CRAIGBANK PRIMARY & ELC

Aspire Believe Achieve

Craigbank is a fun place to learn.

CRAIGBANK PRIMARY

& ELC

School Handbook

2020- 2021


2 Craigbank is a fun place to learn.

Covid-19 Pandemic This school handbook is intended to provide information for those pupils starting school in August 2021. At the time of publication (December 2020), there are still restrictions in place during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic - these may be changed or relaxed by the start of term in August 2021. Your child’s school will be able to give you the latest information and advice. Our priorities in Education Services are to provide the best possible education for the children and young people in Clackmannanshire, and do everything possible to ensure their health, safety and wellbeing. Every precaution has been taken to ensure any risks due to coronavirus are mitigated as much as possible. Every school has been risk assessed and guidance issued by the Scottish Government on physical distancing and other health and safety matters will be followed by all schools. Some standard information contained in this handbook may be subject to change - for example, school trips and after school clubs may be paused, use of equipment and materials may be limited or require enhanced cleaning, large gatherings such as assemblies and work experience may still be suspended, for example. There may be more focus on digital learning and learning outdoors and changes in the way some learning is assessed. If you have any question or concerns, please direct those to the school who can give you the most up to date information on specific topics.



Directors Foreword Clackmannanshire Council Education Service The Education Service provides a wide range of services for children, young people, families and communities and is committed to lifelong learning, giving children the best possible start in life as they progress from nursery to school and beyond. Our mission is to educate, protect, support and promote the achievements, health and wellbeing of every

child and young person. Much of our work is undertaken in partnership with other services, agencies,

communities, children, young people and their families. Improvement will be supported by collaboration

across educational establishments, services and with other regional partners. With the full support of our Headteachers, Elected Members, Chief Executive, our corporate colleagues and

partners, we are committed to achieving Excellence and Equity - raising attainment, tackling inequity and

ensuring that high aspirations and positive outcomes are the expected norm for every child in

Clackmannanshire.

We are committed to ensuring that the views of our children, families, communities and partners are taken

into account when planning and delivering our services. Shared ownership and awareness of the education

“big goals” is key.

It is clear that the needs of our children and young people are best met by working effectively with parents

and carers. I believe we need to strengthen parental involvement in education and to provide flexible systems

to enable parental engagement and representation.

The school your child attends is where it all happens and I encourage you to get involved in whatever way

you can, be that via Twitter, Class Dojo, giving a helping hand or buying a ticket for a concert!

Read with your child every day! Ask them what they have learned that day and get them to show you!

It is our intention to ensure that our relationships are characterised by mutual trust and respect, there is

transparency and equity in the use of our resources and we are all ambitious for our children and young

people. Lorraine Sanda

Acting Chief Education Officer

Clackmannanshire Council



Message from the Headteacher

At Craigbank Primary and ELC we work hard as a team to create a secure and positive

learning

environment where each pupil feels valued and is encouraged to learn. We promote a

sense of community and recognise the importance of each individual pupil in our school

and ELC. Staff work hard to provide high quality learning and teaching experiences. They

actively promote an atmosphere of achievement and give due consideration to the

progress of all pupils.

Craigbank Primary School and ELC is an important part of the local community and we

firmly believe that pupils, parents, staff and members of our community should work

together in partnership. We are also very well supported by an active Parent Council and

Fundraising Committee which strengthens this partnership and supports the life of the

school.

Here at Craigbank respect for all is high on our agenda and we are keen to develop

responsible attitudes towards issues such as the environment, healthy lifestyles and

global citizenship.

We are very proud to have been awarded Green Flag status as well as being a Health

Promoting School and ELC. These successes are being built on and we are continuing to

develop our citizenship work to attain the next level of Rights Respecting School Award.

We currently hold bronze status.

We value the opinions of the children and families at Craigbank, operating an open

door policy, where parents and carers are invited to discuss any concerns and questions

they may have.

I fully appreciate that this booklet will not be able to answer all the questions that

you may have so please do not hesitate to contact the office if you wish to discuss

anything with me or a member of our team.

I look forward to working with you.

Yours sincerely

Siobhan Haldane

Headteacher



Message from Parent Council Chair

The Parent Council is your opportunity to find out what's going on in school and

ELC, help fundraise via exciting events and play a key role in the wider parent

community. The Parent Council is made up of parents of current children in the

school and ELC and meetings are held several times a year. All parents are

welcome to attend and discuss school and ELC developments and hear the latest

information. The fundraising Committee also do an amazing job at Disco's and

events which not only provide a great opportunity to bring pupils together but

also raise money to help enhance what's on offer at School and ELC. The remit of

the Parent Council can include:

Communication

Learning & Teaching

School matters

Campaigning

Social & Fundraising

Inclusion & Equality

We look forward to engaging with you!

You can email us at: [email protected]

or join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/craigbankparentforum/

Nick Manton



IMPORTANT INFORMATION

School Address:

Craigbank Primary School

and ELC

Newtonshaw

Sauchie

FK10 3EJ

Telephone Number: 01259 452307

Website : www.craigbank.clacks.sch.uk

Email:

Twitter:

[email protected]

@CraigbankPS

Headteacher:

Depute Headteacher:

Roll of School:

Denominational Status:

Stages of Education:

Number of Teaching Staff:

Number of Support Staff:

Parent Council Chair:

Email:

School Day:

Morning Session

Morning Break

Afternoon Session

Mrs Siobhan Haldane

Mrs Jacqueline Ferguson

305

Non-denominational

Nursery to Primary 1-7

18

9

Mr Nick Manton

craigbankparentcouncil@g

mail.com

9.00am – 12.30pm

10.30am – 10.50am

1.15pm - 3.05pm

mailto:[email protected]



Craigbank Primary School and ELC serves the village of Sauchie in

Clackmannanshire and has classes from Nursery, Primary 1 to Primary 7. Some

children attend Sauchie Nursery school before transitioning to our school. Our

cluster secondary school is Lornshill Academy.

