATION – Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free. Secondary education must be available to every child. Happiness – We will be bright and cheerful in all our work and play contributing to our positive image and self esteem. RRSA ARTICLE 3 BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD – The best interests of the child must be a priority in all things that affect children. Confidence – We will become confident individuals by creating a happy, supportive, inclusive and secure environment. RRSA ARTICLE 18 PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES; STATE ASSISTANCE – Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. All staff of Battlefield Primary strives positively to ensure that children’s expectations of themselves are not limited by traditional sex- stereotyping. Opportunities provided by the school are available for all children, irrespective of nationality, colour, creed or sex. Any parent, having concerns regarding equal opportunities or who wish to seek advice or information should feel free to contact the school’s management team.
SUPPORT FOR PUPILS The school has a duty to ensure that all pupils have equal access to the curriculum, with appropriate support for their needs if required. This applies to the content of lessons, teaching strategies and minor adaptations to the school environment. There are a wide range of factors which may act as a barrier to wellbeing. We are committed to working closely with parents and carers to ensure that they are fully involved in any decisions about support for their children’s needs. Any parent or carer seeking further advice regarding this policy should contact the Headteacher in the first instance. Further information relating to additional support needs and Glasgow’s Parental Involvement Strategy are available on the Glasgow City Council website – www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8642 Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 11 Girfec stands for Getting It Right For Every Chid and is part of the Children’s and Young Person Act ( Scotland) 2014 The GIRFEC approach is about making sure that our children and young people and their parents and carers can get all the help and support they need from birth right through to age 18 ( or beyond if still at school). The vast majority of Scotland’s children and young people get the love and support they need from within their families and the wider, local communities. But even the most loving and caring families can sometimes need extra support. The GIRFEC approach aims to make it as easy as possible for any child or young person ( and their parents) to get that help or support if they need it. To provide support when needed every child in Scotland has a named individual, The Named Person, as a single point of contact. This named person has a responsibility to provide help and support when asked and can draw together other services if needed, co-ordinating help for the child or parents. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Named Person at any time. The Named Persons in Battlefield Primary for pupils in P1-3 is Mrs Laura Imrie and for pupils in P4-7 is Mrs Lisa McLaughlin. Other organisations which provide advice, information and support for parents of children and young people with ASN are CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND: working for children and their families, trading as ENQUIRE-the Scottish advice and information service for additional support for learning - a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC003527; Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC033576; and Scottish Child Law Centre, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC012741 HOME AND SCHOOL LINKS Parents’ evenings for discussion of progress take place in October and March. Prior to both, parents will receive home their child’s Learning Story. This is sent home at the end of each term and gives the children the opportunity to share their learning experiences at home. Where possible, we encourage pupils to join progress updates to maximise the opportunity to discuss and set meaningful targets. Parents are also regularly invited to the school for curricular workshops or to see the school in action or to perhaps see their child participating in an assembly. Teachers send out regular class newsletters/curriculum guides to their parents so that they are up to date with what is going on in classes. We have many adult volunteers who offer an ‘extra pair of hands’ with group work tasks and active learning. All volunteers in school must have a PVG disclosure. Learning Together At the end of the summer term, parents of our preschool children visit the school and we work in partnership preparing the children to start school after the summer holidays. The school holds an open afternoon in November to which all members of our local community, friends and families are invited. Our pupil council members act as escorts and host this initiative. Four times a year, a Good Work assembly is held to publicly acknowledge the hard work and efforts of our pupils. This is a fun event with entertainment items provided by classes. The parents of award winners are very welcome to attend.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 12 Parental notice boards provide educational, social and community information. These are regularly updated with items from a wide variety of sources. There is a notice board at the main school gate and another on our website. We have a school blog and twitter feed which are updated regularly. Throughout the session time is protected for informal ‘drop in’ sessions where parents are encouraged to meet with staff members to raise concerns /make enquiries. These sessions also offer the opportunity for staff to provide practical support and tips for homelearning.
