INVERARITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2011
Curriculum Award 2000
This document is available in alternative formats (please contact Head Teacher)
CONTENTS PAGE NUMBER
Introduction 2 School Delineated Area 3 Factual Information (Historic Interests etc) 4 School Aims 5 Visits for Prospective Parents 5 Organisation of School Day 5 P1 School Commencement Arrangements 5 School Uniform 6 School Clothing Grants 6 Curriculum 6 Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Values 8 Extra-Curricular Activities 11 Discipline 12 School Rules 12 Attendance and Absence 12/13 Health Care 14 Administration of Medicines 15 Transport (including Special Schools and Bases) 17 Special Dietary Requirements Statement 17 School Meals 17 Instrumental Lessons 18 Parent Councils 19 Parental Involvement 19 Insurance 20 School & Community Links 20 Parental Access to Records 20/21 Child Protection 21 Policy on Provision to meet Aditional Support Needs 21 Transferring Educational Data about Pupils 23/24 School Costs 26 School Term Dates 26 Visit to School 26 Emergency Closures 26 Liaison with Secondary School 27 Transfer to Secondary School 27 Overall Achievements of Pupils & Other Awards Obtained 27 Non-Academic Achievements of Pupils 27 Drugs Education 28 Sex Education 31 School Holiday Dates 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 33/34 Statistical Information 35
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Inverarity is a small rural school in which each child is treated very much as an individual. Each teacher takes a personal interest in every pupil in the class and this attitude produces a caring “family” atmosphere.
A child’s education starts in the home and is continued as a partnership between home and school. It is essential that we have your co-operation in order to work together to give your child the best possible chance of success.
We consider it extremely important that the school creates a learning atmosphere where all aspects of the curriculum contribute to produce a well-balanced education. All we do should enable our children to develop in every possible way for the world they live in now and for their future world. The fact that each child is allowed to develop at his or her own rate, in a secure atmosphere, helps to make this a happy and successful school.
This prospectus has been produced to formalise the information given to parents about our school, but it is not meant to take the place of personal contact between parents and school. We consider personal contact extremely important and encourage parents to
This prospectus will be reviewed and updated annually.
Yours sincerely,
Jennifer Grant Head Teacher
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DELINEATED AREA OF INVERARITY SCHOOL
North Mains of Kinnettles, North Mains of Invereighty, Spittalburn, Wester Meathie, Little Lour, Greenhillock, Mains of Kirkbuddo, Whitebrae, Smiddyhill, Moss-side of Kirkbuddo, Birns Farm, North Downiemuir, Harecairn Farm, Bractullo Farm, Carrot Farmhouse, South Happas Farm, West Tarbrax, North Tarbrax Farm, Muirside Farm, Govals Farm, West Mains of Kincaldrum Farm, Kincaldrum Mill Cottage, Kinnettles Mill, Kerbet House, Brigton House, Kinnettles House. Area map attached.
FACTUAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
School address: Inverarity Primary School Inverarity By Forfar DD8 2JN Tel/Fax:- 01307 820262 E-mail:- [email protected]
Present roll: 32 mainstream pupils - 5 pre-school class
Stages covered: Pre-school - P1-7
Head Teacher: Mrs Jennifer Grant
The classes at present are divided thus:
Pre-school Mrs J. Turrent – Teacher Mrs P. Croll – Early Years Practitioner P1-4 Miss P. Baxter P5-7 Miss N.Wright/Mrs J Grant
Visiting Specialists:
Music: Mrs M. Grier Art: Mrs A. Sharp P.E: Mrs P. Fletcher Kodaly: Mrs J. Bruce Primary/Clerical Assistant: Mrs N. Anderson
Address of Education Department - Director of Education Angus House Orchardbank Business Park Forfar DD8 1AE Tel: 08452 777778 Fax: 01307 461848 E-mail: [email protected]
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SCHOOL AIMS
♦ To promote effective learning and teaching by providing an appropriate curriculum which meets the needs of all pupils and takes into account National and Local Authority guidelines. ♦ To be a happy school – a school to which the pupils will enjoy coming. A school which will provide an atmosphere of mutual respect and common commitment between pupils and teachers and a school which will be very much a community, in which attitudes of tolerance, self respect and goodwill be promoted. ♦ To plan for continuous improvement through target setting and raising standards. ♦ To promote equality and help every pupil benefit from education. ♦ To provide a stimulating environment for learning. ♦ To further develop a spirit of co-operation between school, parents and the wider community. ♦ To set achievable and realistically high standards and expectations.
VISITS FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS
Prospective parents should telephone the school, in the first instance, to make an appointment to visit. Towards the end of the Summer Term, the new entrants for the following August are invited to come to school for two afternoons to meet their teacher, the other children who will be in their class, and generally to sample school life.
Parents will be informed of these afternoons well in advance.
ORGANISATION OF SCHOOL DAY
School hours: Morning session 9.00 a.m.-12.30 p.m. Morning interval 10.30 a.m.-10.50 a.m. Afternoon session (P1-7) 1.30 p.m.-3.20 p.m.
Pre-school: Morning session 9.00 a.m.-11.30 a.m.
School will close at 12 noon on the last day day of term before the Christmas and Summer holidays.
PRE-SCHOOL ENROLMENTS
Parents are invited to enrol pre-school children in the pre-school class whose catchment area contains their normal place of residence. Any parent wishing to request a place in a pre-school class other than that serving her/his normal place of residence is free to do so, and that request will be granted if it is possible.
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More information is available from school.
P1 SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Primary 1 induction takes place at the school during the beginning of the Autumn term and ends on the second Monday in September. Parents are notified of this induction period by letter or newsletter prior to the school summer holiday period.
UNIFORM AND CLOTHING
We encourage the wearing of a grey uniform with a white sports shirt which may be worn with school sweatshirt in either red or grey.
In PE, the children should change into shorts, T-shirt and gym shoes. For Health and Safety reasons hair should be tied back to prevent it obscuring pupils vision.
It is advisable to provide your child with some kind of protective clothing - an old shirt is ideal, when they are doing “messy” work e.g art activities.
It is important that all childrens’ clothes should be clearly named.
SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANTS
Parents or carers who have a child under 16 attending an Angus school and receive any of the following:
• Income Support • Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance • Income-based Employment Support Allowance • Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, and where your income is less than £16,190 (in 2010/11 as assessed by the Inland Revenue) • Support provided under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • Both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an income below the threshold for receipt of maximum Working Tax Credit, currently set by the Government at £6,420 • Working Tax Credit with an income less than £16,190 qualify for a School Clothing Grant.
Entitlement to Clothing Grants is assessed as part of the application process for Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit and you should complete an application form which is available at your local benefit enquiry office or by telephoning 01382 536500 or FREEPHONE 0800 252056 (mobiles may be charged).
However, if you are not eligible for Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit a separate application process exists and you should still contact any of the telephone numbers above for details.
