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Welcome

To Edinbarnet Primary School

School Handbook

December 2014

West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde

Opportunity Through Learning

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Contents Page Number

WDC Statement of Commitment 3 Online Handbook 4 Head Teacher Introduction 5 Educational Aims of Edinbarnet Primary School 6 About Edinbarnet Primary School 7 Staff 8 School Hours 9 School Holidays 10 Enrolment 12 The Curriculum 13 Assessment & Reporting 19 Homework 20 Additional Support Needs 20 Attendance at School 23 Extra Curricular Activities 24 School Discipline 25 Supervision of Playgrounds 26 School Uniform 26 School Meals 28 Medical & Health Care 28 Information in Emergencies 29 Parents in School 29 Transfer from Primary to Secondary 31 Data Protection Act 1984 31 Useful Addresses 32 Your Questions Answered 33



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Department of Educational Services

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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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 All educational establishments within West Dunbartonshire Council are members of a Local Learning Community (LLC). These LLCs 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. Edinbarnet Primary School is a member of the Clydebank High 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 McCormick represents Edinbarnet Primary School on the Clydebank High LLC; however other members of staff may attend meetings in support of improvement work. The Clydebank High LLC is led by Matthew Boyle, Educational Services Manager who is assisted by Susan Gray, the school’s Quality Improvement Officer. Updates on the work of the LLCs will be made available through parent council meetings and through Standards and Quality reporting.

Edinbarnet Primary School Faifley Road

Faifley G81 5BQ

Tel: 01389 872093

Email: [email protected]



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Message from the Head Teacher

On behalf of the children and staff at Edinbarnet Primary School I

would like to welcome your child to our school. Starting primary

school is an important milestone in a child’s life and parents want to

be fully informed about the education provided for their child. The

information in this handbook is intended as a guide to all parents of

new pupils in session 2015 – 2016.

Edinbarnet pupils can expect to learn and play in a safe, happy and

calm environment, where they are supported to achieve to the best

of their ability. The achievements of our pupils are celebrated

through school assemblies, displays, features in the local media and

our monthly newsletter. As a parent/carer, we welcome your

involvement in all aspects of school life and aim to nurture positive

and productive partnerships between home and school.

In the following pages you will find that many aspects of life and

work at Edinbarnet are covered. However, if you feel that there is

anything further you would like to know, or there is something you

would like to discuss, please feel free to call at the school and see

me or phone the school office (01389 872093)

Laura McCormick

Headteacher



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Aims of Edinbarnet Primary School We aim: To provide a broad, balanced, differentiated

curriculum in a secure, safe, just and happy environment in which every person is valued

To ensure that learning experiences are

challenging, stimulating, of a high quality and promote an awareness of social responsibility

To promote and extend partnerships with parents,

other establishments particularly our cluster colleagues, other agencies and the wider community

To monitor through Improvement Planning and

other evaluation strategies the corporate life of the school to ensure best value

To do all we can to care for our world by reducing,

reusing and recycling



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School Information School Address: Edinbarnet Primary School Faifley Road Faifley, CLYDEBANK. G81 5BQ Telephone Number : (01389) 872093 Fax number: (01389) 879394 E-mail Address: [email protected] The present building was originally designed as a secondary building in 1958 and has been used as a primary school since 1972. In 1993, the school was completely re-designed specifically as a primary education facility. The school has: a computer suite. An upper school reference library and upper school fiction library. a multi purpose room open activity areas on the middle and top floors of the school. a lower school reference and fiction library nurture room (the Sunshine Room) a playroom. staff resource rooms (3). a parents’ room. a large assembly hall with a stage. a gymnasium and changing rooms. a football pitch. large open grounds leading to Auchnacraig Country Park. a spacious, separate dining hall with its own kitchen. The present roll of Edinbarnet Primary is 234 pupils. The maximum roll is 485 pupils. 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. Stages covered are from Primary 1 to Primary 7 - this caters for pupils aged from four and a half years to twelve and a half years. Edinbarnet Primary is a non-denominational school for both boys and girls.