There are separate pages for specific ELC information which are identified and

contained in the first section of this booklet.

Meet the ELC staff team

Craigbank ELC caters for children aged 2 -5 years and is open to families living

within the Clackmannanshire area. The ELC is open term time from 8.45am until

2.45pm for a maximum of 45 children at any one time.

Keyworkers – Your child will be assigned to a key worker. On arrival and

collection at the ELC you will be asked to sign your child in/out and name the

person who will be collecting him/her. This is an ideal time for passing on or

receiving up to date information.

Headteacher Siobhan Haldane

Depute head Jacqueline Ferguson

Senior ELCE Angela Honeyman

ELCE Shirley Gilmour

ELCE Megan Roy

ELCE Gail Reid

ELCE Adele Watson

ELCE Hannah Stirling

ELCE Kelly Laurie

Lunch Assistant Claire Manzie

Photographs of the staff are displayed inside the main door.

The entire team are committed to continual professional development and

regularly participate in the quality training opportunities.

In the team we have qualified First Aiders and Fire Wardens and all staff are

trained in Food Hygiene and Child Protection and General Data Protection

Regulations (GDPR).

At times it is necessary to use supply Early Learning and Childcare Educators to

cover within the rooms.



Our ELC Ethos

We aim to ensure all children and families are welcomed into our ELC and feel

safe, secure and nurtured within the setting. In the coming months we will create

ELC aims and values.

Bringing Your Child to Craigbank ELC

When your child has been given an ELC place, he/she will be allocated a

Keyworker. This member of staff will have special responsibility for the care,

education and development of your child whilst in the ELC, however all ELC staff

are very involved with every child’s learning and development and can be

approached at any time.

Prior to starting at Craigbank ELC you will receive a transition welcome pack and a

home visit, providing opportunities to meet your child’s keyworker and a member

of the management team. During your home visit the keyworker will explain the

settling in process.

Care Plans

During your home visit we will complete an individual care plan for your child with

you. This plan helps us to know and provide required support for your child and is

updated with your child’s keyworker every six months.

Personal Information and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into force on 25th May

2018. This places new responsibilities on organisations in as to how a person data

is used. We will only retain your personal information for as long as necessary to

fulfil the purposes for which we collected it. We may share your personal

information as detailed on page 6 of the care plan. This ensures you consent will

be sought to allow us to share information with relevant parties, who may be

involved in your child’s care. It is important that your personal information is

accurate and up to date. Please keep us informed if your personal information

changes during the time your child is at nursery.



Arrival and collection arrangements

All children should be brought and collected by an adult over the age of 16 years.

Children can be collected by the named family members who have been listed in

your child’s records. For safety reasons, please sign your child in and out on the

group register. Thank you!

You are requested to update names and telephone numbers as appropriate

and telephone the ELC on 01259 452307 if a member of your family not on

your child’s list is coming to collect your child.

The beginning and end of the sessions can be a very busy time in the ELC. When

you sign your child out you are then responsible for their safety. Other

children are welcome to come with or to collect ELC children; however the family

member is also responsible for their safety. We will have a staff member

available at the door to greet families and answer any questions.

Please keep your child beside you when arriving or leaving the buildings, especially

near parked cars.

Push-chairs are not permitted in the cloakroom area for safety reasons. These

cause congestion and can obstruct fire exits.

Cars belonging to parents/carers must not be driven into the school car park.

Please also observe the “No Parking” areas outside the school gates and be

mindful of local residents ensuring you are not blocking driveways as you park.

Personal Belongings

Your child has his/her own peg and should have soft shoes with them for changing

into. These should remain in the cloakroom. Lost property will be kept and

displayed for as long as possible. While educators do their best to ensure that

your child’s personal belongings are cared for, the ELC holds no responsibility for

such belongings being lost, broken or damaged.

Clothing

Most children enjoy “messy” activities and although aprons are provided, please

dress your child in comfortable clothing and not “good clothes” in which he/she

may feel inhibited. We also appreciate clothes they can cope with when using the

toilet etc. Please provide soft shoes for wearing indoors. These should be labelled

with your child’s name and be suitable for climbing, e.g. slip on shoes and not

slippers. You may wish to leave Wellington boots in the nursery for outdoor play



in wet weather. However we have gathered a selection of wellies that your child

may borrow and we welcome any further donations for our collection.

ELC staff will willingly change the clothing of any child who has had a toileting

accident, been sick or is wet to minimise their distress. Please advice Angela

Honeyman in writing should you not wish staff to help in this way.

For safety reasons, it is better if jewellery is not worn to the ELC.

Outings and celebrations

Groups are taken out in the local areas to learn about their community and use

local spaces.

All children’s birthdays, which occur during term time, are celebrated by baking a

cake, singing happy birthday and sharing the cake.

Christmas is celebrated in a number of ways in the ELC. We always have a

Christmas party with Santa visiting.

Where possible we will celebrate other festivals as identified by parents/carers

during induction.