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THE CURRICULUM
The curriculum of the primary school is child centred. We aim at providing learning situations which are appropriate and meaningful to the individual child.
The main areas of the curriculum are language, mathematics, environmental studies, expressive arts, religious and moral education and personal and social development.
In delivering the above curriculum, it is important that there is differentiation, continuity and progression in each child’s learning.
While more time is allocated to some aspects of the curriculum than others, this should not be interpreted to mean that some aspects of the curriculum are considered more important than others.
As a means of ensuring sufficient breadth – the following Curriculum Subjects have been identified as follows:
Language
Language is at the heart of children’s learning and has an essential role across the curriculum.
It is central to intellectual, emotional and social development throughout life.
The Language curriculum will value children’s own sets of experiences, build on children’s early knowledge of language, value cultural diversity in language and value dialects and other languages.
It should develop an awareness of our literary heritage, including that of Scotland.
The Language curriculum will, therefore, provide appropriate forms of support for all children and ensure progression and continuity by careful monitoring and assessment. It will allow children to negotiate realistic targets with teachers.
All our aims will best flourish in a climate of positive motivation where Language is clearly perceived by both learner and teacher as worthwhile and interesting for its own sake. The Language curriculum will provide opportunities for children to share their successes with parents and the wider community.
Expressive Arts
The Expressive Arts encourage the exploration of values, foster imagination and creativity, develop practical and perceptual skills and promote intellectual and aesthetic development.
Our aims within each of the areas of Expressive Arts are as follows:
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Art
Art & Design should provide all pupils with opportunities:
- to consider, select and organise materials - to develop knowledge of techniques, processes and skills appropriate to the activity and to the individual’s stage of development, in a learning environment which stimulates awareness and imagination - to use feelings, imagination and memory to develop, express and communicate ideas and solutions - to enjoy and appreciate their own art and that of others
Drama
Drama should provide all pupils with opportunities
- to communicate ideas and feelings through language, expression and movement, in real and imaginary contexts - to develop confidence and self-esteem in their day-to-day interaction with others - to develop sensitivity towards the feelings, opinions and values of others - to develop a range of dramatic skills and techniques
Physical Education
PE should help each child achieve his/her full potential through a wide range of movement experience.
PE contributes to the physical, mental, social and emotional development of the child as an integral part of the whole Health Education process.
Participation in PE should give the pupil the opportunity to experience a balanced programme of activities consisting of the following essential elements – Games – Gymnastics – Dance – Swimming – Athletics.
Music
- to encourage enjoyment of all music and to ensure that all children have the opportunity to create, perform and respond positively to music - to give children the opportunity to realise their full musical potential,whatever their abilities
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Values
In our school we are committed both through the ethos and the curriculum to provide appropriate opportunities for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural values. This will be undertaken in partnership with parents and will take account of the individual needs of pupils and the
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views of parents.
The school welcomes and encourages diversity and individuality while emphasising our common commitment to moral values such as honesty, respect for others, compassion and justice. It is a fundamental principle of our school that all who are involved in the life of our school both have the right to be respected as individuals and carry the responsibility to act in a considerate and respectful manner towards others.
We implement the Council’s policy for Equal Opportunities and ensure that all pupils have access to the full range of educational experiences available within the resources of the school. We are firmly committed to the elimination of any form of discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender and disability.
Religious and Moral Education
The programme for Religious Education in our school aims to help pupils learn about Christianity and other major world religions and to recognise religion as an important expression of human experience. Pupils will also be encouraged to learn from religions and helped to develop their own beliefs, attitudes, moral values and practices through a process of personal search, discovery and critical evaluation.
The school holds regular assemblies which provide opportunities for pupils to share together and celebrate as a school community those things which we value. They also provide opportunities for our pupils to reflect on spiritual and moral concerns. Through this, pupils can increase their understanding of religious practices and the experience which underlies them.
At the end of the Spring, Summer and Christmas terms, an end of term service is held in Inverarity Church to which parents and friends are invited.
Mathematics
Mathematics plays an important role in our lives. It is used in everyday activities such as buying food and clothes, keeping time and playing games.
The aims of the mathematics programme, which is for all pupils, regardless of gender, race or ability, are: - to develop computational skills (number bonds and tables) and their use with speed and accuracy whilst also developing knowledge, facts and techniques in other aspects of maths - to develop problem solving and investigative skills and techniques - to provide activities and problems which are practical and realistic and to stress the need for mathematical ideas and skills in our daily lives - to make mathematics interesting and enjoyable
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Environmental Studies
The environment is something to learn from, learn about and be responsive to, because the environment enriches learning, because pupils should understand their environment and because the environment matters.
Environmental studies aims to:
- foster and encourage the development of the child’s understanding of his environment through his own immediate experience - foster and encourage the development of a sympathetic appreciation of people and their environment - foster an appreciation of the beauty and interdependence of all inanimate and living things - to develop the skills which lead to an understanding of man’s physical environment, the continuity and change in society, man’s ability to adapt to these with particular reference to our own heritage - Environmental studies in this school will be put into practice through a study of “Topics”. There will be a 3-year cyclic development programme of topics to be studied. Time must also be planned for Festivals, Seasons or something which may be of topical interest
Homework
The aims in giving homework are partly to familiarise parents with the work their children are doing in school, partly to consolidate new information and skills, and partly to give children the chance to work independently at home.
A small amount of homework may be given. Homework tasks might include reading and reading skills work, spelling, handwriting, Times tables practise, maths consolidation tasks and research projects.
No new work will be given for homework - it will have been taught in school first.
A Curriculum for Excellence
Curriculum for Excellence is a major national educational reform designed to provide a richer, more flexible 3-18 curriculum which will equip children and young people for learning, life and work in the 21st century by focusing firmly on their needs.
The ambition of a Curriculum for Excellence is that all children and every young person will become: - successful learners - confident individuals - effective contributors to society and work - responsible citizens.
The curriculum is the complete range of experiences and activities planned for children and young people throughout their schooling.
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Learning in schools will take place through a wide range of planned experiences and outcomes in the following eight curriculum areas: - Expressive Arts - Languages and Literacy - Health and Well Being - Mathematics and Numeracy - Sciences - Religious and Moral Education - Technologies - Social Studies.
Sometimes the learning experiences may be linked together through themes and projects covering several areas of the curriculum. At other times, learning will take place in individual subject areas. Learning will also be developed through day to day involvement in the life and work of the school community and the wider community.
Opportunities will be provided for young people to develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work.
Arrangements will be made to ensure that young people are assisted to achieve their full potential through the delivery of appropriate personal support.