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Staffing

Head Teacher Mrs Laura McCormick Acting Depute Head Teacher Miss Natalie Ward Acting Principal Teacher Mrs Laura Radcliffe P1a Class Teacher Miss Sinead Connolly P1b Class Teacher Mrs Elizabeth Johnstone P2 Class Teacher Mrs Margaret Paisley P3 Class Teacher Miss Rebecca Ross/Mrs Laura Radcliffe P3/4 Class Teacher Mr John Paton P4 Class Teacher Mrs Ailee Haouchine P5 Class Teacher Mrs Jennifer Bowman P6 Class Teacher Miss Laura Joyce P6/7 Class Teacher Mrs Caroline Yates P7 Class Teacher Mr Ross Hunter Nurture Teacher (0.5) Mrs Tina Sartain McCrone Cover Mrs Catriona Morrison/Mrs L Radcliffe Area Network Support (0.3) Mrs Liz Alderson Teacher of Gaelic Mrs Catriona Morrison Brass Instructor Mr Chris Mitchell Senior Clerical Assistant Mrs Lynn McLafferty Clerical Assistant Mrs Gillian Graham Clerical Assistant Mrs Jacqueline Smith Learning Assistant Mrs Geraldine Green Learning Assistant Mrs Eleanor Sharman Learning Assistant Mrs Alexis Lyons Learning Assistant Mrs Muriel Watt Learning Assistant Mr Thomas Nisbet Learning Assistant Mrs Elaine McCabe Learning Assistant (0.5) Mrs Caroline Baird School Chaplain Mr Gregor McIntyre Facilities Assistant Mr Scott Murdoch Kitchen Supervisor Mrs Susan Smith Facilities Assistant Mrs Jacqueline Paterson



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School Hours

School begins: 9.00 am Morning interval: 10.30 - 10.45 am Lunch: 12.15 - 1.00 pm End of school day: 3.00 pm Please note that P1 pupils are dismissed at 12.15 pm for the first two weeks of the term. Thereafter they will be dismissed at 3.00 pm in line with the rest of the school. At the Christmas and Easter holidays, school will normally close at 2:30pm on the last day of term. At the end of the Summer term, school will normally dismiss at 1:00pm.



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School Holidays Dates for the second half of session 2014 –2015 are Term 3 begins Monday 5 January 2015 School closes Thursday 5 February 2015 at 3:00 School opens Wednesday 11 February 2015 School closes Thursday April 2 2015 at 2:30 School opens Monday April 20 2015 (Good Friday is 3 April and Easter Monday is 6 April 2015)

Local Holiday Monday 4 May 2015 School closes (May weekend) Wednesday 20 May 2015 School opens Tuesday 26 May 2015 School closes Thursday 25 June 2015 at 1:00pm

(In service days – Friday 6 Feb 2015 and Thursday 21 May 2015) Dates confirmed for Session 2015/2016 are: Staff return Thursday 13 August 2015 Pupils return Monday 17 August 2015

(Please note that P1 pupils will be full time from Monday, August 31st 2015)

Local Holiday –School closes Thursday 24 September 2015 School opens Tuesday 29 September 2015 School closes Thursday 8 October 2015 School opens Monday 19 October 2015 School closes Friday 18 December 2015 at 2:30pm

School opens Tuesday 5 January 2016 School closes Thursday 4 February 2016



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School opens Wednesday 10 February 2016 School closes Thursday March 24 2016 School opens Tuesday March 29 2016

(Good Friday is 25 March and Easter Monday is 28 March 2016)

School closes (Spring holiday) Friday 1 April 2016 at 2:30pm

School opens Monday April 18 2016 Local Holiday Monday 2 May 2016 School closes (May weekend) Thursday 26 May 2016 School opens Tuesday 31 May 2016 School closes Wednesday 29 June 2016 at 1:00pm

In-Service Days 2015-16 Day 1 Thursday 13 August 2015 Day 2 Friday 14 August 2015 Day 3 Friday 9 October 2015 Day 4 Friday 5 February 2016 Day 5 Thursday 5 May 2016



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Enrolment

All children who live in the catchment area of Edinbarnet Primary School and born between 1 March 2010 and 28 February 2011 must register for education at this school. (A placing request can be made to another school if desired.) The date for registration is week beginning Monday 12th January 2015. Children who will be attending Edinbarent have already had several visits to the school. After enrolment, further arrangements are made for our new P1 entrants and their parents to visit the school on several occasions before the end of the session. The children will meet their personal senior school buddy and parents have an opportunity to speak with Mrs McCormick, Head Teacher and other staff.



