Lennox Primary

Handbook

2020-2021

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CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

Mission Statement 4 Introduction 5 Vision Statement 6 School Information 7 School Leadership 8 Teaching Staff 9

School Hours 10

School Holidays 11

Enrolment /Transition 12

School Aims 13 -15

Curriculum 16-22

Religious Education 23

Assessment and Reporting 24

Homework 25

Equal Opportunities 26

Additional Support Needs 26

Getting it Right for Every Child 27 -28

Parents in School 29 -30

Attendance at School 31

Community 32-33

Extra-Curricular Activities 34 – 36

School Discipline / Supervision in Playgrounds

37

Uniform 38

Meals 39

Medical and Health Care 40

Information in Emergencies 41

Transfer – Primary to Secondary School 42

Data Protection Act 43

Social Media 44

Useful Addresses 45

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Lennox Primary School Redburn Bonhill G83 9BP Tel 01389 773737 Email schooloffice.lennox@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

All local authority schools are required by law to issue a copy of the school handbook to certain parents in December each year for their use as appropriate. A copy of our school handbook is also available online at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools/schoolhandbooks

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Statement of Commitment

‘OPPORTUNITY THROUGH LEARNING’

Every person has the right to be educated in a climate in which individuality is recognised and in which everyone feels valued. We are committed to working in partnership with you to provide education of the highest quality.

LEARNING FOR LIFE

We will work together to ensure that everyone in our community is valued and has the opportunity to learn for life and to achieve their potential. Vision: To enable everyone in West Dunbartonshire to become:

Successful Learners Confident Individuals Responsible Citizens Effective Contributors

To achieve our vision, we will:

Create and deliver courses, activities and events which will motivate and excite learners

Develop innovative ways to support learning Value diversity, promote equal opportunities and foster

inclusion Promote partnership and community participation Value achievement and celebrate success Continually reflect on and aim to improve the quality of our

services

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Lennox Primary School Dear Parents/Carers It is a pleasure to welcome your child to Lennox Primary school. At Lennox Primary we provide a welcoming nurturing and stimulating learning environment in which effective learning and teaching promotes achievement and provides learning opportunities for all. We aim to work in partnership with all parents/carers in order to ensure our children are able to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. Lennox Primary opened in August 2015. We are proud of our uniform, badge and school name – all chosen by our community. In August 2016 our new Early Learning and Childcare Centre, providing provision for 3-5 year old children opened. Our vision is to ensure our children work together in partnership as a nurturing caring community to foster and promote our values; Respect, Honesty, Tolerance, Perseverance and Achievement. Our school grounds have been developed to create spaces to promote, outdoor learning, Forest Schools, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), and HWB (Health and Wellbeing) activities. We are very proud of our learning environment within the school. Our wall displays show all visitors to our school the hard work and great effort our children put into their work. We celebrate children’s achievements outside school at assemblies and through digital and wall displays. We are a Rights Respecting School and all children are encouraged to respect each others’ rights. We have a house system and each child is a member of one of our four houses. Our four houses are Inchmurrin, Inchcailloch, Inchfad and Inchconnachan. Our Standards and Quality Report for 2018 – 2019 is available to view on our website, If you require additional information, please get in touch. Do feel welcome to visit us, although it is best to telephone first to make an appointment. We look forward to you and your child joining our school community. In the following pages you will find information covering the life and work of the school. However, if you feel that there is anything further you would like to know or discuss please feel free to call into the school or phone the school office on 01389 773737. We look forward to getting to know you and your family. Yours sincerely Mary Begg Head Teacher

Introduction

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Vision and Values

We will work together in partnership as a nurturing caring community to foster and promote Respect Honesty Tolerance Perseverance Achievement

About Lennox Primary School

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Present Roll: 226 Current capacity: 429

Lennox Primary is a non-denominational, co-educational school which provides education for children from P1 to P7. We are very proud of our school which was opened in August 2015. The school was built in 1976 and had major refurbishment in 2015/2016. Lennox Primary also has an Early Learning and Childcare Centre which opened in August 2016. The school is designed on three levels with open learning areas and quiet rooms allowing for flexibility and creativity in learning and teaching activities.

Playground facilities are such that P1 – P3 have their own playground with adult supervision during interval and lunch breaks. P4 – P7, have use of their playground, and use the grass football pitch. P4-P7 classes are also supervised during break times. We have a very popular breakfast club every morning from 8.15am. The cost is 89p for 1st child and 39p for additional siblings and 39p for those children who are in receipt of Free Meals or Clothing Grants. We communicate regularly with parents through monthly newsletters, our facebook, letters or text messages and we arrange a variety of opportunities for parents to be involved in the life of the school. We are also happy to arrange appointments to discuss any aspect of your child’s education and wellbeing if this is required. We will at times text parents with reminders of various events. Parents can find a range of council policies and other relevant information about schools on the council website, www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools

Parents should note that the

working capacity of the school

may vary dependent upon the

number of pupils at each stage,

and the way in which the classes

are organised.