Pupil Absence Within Battlefield Primary School good attendance is encouraged at all times and children rewarded accordingly. We now ask parents to contact the Pupil Absence Reporting Line on 0141 287 0039 if your child is going to be absent. This should be done before 9.30 on the first day of absence. If the child is going to be absent for some time, it would be helpful to know at the earliest opportunity. Our school uses daily text messaging to inform parents of their child’s absence if no contact is made. All unexplained absence is investigated by the school and appropriate action taken. The Pupil Absence Reporting Line (PARL) service has been created to provide an efficient flexible way for parents/carers to report absence. It is recognised that in some circumstances, for example, to report or discuss a sensitive issue, you may still require to speak directly with the school. The following guidance should be applied: Please phone the Pupil Absence Reporting Line to report the following absences: Sickness absence: if the absence lasts more than one day, parents and carers are required to call on subsequent days to provide an update. A letter should be provided to the school when the child returns from their absence. Medical or dental appointments: Parents and carers should call the PARL to report absences for medical or dental appointments. The school requires a letter or appointment card as evidence of the appointment to ensure permission is given to be absent from class. To make sure you receive the right support you require, parents and carers should still contact the school directly to report absences of a sensitive or personal nature, for example: Bereavement Serious illness, for example, an absence which is going to last more than one week Injury, for example, broken limb Contagious diseases or illness
Parents/ Carers do not have an automatic right to take their child out of school without permission during term time. If you need to request holiday time out of school for your child, please make an appointment to meet with Mrs Curry or the Depute Head Teachers.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 13 If your child has an unavoidable appointment, please give them a letter for their class teacher and then collect them from the school office at the specified time
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR PUPILS Over a school session, we provide a range of additional activities on offer for children in Battlefield including opportunities to learn more about multi sports, coding, dance, cricket, drama and badminton. Some of these activities take place before school, some at lunchtime and some after school. Parental help is always welcome. As part of our liaison with Shawlands Academy, Primary 7 pupils are given the opportunity of participating in a 4 week block of after school hours clubs. In addition, some Primary 7 pupils take part in an extended transition project called Bridging the Gap. PE Kit should be – Shorts & Polo shirt Indoor trainers / plimsoles It is important that pupils come prepared to learn and for PE this requires appropriate clothing. All jewellery should be removed. Pupils who are not participating in PE must have a note or medical certificate. Pupils who are unable to participate in practical PE should still bring their kit to allow them to assist in the lesson by refereeing, keeping scores or assisting with the distribution of equipment. This ensures that they are still able to take part in some way in the work of the class and do not miss out on the knowledge and understanding of the course It is unacceptable that clothing involves football colours, anti-religious symbolism or political slogans and no clothing should carry advertising particularly for alcohol or tobacco. Many of our pupils elect to have their ears pierced. Please do not have this procedure ‘done’ during school term time- your child will not be allowed to participate in gym for 6 weeks until her/ his ears have healed.
HOMEWORK- please see our school website for more information about our approaches to homework.
PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR Children’s rights as outlined in the UNCRC ( United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) are fundamental to a good ethos. We wish to provide a happy and safe environment for all. Adults in our school will work with children to ensure that they are aware of their rights and fully respect the rights of others. Therefore the approach within Battlefield Primary is to build a positive ethos that demonstrates care and respect for all. .The highest standards of behaviour are expected of all pupils at all times. Where this is not the case, a variety of sanctions are used and
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 14 pupils can be involved in a restorative justice conversation, Reflection Time, with a staff member. Parents are asked to co-operate with the school in encouraging a sense of responsibility and good behaviour in children. CLASSROOM Staff promote Rights within their everyday classroom practice. Attractive Classroom Charters – relating to the articles in the UNCRC – guide pupils. The articles in the UNCRC are discussed at assemblies so that children have an increased awareness of their Rights and Responsibilities. Our current Values Statement includes the main principles of the UNCRC. Please see our website for further information on children’s rights. See also http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/childrensrights PLAYGROUND Our support staff help to promote play within the playground. These staff members wear highly visible bright yellow jackets. Upper school pupils have been trained as Playground Pals and help ensure pupils are happy during playtimes. Various toys and large equipment have been purchased to enhance play in our playground.