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Curriculum At the heart of Curriculum for Excellence lies the aspiration that all children should develop their capacities as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. West Dunbartonshire Council’s priority for Curriculum for Excellence is to ensure effective teaching and learning. Curriculum for Excellence challenges us to look at innovative and exciting ways to deliver the curriculum to our children. While there are specific programmes for each area of the curriculum much of it can now be delivered through cross-cutting themes and interdisciplinary studies and projects. Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach in a creative way, to work together, plan together and to create shared learning experiences. It balances the importance of knowledge and skills. It ensures that pupils have opportunities for choice and that they are active participants in their own learning. Teaching in Teams for Mathematics (Primary 4 to 7 only) Mathematics and numeracy activities are taught in groups to children with similar ability with the teachers working in teams. This system is called “SETTING” and means that pupils could well have a different teacher for Mathematics rather than their own class teacher. This system allows for closer focus and a more intense pace of learning because within each group are children of similar ability. It also caters more for the needs of individual children.

CURRICULAR AREAS Reading As well as enabling children to read with ease and enjoyment, or to find a piece of information, the school aims to involve children in reflecting on what they have read and understanding as completely as possible the ideas contained. Reading study skills are an essential part of our programme and pupils are encouraged to use these skills in all areas of the curriculum. In Primary 1 – 3, an attractive reading scheme called “The Oxford Reading Tree” is used. This scheme has a strong phonics programme supplemented by worksheets and games.



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In Primary 4 – 7, the main reading schemes used are entitled Literacy World and New Ginn 360. This latter scheme is supplemented by Fact Finders which are part of the Oxford Reading Tree and are used to extend pupil reference skills. A wide range of materials for use by both less able pupils and also accelerated learners are also available. Talking and Listening

Pupils are encouraged to talk, to express their own ideas to offer opinions, to debate and discuss and to draw upon their imagination in an intelligible and acceptable form. In the Early Stages, structured play provides enormous opportunities for Spoken Language. Drama too, provides further opportunities for this. The West Dunbartonshire Council file “Hearsay” is now being used extensively throughout the school to develop talking and listening in the classroom. Circle Time and PATHS are both used in school to help to promote the social and emotional development of our pupils through talking and listening. Good listening is an important aspect of the language development of our pupils and is a skill that we try to develop across the curriculum. Writing Being able to communicate clearly in writing is an important part of our language programme and our pupils are taught the skills of personal, imaginative and functional writing. They learn to express themselves creatively through personal and imaginative writing and through functional writing to convey information. Peer and self assessment is encouraged to enable our pupils to plan the next steps in their learning. Handwriting



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The school aims to develop a style of handwriting which gives the child the ability to write early, quickly and legibly and which is also aesthetically satisfying, even on occasions which call for speed and concentration. Linked script is the form of handwriting used in the school. Handwriting is practised regularly by all classes throughout the school. Mathematics & Numeracy Through the study of mathematics children develop essential numeracy and mathematical skills which they can apply in different contexts and in the world of work. Mathematics is a key element in engineering, science, technology and business. We use Scottish Heinemann Maths and TeeJay as our core maths schemes for P1-7. However other resources and approaches are used depending on the individual needs of each child. We try to ensure that maths lessons have an appropriate balance of oral maths, practical/active experiences, consolidation and practice. Great emphasis is placed on interactive and active learning. Based on gathered assessment data, a focus element of mathematics and numeracy eg Money is taught one day per week by every class for a term. Every class has a Smartboard and these are used extensively to support the curriculum using a variety of software and internal sales. Social Studies Engaging in social studies allows children to develop an understanding of their world by learning about other people, their values and cultures, in different times, places and circumstances and how their environment has been shaped. (People in place, people in the past and people in society). Children learn about human achievements, conflicts and environmental issues, both in a local and global context. Expressive Arts Expressive arts include art & design, drama, dance & music. Through the expressive arts curriculum children are given a variety of opportunities to enjoy creative and imaginative activities and to express themselves in different ways. Expressive arts can also be a forum for children to bring enjoyment and entertainment to others through shows, concerts and assemblies.



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Throughout the year the children are given opportunities to perform before their peers, parents and the local community. In December the whole school take part in the Nativity concert and in March children from P5-7 take part in the annual school show. In December we also hold our annual T-Dance for the retired ladies and gentlemen of Faifley. Religious and Moral Education (including personal and social development with health education) All pupils should develop some understanding of religious and moral education and for the majority of our pupils this will be achieved through a curriculum that is based on Christianity. At Edinbarnet Primary School a curriculum is also provided which allows our pupils to develop an understanding and respect for people of other faiths. Moral Education is implicit here in Edinbarnet Primary School. The establishment of a caring atmosphere and an emphasis on good personal relationships plays an important part in developing appropriate moral values and a sense of individual and collective responsibility. Activities are included in this curricular area to enable pupils to appreciate values such a honesty, fairness and respect for others and also to develop a personal code of behaviour. Personal and Social Development and Health Education At Edinbarnet Primary School a programme of study has been established to enable our pupils to take on responsibility for their own personal and social development and health and that of others. This programme gives our pupils the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding about a wide range of health issues and life styles that are relevant to them. It also allows them to develop their self-awareness and self-esteem and to develop personal and interpersonal skills. These include issues to do with building relationships, personal protection and bullying.