You can learn how primary, secondary and local authorities throughout Scotland are currently taking forward Curriculum for Excellence by visiting the following areas of the Learning and Teaching Scotland website: www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov..uk/sharingpractice/index.asp www.Itscotland.org.uk/parentsaspartnersinlearning/sharingpractice/earlyyears/index.as p
ASSESSMENT
To help children learn, teachers need to know how they are progressing with their learning. They do this by
- watching children at work - talking with children - marking children’s classwork - setting tests from time to time
Teachers take notes on what they observe. They use these notes
- to plan the next steps in children’s learning - to tell children and their parents how they are progressing
Assessment is an important and integral part of the learning and teaching process.
A formal report is sent home to parents in May. Copies of all reports are sent to Forfar Academy when children transfer there or any other primary school which the child might later attend.
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ATTAINMENT
Almost all pupils are meeting or exceeding national targets.
Attainment levels in P3-7 were - Reading 87% Writing 87% Mathematics 87%
Overall attainment levels for Angus – 08/09 – Reading 84% Writing 77% Mathematics 86%
OUTDOOR AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
P4-7 are given the opportunity to have violin lessons with the instrumental teacher.
P4-7 have a block of 10 weeks swimming instruction at Forfar Swimming Pool.
Various educational outings will take place during the school year.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is essential to good learning situations. The general aim of the school is to provide an atmosphere of mutual respect and collective responsibility. Pupils, parents and teachers all have an important part to play in producing this. The rules of the school are of a common sense nature, bearing in mind the interest and safely of all concerned.
SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT
The school policy seeks to cover the need for a positive attitude towards all aspects of a pupil’s daily life at school and in the wider community.
General Rules
1. Regular attendance and punctuality. 2. Behaviour in common areas - corridors, toilets, cloakrooms, etc. 3. Respect for all school property and the property of other individuals. 4. Safety, hygiene and general well-being of the pupils.
Classroom or any teaching situation
1. Orderliness and tidiness of the work undertaken. 2. Establishment of good relationships and responsible social behaviour. 3. Responsible attitude to the quality and quantity of a pupil’s work.
Playground
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1. Proper consideration for others in the playground - pupils, visitors, neighbours of the school and passers-by. 2. General cleanliness of the playground. 3. Safety of the children near parked cars and large wastebins. 4. To stay within the prescribed play areas for the reasons of safety and protection.
Outwith the school
1. The need for socially acceptable behaviour outwith the school: school transport, school outings, inter-school sports. 2. Respect for the general public at all times.
SAFETY
There are safety regulations which apply to all aspects of school life and pupils receive regular instruction in fire drill practices, road safety, etc. I am confident that we can rely on all parents to ensure a responsible attitude on the part of your children in matters of safety.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance and Absence for School Year 2008-09/Minimising Overall Absence (see information sheet at back of booklet.
Pupil Absences: Revised Management Procedures
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the issue of child protection and safety due to reported occasions where children have been seriously or fatally injured because of the inappropriate or criminal behaviour of adults.
Whilst it should be noted that there has been no such instance occurring within Angus, it is important that staff and parents do not become complacent and continue to work together to develop and improve upon existing arrangements for monitoring the care and welfare of all children and young people.
With that specific aim in mind, the Education Authority has asked all schools to implement a series of standard procedures to monitor pupil attendance and absence from school and to invite the co-operation of parents in making these changes work. All parents are asked to assist the staff in the schools which their children attend in the manner described below:
Attendance
Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children attend school regularly and arrive on time. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety of their children on their journeys to and from school.
Regular and punctual attendance is linked closely to achievement and school staff wish to work with parents to ensure that children can reach their full potential. The school is
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required by law to maintain an accurate record of the attendance and absence of each pupil and parents are requested to assist in this process by keeping the school informed if their child is to be absent for any reason.
It is important to note that if a child does not arrive at school and there is no reasonable explanation provided for his/her absence, then members of staff will be required to ascertain the whereabouts and safety of the individual child. In order to avoid causing unnecessary concern for staff and parents, the importance of good communication between home and school cannot be over-emphasised.
Parents are asked to assist school staff in the manner detailed below:
If your child is unable to attend school through illness, please telephone the school between 8.45 and 9.15 a.m. on the first day of his/her absence. If you would find it more convenient to send in a note via your child’s brother or sister, or a friend, that would also be acceptable. If your child becomes unwell at lunchtime and is unable to return to school in the afternoon, please telephone the school before the beginning of the afternoon session to inform a member of staff. When you contact the school, it would be helpful if an indication could be given as to the child’s expected length of absence from school. On your child’s return to school, a note should be provided explaining the reason for absence and confirming the periods of absence from the school. The note should be signed and dated.
Planned Absence
Parents are encouraged not to arrange family holidays during term time, but it is realised that, in exceptional circumstances, this is unavoidable. In such cases, parents are asked to provide the Head Teacher with information of the dates when the child is to be absent from the school in good time.
Except in cases of emergency, planned appointments for children to attend the dentist or doctor should be made outwith the school day.
Contact details
Parents are asked to ensure that telephone contact numbers – home, work and emergency contact(s) are kept up-to-date and are numbers at which a response can be obtained in all normal circumstances.
HEALTH CARE
Specific school staff attend to first aid and we have regular visits from the School nurse and dentist. Please tell us as soon as possible if your child has a specific medical condition. The School Health Team, working in partnership with parents and teachers, carries out assessments to attain the best level of health for all school children.
Primary 1 -
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Parents are asked to return a completed health questionnaire. A Health Support Worker checks height and weight for all children and health interviews will be carried out by the school nurse on selected children only. Hearing and vision are no longer checked in school.
Primary 7 -
All parents are asked to return a completed health questionnaire. An opportunity to discuss health problems with the School Nurse is offered.
Children with an identified health need may be seen more frequently.
How Can Parents Help?
1. Contact the school or school Health Service if you are worried about any aspect of your child’s health, emotional well-being or learning. 2. Please fill in and return all questionnaires sent to you. This helps the school Nurse enormously. 3. If you are offered a health interview, please keep the appointment or request an alternative. 4. If you feel that a problem has not been solved, please let us know.
You Can Contact Your School Health Staff At -
Whitehills Health & Community Care Centre, Station Road, Forfar, DD8 3DY – M andy Finlayson, School Nurse – 01307 475274 – [email protected] Gillian Rioch, Public Health Support Worker – 01307 475274 – [email protected]
If a child becomes ill or has an accident in school, the parents or the emergency contact will be informed as soon as possible. Parents must inform the school of specific medical conditions about a child, so that the school can take appropriate action.
Our primary assistant attends to first aid in school.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES
Many pupils will, at some time in their school careers, need to take medication. For the vast majority, this will be a short-term requirement with pupils simply finishing a course of medication which has been prescribed for them by their family doctor. Wherever possible, parents are requested to ask for GP prescriptions which can be administered outwith the school day, i.e. in the morning and evening.
However, pupils may have medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes which may require long-term support and, if their conditions are not properly managed by taking regular medication in school, their access to education could be limited. In addition, some children have conditions which may require occasional staff intervention e.g. severe allergic conditions such as anaphylaxis. Pupils with such conditions are regarded as having health care needs but, notwithstanding these, the vast
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majority of children with such needs are able to attend school regularly and, with some support from the school staff, are able to take part in most normal school activities.