All these activities and many more are funded by the voluntary donation you

make to the ELC. A donation tin will be available with your Key Worker, your

support is much appreciated.

Many Thanks.

If your child is ill

Please telephone 01259 452307 if your child is unable to attend ELC. Should your

child become unwell at the ELC, we will contact you or your emergency contact

immediately and ask that your child be collected early. If your child is ill, for

comfort of your own child and the safety of others please keep your child in the

comfort of their own home. If your child is unwell they should not be brought to

ELC. We appreciate that this is difficult for parents/ carers who are studying or

working, therefore we suggest that back up child care arrangement are in place.

Please note that children should be kept off ELC for 48 hours AFTER the last

bout of sickness or diarrhoea.

Head Lice

Head lice are spread through head to head contact at home, while playing or in

ELC/school. Regular combing of your child’s hair using a head lice detection comb

is the best way to catch this possible problem at an early stage. The only way to

be sure that your child has head lice is to find a live louse. If you find live lice,



get the correct lotion from your doctor, health visitor or pharmacist. Shampoos

and other treatments are not effective. One treatment requires two applications

of treatment lotion seven days apart. If this is not followed correctly then re-

infection is likely.

Advise all family members and close friends of your child to check and treat only

if live lice are found. Don’t be shy about advising others of this possible problem,

as you would tell family and friends about other infections, which might affect

them. Regular combing of your child’s hair with the head lice detector comb is

the best protection as it allows you to detect and then treat speedily. Further

advice can be obtained from the Health Board Head Lice Leaflet.

Our Positive Behaviour policy reflects our values

At Craigbank ELC we recognise that children communicate their needs via their

behaviour. All adults within the ELC are encouraged to look beyond the behaviour

and to be curious about the needs of the child. Respect between staff and

children and a consistency of high expectations from all staff members will

create a nurturing, predictable environment for children.

Aims

To ensure that all learners are treated fairly and shown respect

To promote positive relationships.

To build a community which values kindness, care, good humour, good temper and

empathy for others.

To ensure that excellent behaviour is a minimum expectation for all.

Craigbank ELC Improvement Plan

We are service guided by the ethos of continuous improvement. We ensure this

through regular and robust self-evaluation, which involves parents, children and all

staff. This process ensures we as a service are establishing a focused and outcome

driven improvement plan. This is completed and planned in detail each academic

session. The strategic priorities are incorporated throughout the improvement plan.

In the coming year as we develop our improvement plan we will seek your thoughts and

share our plan for future developments with you.

Comments and complaints

If you have any comments, complaints or compliments, please record them in our

Compliments & Complaints Folder, located at the front door. You are welcomed to



speak to your key worker or any staff member who will ensure correct

procedures are followed.

Parent Helpers

We are always keen to welcome helpers. The time they spend helping out is much

appreciated. If you have some time to spare and would like to be involved in the

life of the ELC, please let us know and we will be happy to guide you through this

process.

Recording and Sharing Children’s Progress

Every child has an e-learning journal. This is an observational record and

identification of your child’s progression in learning. Educators’ record your

child’s progress and development during their time in ELC. You will be able to log

into your child’s learning journal at home and we will notify you by email when an

observation has been added to your child’s journal. Parents are encouraged to

contribute to their child’s learning journal by adding in achievements and learning

that takes place at home, for example riding a bike or using the potty for the

first time. You can add in special occasions such as birthday parties or a new baby

in the family. We would also like you to add in any interests or hobbies that your

child may have.

Parent/ Carer Link Meetings To Share Progress In Learning

We plan to have two meetings to gather and share information about your child’s

progress per year. Staff will share your child’s learning journal and as your child

progresses a brief progress report. A final report will be updated in June before

your child goes to school.

Up to date term dates and holidays are available at

https://www.clacks.gov.uk/learning/schooltermdates/

https://www.clacks.gov.uk/learning/schooltermdates/



THE SCHOOL TEAM

The Craigbank Primary has 15 class teachers, 2 Principal Teachers, a PE

specialist, a STEAM teacher, a support for learning teacher, 6 support for

learning assistants, a nursery senior, 6 early years educators, an Early

Intervention Worker, a school administrator, 2 school assistants and a janitor.

The children receive two hours of quality PE weekly from our PE specialist. Our

Support for Learning Teacher provides small group and individual challenge and

support for children who are part of staged intervention. There is currently no

provision to teach by means of Gaelic language.

We strongly believe in building positive relationships with all members of the

school and ELC community and work hard to develop a positive attitude with all

our pupils. Positive behaviour comes from this. We wish our children to develop a

positive mindset to help them become resilient individuals.

We celebrate our children’s successes and achievements both in class and during

assemblies.

Our vision, values and aim reflect this:

Vision

Craigbank is a fun place to learn.

Values

Be smart

Be kind

Be you.

Aim

We aim to work together to ensure equity in learning to make sure we can be the

best we can be.

Our school motto is Aspire, Believe, Achieve



We have a code of conduct which we believe is achievable by all children:

Ready

Respectful

Safe

Policies and Procedures

Attendance

Clackmannanshire Council is committed to working with parents, children and

other agencies to ensure that all children enrolled at its schools attend regularly.

All children are likely to be absent from school at some time in their school

career. However, persistent poor attendance is disruptive to the individual and to

the work of the class and may be an early warning of other difficulties.