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Spiritual, Social, Moral & Cultural Values Throughout the school, the ethical and moral aspects of Religious Education have much emphasis placed upon it. As a school our children attend Faifley Parish Church and festivals such as the Easter and Christmas are celebrated there. It is recognised that the Education Act allows parents to withdraw their children from any instruction in religious subjects and from any religious observance, and any such pupil will not be placed at any disadvantage with respect to secular instruction. Parents who wish to withdraw pupils should contact the Headteacher. 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. Technologies There is a well appointed computer suite in the school which is timetabled for regular use by all the classes. I.C.T. is integrated across all areas of the curriculum and the pupils use their skills to create and present their work using word processing and graphics and to support personal research. The school is connected to the internet which enables our pupils to browse sites for information for research topics. Each class has a Smartboard which is used to extensively support all curricular areas. Physical Education



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In line with guidance from the Scottish Government, each child gets two hours of physical education per week. The physical education curriculum includes games skills, inventive movement, expressive movement and dance and is based on materials published by Glasgow City Council. Swimming lessons held weekly at Clydebank Playdrome are currently available to the children of Primary 7. Various clubs including Football, Netball, Skipping and Street Dance are offered to the children after school. These clubs are available to children at different stages in the school. Throughout the year Sports Development Officers come into the school to work with our children in a wide variety of sports including Hockey, Athletics, Football, Tai Kwan Do and Judo. Each year the children of Primary 7 are given the opportunity to take part in an Outward Bound Residential Activity Course. This course is based at McGregor’s Landing in Ardlui on the banks of Loch Lomond. Activity courses may vary depending on the time of year but cover a wider range of outdoor activities including abseiling, hill walking, canoeing and orienteering. Charges will differ according to the choice made by individual schools but an indication of price is given below. Please note that West Dunbartonshire Council’s scheme of charges are listed below and are outwith the control of the school. Scale of Charge Tuition and Residential Fee (Non-concession) £188.00 Tuition and Residential Fee (For children in receipt of Free Meal) £135.00 The children of Primary 6 are also given the opportunity of taking part in an Outdoor Activity Taster Day at Balloch Park. Gaelic



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The original three year pilot project funded by the Scottish Government has been expanded for at least another year whereby Gaelic is taught to identified classes in the middle and upper stages of the school. The children in these classes also learn about the culture and history of the Gaelic speaking communities. Edinbarnet Primary School is the only school on West Dunbartonshire Council that offers Gaelic to its pupils. French The pupils in Primary 6 and 7 receive lessons in elementary French once per week with Mrs Caroline Yates. Assessment and Reporting Pupil progress is continually monitored by the class teacher and Head Teacher using a wide variety of methods. Evidence is collected through pupil’s written work, group tests, teacher observation, pupil’s self and peer assessment and display work. Samples of the children’s work chosen by both teacher and pupil are added to each child’s profile. Two Parents’ Evenings are held during the year (October and May) at which parents, pupil and teacher can discuss the child’s progress and have a look at his/ her work. Your child’s end of year report will be issued in May. It will include information and teacher comments about: the breadth of learning your child has experienced within curricular areas the level of challenge planned for your child to ensure he/she is achieving

his/her full potential and being supported appropriately how well your child can apply learning in new and unfamiliar contexts. 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. Second To the end of P7, but earlier or later

for some.



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Third and Fourth S1 to S3, but earlier for some. The fourth level broadly equates to Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 4. The fourth level experiences and outcomes are intended to provide possibilities for choice and young people's programmes will not include all of the fourth level outcomes.

Senior phase S4 to S6, and college or other means of study

Please note that parents are welcome into school at any time throughout the session to discuss their child’s progress, either with the Head Teacher or the class teacher. If you wish to do so, please telephone the school to make an appointment or drop in next time you are passing. Homework Children will be encouraged to extend the skills taught in school through further practice and research at home. The time spent in this should vary according to the age of the children. Activities set might include: phonics, spelling practice in mathematical processes home reading research/information collection

As homework is for the benefit of your child you are asked to ensure that the homework is completed. 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. The Additional Support for Learning Act (ASL) 2009 requires that from 14 November 2010 schools improve on how we communicate with parents/carers on all aspects of the ASL Act. Detailed information on the changes resulting from the legislation is available to all parents and recent publications on supporting learning needs are available in the school foyer.