Lennox Primary School Tel No 01389 773737 Email schooloffice.lennox@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Webpage: https://sites.google.com/ourcloud.buzz/lennoxprimaryschool/home

School Information

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Each year the number of teachers in the school is adjusted according to the size of the school roll. With a roll of 226 the staffing is 13.56 full time equivalent members of staff of whom Mrs Mary Begg is the Head Teacher. In Lennox Primary we have one Depute Head Teacher and one Principal Teacher. Mrs Jill Williams (DHT) has a remit that includes:

Early Level – First Level Learning(working across the Early Learning and Childcare Centre into Primary 1 and beyond)

Support for Learning P1 - P7

Development of Numeracy/Maths

Outdoor Learning Environment

Developing the Young Workforce

Mrs Elizabeth McReynolds (PT) has a remit that includes:

Mentoring of Student teachers

Development of Literacy

HWB – Sports Co-ordinator

Family Learning

STEM First/Second Level

Website/Facebook Mrs Williams and Mrs McReynolds assist Mrs Begg in the general administration and good running of the school. Class teachers have 22.5 hours class contact per week.

School Leadership /Promoted Teaching Staff

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Lennox Primary School Staff

Head Teacher Mrs M Begg

Depute Head Mrs J Williams Principal Teacher Mrs E McReynolds

Other Teaching Staff

Primary 1a Mrs K Rainey Primary 1 Mrs K McQuire/Miss L Whitelaw Primary 2 Mrs H Lynch Primary 2/3 Mrs E McReynolds/Miss E McNally Primary 3 Miss K Ogg/Mrs M Young Primary 4/5 Miss L Haggart Primary 5/6 Miss K Campbell Primary 6 /7 Mr S Mowatt Primary 7 Miss O Maitz Reduced Class Contact Time Cover Mrs L Frew/Miss K Ogg Pupil Equity Fund Support/Challenge Miss S Donnelly Clerical Assistants Mrs B Hillis Mrs M Farqhuar Learning Assistants Mrs A Buckley Mrs L Gourlay Mrs J McClelland Mrs F Marshall Mrs C Middleton Mrs L Sanderson Pupil Family Support Worker Miss C Jarvis Facilities Assistant Mr H Nolan Facilities Assistant Miss A Stewart Cleaning Staff Mrs L Douglas Miss C Campbell Mr D Connaghan Catering Manager Mrs S Lockhart Catering Assistants Miss A Stewart Mrs M Cairns Mrs A Hawkins Mrs I Milligan Mrs C Blair Mrs S Robertson

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SCHOOL HOURS

School Begins 9.00 am Morning Interval 10.30am – 10.45am Lunch Break 12.15pm – 1.00 pm School Closes 3.00 pm Primary 1 will enjoy a full day of school from Monday 17th August. At Christmas and Easter holiday periods, school will normally dismiss at 2.30 pm on the final day of school. At summer holiday time, school will normally dismiss at 1.00 pm on the final day of school. (Please note – pupils are not permitted to leave at 12.15 pm on the final day of school).

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School Holidays

Teachers Return Thursday 13 August 2020

Pupils Return Monday 17 August 2020

Local Holiday Friday 25 September 2020 Monday 28 September 2020

School Closes Friday 12 October

School Opens Monday 19 October 2020

School Closes Tuesday 22 December 2020

School Opens Wednesday 6 January 2021

School Closes Friday 5 February 2021

School Opens

Thursday 11 February 2021

School Closes Thursday 1 April 2021

School Opens Monday 19 April 2021

Local May Holiday Monday 3 May 2021

School Closes (May Weekend)

Thursday 27 May 2021

School Opens Tuesday 1 June 2021

School Closes Monday 28 June 2021

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Enrolment and Transition from Early Years to Primary School

All children who live in the catchment area of Lennox Primary and born between March 2015 and 28th February 2016 must register for education at this school. A placing request can be made to another school if desired. Parents are most welcome to visit the school by phoning the school office on 01389 773737

New Entrants (that is, children who will be starting Primary 1 in August 2020) will be registered in January 2020. Details of the exact dates can be found at the local nursery school, by contacting the school, or by checking local newspapers. When you have decided to enrol your child/children at our school, your child will be invited to come along to school for transition experiences. The first of these transitions experiences take place in January. This will be a joint project with Primary 1 pupils and Primary 1 staff. This will take the form of three visits over three weeks. 22.01.20 1.30-2.30pm -Transition –Children to be dropped off and collected at Lennox PS 29.01.20 1.30-2.30pm -Transition –Children to be dropped off and collected at Lennox PS 05.02.20 1.30-2.30pm -Transition –Parents welcome to stay with children at transition There will be 3 further transition visits which will take place : 26.02.20 1.30-2.30pm -Transition –Children to be dropped off and collected at Lennox PS 25.03.20 1.30-2.30pm -Transition –Children to be dropped off and collected at Lennox PS 13.05.20 1.30-2.30pm -Transition – Parents welcome to stay with children at transition Opportunities to share in your child’s learning will start early in Primary 1.