Where there are genuine reasons for non-attendance, the authority will work

with agencies to ensure that the child’s education is continued by means other

than school attendance. The Council’s and school’s staff overwhelming concern is

for the welfare of children. Parents who fail to secure an adequate education for

their children, for example by failing to secure regular attendance are in breach

of their statutory duty. Unfortunately, some absences may be condoned or even

actively encouraged by parents. This is not acceptable and where this is found to

be the case, the Authority will use all powers at its disposal to ensure that

children attend school regularly. The procedures that the Council and school have

put in place are aimed at ensuring the welfare of all its pupils. Parents are asked

to help by co-operating with these procedures.

Clackmannanshire Council actively discourages taking children out of school during

term-time for family holidays because of the disruption that it causes to the

education of individuals and class groups. Schools cannot give parents’ permission

to do this and, except in the most exceptional of circumstances, such absences

will be treated as unauthorised. However, it is helpful for schools to know of such

absences in advance and school may be able to offer advice to you on projects

that your child can undertake while on holiday that will promote learning while the

child is out of school.



It is the duty of the parents, by law, to make sure that their children attend

school regularly and punctually. If your child is late for school, please send a

note of explanation with your child or telephone the school office. Persistent

late-coming will be logged by the school.

Parents and carers are asked to contact the school by 9.30 a.m. on the first day

of absence to inform the school why their child is not able to attend school and

their expected date of return. Absences from school are now categorised as

authorised or unauthorised. Failure to supply an explanation may result in the

absence being treated as unauthorised. If the absence is longer than anticipated

parents are requested to notify the school of the revised date of return. This

may either be in writing or by telephone call.

Communication

Since 2018, Groupcall Messenger has been our preferred method of

communication for pupil attendance. Class Dojo will be used for reminders about

school events, meetings, newsletters etc. Our aim is for all parents and carers to

sign up to this by providing up to date telephone numbers and email addresses.

Class teachers will regularly send notifications via Class Dojo for class news and

events and updates on learning. Pupils prepare newsletters that are sent via Dojo

termly. We also tweet regularly about the life of the school.

Uniform

We encourage the wearing of green school sweatshirts with the Craigbank logo.

P7 organise a hooded top each session, so that their status as senior pupils is

easily recognised.

For physical education we ask pupils to bring shorts, T-shirt and gym shoes in a

drawstring bag. For art and craft work we ask them to bring a cover-all to

protect clothing.

The wearing of jewellery such as earrings to school is discouraged for health and

safety reasons. Pupils are not permitted to wear any form of jewellery in the

gymnasium.

The wearing of any football tops or sweaters in school is not permitted. It is

essential that all items of clothing for school are named; including gym shoes and

wellies.



Complaints Procedure

At Craigbank Primary we aim to provide you with the best service we possibly can.

If however we make a mistake, please contact us to tell us straightaway and give

us the chance to put it right.

Contact us directly and tell us as much as you can about the complaint, what has

gone wrong and what you want us to do to resolve the matter. A senior member of

staff, either the Headteacher or a Depute Head, or in their absence, a Principal

Teacher, will be responsible for looking into your complaint.

Further information can be found on Clacksweb:

http://www.clacks.gov.uk/document/4283.pdf

School Security

Clackmannanshire Council aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for all

pupils, staff and other school users. Safety and school security have been a key

focus since 1997 when the Council involved all schools and school communities in

the preparation of safety and security action plans. Since then, these plans have

been implemented in a systematic way. Work undertaken in schools has included:

the creation of a one door entry system during normal school hours

the installation of electronic door locking mechanisms

the erection of signs directing visitors to the single door entry point

the introduction of an entry procedure for visitors including the issue of

security visitor pass

the introduction of staff identification passes

Your co-operation and assistance in complying with school access arrangements is

greatly appreciated as the safety of pupils and staff is at the heart of this

programme.

Child protection

The safety of children is everyone’s responsibility. If staff have any concerns for

a child or young person’s wellbeing, they have a duty to pass on information that

will help keep that child safe. All school staff receive child protection training at

the beginning of a new academic year.

Each school has a named coordinator responsible for all issues relating to child

protection. In our school this person is Mrs Haldane, Headteacher or Deputy Co-



Ordinator Mrs Byrne, Principal Teacher. Full details of the council guidelines and

procedures for child protection can be seen in the school on request.

The council requires all staff to inform the coordinator if any allegation or

suspicion of abuse arises. Such information cannot be kept confidential. The

coordinator must pass the matter to social services and ensure that

parents/carers are informed. Other members of school staff will be informed

only if they have a direct role in supporting the child or young person. Social

services staff will pursue the allegation. Sometimes this will be as part of a joint

team with the police.

The school actively supports children and young people develop their knowledge

and skills about personal safety and to be confident in expressing any anxieties

about their own wellbeing. This is encouraged through our Health and Wellbeing

programme.

Homework

Homework can be an effective means of reinforcing the learning that takes place

in the classroom. It is also a valuable means of sharing the children’s learning

experiences with parents/carers at home.

Our aim is that homework should consist of relevant, worthwhile and suitably

challenging activities and that each party; teacher, child and parent/carer

understands their role to ensure learning experiences are maximised. It is our

intention; however, that homework should not be over burdensome for children,

parents or staff. Home learning should reflect the learning that is taking place in

the classroom, promote independent learning and provide opportunities for

learners to draw on the skills and knowledge of those at home. After consultation

with parents, we have adopted a strategy of informing parents about class

learning, weekly via Class Dojo, we also offer suggestions and tips on how to best

support this learning at home.