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Supporting learners requiring additional support Staff monitor the progress of children requiring support and provide learning materials suitable to their level of development. All schools in West Dunbartonshire 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 support needs and plans with the head or depute head teacher at key times during the year. Any parent/carer concerned about their child’s learning is welcome to visit the school to discuss their concerns. Information is available about additional support on the council website and is also available in the school reception area. Schools also have the support of Psychological Services. The role of the educational psychologist is to lend support by interviewing, testing and suggesting suitable work and materials for children whose learning or behaviour is causing concern. Parents will always be consulted if a referral to the psychologist is being considered. At Edinbarnet every strategy is employed to enable individual children to achieve their full potential in all aspects of school life. Pupil Support Structure All staff in the school are required to be aware of child protection issues and are provided with regular information on child protection policy and procedures. The school maintains close working relationships with all other relevant agencies to ensure appropriate information is shared and that professionals from various agencies work collaboratively for the wellbeing of the children and young people. All staff have a responsibility to report concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child or young person to the head teacher. If the head teacher or the depute head is of the view that there may be grounds for concern they will immediately contact the duty senior social worker and advise them of the circumstances. In Edinbarnet Primary we aim to get it right for every child (GIRFEC). Our policy is to support pupils with all aspects of their learning and to ensure that parents and pupils access support from different agencies out with education such as health, social work and the wider community groups associated with education such as health, social work and the wider community groups associated with supporting vulnerable pupils. We try to ensure that our pupils are safe, healthy, achieving, attaining, nurtured, included and fulfilling their potential. We work in partnership with parents and carers and ensure



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that our pupils have an identified person that they can speak to, relate to and be supported by. We try to remove barriers to learning and at all times consider how we can best include and support individual pupils so that they continue to achieve. Nurture Class Most of our children start life in primary school with confidence and enthusiasm. However for a variety of different reasons a few children do not settle easily into the routine and require help with their self esteem, confidence and social skills, including acceptance of rules and limits. Edinbarnet Primary School has a very successful nurture group that has two members of staff. Mrs Tina Sartain (teacher) and Mrs Geraldine Green (learning assistant). It is important to stress that the children are still very much part of their own class but will spend an allocated time each week working with the nurture teacher and learning assistant within a small group of six children. This takes place in a dedicated classroom – ‘The Sunshine Room’ which combines features of both home and school. Each child will still follow the school curriculum but at their own pace and with strong emphasis on: Meeting personal targets Completing tasks and activities

Be assured that the class teacher and the Nurture Class teacher will work closely together to ensure maximum benefit and continuity for your child. Equal Opportunities and Social Justice All members of the School Community are treated equally and given equal opportunity to access teaching and learning to each person’s potential. All staff have a responsibility to ensure the council’s Equal Opportunities Policy is adhered to. Rights Respecting Schools



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Rights Respecting Schools recognise achievement in putting the rights of the child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos. A rights-respecting school not only teaches about children’s rights but also models rights and respect in all relationships between teachers/adults and pupils, between adults and between pupils. This provides a clear link for pupils between building up their rights-respecting school, understanding their rights and the need for the children’s rights to be realised everywhere. Children and young people in rights-respecting schools develop a stronger sense of the need to act for global justice. Edinbarnet Primary School is a Rights Respecting School and we have recently been awarded Level 1 Rights Respecting School status. We are now working towards Level 2.

Attendance at School Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act places 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. If a medical or dental appointment is necessary within school hours parents are requested to call at the school to collect their child. 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 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’.



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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

Breakfast Club A Breakfast Club is held here in the school dining hall and is available to all pupils including those who have just started in primary one. The Club starts at 8.15 a.m. and the cost of the breakfast is 30p per pupil and consists of toast, cereal, porridge and fruit juice. If a pupil is eligible for free school meals, the cost is 15p per pupil. Please note that the Breakfast Club is there to be used as and when required and not necessarily on a daily basis. The children are also supervised by two of the learning assistants, Mrs Jenny Green and Mr Tommy Nisbet. If however you have any questions or concerns, please telephone me here at the school or drop in next time that you are passing.