In any of these circumstances, parents (or young people themselves if they are over the age of 16) should discuss the matter with school staff and agree the arrangements which will be made to provide support for the pupil. A written request form must be completed in advance when any medication is to be administered or taken in school.
Inverarity Primary School – Policy on Administration of Medication
Many pupils will, at some time in their school careers, need to take medication in school. For the vast majority, this will be a short-term requirement, with pupils simply finishing a course of medication which has been prescribed for them by their family doctor. Other pupils have medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes which may require long- term support and, if their conditions are not properly managed by taking regular medication, their access to education could be limited.
Some children have conditions which may require occasional staff intervention – e.g. severe allergic conditions such as anaphylaxis. Pupils with such conditions are regarded as having health care needs but, nevertheless, the vast majority of children with such needs are able to attend school regularly and, with some support from the school staff, are able to take part in most normal school activities.
A small number of pupils have very particular support needs but with appropriate intervention by staff, they can still attend and participate fully in the life of the school.
Children who are unwell should not be sent to school as they will not be able to work or study as required and may spread infection amongst other pupils and staff.
There is no legal duty for teaching staff to administer medication and where teaching staff do so, this is entirely on a voluntary basis. However, where schools have Support for Learning Assistants, part of their job description includes a requirement that they assist with the administration of medication and this has proved to be a most satisfactory means of addressing the issue in practice.
Parents are required to provide the Head Teacher with relevant information about their child’s health care needs and treatment and, in collaboration with health professionals and the Head Teacher should reach an understanding of the school’s role in helping to meet the child’s health care needs.
Parents are responsible for supplying information about any medicines their child needs to take in school and for letting the school know of any changes to the prescription or support needed. The parent should provide written details including: name of medication; dosage; method of administration; time and frequency of administration; other treatment; any possible side effects.
Parents will be required to complete a form (available from school) recording the details of the medication and this information will be included within the agreed protocol which is drawn up for the child.
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The school will keep individual records noting the medicines which have been taken by pupils.
All medication will be kept in a locked cabinet and some medication will also require to be stored in a refrigerator.
Although medication will be locked away, all staff will know where to obtain keys to the medicine cabinet in an emergency.
Whenever a specific intervention or action is necessary, an individual protocol will be drawn up for each child concerned. These protocols, which require to be confirmed by the parents, the school and the Authority, relate to: routine administration of medication in school; emergency treatment in school; management of epilepsy in school; gastrostomy feeding; naso-gastric feeding; management of asthma in school.
No medication should be held by schools other than that required as a result of the individual protocols which have been drawn up in school in collaboration with parents and the Authority.
When pupils carry their own medication and self –administer without any reference to staff, the school accepts no responsibility or liability.
THE PROGRAMME OF ROUTINE DENTAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN
Tayside Community Dental Service will be inspecting P1 and P7 children in schools as part of the National Dental Inspection Programme. Written parental consent is not required for dental inspections, but parents will be informed in writing approximately one week before the inspection date. Immediately after the inspection, parents will be informed in writing of their child’s caries (dental decay) risk category. Those children who are not registered with a dentist are invited to arrange an appointment for their child to attend the Community Dental Service for a single course of treatment after which parents are encouraged to register their children with a general practitioner. Treatment is undertaken at a clinic or in a mobile dental unit, at a location convenient to the patient. Parents are invited to attend.
TRANSPORT
The Authority will provide transport for all primary school pupils living over two miles from their delineated area schools. In these cases, bus passes are issued to pupils where suitable public transport exists, and contract transport is arranged where there is no suitable public transport. Vacant seats on non-registered vehicles may be allocated to pupils on a concessionary basis. Concessionary seats must be re-applied for an annual basis prior to the end of the school year in July.
Where a parent who resides less than two miles from the delineated area primary school considers that on grounds of safety the journey to school is unreasonable for his/her child to undertake when accompanied by a responsible adult, he/she may apply to the Director of Education for consideration to be given to the provision of transport. This applies only where no suitable public transport is available.
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Application forms are available from the school office or from Angus Council, Education Department, Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar, DD8 1AE. Tel: 08452 777 778. The Education Department may also consider requests for transport involving exceptional circumstances.
Special Schools and Bases
The Authority may provide free transport where necessary for pupils who attend a resourced school proposed by the Authority. In certain cases, pupils may be encouraged to make their own way to school by public transport, and where this is authorised, bus passes are issued. Where a pupil’s address falls in the delineated area of a resourced school, and is within reasonable walking distance, the Authority will take advice from the Community Child Health Service before deciding if free transport should be provided.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS STATEMENT
School lunches can be provided for children requiring medically prescribed diets. These are diets required to treat a specific condition e.g. a gluten free diet for coeliac disease, a milk free diet for milk intolerance. To organise a diet for your child, you need to ask your GP or Dietician to write to: Fiona Dawson, Monitoring Officer, Education Department, Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar, DD8 1AE. Please include details of your child’s name, address, date of birth, the school they attend and the type of diet they are on.
SCHOOL MEALS
It is the Authority’s policy to provide meals and facilities for the consumption of packed lunches in all schools where these are required.
School lunches are provided by Tayside Contracts and school menus meet the Nutrient Standards set for school lunches. School lunches are planned so that children can choose a well balanced meal, which includes a good selection of bread, vegetables, fresh fruit, milk and fruit juice being available daily. Parents should be aware that they can request a special diet for their children if there are medical or religious reasons for doing so.
However, some pupils prefer a packed lunch. We think a well balanced packed lunch with tasty alternative to chocolate biscuits and sweets is very important, although one small treat per day does no harm! Dates, raisins, sultanas, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes and seasonal fruit could provide healthy alternatives. Unflavoured milk and water are the ideal drinks for teeth and a pure fruit drink or mineral water is better than drinks with a high sugar content.
Sandwiches often form a major part of a packed lunch. Fillings for sandwiches should be chosen with care because the packed lunch will be stored in a warm classroom for a number of hours. It is therefore advisable to use a cool bag and ice pack and choose fillings which are less likely to be affected e.g. cheese and tomato, salad, egg and
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tomato. An alternative to sandwiches could be cooked pasta with a variety of fruit or vegetables and a suitable dressing. Occasionally a piece of quiche or pizza could be included.
The school aims to encourage young people to enjoy food which is both attractive to them and nutritionally sound whether this is a school meal, a packed lunch or a snack. We would appreciate your support in achieving this aim.
Free school meals are available to all pupils whose parents or carers receive- • Income Support • Income based Job Seekers Allowance • Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, and where their income is less than £16,190 (in 2010/11 as assessed by the Inland Revenue) • Support provided under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. • Both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an income below the threshold for receipt of maximum Working Tax Credit, currently set by the Government at £6,420.