Emergency Closure Arrangements

When early closure is foreseen, notice will be given to parents/carers at least 3

days in advance. However, there may be occasions when the school is forced to

close due to severe weather conditions, heating failure, emergencies e.g. fire

which may result in the school requiring utilising our business continuity plan and

relocating to Deerpark Primary School or Sauchie Hall or requesting that pupils

be collected from school. If such an event happens we will contact all emergency

contacts on our records via Groupcall messenger or telephone. It is, therefore,



vital that parents/cares ensure that they inform the school when emergency

contact details change.

Where the emergency contact is not available, the school will supervise pupils

until the end of the school day.

Curriculum for Excellence

Clackmannanshire schools follow Curriculum for Excellence, a national framework

which is providing our children with learning experiences and opportunities to

prepare them for learning, life and work in a changing world. Children learn

actively in eight different curricular areas following a curriculum designed by

each school to reflect their particular needs and circumstances. Curriculum for

Excellence includes four contexts for learning:

Curriculum areas and subjects

Interdisciplinary learning

Ethos and life of the school

Opportunities for personal achievement

Curriculum levels and stages

The curriculum has two stages: the broad general education (from the early years

to the end of S3) and the senior phase (S4 to S6).

The broad general education has five levels (early, first, second, third and

fourth). The senior phase is designed to build on the experiences and outcomes

of the broad general education, and to allow young people to take qualifications

and courses that suit their abilities and interests.

Curriculum areas

There are eight curriculum areas:

Expressive arts

Health and wellbeing

Languages (including English and modern languages)

Mathematics

Religious and moral education

Sciences

Social studies

Technologies.



Literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing are addressed throughout the

curriculum and children's wider achievements are fully recognised and

celebrated, reflecting the value given to wider learning and children’s experiences

out of school. Children are fully consulted throughout their learning and in

decisions about what they learn and how they learn it. There are opportunities

throughout the school year for parents to receive information and be consulted

upon the curriculum children are following, particularly in relation to more

sensitive aspects of learning, such as relationships, sexual health, parenthood and

drug awareness.

Religious and moral education is a core subject for all pupils attending school in

Scotland. Schools also provide opportunities for religious observance in order to

promote the spiritual development of the school community. Parents can choose

to withdraw their children from participation in religious education or

observance. Parents who wish to do this should contact the headteacher, who can

make arrangements for the child to be involved in a different activity.

Further information regarding Curriculum for Excellence can be found at

Parentzone)http:educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone), a national resource

developed by Education Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

P7 pupils join with local Cluster Schools for a 3 day residential trip.

Teachers consistently assess children’s progress; there are 2 parent evenings per

year for parents to discuss their child’s progress. Additionally, a school report

detailing progress, achievements and future learning will be issued in term 4.

Additional Support Needs (ASN)

A child or young person is said to have additional support needs (ASN) if they

need more - or different support - to what is generally provided in educational

establishments to children or young people of the same age.

Many circumstances may mean that a child or young person needs additional

support for learning. The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland)

Act 2009 lists 4 inter-related factors which may individually or jointly impact on

a child or young person's ability to learn:



Learning environment

Family circumstances

Disability or health

Social or emotional factors

It does not just apply to children or young people who have long-term learning

difficulties or disabilities. Children and young people may need additional support

to make the most of their education for many reasons. Some of these reasons

may mean that a child or young person will need additional support all the way

through their education; others may only need additional support for a short

period of time.

Additional support needs are identified through a process called Staged

Intervention. If you think your child has additional support needs, ask your child’s

head teacher about the Staged Intervention process and for more information on

what support may be available. The process may involve an assessment by an

Educational Psychologist, class teacher, support for learning teachers, or other

agencies e.g. health professionals such as Speech and Language Therapist.

Pupil Enrolment & Transitions

Nursery

Children can start nursery the term after their third birthday. Enrolment forms

are available on line, direct from the nursery or from the school office.

Applications can be handed back to the school office.

School

There is only one admission date for children starting school for the first time.

Parents should enrol their children in late January for entry to school in August

of that year. It is important that parents bring birth certificates at the time of

enrolment.

Prior to the enrolment date in January, prospective parents are invited to visit

the school to familiarise themselves with the school and its aims for children in

the early years of their education.



After our new entrants are enrolled, they will meet the senior pupil who will be

their special 'buddy' when they start school in August. Getting to know the

school sessions are also arranged for parents.

Parents and their children who enrol in January are invited for an afternoon in

June to meet the Primary One class teacher and have the opportunity to become

familiar with the resources used in the Primary One class. Other visits are also

arranged.

Parents of children who are enrolling in any of the other classes are most

welcome to arrange an appointment to visit the school. The Headteacher or the

Depute Headteacher will be pleased to provide any information which parents

wish.

Parents from out with the Craigbank catchment area have a right to make a

placing request to the school. The school is happy to offer the opportunity for

parents to visit and discuss the aims of the school when such a request is made.

Parents are required to complete a Placing Request Form which is available from

their zoned school or from Education Service, Kilncraigs, Alloa.

Pupils from Craigbank, attend Lornshill Academy after P7. Contact details are as

follows;

Lornshill Academy

Tullibody Rd, Alloa

FK10 2ES

Phone: 01259 214331

During Primary 7, pupils are involved in a number of transition activities such as

visits to Primary 7 class from the Pupil Support Team at Lornshill Academy,

information and trial days, Lornshill cluster excursion to Dalguise Activity Centre

in March, challenge days and transition days. Some children benefit from

enhanced transition activities which are arranged in consultation with

parents/carers, Inclusion Support team (where appropriate) and Lornshill Staff.