Extra Curricular Activities A wide and varied range of extra curricular activities are available to our pupils after school. These clubs which are listed below are available to all our children from Primary 2 - 7 and are held in various parts of the school nearly every day of the week. These clubs are staffed by teaching staff and who give of their time voluntarily and enthusiastically. Football Basketball Drama Netball Athletics Street Dance



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School Discipline If our pupils are to get the full benefit from their time at school it is extremely important that a high standard of acceptable behaviour is achieved. The school promotes a POSITIVE discipline policy – Traffic Light System 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. At the beginning of each session staff and pupils discuss the school rules and amendments are made if the consensus of the class feel it necessary. It is important that the children understand and agree to the rules and the need for them. From time to time, some children may have difficulty regulating their behaviour. At these times, children may be placed on a behaviour monitoring sheet which goes home at the end of each day to let you see how your child is behaving and to give you the opportunity to talk to them about their behaviour. Again, you will be informed of this if the need arises. Any issues on school discipline can be raised with Mrs McCormick, Head Teacher.

Pupil Council The school has a Pupil Council. Council is made up of one elected representative from each class from Primary 1-7 who meet on a regular basis. These issues may be whole-school or specific to individual classes and if necessary guest speakers are invited along to Council. All the children are encouraged to take part in Council and meetings are minuted, and after each meeting individual members report back to their own class. A selected member also gives a report to the whole school at assembly. In this way it is hoped that all the children will feel a sense of responsibility for their school and that their views and contributions are valued.



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Supervision of Playgrounds An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at breaktimes in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations, 1990. Parents are asked to send or bring pupils to school as near entry time as possible and not before 8.50 a.m. particularly during wet weather as shelter is extremely limited.

Clothing and Uniform Pupil attending schools within West Dunbartonshire Council are strongly encouraged to wear a school uniform. Our contact with parents in recent years has also made us aware that the vast majority is in favour of uniform. The wearing of school uniform helps promote the identify of the school in the local community and helps create an ethos of sharing and pride in the school. Most people tend to form opinions about a school by the appearance and behaviour of its pupils. West Dunbartonshire Council supports the wearing of the uniform in all of its schools because it: improves school security by making it easier to identify intruders builds a sense of identify and belonging to the school gives pupils an equality of appearance thereby discouraging competition is cheaper to buy than other clothing which pupils may wish to wear encourages school discipline and a work ethic amongst pupils. The forms of dress which are unacceptable in school are 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 and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing,

dangling earring, sportswear made of flammable material Could cause damage to flooring Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco



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Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or to be used by others to do so

Are valuable or expensive items of clothing or jewellery, which presents a security issue for the school.

Edinbarnet Primary School Uniform The agreed uniform for boys and girls at Edinbarnet Primary School is as follows: Formal Informal White or blue shirt or blouse and tie Pale blue or white polo shirt (without logo) Grey, black or navy jumper or cardigan under a Trousers or culottes Blue sweatshirt with school logo Kimono or skirt Blue sweatshirts with the Edinbarnet Primary School logo can be purchased at the school office. School ties are also available. A list of sizes and costs is given below for your information. SWEATSHIRTS (Royal Blue with logo) POLO-SHIRTS (Pale Blue with logo) Size: Price: Size: Price: 22 - 24 (3-4 years) £8.00 22 - 24 (3-4 years) £8.00 26 - 28 (5-6 years) £8.00 26 - 28 (5-6 years) £8.00 30 (7-8 years) £8.00 30 (7-8 years) £8.00 32 (9-10 years) £8.00 32 (9-10 years) £8.00 34 (11-12 years) £9.00 34 (11-12 years) £9.00 Small Adult £10.00 Small Adult £10.00 School Tie £3.50 The following items, with logo are also available: Hooded Top £10/£12 Fleece £13.00 Reversible Jacket £20.00 Woolly Hat £4.00 School bag £7.50 All clothing, including shoes, outer jackets and coats should be clearly named.



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School Meals We are a ‘Healthy Choices’ school and the 4 week rolling menu reflects this, offering a range of nutritious main meals, homemade soup, fresh fruit and salads on a daily basis. All meals are cooked on the premises and copies of the menu will be sent home. Parents are most welcome to come into school and see the choices available. Each session we invite parents of our new P1 pupils to join us for lunch. The response and comments received show that parents are most impressed with the quality and choice. Parents of children who need a special diet should contact the Head Teacher. Pupils may also bring a packed lunch. Instead of a hot meal, children may choose a snack lunch: sandwiches, paninis, wraps, fresh fruit, yoghurt etc. We ask parents to support us in encouraging pupils to eat a healthy diet and ask that you do not give your children fizzy drinks and sugary snacks to bring to school. Our catering staff also provide a healthy tuck shop at morning interval. Some children may be entitled to free school meals and parents can ask at the office for more information.