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Educational Aims Of Lennox Primary School

To provide a happy, safe and stimulating school environment, where all

pupils and staff feel equally valued and respected

To develop skills and confidence in all areas of the curriculum allowing children to develop skills for learning, life and work.

To provide a variety of learning experiences that will develop children’s ability to transfer and apply learned skills

To develop critical thinking skills across the curriculum.

To provide our pupils with learning experiences that will foster our values.

To ensure our children’s learning experienced in school allow them to become

Successful Learners

Responsible Citizens Effective Contributors Confident Individuals

Parents can play a vital role in helping us to achieve these aims. Through your help, interest and support we can make your child’s education a joint venture. Working together and sharing knowledge and ideas will greatly help your child in all aspects of their learning process and general development.

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Improvement Planning

School Improvement planning allows schools to review their practice and determine areas for improvement. At Lennox Primary School our current areas for improvement are:

Raising Attainment: Literacy Numeracy Health and Wellbeing

Improving learning and teaching

Narrow the poverty related attainment gap

Continue to develop Languages 1 + 2

Further develop our ELCC

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The Curriculum

Our rationale for building the curriculum at Lennox Primary School reflects our aims, vision, values and the Curriculum Policies advocated by West Dunbartonshire Council’s Department of Educational Services. It also reflects the National Guidance issued by the Scottish Government and is based on Curriculum for Excellence. https://education.gov.scot/ The curriculum areas are defined as:

Literacy & English, Languages 1+2

Numeracy & Mathematics

Sciences

Social studies

Technologies

Expressive arts

Health and wellbeing

Religious and moral education

Curriculum for Excellence allows learning and teaching to be creative, enabling professionals to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together. Children are exposed to learning and teaching experiences and outcomes in all areas of the curriculum. Where possible learning experiences are set in a real life context to ensure relevance and add depth to learning. Throughout the year and in many areas of the curriculum, pupils will take part in learning experiences to develop skills for life and work. These will take place within school and out with school, These outcomes are grouped into levels with an approximate age range. Early Level Pre school and P1 First Level To the end of P4 but earlier for some children Second Level To the end of P7 but earlier for some children Third Level To the end of S3 but earlier for some. Children learn by individual, group, co-operative, active and class teaching methods.

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Literacy & English Reading Writing Talking Listening

This aspect of the curriculum is divided into four main areas Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening. Reading In the early stages the teaching of reading is based on a successful and carefully structured phonic programme that enables children to decode unfamiliar words. Visual word recognition of the most familiar words also helps young children to read fluently. Children are encouraged to question as they read and discuss content and illustrations. Our pupils are taught to apply their reading skills (to help with their learning across the curriculum) and are encouraged to read for their own pleasure and recreation. We have libraries of both non-fiction and fiction to cover all stages. A wide range of reading text is used to develop reading skills.

Across the authority pupils are now being taught a different approach to improve their reading comprehension. This approach is called Reciprocal Teaching within reading. This approach allows pupils to clarify, summarise, predict and question what they are reading. Pupils who require additional support to help with their progress in reading are given support to help development in this area. .

The importance of parents reading with their children cannot be over emphasised Writing From primary 1 onwards the children are taught how to write a range of functional texts such as instructions, reports, and explanations. These are often linked to other areas of the curriculum, for example science or social subjects. Personal and imaginative writing in the form of stories and poems allows children to extend and enrich their vocabulary and express ideas clearly and creatively. In order to develop their written communication spelling, punctuation, grammar and handwriting are taught regularly and systematically. Children are taught to appreciate the importance of accuracy and neat presentation.

Our children are encouraged at the earliest opportunity to listen and concentrate, to show confidence in discussions and are given regular opportunities to develop their ability to reason through talk and express themselves effectively. Languages 1+2 For most of our children English is their first language. French is now being introduced to pupils in P1-7 as the second language. It is expected that pupils will gradually increase their confidence and competence in the French language. German will be their 3rd Language and taught to P5 - P7 pupils.

Listening & Talking

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Literacy

Super Sentences

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Numeracy & Mathematics

Number Money & Measure

We provide a programme of learning which is based on a practical approach to Mathematics and focused on meaningful experiences. The children work in a wide range of learning situations which fall into four main areas:

Number, money and measure;

Information handling;

Shape position and movement;

Problem solving Each area within the mathematics curriculum is developed throughout all stages of our school, and is closely matched to the experiences and outcomes outlined in the Curriculum for Excellence guidelines.