Partnership Working

Craigbank Primary School works with a variety of partners to support children

and families as well as providing rich learning experiences. The partner agencies

that we work with include:-

United Free Church

Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish Church

Childcare Services

Forth Valley NHS

CAMHs

Women’s Aid

SSERC

Youth Service

Psychological Services

Police Scotland

Occupational Therapy

Spaced Out Grafix and Signs

Forth Valley College

Parental/Carer Partnerships

Craigbank Primary School has an open door policy and we are always keen to listen

to ideas for how to improve our school and the children’s learning. We aim to

ensure that all visitors feel welcome when they come to our school. We actively

encourage parental/carer partnership in children’s learning through various

organised events such as Meet the Teacher, Sharing the Learning assemblies,

attendance at sharing the learning and end of term assemblies, SMART starts

and finishes, school trips and much more. These opportunities are shared in our

school calendar, newsletters, Class Dojo and letters home.

Parents and carers can also work in partnership with the school to support their

child and school improvement priorities (including decision making) through

involvement in our Parent Council, support home learning, responding to

surveys/questionnaires, talking to children about their day and their learning,



sharing experiences on class/school story on Class Dojo and participating in

specific focus groups.

We encourage information sharing, during Parents’ Evenings, through our

Craigbank Blether Blogs, which allow the child, teacher and parent to discuss

their progress and next steps in learning.

Any concerns re a child should be directed, in the first instance, to the child’s

class teacher

FOOD IN SCHOOLS

School meals are free for all P1-3 pupils. For P4 -7 school meals should be

ordered and paid for on Monday mornings via Parentpay. Shortly after your

child starts school at Craigbank, the login details for Parentpay will be issued by

the office team.

Lunchtime for all pupils is 12:30pm. We operate a rota system, so some children

go out to play before lunch, whilst others go straight to the dining hall. This is

rotated weekly.

After they have eaten (school meals or packed lunches), we insist that children

remain within the school grounds during the lunch break.

Parents/carers should ensure that no hot flasks, leaking drinks, fizzy drinks,

glass containers or cans are brought to school.

Supervision is provided in the school playground and dining room during lunchtime.

To assist in supervision arrangements during lunchtime, it is requested that pupils

going home for lunch return to school 5 minutes before they are due to return to

class.

There is a great deal of interest in the dietary habits of children and how the

food that children eat influences health, wellbeing and attainment at school.

Schools are recognised as having a key role to play in influencing the dietary

habits of children, both through the curriculum and through the food that is

provided for children during the school day.



Schools in Clackmannanshire are taking a whole school approach to food, through

“Health Promoting Schools” and in implementing the recommendations of The

Schools (Health Promotion & Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007.

Children in Craigbank can access food during the school day:

At Breakfast Club

At morning break

At lunchtime

Breakfast Club

The service is available free of charge to children whose families are in receipt

of Income Support Job Seekers allowance (Income based) and / or Child Tax

Credit (without Working Tax Credit). All other children can have a breakfast for

£1:20. In this school, service starts at 8.30am and should be paid for on a daily

basis.

The primary school breakfast comprises:

Tea, fresh semi skimmed milk or water.

A piece of fruit or a glass of fresh, unsweetened apple or orange juice.

Cereal with milk. There is a choice of three cereals.

Toast or crusty bread with spread and a choice of jam or cheese.

Morning Break

All primary schools in Clackmannanshire operate a Milk Scheme. Under the

Scheme, all children whose families are in receipt of Income Support Job

Seekers allowance (Income based) and / or Child Tax Credit (without Working

Tax Credit), can have a 200ml carton of chilled, semi-skimmed milk, free of

charge at morning break, unless the parent/carer opts out of the Scheme.

Other children and their parents/carers can choose to opt-in to the Scheme and

pay 15p per day payable on a termly basis only in this school.

Our Primary 7 pupils run a Tuck Shop to promote Enterprise activities and

Healthy Eating. Schools are required to implement the “Health Promotion and

Nutrition Act” which restricts the items available for sale within our Tuck Shop.



Lunchtime

The schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 has had a

significant effect on school lunches.

Children attending nursery will have a hot lunch provided and will have access to

snacks morning and afternoon. All food served follows “Setting the Table”

guidelines. In primary schools, a two-course lunch is available where the children

can freely choose from the bread basket and also have the option of milk, fresh

fruit and water with their meal.

These choices are included with all meals for £2. This is paid through Parent Pay;

an online cashless system that is used in all schools across Clackmannanshire. All

families are given a log in. Please ask at the office for any more details.

Each lunch is guaranteed to contain a healthy balance of nutrients and is low in

fat and salt.

A three-weekly menu cycle is in operation in Clackmannanshire Primary schools.

The menu cycle is detailed on the Schools' Menu Selector web page.

All school lunches are produced centrally by a cook freeze system. In this

production system, food is produced in batches, rapidly cooled and frozen to

preserve flavour and vitamin content, then transported to each primary school to

be finished and served. Food is served from multi-portion dishes in much the

same way as it has always been. Salads and fruit are still freshly prepared in

every school.

By investing in the cook freeze production method, in raw ingredients and in new

recipes, we have improved the quality of food provided. The cook-freeze system

is extremely good in terms of food safety, portion and cost control. Efficient

management of the production system means more funding can go into the food.

Special menu days are held throughout the year e.g. Christmas, St Valentine’s

Day.

The Service constantly reviews raw ingredients and recipes. Where possible, we

try to source produce locally and plan to put together a “tasting panel” of pupils

to check out new recipes.