Medical and Health Care

West Dunbartonshire Council has strict guidelines and policy on administration of medicines. Consent/information must be given if medicine is to be administered in school. In our school we have a member of staff who is qualified to administer first aid to assist with minor injuries and accidents. Parents are asked to inform the school of any medical requirements of their child. While the school provides minor first aid treatment, parents should provide the school with an emergency contact so that children can be taken home if illness occurs. The school should be notified immediately if the emergency contact changes. Minor accidents will be dealt with in school by staff members. In the event of a serious accident the child will be taken directly to Yorkhill Childrens’ Hospital.



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Parents will be notified immediately. Minor injuries will be noted in our accident log book and a note of this will be given to the child to take home. In the event of more serious injuries and all head injuries, parents will be contacted by telephone. The school nurse is involved with all aspects of health screening and health education. Hearing, vision and dental checks are also carried out throughout the year. Primaries 1 and 2 take part in a tooth-brushing project. Pupils in P1-P4 engage in the fluoride varnish project. The school nurse who is Mrs Rosie Montgomery is also available to help, advise and guide parents/carers with individual concerns over pupils health and wellbeing. Please contact the head teacher if you would like to have an appointment with the school nurse.

Information in Emergencies We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you 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 West Dunbartonshire Council website. This can be located at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk. It is normal practice within West Dunbartonshire Council to operate a helpline when emergencies arise. Details will be made available when an occasion arises.

Parents in School From the earliest opportunity, parents are encouraged to become involved in the daily life of the school. Apart from pre-school visits, there are many events during the school year to which parents are invited e.g. sports events, concerts, services etc. Newsletters are sent home regularly to keep parents up to date with the busy life of the school. 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 who is based in Clydebank High also supports our home/school partnership. Parental help is always needed to help with outings and help is always welcome during Book Fairs and fund raising events. We are very grateful for this help and



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welcome new faces. A series of meetings for parents of new P1 pupils is held in the summer term prior to the children starting school and also during the autumn term. Our Parent Council also serves to strengthen the partnership with parents. They are very friendly and any parent is welcome to come along to meetings. Details of who to contact are on our address page at the back the school handbook. An excellent website for parents is: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Parentzone Parents are welcome to call at the school at any time if there is a problem or concern that we can help with.

The Parent Council Edinbarnet Primary has an active Parent Council which is committed to supporting the life and work of the school. As a new parent you will be invited to join the Parent Council or take part in fundraising initiatives during the school year. See contact details for further information on parental involvement. Our parent council members give generously of their time for a meeting each term to discuss how they can best support the school with different projects. They plan and organise a variety of fund raising projects including an annual plant sale, Christmas raffle and disco. Parents on the parent council represent the wider parent group and often represent viewpoints leading to changes in procedures and routines in the school. New members are very welcome. The office bearers and committee members are listed below: Chairperson Mr G Reid Vice-Chairperson Ms C Nelson Treasurer Mrs L Kearns Secretary Mrs A Gray Staff Members Miss Natalie Ward, Mr John Paton The Head Teacher also attends these meetings which are held on a regular basis throughout the year.



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Transfer from Primary School to Secondary School Pupils are normally transferred between the ages of eleven and a half and twelve years so that 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 transfer. The school to which our pupils normally transfer is: Clydebank High School Janetta Street Clydebank Telephone Number: 0141 533 3000 P7 pupils attend Clydebank High for Induction visits in Term 2 and 4. Secondary staff also visit and work with the P7 pupils, getting to know the children in advance. Examples of work are also exchanged enabling P7 staff to check the children’s progress and to alert secondary staff to changes in pupil performance. Positive, constructive liaison between the cluster schools is a major strength.

Data Protection Act 1984 Information on parents and guardians is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1984 and may only be disclosed in accordance with the Codes of Practice. For further information please contact the school.