Primary 1 – 4 are currently being taught using the SEAL approach (stages of Early Arithmetical Learning). This allows pupils to master concepts using practical activities and concrete materials. Emphasis is placed on the strategies used by children as they work with numbers and children are encouraged to talk through their mathematical thinking. SEAL is also used as a support programme in P5-7 P5-7 pupils are provided with a wide range of approaches to learning in maths and numeracy. Our teachers are currently introducing maths mastery which is an approach to learning a variety of different strategies to become successful in maths /numeracy Problem Solving Strategies are taught and reinforced at all stages. We have links with the Mathematics Department of our local secondary school. The development of our pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Mathematics is enhanced by providing learning experiences in context, when appropriate and across relevant areas of the curriculum. Calculators and computers enhance their mathematical learning experiences.

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Numeracy

Making numbers

together!

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Social Subjects, Sciences and Technologies

We aim to provide a balanced programme of learning through which skills, concepts and knowledge are developed. Engaging in social subjects allows children to develop an understanding of their world by learning about other people, their values and cultures, in different times, places, circumstances and how their environment has been shaped. Every class studies several topics per year using an ‘Interdisciplinary’ approach. Interdisciplinary Learning enables the children to further develop skills and deepen knowledge linked with other areas of the curriculum such as Mathematics; Language and Expressive Arts. IDL will give pupils the opportunity to apply and transfer skills across the curriculum in context that are relevant and meaningful. We like to take the children out of school as often as possible to enrich their learning by visiting museums, local attractions etc. We also like to work alongside partner agencies and members of the community by inviting them into the school to work with the children. Our partners include: Bield Housing Robin House Tullochan Trust Sciences include study in

terials

Learning through science enables children to investigate their environment, develop an understanding of scientific skills and context while recognising the impact science has on our lives. The use of ICT is an integral part of education today. To participate fully in modern society children need to be skilled and knowledgeable users of technology as well as be able to assess its impact in society. We use various assistive and supportive technologies to enhance learning. We recently received our Digital Schools Award. Our pupils are also provided with opportunities to use construction materials to help with aspects of Technology. We continue to add to our technology resources. STEM Providing learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths is a priority locally and nationally. We provide rich opportunities for children to develop skills in these areas.

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Expressive Arts Expressive arts include Art & Design, Drama, Dance and Music. Through the expressive arts programme children are given a variety of opportunities to learn creative skills to express themselves imaginatively in different ways. Expressive arts can also be a forum for children to bring enjoyment and entertainment to others through shows, concerts and assemblies. Many activities within Expressive Arts are integrated within our interdisciplinary learning topics to provide a meaningful context within which the pupils can practise and develop their skills. To complement our expressive arts curriculum our children enjoy visits to the

school by musicians, theatre groups and music motivators.

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Health and Wellbeing

Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport Our pupils enjoy two hours of PE per week. Our PE programme includes a range of physical activity, sport and fitness opportunities. We have support from the sports development team and active schools both in the curriculum programme and for some extra curricular clubs after school. This session classes have taken part in the “Daily Mile. Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood

We have a structured programme in place for our pupils based around a curriculum pack provided by the local authority in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We arrange for parent workshops each year around the main content of the curriculum pack. Food and Health Pupils learn about a variety of food related issues, from growing vegetables in the school garden to what kinds of food provide them with a balanced diet. Pupils are also involved in making a range of food and drink products such as fruit smoothies, healthy snacks and baking. This is done through our interdisciplinary learning topics and with our school cook. Mental, Emotional, Social and Physical Wellbeing We provide a range of experiences for our pupils to support with their personal and social development. This will equip them to make informed decisions and choices in their lifestyle. The ethos of the school aims to ensure every child feels safe, respected, nurtured and valued. Substance Misuse Pupils learn about a range of issues relating to substance misuse. They learn about the risks and danger to their own personal safety and their general health and wellbeing. All aspects of our health and wellbeing curriculum are age and stage appropriate for the pupils. Please contact the school if you have any questions the content of these lessons. Planning for choices, planning for changes Our pupils are equipped with the knowledge and information that helps them make informed decisions at the right time. New P1 pupils are supported as they start school life, and our P7 pupils are well prepared by a sound transition into first year at secondary school.

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Religious and Moral Education It is through our programme of RME that we teach tolerance and understanding. Moral, personal and social education also form a very important part of the daily life within the school. Children are actively encouraged to show consideration for each other and to develop responsible citizenship. All stages participate in weekly assembly in the school hall. Our end of term assemblies are open to all parents and members of the community who are welcome to join with us. Parents may exercise their legal right to withdraw their child/children from religious education or services and should inform the Head Teacher if they wish alternative arrangements to be made. Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.