Clackmannanshire Council is committed to promoting the uptake of school lunches,

we believe that this is consistent with our efforts to have all our schools Health

Promoting and delivering a Curriculum for Excellence.

We welcome comments and suggestions from parents.

Packed lunches are stored in classrooms or outside classes. Pupils eat their

packed lunch at the tables set-up in the dining room.

Free School Meals

School age children whose parents are receiving one of the following benefits

have an automatic entitlement to free school meals, provided all necessary proof

is shown.

You must also be in receipt of child benefit.

Income Support

Income-based Job Seekers Allowance

Income-based Employment and Support Allowance

Child Tax Credit where NO Working Tax Credit is payable and

income is less than £16,105 (as assessed by Inland Revenue)

Maximum Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit with an income below

£6,900

An asylum seeker in receipt of support under Part VI of the Immigration and

Asylum Act 1999

You may be eligible if you are in receipt of Universal Credit

If you think you qualify please contact the Business Support Team on 01259

452499 for further information.

Pupils registered for free school meals are also eligible for free milk and for free

breakfast, whether or not they take a school lunch.

Application forms can be obtained from schools, CAP offices and the Council

Offices at Kilncraigs; also by accessing http://clacksweb/dyna/clothgrant.

Application may be made at any time during the session.



School Clothing Grants

School age children whose parents are receiving one of the following benefits

have an automatic entitlement to a grant to assist with the purchase of

school clothing, provided all necessary proof is shown. You must also be in receipt

of child benefit.

Income Support

Income-based Job Seekers Allowance

Income-based Employment and Support Allowance

Child Tax Credit where NO Working Tax Credit is payable and income is

less than £16,010 (as assessed by Inland Revenue)

Maximum Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit with an income below

£6,420

An asylum seeker in receipt of support under Part VI of the Immigration

and Asylum Act 1999

You may be eligible if you are in receipt of Universal Credit

Application forms can be obtained from schools, CAP Offices and the Council

Offices at Kilncraigs; also by accessing

http://clack.gov.uk/leaning/freeschoolmeals/

Applications can be made at any time during the session.

Wet Weather Arrangements

All children may stay indoors during wet playtimes and children taking meals may

remain in school during wet lunch times.

We ask that parents/carers on wet mornings to ensure their children do not

arrive at school before 8.55 a.m. and children who go home for lunch should only

return 5 minutes before they are due to enter class.

Children are NOT allowed on to the grass areas after wet weather and not at all

throughout the period after the October break up until after the Easter break.



‘Ice and Snow Days’

Our procedures for days when the school footpaths and playground are covered

in ice or snow are:

The priority for school is to ensure that pathways are cleared from gateways to

school entrances

If the snow is very deep we will allow our children to enter through the main door

as this will reduce the length of pathway to be cleared for these pupils

The school will activate ‘wet weather arrangements’ which means that

pupils will be allowed to come directly into school from approximately

8.50am. It would be helpful, given the supervision difficulties at this time

for 12 classes, if pupils arrive close to 9.00am. The breakfast club will

open at 8.30am as usual

Depending on the weather and the level of snow or ice in the playground we

may or may not allow pupils outside at playtimes and lunchtimes. For their

safety, we have a NO SNOWBALLS above the waist and NO SLIDING

rule! Please ensure that your child is wearing warm clothes including a coat

and boots which they can change out of at class time

Playgrounds

One member of the support staff is on duty in each of the three areas of the

playground from 8.50 a.m. The school discourages parents from being near the

children’s lines as a large number of adults can present difficulties in terms of

the supervision and management of children. Additionally, the school is eager to

promote the development of independence. We request that no dogs are brought

into the playground.

During interval and lunchtime the school arranges for each of the areas to be

supervised by two members of the support staff. The Headteacher and/or

Depute Headteacher are on call to cope with serious difficulties as they arise.

There is always access to the building and children are aware of this.

Parents/carers should please note that cans are not allowed in the

playground. Children are encouraged to drink from cartons or plastic bottles.



Water Dispensers

Educational research indicates that the brain functions more effectively if it has

a regular supply of non-carbonated drinking water. Therefore, to promote

learning, the Authority has arranged for water dispensers to be installed within

the school.

Each area of the school has a water dispenser. Pupils are encouraged to bring a

plastic drinking bottle to school filled with fresh water. This can be re-filled

during the school day from the water dispenser. Pupils are encouraged to take

their water bottle home regularly, to ensure that the bottle is cleaned. However,

the cleanliness of the water bottle is the responsibility of parents/carers.

School Health Service

Forth Valley NHS Board fulfils a statutory obligation to provide a health service

for all school-age children in Clackmannanshire. The aim of the service is to make

sure that all children are in the best possible health to benefit from their

education and to provide the Education Authority with advice about the spread of

infections and the promotion of good health. This service is provided by staff

from Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust.

During Primary 1 parents/carers will be asked to complete a health questionnaire

and will be given the opportunity to ask to meet the named nurse for the school.

Children’s height, weight and vision checks are done at this time. Hearing is no

longer screened in school but any concerns about your child’s hearing should be

discussed with your doctor. During their time at school, children are offered

various immunisations and parents/carers are asked for written consent for

these.

The school dentist carries out dental inspections at regular intervals (at least 3

times in each child’s school life) and offers full treatment facilities for those

children not registered with a general dental practitioner. With parental

consent, the school health team can refer a child to other specialists such as

speech and language therapy, chiropody, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, etc.