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Important Addresses Important addresses regarding the school are: Mr T Lanagan Clydebank Area Office Executive Director of Educational Services (School Meals, Clothing Grant Forms) West Dunbartonshire Council Rosebery Place Garshake Road Clydebank. Dumbarton Tel. No: 01389 - 737000 Tel. No: 01389 - 738770 Social Work Psychological Services Rosebery Place Careith Primary School Clydebank Stark Avenue Tel No: 0141 562 8800 Duntocher G81 6EF

Tel. No: 01389 – 875632

Photographs Policy on taking of photographs on Council premises. West Dunbartonshire Council has a policy dealing with photographs taken

of individuals on premises occupied or managed by the Council or at events organised by the Council:

photographs should not be taken of school pupils on occasions and in

locations wherethere is a reasonable expectation or privacy: normally for example, young people would not expect to be photographed in the classroom, playground, or other areas of the school or during lessons on the sports field or at the swimming pool, except by arrangement;

sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and other

similar occasions, will be considered to be public event and photography will be permitted;



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where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, permission to take photographs should not be assumed, in the case of young people under 16 years or age, without the written consent of their parent or guardian; in the case of young people aged over the age of 16 this would refer to the young people themselves.

parents and young persons over 16 years of age should understand that

sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and the like, where there is an audience, are public events and it is likely that photographers will be taken

.

Questions Answered

What time will my child spend at school? If your child is beginning Primary 1, he/she will come to school at 9.30 a.m. on the first day. After this, school begins at 9.00 a.m. Your child will finish at 12.15 for the first 2 weeks. For all other children (P2 - P7) school begins at 9.00 a.m. and finishes at 3.00 p.m. When will my child in Primary 1 be in school in the afternoon? From Monday 31st August 2015, your child will begin school at 9.00 a.m. and finish at 3.00pm. When can my child begin to stay for lunches? Although your child can begin having lunch in school immediately, we do not recommend this for the first

2 weeks. Very young children find the dinner hall busy, noisy and confusing at first and need to feel secure in the school situation before they begin to stay for lunch. If however it is essential that your

child starts to stay for dinner earlier, we will ensure that they are well looked after. At the outset, the children of Primary 1 will always go into lunch slightly earlier than the rest of the

school. Thereafter once they are into the routine, the children will go into lunch first promptly at 12.15pm. What happens if my child takes ill at school?



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When your child starts school, you will be asked to fill in a form with your name, address and telephone number (if available). This form asks for a contact who should be a relative or friend who would be able to look after your child in case of emergency. If your child is ill, we will contact you. If we cannot get you, your emergency number will be contacted. Failing that, your child will be supervised until he/she can be collected. If your child has a serious accident, he/she may be taken to hospital. Again, every effort will be made to contact you. It is essential that you inform the school of any change of address or telephone as vital time could be wasted because of incorrect information. My child has a Doctors (Hospital, Dentist) appointment. What do I do? Please let the class teacher know before the appointment. NO CHILD is allowed out of school unless

they are collected by an adult. All children leaving school during the school day must have a signed Absence Pass. These can be collected from the office and should be handed back when your child returns to school. Always let the Class Teacher, Headteacher or Office know if you are taking your child away from school. Please do not ever take your child away without informing the school. eg. at the interval or lunch- time. My child has Asthma, what do I do? If your child has tablets or inhalers which MUST be taken in school time, please inform the Head

teacher. Before any medication is administered, parents must complete a permission slip which will indicate times and dosage. What should I do if my child is off school? Please write a note to the Class Teacher when your child returns to school. If you know that your child will be absent for any reason, please telephone the school. What should my child wear for gym? Shorts and T-shirt with slip-on gym shoes are best. Outdoor shoes are not allowed in the gym. For younger children, we would prefer if your child could wear shorts and T-shirt under his/her outdoor clothes on gym days as it is easier to get dressed and undressed. Please note that for reasons of Health and Safety, no jewellery of any description should be worn.



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Parents please note that although the information contained in this handbook is correct at time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document:-

(a) before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question:

(b) in relation to subsequent school years. Please also note that a summary of this document is also available in other languages, large print and audio format on request. Edinbarnet Primary School – Our Service Standards The following Standards of Service are also in place in Edinbarnet Primary School:

Monitor your child’s performance and report to you annually Hold two parent’s meetings annually Offer additional meetings with staff if necessary and

appropriate All primary 1 classes will have no more than 25 pupils All primary 2 and 3 classes will have no more than 30 pupils Composite classes will have a maximum of 25 pupils Newsletters to be sent home regularly Parents will have access to the school handbook Parents will be sent home a summary account of the Standards

& Quality Report every September



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If there is a serious problem with your child we will contact you immediately

If your child is unwell we will contact you immediately All school staff will be polite and courteous at all times School staff will wear a name badge All complaints will be dealt with in line with complaints

procedures

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