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Assessment Profiling & Reporting

Pupil progress is continually monitored by the class teacher and Head Teacher using a wide variety of methods. Continuous assessment is carried out by the class teachers in their day to day work with the children. By doing this we are able to provide programmes of learning which are suited to each child’s stage of development in key areas of the curriculum, and to take account of their needs when planning for other activities. Evidence is collected for each individual pupil and a record for reading & phonics and for mathematics is kept. Samples of children’s written work is assessed and kept as part of a writing folder to help us monitor progression in writing skills. Diagnostic tests are in use for Language to assist in pinpointing specific reading strengths /areas for improvement. The Scottish government have introduced national assessments which will be delivered to P1, P4 and Primary 7 at points throughout the year. All schools in West Dunbartonshire Council have a staged intervention process for identifying pupils with support needs. Some pupils have support plans to help them with particular aspects of their learning. Parents will always be informed about this and will be invited to discuss key aspects of their child’s plan on a regular basis. Information is available about additional support on the council website and it is also available on the parent notice-board Parents are welcome to make an appointment at any time during the school session to discuss their child’s progress with the class teacher or with the Head Teacher. Parent Interview Afternoons / Evenings are provided during the school year at which parents will be given an allocated appointment time with class teachers. These meetings take place around November and March of each year. Appointments for families with more than one child are allocated to make it as easy as possible for you to attend. We encourage children to attend parents’ evening with their parent/carer as they have a key role in leading the discussion about their learning and next steps. Parents are encouraged to come along and view their child’s work and to discuss any relevant matters with class teachers. Each parent will also be provided with an end of year report on their child’s progress. These are issued before the March meeting to allow any points arising from the report to be raised. In West Dunbartonshire reporting to parents take the form of parent/teacher open evenings; with reports, sharing learning by pupils to parents and sometimes interim written reports.

Level Stage

Early The pre-school years and P1, or later for some

First To the end of P4, but earlier or later for some

Third and Fourth To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some Senior Phase S4 to S6 and college or other means of study

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Homework

Homework is given to reinforce and enhance aspects of Language, Mathematics and Social Subjects. We encourage parents to participate in learning process by spending a short time sharing the learning activities with their child. The suggested time spent on homework activities will vary according to the age of your child. Younger children are likely to spend around 10 – 15 minutes on their homework, while older children should take between 20 – 30 minutes. Pupils would not normally be expected to spend more than around 30 minutes on a homework exercise. If the question of homework is causing concern, or you would like to know how best to help your child, please contact the school for advice. Activities which you can do with your child may be things like reading together, playing games, letting them show you new sums they have learned or simply encouraging your child to talk about their day at school.

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Equal Opportunities All members of our school community are treated equally. Every child is given equal opportunity to access the curriculum to learn skills and develop talents. The ideal that both in school and throughout life, boys and girls have an equal right of opportunity is strongly fostered. All staff have a responsibility to ensure the council’s Equal Opportunities Policy is followed.

Additional Support Needs Schools are required by law to ensure they are providing for children and young people who require additional help with their learning. There may be a time during a child’s education when they have difficulties with a particular aspect of the curriculum, eg reading or mathematics. When this occurs, the class teacher will provide an individualised learning programme which is suited to their needs. In Lennox Primary our Depute Head Teacher is responsible for Support for Learning. The school has input from Psychological Services who can, if required, make further assessments to help in profiling the nature of specific learning difficulties. All our pupils are entitled to personal support to enable them to gain as much as possible

from the education we provide.

Permission must be obtained from parents or guardians before any child is referred to the psychologist. The education of your child is best achieved through a partnership between home, school, and where necessary outside agencies. We feel it is important for us to inform parents as early as possible if we feel their child is having difficulty. We hope that with your support we can do our best to help your child. Please remember you may call at any time if you have any worries concerning your child. In Lennox Primary School we aim to get it right for every child (GIRFEC). Further information is available from www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schhols/additionalsupportneeds

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Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is the Scottish Government’s approach to

promoting and safeguarding the wellbeing of children in Scotland. Duties attached to the

Children and Young People Act 2014 means there will be a single planning framework for

children who need support from services (called a Child’s Plan). The Named Person will

continue to be offered in West Dunbartonshire on a policy basis. In most cases the families

around each child will be able to offer all the help and support that is needed. However,

there are times when a child may need a bit of extra help. The GIRFEC approach is there

to make it as easy as possible to get that help when it is needed and wanted by families.

The GIRFEC policy approach is to ensure that every child and young person and their

family have access to help and support from a key member of staff in order to support the

wellbeing and additional support needs of children and young people. The role of the

Named Person is integrated into the current role of key promoted members of staff in

schools and serves to strengthen the support they currently provide as a central point of

contact for children, parents and other people working with them.

On our school website you will find the names of the members of staff who have been

given key supporting roles for each age group of children along with the arrangements for

cover in the event of absence.

It is our intention to support the wellbeing and safeguarding of all our young people.

Parents are reminded that the Named Person will only offer advice or support in response

to a request from a child or parent, or when a wellbeing need has been identified. There is

no obligation to accept the offer of advice or support from a Named Person.

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Holiday Cover

The GIRFEC policy also recommends the local authorities provide continuity of support

signposting during school holiday periods. At these times coordination will be provided by

suitably qualified staff from the Central Named Person Service at the Council Offices. See

contact details below.