Clinics/Appointments

From time to time children may have clinic appointments (eye clinics, dentist,

doctor, etc) during school hours. Please let the school office and class teacher

know about these visits and arrange for your child to be collected. For personal

safety reasons, children are not allowed out of school during school hours unless

accompanied by a responsible adult or unless written permission to do so has been

given by the parent or carer.

Infectious Diseases

Colds, flu and gastro-enteritis are the most common infections affecting children

of school age. Keep your child off school in the early stages of flu and while they

still have diarrhoea. Help them understand how to prevent picking up and

spreading such infections. For advice about early detection and treatment for

other infectious diseases e.g. chickenpox and mumps, consult your GP or Health

Visitor.

The School Health Service can be contacted at Clackmannanshire Community

Healthcare

Centre, Hallpark, Sauchie FK10 3JQ

Tel: 01259 290195

Head Lice

Head lice are spread through head to head contact at home, while playing or in

school. Regular combing of your child’s hair using a head lice detection comb is

the best way to catch this possible problem at an early stage. The only way to be

sure that your child has head lice is to find a live louse. If you find live lice, get

the correct lotion from your doctor, health visitor or pharmacist. Shampoos and

other treatments are not effective.

One treatment requires two applications of treatment lotion seven days apart.

If this is not followed correctly then re-infection is likely.

Advise all family members and close friends of your child to check and treat only

if live lice are found. Don’t be shy about advising others of this possible problem

as you would tell family and friends about other infections which might affect

them. Regular combing of your child’s hair with the head lice detector comb is

the best protection as it allows you to detect and then treat speedily. Further



advice can be obtained from the Health Board head lice leaflet which is available

in all schools and health centres and also the Education Services leaflet

“Frequently Asked Questions”, which is available in schools.

Sports and Games

Pupils in Primary 7 are offered skiing instruction at Firpark.

Physical Education may include music and movement, games, dancing, gymnastics,

team games and athletics. These generally take place in the well-equipped

gymnasium, but in the summer term much use is made of the playing fields.

A system of "Houses" is operated to encourage competition between groups both

in sports, school work and recreational activities.

Our Active school co-ordinator Anne Hunter organises a large number of after

school and lunchtime clubs. In addition there is an Eco Group and Pupil Council

which meet fortnightly.

The safety of your child returning home after attending any event, however, is

the responsibility of the parent/carer.

Any additional information may be found on the Council Website:

https://www.clacks.gov.uk/learning/



COUNSELLING IN SCHOOLS SERVICE

Clackmannanshire Education Service and Wellbeing Scotland are working in

partnership to provide support for children and young people who are experiencing

mental health and wellbeing issues.

Counselling in Schools is a universal service available to all 10 – 18 year old pupils in

Clackmannanshire and each Secondary School has the equivalent of one, full time

counsellor on site. Counsellors are also available to support Primary Schools and ASN

Settings.

Counsellors are professionally qualified and registered offering focused, longer- term

support for issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss and

separation. They offer a confidential, one-to-one service in school or remotely, with

the service being available during the school holidays. Referrals for counselling are

made directly to Wellbeing Scotland by the school.

READ, WRITE, COUNT

The Read, Write, Count programme aims to support parental engagement in literacy

and numeracy. Gift bags are distributed annually to all P2 and P3 pupils in Scotland by

Scottish Book Trust. The gift bags contain essential literacy and numeracy materials

to support children’s learning, as well as advice and support to parents.

Studies show a direct link between a strong family learning environment and progress

in reading, writing and counting. In addition to the parent guide included in the gift

bags, the Parent Club website (https://www.parentclub.scot/) offers a range of hints,

tips and advice to help parents engage in their child’s learning.

FIRST MINISTER’S READING CHALLENGE

The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is an inclusive, exciting programme for all

children – fostering a love of reading for pleasure. Research shows that reading for

pleasure is crucially important for children’s development.

The Challenge is open to all local authority and independent primary and secondary

schools across Scotland, as well as, libraries and community groups. You can find out

more information on the Challenge and also how schools can register to take part

here: https://www.readingchallenge.scot/

A reading app called Bookzilla, aimed at S1-S3 pupils, helps them find and recommend

books and to set themselves reading challenges.



School Term Dates 2021/22

Event Date

Autumn term begins (Staff only - staff

development days):

Monday & Tuesday 16th & 17th

August 2021

Autumn term begins (Pupils): Wednesday 18th August 2021

Autumn term ends: Friday 8th October 2021

October holiday begins: Monday 11th October 2021

October holiday ends: Friday 15th October 2021

Winter term begins: Monday 18th October 2021

Staff development day (pupils off) Friday 26 November 2021

Christmas holiday begins: Wednesday 22nd December

2021

Christmas holiday ends: Tuesday 4 January 2022

Spring term begins: Wednesday, 5th January 2022



Event Date

Staff development days (pupils off) Monday & Tuesday 14th & 15th

February 2022

Spring half-term holiday begins: Wednesday 16th February 2022

Spring half-term holiday ends: Friday 18th February 2022

Spring term ends: Friday 1st April 2022

Easter holidays begin: Monday 4th April 2022

Easter holidays end: Monday 18th April 2022 (Easter Monday)

Summer term begins: Tuesday 19th April 2022

May public holiday: Monday 2nd May 2022

Summer term ends: Friday 24th June 2022

Autumn term begins (provisionally) Monday 15 August 2022

CRAIGBANK PRIMARY & ELC

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