Entitlement to Free School Meals is assessed as part of the application process for Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit and you should complete an application form which is available at your local benefit enquiry office or by telephoning 01382 536500 or FREEPHONE 0800 252056 (mobiles may be charged).
However, if you are not eligible for Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit a separate application process exists and you should still contact any of the telephone numbers above for details.
All school meals and packed lunches are eaten under supervision in the dining hall. For safety reasons, glass containers and knives should not be brought to school.
Payment for school meals should normally be brought to school on Monday mornings. Obviously, there may be unexpected odd days when you wish your child to have a school meal and at such times the child should give their teacher the payment at the beginning of the day.
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
Selection for lessons is made when vacancies in various classes occur. This normally happens at the P4 or P5 stage. Notice of the vacancies are circulated to parents who can then ask for their child to be tested if they wish to have instrumental lessons. Final selection to study an instrument is made by the appropriate instructor. A contribution for lessons is charged at the current rate.
Should your child be selected for Instrumental lessons, no contributions will be charged if you are in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related), Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (with an annual income of less than £16,190 as assessed by the Inland Revenue).
PARENT COUNCILS
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Parent Councils are now established in all Angus primary and secondary schools. The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 recognises the vital role that parents play in supporting their children’s learning.
The basic principle under-pinning the Act is the desire to have children become more ‘confident learners’ through closer working between each family and school. It is anticipated this can be done in three ways –
Learning at Home: direct parental involvement in the child’s learning at home and in the community
Home/School Partnership: closer working partnerships between parents and the school – such partnerships being essential to ensure the child gets maximum benefit from their school experiences
Parental Representation: Parent Councils will be parent led and school supported, with all parents being automatically members of the ‘Parent Forum’, with the Parent Council representing their views
You can find out more about your Parent Council from the Head Teacher.
Scottish Parent Teacher Council
The Scottish Parent Teacher Council is the national organisation for PTAs and PAs in Scotland and runs an independent helpline service for all parents. You can contact them by phone on 0131 226 1917, fax on 0131 226 4378, email on [email protected] or write to SPTC, 53 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT. You can also view their web site at www.sptc.info.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
In Inverarity we recognise the importance of working in partnership with parents to provide a stimulating and pleasant working enviroment. Parents are encouraged to become involved with the school in a variety of ways. • The school has a very effective and active Parent Council which enhances the overall education provided for our pupils. All parents are members of the Parent Council and we would encourage parents to attend meetings and take part in activities and events organised by the Parent Council e.g Fruity Friday Tuck Shop, Hallowe’en and Christmas Parties, Christmas Fair, Church Service teas and coffees and many fundraising activities. • Parents are encouraged to share their views, ideas and opinions in various ways e.g formal and informal parent/teacher meetings, Parent Council Forum, questionaires and through our friendly open door policy. • Parent Helpers are welcomed in the school. There are many opportunities for parents and members of the community to share their knowledge and skills with the children. Volunteers help with, for example, sports clubs, school library, school garden, transporting and accompanying children on educational visits, giving talks to the children and in many other ways. Parents wishing to volunteer should contact the school
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• The school’s Eco Committee is involved in many varied projects. Currently the school is working towards gaining the Eco Schools Green Flag award. The Eco Committee are always looking for volunteers to help with the school garden, recycling, promoting biodiversity within the school grounds and raising awareness of Eco issues within the community.
INSURANCE
The Authority insures against its legal liability for -
(a) Accidental personal injury and (b) Accidental damage to property not belonging to the school or Council
This means that if an injury is sustained or personal property is damaged/broken/lost due to negligence or omission on the part of the school or its staff, claim costs will be met by the Council’s public liability policy. There is no automatic right to compensation. It is the responsibility of the person making the claim to prove that the Council has been negligent in their actions leading to the loss.
Parents may wish to consider their own insurance arrangements in terms of appropriate extentions to their household insurance or arranging their own separate covers.
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LINKS
Links with the community are used to enhance the learning opportunities for the pupils.
The school has links with the local Community Council. Joint projects include development of school reading resources, Christmas Fair and Eco Green Flag Award Scheme. The Local Heritage Group supports the school in promoting awareness of aspects of local history e.g in topic work (Grain Mill topic). The school has links with the RDA (Riding For The Disabled Association). The local Chaplin is a regular visitor to the school and school services are held at Inverarity Church. Through the Parent Council and the school’s Eco Committee the pupils are raising awareness of eco issues within the community e.g recycling clothing etc through Rag Bag collections. The staff and pupils are involved in the Heartstart project. ‘Volunteering For Life’ Community Planning Partnership Project for P5-7 pupils. The school’s Eco Committee are working with the local community towards the school’s Green Eco Award.
PARENTAL ACCESS TO RECORDS
The school Pupil Records (Scotland) Regulations 1990
Details of the regulations and process for obtaining information specific to pupils are available by contacting the school directly.
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CHILD PROTECTION
Given on-going public concern on the subject of child abuse and recent changes in the law, schools are now required to report if we think any child has come to harm as a consequence of possible abuse.
A member of staff in each school has been appointed to be responsible for Child Protection matters and special training has been given to these people. At Inverarity School the designated Child Protection Officer is Mrs Jennifer Grant. Should you wish further advice about Child Protection and the safety of children, please feel free to contact the school.
The school has good liaison contact with the School Medical Officers, Social Workers and the Police, any or all of whom may become involved if abuse is suspected.
POLICY ON PROVISION TO MEET ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS Angus Council Education Authority
Support for Learners
Local, direct support is usually the best way to meet pupils' needs, and all Angus schools support pupils who have additional support needs (ASN). If parents* have any questions about their child's progress or well-being at school, they should discuss these first with the class teacher or Head Teacher. (The term parent is used to include parents, guardians and carers with parental responsibilities).
Pupils who have more significant identified needs, and need more support than can be provided in their local primary school, can be supported in the area 'resourced provision', a school which has additional staffing and resources. At least one primary in every Angus burgh is additionally resourced, and all Angus secondary schools are resourced provisions. There is no special school in Angus, and so some Angus resourced locations also have additional levels of staffing, expertise or resources to allow them to meet very significant or profound needs.
Identifying and Reviewing Additional Support Needs
In Angus the 'Staged Intervention' process is used to identify and meet pupils' needs, and to manage and review provision. This is explained in more detail below. Parents and young people also have the right to ask the education authority to establish if a pupil has ASN, and consider if a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) is needed. (CSPs are also described in more detail below.)
Parents can also arrange an assessment privately and ask the Education Authority to take the assessment report into account. Requests should be made in writing to:- Director of Education, Angus House, Forfar DD8 1AE ([email protected]) describing the type of assessment and why it is necessary. Requests are acknowledged promptly and usually agreed unless this would be 'unreasonable'.
Staged Intervention Process
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Stage 1- All Pupils Stage 1 describes the everyday business of our schools. Pupils and parents are involved as a matter of course. Assessment of pupil progress and support needs is part of daily classroom processes. Additional or alternative teacher-based approaches meet identified need.