Central Services Named Person Service:

Joanne Scott (Education Support Officer) 01389 737000

@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Tracy King (Education Support Officer) 01389 737000

@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Claire Cusick (Senior Education Officer) 01389 737000

@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Below, you will find the names of the members of staff with key support responsibilities for

each age group of children along with the arrangements for cover in the event of absence.

It is our intention to support the wellbeing and safeguarding of all of our young people to

ensure that they have access to positive outcomes, choices and destinations; however,

parents are reminded that the Named Person will only offer advice or support in response

to a request from a child or parent, or when a wellbeing need has been identified. There is

no obligation to accept the offer of advice or support from a Named Person.

At Lennox Primary School your child’s Named Person can be contacted on 01389

773737 and the allocation will be as follows;

Class Named Person HT & Named Person Absence Cover

P.1 – P7 Mary Begg Mary Begg Jill Williams

If your child has a support plan the above is still unchanged.

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Parents in school From the earliest opportunity, parents are encouraged to become involved in the daily life of the school. There are many events during the school year to which parents are invited e.g. sports events, concerts, services open afternoon, topic celebrations and opportunities to share your child’s learning. Newsletters are sent home regularly to keep parents up to date with the busy life of the school. In addition you may receive text messages as an occasional reminder of specific events and our website is regularly updated. Parents’ Evenings to discuss the progress of individual children are held twice a year and are always well attended. Our Pupil and Family Support worker, Ms Norma Wightman who is based in Vale of Leven Academy, also supports our home/school partnership. We currently have an additional PFSW funded by the Pupil Equity Fund – Claire Jarvis Parents are encouraged to help by supporting the activities and events organised by the Parent Council “Friends of Lennox Primary”. Details of who to contact are on our address page at the back the school handbook.

It is by co-operating with each other and sharing information that your child will gain full advantage during their years at school. We aim to provide opportunities for parents to be involved in developments within the school. Parents will be invited to share their child’s learning throughout the session. Apart from the various types of parents’ meetings arranged by the school, it is hoped that parents will feel welcome to visit at any time. It is helpful for the smooth running of the school if parents who wish to speak to their child’s teacher or to the Head Teacher arrange a suitable time and date beforehand.

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Maths Games with Parents

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Attendance at School Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a child of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Parents are requested to let us know if their child is going to be absent from school and to give them a note explaining the reason for the absence when they return to school. If a child is to be absent for a long time we would be grateful if you would let us know as soon as possible. The Policies for Parents document “Achievement Through Attendance”, available to all parents from the school, and from the council website, outlines the importance of good attendance. If your child does not arrive at school in the morning and we have not heard from you, we will make every effort to get in touch. If we are unable to make contact, we may ask our pupil and family support worker to visit your home. Please understand our responsibility for the welfare of our pupils requires us to do this. During the school year parents may wish their child to leave school during school hours for medical or dental appointments. Parents are requested to call at the school to collect their child. A pass out of school should be requested for appointments during the school day. Children are not allowed to leave the school premises unless accompanied by an adult. Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this disrupts both the child’s education and reduces learning time. Parents should inform the school by letter before going on holiday of the dates. The Scottish Government has issued guidance to schools that family holidays taken during term time should be categorised as an ‘unauthorised absence’.

Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives. Only written requests detailing the destination, the duration and the provision that will be made for their continuing education will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised absence in register. Clearly with no explanation from the parent, the absence is unauthorised.

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School and the Community

As the school is part of the local community. We have close links with our local Early Learning and Childcare Centres (ELCC), our partner primary schools and VOLA. We have staff from local support services in to speak about Road Safety, Firework Safety, dental care etc. We work closely with The Environment Trust who have supported us in developing our outdoor learning areas. Tullochan Trust work closely with the school and provide many learning opportunities e.g. Learning outdoors and online safety. We also work closely with SPARK counselling service. The Parent Council hold regular meetings to plan and organise events. Local Learning Communities

All educational establishments within West Dunbartonshire Council are members of a Local Learning Community (LLC). These LLC’s are made up of one secondary school and its associated primary schools and include a number of Early Education and Childcare Centres and Partnership Nurseries. Lennox Primary is a member of the VOLA Local Learning Community. The five Learning Communities in West Dunbartonshire have been established as part of West Dunbartonshire’s educational improvement strategy. This strategy has a clear focus to raise educational aspirations, achievement and attainment of all pupils while improving the skills and knowledge of all staff involved in the education of children and young people. Mrs Begg represents Lennox Primary School on the VOLA LLC; however other members of staff may attend meetings in support of improvement work. The VOLA LLC is led by Laura Mason, Chief Education Officer who is assisted by Julie McGrogan Senior Education Officer (Educational Development). Updates on the work of the LLC’s will be made available through parent council meetings and through Standards and Quality reporting.

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Pupil Groups Through participation on a number of pupil led groups our children develop the skills to enable them to become confident individual, effective contributors, successful learners and responsible citizens.