PLAYGROUND SECURITY In the morning from 8.45am, our Janitor, Mr McGirr, provides the legal adult presence, in the playground. In addition, a further adult, a Support for Learning Worker, is on duty. They provide support for all pupils and assist classes to line up to enter the school at their designated doors. As part of his daily routines, the janitor ‘walks’ the perimeter of the school from the front playground to the back and ensures that all pupils have actually left the playground and are safely in class. During playtimes and lunch times, support staff and volunteers are in the playground to encourage play and monitor pupils. All school gates remain closed during these times. At the end of the school day, all teachers bring their classes right out into the playground and monitor the safe exit of their pupils. We also have our Janitor and a Support for Learning Worker on duty to help ensure that pupils leave safely and to ensure that any uncollected pupils are returned to school so that we can check with parents about arrangements. Our parent–zone line is clearly marked as a designated area and helps clarify for Primary One parents where they should wait. The physical layout of Battlefield Primary campus with regards to security is difficult to manage and maintain. We feel that our current arrangements encompass the most suitable control measures to support school staff in maintaining the safety and security of pupils.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION It is important to all staff that as parents/ carers you feel confidence that you are able to communicate with staff and that your enquiries are dealt with promptly and sensitively.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 15 At 9am, a class teacher’s priority is to escort his/ her class indoors and help them settle into their school day. If you need to pass a message to a class teacher, please use one of the established methods listed below or if none of these methods are appropriate, please come to the school office from 9.10am onwards where a member of staff will be happy to help you. Use homework diaries/ sheets to pass on simple messages or points of information. eg. We have mislaid a reading book. Write the teacher a note to detail more important or private information. eg. My child has a current medical issue. Approach or phone a member of the Senior Management Team from 8.40 a.m. onwards for an immediate response to an area of serious concern. eg. An alleged racist or bullying incident. Write to the CLASS TEACHER requesting an additional interview. This will be organised for you at your earliest convenience. eg. My child is anxious about aspects of school work. You can of course contact the Head Teacher at any time of family crisis. [email protected]
SCHOOL MEALS A FUEL ZONE cafeteria system is in operation and pupils pay for their meals on a daily basis. The choices range from a healthy sandwich to a choice of hot meals. Prepared cartons of fresh fruit and vegetables, yoghurts, fruit juice, water and milk are all also available. Any pupil with a medical condition requiring a special diet can have this provided. A medical certificate should be provided from the pupil’s own doctor or the school doctor so a special diet would then be arranged. All pupils in Primaries 1-3 receive a free school lunch. Children and young people of parents/ carers receiving Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit (where income is less than £6,420), Child Tax Credit only (where income is less than £16,105*) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance are entitled to a free midday meal and free breakfast. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from our school office and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629
TRANSPORT The education authority has a policy of providing free transport to all pupils and young people who live outwith a certain radius from their local school by the recognised shortest walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents/ Carers who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school office or at http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629 In the front playground, the school has cycle racks for pupils and staff to use. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that his/ her cycle is secured safely.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 16 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Monitoring performance and using the resulting information to secure improvement is an important part of the work of Head Teachers, school staff and officers within Education Services. The purpose of the School Improvement Plan is to support the school to improve the provision for its pupils in a way which is responsive to their needs. The teaching staff at Battlefield Primary recognise that sustainable improvement only takes place in a culture of aspiration where there is a shared understanding of the school’s aims and values. A copy of the current Improvement Plan targets for Battlefield Primary can be found on our school website.
STANDARDS AND QUALITY Every year, each school publishes a Standards and Quality report which highlights the school’s major achievements. Our annual report is intended to provide parents/ carers with an update on the standards and quality of provision being offered at Battlefield Primary School. The purpose of this report is to reflect upon the previous year, the achievements, the areas of challenge and to plan how the school should develop in the coming year. The report enables these plans to be shared with all pupils, staff, parents and partners in order that we can move forward together with a common purpose. The Standards and Quality Report for Battlefield Primary can also be found on the school website.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE Routine medical examinations are now offered only to selected children. The school nurse visits at various times during the school year for routine checks and vaccinations and medical examinations. Parents are kept informed by letter In preparation for transition to Secondary School, all Primary 7 pupils are given a Health Interview. NB Children attending external dental/ medical examinations in school hours must be collected from school by parents /another adult. If your child becomes ill during the school day he/she may require to be sent home. Please ensure you keep the school informed of ALL changes to contact details ***The school must be informed of any special medication prescribed for any child attending the school*** This is especially important with illnesses such as asthma or epilepsy. Should your child be required to take medicine during the school day, you must complete a parental request form for administration of medicine. The medicine will be stored in the cupboard set aside for this purpose in the school office. Emergency contact forms are issued to each child at the beginning of the school session. Information regarding the name, address and telephone number of an emergency contact is necessary. We need this information in case your child takes ill at school and you, yourself, are unable to be contacted. Please inform the school of any change to emergency contact data as soon as a change occurs.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 17 Information in Emergencies We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you informed by using letters, text messages, twitter, and the local media. We will also keep our answerphone updated and direct you to access our school and GCC websites.
TRANSFERS FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL TO SECONDARY SCHOOL Children are normally transferred at the end of Primary 7 when they are between the ages of 11 and a half and 12 and a half so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least four years of secondary education. Parents and carers will be informed of the school arrangements in November of the year preceding the date of transfer at the start of the new session. The school to which pupils normally transfer is:- SHAWLANDS ACADEMY 31 MOSS-SIDE ROAD GLASGOW G41 3TR Tel: 0141 582 0210 Email: [email protected] We are part of the SHAWLANDS ACADEMY Learning Community. The other associated schools in the Learning Community are ANNETTE STREET Primary, BLACKFRIARS Primary, CUTHBERTSON Primary, LANGSIDE Primary, SHAWLANDS Primary, DEANPARK Nursery, LANGSIDE Nursery and LAURIESTON Nursery. We also have a link with HOLLYBROOK School.