Stage 2 - Estimated 20% of Pupils Assessment and review is still school-based but may involve 'networking' with education support services (eg Educational Psychology Service, School & Family Support Service) or other agencies such as Community Child Health, or Social Work & Health. An Individualised Education Programme (IEP) is in place to manage and review both needs and support provided. (IEPs are described more fully below.)
Stage 3 - Estimated 5% of Pupils A pupil is experiencing significant delay, disruption or distress in their learning, social development or personal circumstances, and an interagency case conference is held. The meeting may consider a Coordinated Support Plan (CSP -see more information below).
Stage 4 - Under 2% of Pupils Decision-making and resource allocation by the Angus Council Resource Management Team may lead to significant additional resources or alternative packages of care / education.
Stage 5 Senior Education and Social Work and Health Managers take decisions on an individual case basis. Exceptional resources may be necessary, such as education or care provision outwith Angus.
Individualised Educational Programmes
An Individualised Educational Programme (IEP) is an education planning document managed by schools setting out long and short term educational targets. Parents, and where appropriate, pupils, are involved in review each term.
Co-ordinated Support Plans (CSPs)
A Co-ordinated Support Plan is an educational planning tool which plans long term and strategically for a year at a time. A CSP is made by the education authority in cases where education staff are working together with colleagues from another agency to provide significant levels of support to a pupil.
What to do if you are anxious about the support your child has in school
The Education Authority values partnership working with parents and will do everything possible to help resolve concerns or differences of opinion at an early stage.
If you have any queries or anxieties about your child's additional needs, or about the support being provided to meet those needs, as a first step please contact your child's class teacher or Head Teacher. If you would find it helpful to discuss a problem
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informally with someone other than school staff, please contact Mrs Frances Watt, Montrose Road Centre, Forfar DD8 2LG (01307 473663 or [email protected]). Mrs Watt can offer advice and assistance herself, or arrange for colleagues who have a specific area of expertise in Support for Learners to be in touch with you subsequently.
Parents and young people have the right to:
Independent Mediation Services This service is free and involves an independent third party who helps to resolve disagreements between education authority and parents or young people. A local independent mediation service can be accessed through contacting Moira Bisset, Parent to Parent, Ryehill Health Centre, St. Peter Street, Dundee DD1 4JH (01382 455200 [email protected]).
Free Dispute Resolution Some disagreements, such as about the assessment of additional support needs or the level of support, can be referred for written review by an adjudicator independent of the council. Requests for Dispute Resolution should be made in writing or electronically to the Director of Education, Angus House, Forfar DD8 1AE [email protected].
Refer to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal Scotland (ANSTS) Parents and young people can appeal to the ASNTS about decisions involving a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) http://www.asntscotland.gov.uk (0845 120 2906). A new national advocacy service provides advice to parents and young people about grounds for a referral. Contact Barnardo's, 235 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 7AR (0131 3349893) http://www.barnardos.orq.uk.
Independent advice and information is available from Enquire, the Scottish Advice Service for ASL http://enquire.org.uk/ (0845 123 2303).
The Govan Law Centre Education Law Unit Govan Law Centre, 47 Burleigh Street, Govan, Glasgow G51 3LB. 0141 445 1955 http://www.govanlc.com/index.html works in partnership to support pupils' and parents' rights in education.
The Angus 'Support for Learners' Policy at www.angus.gov.uk/sflpolicy (currently under review) provides more detailed information on all of these topics. For any queries related to Support for Learning, contact Mrs Frances Watt, Montrose Road Centre, Forfar DD8 2LG (01307 473663 [email protected]).
School Policy
The school’s policy is to support pupils with additional support needs alongside their peer group, in the normal classroom setting. Individually targeted work at a level accessible to the child and designed to support the learning process is normally provided by the class teacher and learning support staff.
TRANSFERRING EDUCATIONAL DATA ABOUT PUPILS
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Education authorities and the Scottish Government collected data about pupils on paper forms for many years. We now work together with schools to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed programme. This 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 the Scottish Government itself.
What pupil data is collected and transferred?
Data on each pupil is collected by schools, local authorities and ScotXed. The data collected and transferred covers areas such as date of birth, Scottish Candidate Number (SCN), postcode, registration for free school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local authority, additional support needs including disability and English as an Additional Language (EAL), and attendance, absence and exclusions from school. The SCN acts as the unique pupil identifier. Pupil names and addresses are not passed to ScotXed. Your postcode is the only part of your address that is transferred for statistical purposes, and postcodes are grouped to identify ‘localities’ rather than specific addresses. Dates of birth are passed on as ‘month and year’ only, again to ensure that individuals are never identifed. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by ScotXed. Providing national identity and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary. You can choose the ‘not disclosed’ option if you do not want to provide this data. However, we hope that the explanations contained in this message and on our website will help you understand the importance of providing the data.
Transfer of Pupil Data to NHS
Data is also transferred between the authority and NHS Tayside for a number of reasons e.g. we receive a data feed of pre-school children in order that we can project future school rolls; we provide data of pupils at different ages in order that NHS Tayside can offer your child, with your approval, specific health checks or advice through the school. The data we transfer is usually your child’s name, address, date of birth and gender which in most cases is already held on the NHS database. The reason for transferring the data is to ensure both the Council and the NHS databases are as accurate as possible.
How Does Angus Council Hold and Store Pupil Data
Angus Council use a system called SEEMIS which is used in almost all local authorities in Scotland and is subject to independent scrutiny to ensure it is a secure environment for holding such data. Our schools update the data held in the system when they have an education update to make to a pupil’s record or when they receive advice from a parent or guardian either through the Annual Data Check exercise or when they are made aware of a change of circumstances at any other time in the year.
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Please note that we also hold, on the above system, a copy of your child’s photograph which is provided by the school photographer on a CD. This CD is duly destroyed at the end of each session.
You should note that no one can access these photographs unless they are authorised to use the system by entering their User Code and a Unique Password.
Why do we need your data?
In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, ScotXed, 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 that influence pupil attainment and achievement Share good practice Target resources better
Data is also transferred to ScotXed for pupils who have left school to provide accurate data on pupils in each school year who leave school having attained the minimum school leaving age. Careers Scotland also receives this data in order that they can provide an appropriate support service to school leavers.
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).
ScotXed works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of Education and the SQA. On occasion we will make individual data avilable to partners and also academic institutions 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 ScotXed, 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 colleagues within and outwith ScotXed.
Concerns
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If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections, you can e-mail 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.
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Attainment 5 - 14 Levels session 2009/2010 (Parents should note that 2009 / 2010 is the last year of the 5-14 curriculum in Scottish primary schools and statistical information of this sort will no longer be available. From August 2010 the school will ensure that it is applying standards in assessment in an appropriate manner through participation in moderation activities at both a local and national level.)