Credit Union Team

JRSO

Children who visited Bridge Court

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Extra Curricular

Activities

After school activities vary from year to year and may include Active Sports professional coaches providing football, athletics, mini mover sessions, choir and science club etc. P7 pupils attend a Residential Excursion, this year travelling to Auchengillan Outdoor Centre in March. Here they will have the opportunity to take part in activities such as archery, kayaking, orienteering, hill-walking and environmental studies.

Our school is always interested in inviting parents to assist in extra curricular activities and we would welcome any offers of help which you would be able to provide.

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Public Speaking Competition

P3 Athletics Team

P4 Dodgeball Team

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Forest School

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Promotion of Positive Relationships and Discipline To enable our pupils to benefit fully from their time at school it is extremely important that a high standard of acceptable behaviour is achieved. The school promotes a Positive Relationships policy which rewards good behaviour as well as dealing with the unacceptable. We know that children respond to praise and encouragement no matter what year they are in. Clear expectations of behaviour are set for our children and these are discussed regularly both in class and at assemblies. The school has an anti-bullying policy which is based on the principles outlined in West Dunbartonshire Council’s anti-bullying policy. Bullying is seen as an important issue for all staff, parents and children in school. The effect of bullying cannot be underestimated, not only on the child being bullied, but also but also on the bully and the rest of the school. We will not accept bullying in school and incidents will be dealt with as a matter of urgency. The school anti-bullying policy is based on three basic rules for children:

1. Do not hit back 2. Walk away 3. Tell an adult

All the children are made aware of these three rules and are reminded of the importance of them in school. This will often be covered in Health and Wellbeing activities and at assemblies where zero tolerance to bullying is regularly visited. There are clear procedures for reporting incidents of bullying. Copies of the school policy can be provided on request. a number of strategies. If you have an individual complaint about a school matter we would call upon parents to raise these directly with the school or through the Council's complaints process. House System Our four houses are Inchmurrin, Inchcailloch, Inchfad and Inchconnachan. House points are awarded for following our school values: Respect, Honesty, Tolerance, Perseverance and Achievement. House points can be awarded by any adult in the school. Points are counted termly and a house rewards takes place. Star Pupil Awards Once a fortnight a child from each class is chosen as star pupil. Supervision in Playgrounds

At Lennox Primary we aim to provide a safe play area for our pupils and to ensure that they conduct themselves in a well- disciplined way. An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at break times in terms of the schools Safety and Supervision of Pupils (Scotland) Regulations, 1990.

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School Uniform

Given that there is substantial parental and public approval of uniform, schools in West Dunbartonshire Council strongly encourage the wearing of school uniform. The wearing of school uniform helps promote the identity of the school in the local community and helps

create an ethos of sharing and pride in the school.

Lennox Primary Lennox Primary School uniform is

White Shirt/Blouse

Lennox Tartan Tie

Purple Jumper/Cardigan with School Badge

White Polo Shirt with school badge

Purple Sweatshirt with school badge

Grey trousers/skirt to complete the outfit.

Lennox tartan kilt, pinafore.

Grey blazer with purple trim and school badge.

Purple waterproof jacket with school badge

Parents are also asked to supply shorts, T shirt and gym shoes for PE.

Uniforms can be ordered at www. schooluniformscotland.com

There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:

Potentially encourage faction (such as football colours)

Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)

Could cause health & safety difficulties (such as loose fitting clothing or body piercings/jewellery for PE and sport)

Are made from flammable material (for example, shell suits in practical classes)

Could cause damage to flooring

Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.

Clothing and Footwear Grants Some pupils may be eligible for a clothing grant. Parents can ask at the school office or they can access information on the council website,www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-andlearning/schools

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School Meals

Our school operates a lunch service which supplies a variety of healthy meals and snacks. Copies of the menu are available from the council website. All pupils in P1 – P3 are entitled to free meals. Children in P4 – P7 may be entitled to free school meals and parents can ask at the school office or they can access the information on the council website, www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/educaion-and-learning/schools Seating facilities are available within the dining hall for those pupils who bring a packed lunch to school. We also request that, in the interests of safety, children are provided with non-breakable containers for drinks, and that no drinks in cans be brought to school. If your child requires a special diet for medical reasons, written request and a letter from your child’s doctor is required for catering staff in order for specific dietary requirements to be adhered to this can be provided if notice is given. Lennox Primary is a nut free zone.

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Medical And Health Care West Dunbartonshire Council has strict guidelines and policy on the administration of medicines. Consent and information must be given if medicine is to be administered in school. In school we have a member of staff who is qualified to administer first aid to assist with minor injuries and accidents. Parents of children requiring long or short-term medication during school hours should contact the Head Teacher. Medication cannot be administered without written details. A form is available for this purpose. All medication must be handed to the School Office and staff will dispense it at the appropriate times. Parents are also asked to give written details of any medical condition which may affect the education of their child and also keep the school updated. If a child takes ill during school time, he/she may require to be sent home. It is necessary in these circumstances for an adult to call at the school as no pupil will be allowed home without an adult to supervise them. We ask parents to update school emergency contact details on a regular basis to help us on those occasions when we may have to get in touch. The school nursing service is involved with all aspects of health screening and helps with health education. Hearing, vision and dental checks are also carried out throughout the year. P1 and P2 take part in a tooth brushing programme. The school nurse is also available to help, advise and guide parents with individual concerns over pupils health and wellbeing. Please get in touch if you would like us to arrange an appointment with the school nurse.