Shawlands Academy holds a general information meeting for all prospective parents in the Autumn term. This meeting is open to any parent of a child in Primary 6 or 7 and gives interested parents the chance to meet Mrs Ann Grant, the Headteacher. Other school staff are also available at this meeting as are pupils ambassadors. This is followed up by a meeting held in our school which provides further opportunities to hear about school routines and curriculum. Parents also have the opportunity to ask questions about anything which may concern them about their child’s transfer to Secondary school. Procedures for placing requests are also explained at this meeting.
All pupils with Wellbeing Plans/ Additional Support Plans are supported by the school’s Staged Intervention process and support plans are written in consultation with parents. Any pupils with Wellbeing Plans/ Additional Support Plans receive an enhanced transition either from nursery to primary or from primary to secondary. Transition meetings are arranged near the time of transition and all parties involved with the child help to tailor an enhanced transition that meets the pupil’s needs.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 18 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE SCHOOL We welcome parental involvement as research has shown that when parents are genuinely involved, children do better in school. Parents in Battlefield have the opportunity to meet with the class teachers and discuss their child/children’s progress two times during the session – October and March. Other opportunities to meet are held throughout the year. Meet the Teacher Parents’ Evenings in September allow parents to meet their child’s teacher and to ask questions about the curriculum to be followed in the coming year. Parents should feel welcome to call at school at any time. To avoid disruption to classes however, appointments should be made after 3.10pm to discuss concerns with members of staff. Please contact the school office to make the necessary arrangements. We are keen to involve parents in all aspects of school life. Any parental complaints, worries or concerns should be brought to the attention of the school management team. We appreciate any help parents may offer in accompanying classes on trips out of school. Newsletters are issued regularly to inform parents of events happening in the school. We also use text messaging as a way of reminding parents of upcoming events. We try to keep our website updated as a really good source of information - we have a few parents who help us with this task. Please see GCC’S PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT STRATEGY document on our school website for more details of how you can assist in school.
Parent Council The Parent Council is a group of parents/ carers selected by members of the Parent Forum to represent all the parents/ carers of children at the school. Parent Councils are very flexible groups and the Parent Forum can decide on the type of group it wants to represent their views. Our Parent Council supports the work of the school by representing parents’/ carers’ views, promoting contact between the school, parents/ carers and children, by fundraising and by being involved in the appointment of senior school staff. Generally, members of the Parent Council must be parents/ carers of children who attend the school and the chairperson must have a child in the school. However, the Parent Council can decide to co-opt other members from teachers and the community who will have knowledge and skills to help them. Battlefield Primary has an established Parent Council to help in its consultation with parents, to promote home/ school links and for fundraising support. A copy of the Parent Council Constitution is available on request. The Parent Council will keep parents updated each year through newsletters and at a formal AGM at the start of session. Contact Details for Parent Council Members in 2015-2016 are available on the school’s website. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Parent Council, please contact Mrs Curry.
www.battlefield-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 19 AFTER SCHOOL CARE A private, after school care service is provided within the school organised by Ms Nicky Bray. Full time, part time and temporary places are available. Ms Bray can be contacted on telephone 07725840822 or email [email protected]
DATA PROTECTION use of information about children and parents/carers We collect information about children attending school ( and also about parents/carers, emergency contacts etc provided in the annual data check) to allow us to carry out the Council’s functions as the education authority for the City of Glasgow. This may sometimes involve releasing personal information to other agencies and other parts of the Council, particularly in relation to child protection issues or criminal investigations, and it may also be used for research purposes ( see link below for more details regarding this). Information held by the school is, in legal terms, processed by Glasgow City Council. The Council is registered as a data controller under the Data Protection Act 1998 ( number Z4871657) and all personal data is treated as confidential and used only in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the Information Use and Privacy policy approved by the City Council. Foe more information on how we use personal information, or to see a copy of the Information Use and Privacy Policy, see www.glasgow.gov.uk/privacy. COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS In Battlefield Primary, we aim to have positive relationships across our school community. However, if you have a comment or complaint about any aspect of school life, please contact the Headteacher in the first instance. Glasgow City Council complaints procedures are available: www.glasgow.gov.uk/educationcomplaints
Customer Liaison Unit Education Services Glasgow City Council Tel: 0141 287 5384 City Chambers East Email: [email protected] 40 John Street Glasgow G1 1JL The above website also includes information on data protection and freedom of information. Information in this handbook is considered accurate however please be aware that information may change particularly where we have referenced external websites.
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