BUDGETED RUNNING COSTS FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2009-10
(See information at back of booklet)
It is misleading to suppose that a school automatically offers a “better deal” for pupils because its costs are higher. It would also be unrealistic to assume that schools with lower unit costs than others are necessarily managed more economically and efficently.
Costs per pupil are dependent on a considerable number of factors; for instance – the size of the school plays a big part in determining costs per pupil.
SCHOOL TERM DATES AND HOLIDAYS
A list of Holiday Dates can be found at the back of this booklet. At the start of each new session, parents will be given an up-to-date list of the School Holiday Dates and School In-Service Days.
VISITS TO SCHOOL
All visitors to the school must report to the school office. Arrangements can be made there to contact the person the visitor wishes to see. If visitors are to be in the school for an extended period, they will be issued with identification badges.
PARENT CONTACT MEETINGS
Two interview evenings are held throughout the year. One in November and also in May to coincide with the School Report being sent home. This is an opportunity for parents to come along and discuss their child’s progress in private with the class teacher. These are the formal parent contact meetings in our school diary, but parents are welcome to come into school to discuss their child with the teacher concerned, at any time throughout the year. Please telephone first to make an appointment if possible.
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Contact with parents is obviously valuable. Often misunderstandings can be cleared quickly and a few minutes discussion can assist us greatly in dealing more appropriately with your child. If you wish to discuss any problem with me, please telephone, if possible, between 8.30-9.00 a.m. or between 3.30-4.00 p.m.
EMERGENCY CLOSURES
In the event of the school having to close due to an emergency e.g. adverse weather conditions putting pupils at risk, heating failure, etc. – the procedure is as follows:-
In the event of an emergency closure outwith school hours, an announcement will be made in the morning on Radio Tay and updated on the Tay Connect Information System 0844 855 1724, Selection One. During office hours, the Council’s ACCESSLine 08452 777 778 (low call rate) will provide updated information. Additional information is available on www.angus.gov.uk.
In case of an emergency, if effective arrangements are to be made, it is essential that the school has up-to-date information from parents regarding such things as changes in employer, telephone number, new emergency contact, etc.
LIAISON WITH SECONDARY SCHOOL
The school maintains close links with Forfar Academy and other primary schools within the Angus area. Our teachers and in some cases our pupils, visit other schools and establishments and other teachers and pupils visit us. This process is necessary for the professional development of staff, reciprocal understanding and the establishment of curricular consistency.
TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
Pupils normally transfer to Secondary School in August following completion of their P7 year. You will be contacted by letter and offered a place at the secondary school serving your home address which you may either accept or decline.
Secondary schools have their own arrangements for meetings with prospective parents, and you will be given details of these meetings.
Secondary staff visit P7 pupils to discuss aspects of their transfer with them, and in June, the children will spend 2 days at their chosen secondary school.
Parents who wish to transfer their children to a secondary school other than that proposed by the Education Authority must submit a written placement request by mid- March.
Placing Request forms are available from the Head Teacher or Education Department, Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar, DD8 1AE. Tel:- 08452 777 778.
OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS OF PUPILS AND OTHER AWARDS OBTAINED
Bronze Eco Award (working towards Silver Award).
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Accredited Health Promoting School.
NON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF PUPILS
Parent Council provide a Fruity Friday Tuck Shop.
Fundraising activities e.g pupils raised £111.69 for Children in Need.
P5 pupils participated in WHICH WRITER WINS.
Educational visits e.g Barry Mill, Dynamic Earth, Rosemount Farm, Dundee Fire Station and Theatre visits. Residential visit to Dalguise for P5-7 pupils.
P5-7 pupils took part in football training and rural football tournament.
P2 and 3 pupils participated in Tesco’s Football Training.
The school is working towards the Eco School’s Green Award led by our Eco Committee.
‘Volunteering For Life’ Community Planning Partnership Project for P5-7 pupils.
P7 pupils took part in an “Enterprise Day” hosted by Forfar Academy.
PARENTAL PARTICIPATION
We encourage parents to participate in many aspects of school life - not merely fund- raising! Your attendance at such events as end of term services, school sports, open days, etc. will be greatly appreciated by both teachers and children and will, I hope, give a valuable insight into our school.
Many parents ask us how best they can help their child at home. I should like to offer the following suggestions -
(a) Spend time talking to your child - discussing school, homework, etc (b) Encourage good work habits at home (c) Encourage your child to use the Public Library (d) Provide materials to stimulate interest (construction materials, books, musical instruments, art materials, etc) (e) Develop skills involved in practical everyday tasks (writing letters, buying goods, caring for animals and plants) (f) Take your child to places of educational interest (g) Arrange for your child to join local clubs or organisations dealing with the child’s interests
DRUGS EDUCATION
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In accordance with the Scottish Government guidelines and Angus Council Education Department policy and practice, and in common with all Angus schools, this school has in place procedures for dealing safely and effectively with drug-related incidents.
Parents of all pupils involved, will be informed whenever an incident occurs which involves possessing, using or selling illegal or controlled drugs or volatile substances -
in or around the school premises during school lunchtime or after-hours activities including visits and excursions on vehicles contracted by Angus council for transporting school pupils to and from school or school activities
Parents should note that it is Angus Council policy for Tayside Police to be involved in all instances where the drug(s) in question are illegal or controlled substances not prescribed to the possessor.
The attention of parents is also drawn to our school policy on the use of medication by pupils.
DRUGS (School Policy)
Definition – What Is A Drug?
A drug is a substance which, when taken into the body, changes the way we feel, the way we see things and the way our body works.
This policy covers a range of drugs including medicines, tobacco, alcohol, solvents and illegal drugs. It covers drugs misuse by pupils and adults.
Rationale
Current research indicates that drug use both legal and illegal is prevalent amongst young people in and beyond Angus. As part of the school’s care and welfare of its pupils, we believe we have a duty to inform and educate children about drug use. Drugs are a reality in children’s lives and schools share responsibility with parents and the community to educate pupils about the risks and consequences of drug use and misuse and to encourage them to make healthy, informed choices by increasing knowledge, challenging attitudes and practising skills. We also believe that the misuse of any drugs by members of the school community cannot be condoned and will be dealt with fairly, consistently and clearly with regard to the needs of the school and the individuals concerned. Fundamental to the school’s values and practice is the principle of sharing the responsibility for the education of children with parents, keeping them informed and involved at all times. Effective communication and co-operation is essential to the successful implementation of this policy.
This school is committed to the health and safety of everyone here and we will work together with parents and the local community to enable pupils to make healthy, informed choices and to discourage the misuse of drugs.