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Information In Emergencies

We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We will inform you by telephone and text. We shall keep you in touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local radio. You will also be able to access up to date information from the council website,www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

The council operates a helpline in emergencies, details will be made available when this happens. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TELL US ABOUT NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS AS SOON AS YOU MAKE ANY CHANGES.

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Transfer from Primary To

Secondary

TRANSITION

Pupils normally move to secondary school at the end of P7 primary where they will have the opportunity to complete at least four years of secondary education.

Parents will be informed of the arrangements by December of the year preceding the date of transition.

The school to which our pupils normally transfer is:

Vale of Leven Academy Main Street Alexandria G83 0BH

Tel: 01389 777000

P 6 & P7 pupils attend the Academy for induction visits in the summer term. Secondary staff also visit and work with the P7 pupils, getting to know the children in advance. The Pupil and Family Support worker, Ms Norma Wightman is an integral part of this process, carrying an in depth knowledge of pupils in terms of pastoral care. Positive, constructive liaison between the cluster schools is a major strength

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Data Protection Act 1984

How we use your personal information: It is important for the school to hold personal information about pupils as it allows us to contact a suitable adult in cases of emergency. The information held also helps West Dunbartonshire Council to provide education services now and to plan for the future. Information provided to us in relation to children's disability, language, religion, ethnic background or national identity is used to ensure that children’s legal rights in school are recognised. Children's general legal rights are listed in the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, the Equality Act 2010 and in the European Convention on Human Rights. Information held on pupils is strictly controlled by law, and can only be passed onto other services within the Council and other organisations in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection 2018 Act (DPA). As a local authority, our schools and early years establishments process information about children and young people in order to provide education and care. All personal data is treated as confidential. The information may be passed to other services and other organisations that will use it for a number of purposes connected to education services, for example, child protection, delivery of National Entitlement Cards and cashless catering, organising school transport, Active Schools Programme, the NHS School Nursing, Dental Health and Immunisation Programmes, collection of information by the Scottish Government and provision of national exams, we may also use any information for research purposes. We may use information held for the purposes of a public task (one of the recognised functions of a Scottish Local Authority) and may share information where necessary with other public bodies or where otherwise required to do so by law. In terms of Section 94 of the Data Protection Act 2018 (Right of Access / Subject Access Request), a requester is entitled to know what personal information West Dunbartonshire Council holds about them and their children. They are also entitled to access their children's education records in terms of the Pupil's Education Records (Scotland) Regulations 2003. Applications for Subject Access Requests should be made either to the Head Teacher or to The Data Protection/Information Protection Officer, Municipal Buildings Dumbarton, G82 1NR or dataprotection@west-dunbarton.gov.uk You can find out more about the Subject Access Request procedure by visiting the following web address: http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/data-protection-ripsa-and-freedom-of-information/data-protection/ If you would like further information on how your information is used and how we keep your information safe please contact: Data Protection/Information Protection Officer at the above address.

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West Dunbartonshire Council has issued the following statement regarding ‘Social Media’.

Social Media has become an extremely valuable communication tool for many parents to quickly share information and updates with fellow school parents and friends. It can have important benefits to promote the activity of our schools and we support its increased use. We would however ask for parents to be responsible and restrained when discussing school matters on Facebook and Twitter. Some negative comments can cause distress to school communities, alarm parents and pupils or unfairly tarnish employees. Whatever the circumstances, we believe it is completely unacceptable for anyone to use social media to make remarks about named or identifiable staff, parents or pupils. If you have an individual complaint about a school matter we would call upon parents to raise these directly with the school or through the

Council’s complaints process rather than social media.

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Useful Addresses

LAURA MASON Chief Education Officer

WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL 16 CHURCH STREET DUMBARTON G82 1QL TEL: 01389 737000 JULIE MCGROGAN Senior Education Officer WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL 16 CHURCH STREET DUMBARTON G82 1QL TEL: 01389 737000 NATIONAL PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT COORDINATOR CURRICULUM DIVISION LEARNING DIRECTORATE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TEL: 07825 20165247

www.engageforeducation.org.uk COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

UNIT 6, LEVEN VALLEY ENTERPRISE CENTRE CASTLEHILL ROAD DUMBARTON G82 5BN Tel: 01389 608072

LENNOX PRIMARY PARENT ASSOCIATION

CHAIRPERSON – Mrs J Leitch

Although this information is correct at time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the handbook

before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question,

in relation to subsequent school years