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Purposes
To develop a whole-school approach to drug education in the context of the Science curriculum and the Personal, Social and Health education programme To provide accurate and up-to-date information about a range of drugs, including medicines, alcohol and tobacco To explore attitudes and develop skills in making decisions about drugs To have a clear and agreed understanding among everyone in the school community about the implications and possible consequences of drug use/misuse To establish an atmosphere/environment/situation in which the school is free from the misuse of any drugs To clarify appropriate procedures in the management of drug related incidents
Guidelines
All pupils will follow an integrated drug education programme which is responsive to their needs and relevant to their age, experience and maturity. It will be delivered through the existing curriculum. It will focus on the development of self-esteem and decision making skills.
All staff will be provided with adequate training and support to help them deliver effective drug education and respond to situations with consistency and sensitivity, taking account of religious, social and cultural issues.
There is a procedure for the management of drug-related incidents – developed within the school in accordance with guidance from the Scottish Executive and Angus Council Education Department – of which all parents and pupils will be made aware.
We share responsibility for the education of pupils with parents, who will be kept informed and involved through newsletters, awareness-raising evenings and individual discussions when appropriate.
The school works with other agencies to provide relevant information and co-ordinated support.
The authority/school has a policy/procedure for the administration of medicines which must be followed for everyone’s safety.
The whole school and school grounds are designated No Smoking areas.
Management of drug-related incidents
A designated member of staff will be responsible for co-ordinating the management of drug-related incidents, offering sources of support and liaising with outside agencies, including the media. The procedures and the roles of all concerned will be communicated to all parents and pupils.
Within the school’s Personal and Social education programme, the role of pupils in supporting each other and responding safely and effectively to emergencies including
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drug-related incidents is made clear in a manner appropriate to the age and stage of development of each child.
Procedures
Medicines - Any medication would be administered only after notification/consultation with parent Tobacco - Angus Council has designated all school premises to be smoke free zones Alcohol - No alcohol will be consumed during the course of a normal school day Solvents - The school will ensure that potentially harmful substances are stored safely, and pupils supervised carefully in the event of them having to be used in the course of their work. The use of aerosol deodorants will be discouraged because of the potential risks to people with asthma or other bronchial problems Illegal Substances - No illegal or illicit substances should be brought to school or used on school premises.
To protect the health and safety of everyone in the school, regular checks will be made of the site to ensure that drug paraphernalia, particularly syringes, are cleared away.
Sanctions of appropriate severity, will be applied to the intentional misuse of any of the substances described above by any member of the school community travelling to and from school, on the school premises or while on school activities, trips and visits.
Sanctions up to, and including exclusion, (as a last resort) will be applied for –
Possession of any drug with the suspected intention to misuse Misuse of drugs on school premises Supplying/dealing drugs for the purposes of misuse
(Disciplinary action will also be taken against staff involved in any of the above)
Conclusion
The welfare of our pupils and staff is of paramount concern and we shall work together with everyone involved with the school to ensure the continued education and well being of all our children.
All staff and parents will be made aware of the contents of this policy, the implication for them and the education and welfare of pupils.
SEX EDUCATION
Our Health Education Programme relates to all stages of the school, and is based on national guidelines. It incorporates national advice on Sex Education and the purpose of this part of the Health Education Programme is to provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of sexuality
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and the processes of human reproduction, within the context of relationships based on love and respect.
What Will Be Taught?
We build on what children already know, taking account of their age, level of understanding, and stage of development and linking with other areas of the curriculum including:
- Religious and Moral Education - Science - Personal and Social Development
Certain key features permeate our programme – e.g: - Coping with Feelings - Respect for Others - Making Informed Choices - Ways of Keeping Safe
How Will Parents Be Consulted?
An effective programme of education about Sex and Relationships is best built on parents and schools working in partnership and assuming shared responsibilities. We aim to keep parents informed about the nature and purpose of the learning programme their children will follow, and to seek parents’ views at appropriate times. Any parents who do have any questions or concerns, should contact the Head Teacher directly.
WORKING TOGETHER IN ANGUS
Our aims include
- meeting the educational needs of young people, parents, users of our services and the wider community - providing equal access to educational opportunity and advice, regardless of gender, creed, race, social status or disability - continuing to develop the quality of education in Angus
We believe that this can be achieved only by working together in a positive partnership.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU to value you as an individual and support your contribution to your son/daughter’s education to provide you with an effective and suitable education as a user of our service to provide you with the necessary information at all times and to consult you on major issues and policies to respect your views and beliefs
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to welcome you into any of our educational establishments to provide access at times suitable to you to provide a safe and caring environment for learning to keep personal information confidential wherever possible to provide you with access to the information you require to reply to your enquiries as soon as possible and certainly within ten working days to welcome your comments and criticism and to respond positively to you to help you resolve any difficulties within an easily understood complaints procedure
YOUR COMMITMENT TO US to respect our staff, treat them fairly and support their work to provide support for learning at home to keep us informed about matters which may affect your child’s learning to meet with us when required in support of your child’s education to make any criticisms or complaints in a constructive way to help us resolve any difficulties, if necessary, through our complaints procedure to be realistic in your expectations of us
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ANGUS COUNCIL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL TERMS AND HOLIDAYS 2011/2012
Pupil School School Terms and Holidays 2011/2012 Days
AUTUMN Monday 15 August 2011 STAFF ONLY TERM (In-Service Closure Day 1 – all schools) START Tuesday 16 August 2011
Full time commencement of P1 pupils 12 September 2011 END Friday 30 September 2011 34
AUTUMN HOLIDAY Saturday 1 October 2011 to Sunday 16 October 2011
WINTER START Monday 17 October 2011 TERM Monday 28 November 2011 (In-Service Closure Day 2 – all schools) Tuesday 29 November 2011 (In-Service Closure Day 3 – all schools) Wednesday 30 November 2011 (St Andrew’s Day Holiday)
END Wednesday 21 December 2011 45
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY Thursday 22 December 2011 to Wednesday 4 January 2012
SPRING START Thursday 5 January 2012 TERM Thursday 16 February 2012 Forfar/Kirriemuir/Brechin/Montrose Schools only (In-Service Closure Day 4)
Friday 17 February 2012 ALL SCHOOLS Monday 20 February 2012 (Mid-Term Holidays)
Tuesday 21 February 2012 Monifieth/Carnoustie/Arbroath Schools only (In-Service Closure Day 4)
END Friday 30 March 2012 59
SPRING HOLIDAY Saturday 31 March 2012 to Sunday 15 April 2012
(includes Easter Monday – 9 April)
SUMMER START Monday 16 April 2012 TERM Monday 7 May 2012 (May Holiday – all schools)
Monday 28 May 2012 (In-Service Closure Day 5 – all schools)
END Thursday 28 June 2012 52
TOTAL 190 2012/2013 AUTUMN Monday 13 August 2012 STAFF ONLY TERM (In-Service Closure Day 1 – all schools) START TUESDAY 14 August 2012
Full time commencement of P1 pupils 10 September 2012 END FRIDAY 28 September 2012 34
AUTUMN HOLIDAY Saturday 29 September 2012 (Provisional) Sunday 14 October 2012