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St Ronan’s Primary School

SCHOOL HANDBOOK

Session 2016/2017

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SAINT RONAN’S

SCHOOL HANDBOOK

CONTENTS:

Statement of Commitment Pages 4 - 5

Letter from Head Teacher Page 6

School Aims Page 7

Our Vision Page 8

Charter for Catholic Schools Page 9

School Information Pages 10 - 14

● Enrolment

● Primary 1

● Teaching Staff

● School Holiday Arrangements

School Improvement Page 15

Curriculum Pages 16 - 29

● English Language & Literature

● Mathematics & Numeracy

● Technologies

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● Social Studies

● Expressive Arts

● Health & Wellbeing

● Sciences

● Religious Education

● Additional Support

● Child Protection

● Assessment

● Health Promoting Schools

● Eco Schools

● Equal Opportunities

School, Home, Church & Community Links Pages 30 - 41

● Home/School Links

● Extra Curricular Activities

● Attendance at School

● Homework

● Parent Council

● Discipline

● Anti Bullying

● Clothing and Uniform

● School Meals

Useful Information Pages 42 - 51

● Transport

● Liaison (Nursery – Primary, Primary – Secondary)

● Medical and Health

● Information in Emergencies

● Annual Census Data

● Photographs in School

● Useful Addresses

Translation and Interpretation

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West Dunbartonshire Council

Department of Educational Services

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:

http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/school-

search/st-ronans-primary-school/

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Education Department

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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SAINT RONAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents/Carers

May I take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to St Ronan’s Primary

School.

St Ronan’s Primary School is situated in the centre of the Bonhill Community.

The school aims to provide a happy, caring and safe environment for your child,

to ensure that he/she develops to his/her full potential. It is through working

together that this aim can be realised.

Over the years St Ronan’s Primary School has enjoyed an excellent reputation in

terms of academic success, religious education, sporting prowess and artistic

merit. In the following pages the aims of the school are set out along with

procedures, curriculum and links with the church and community.

I hope you will always feel welcome at St Ronan’s School and please do not

hesitate to contact the school if a problem should arise or if you need

clarification on any information.

If you wish any further information regarding local schools then log onto

http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/.

I look forward to working with you in the years your child will attend St Ronan’s

Primary School.

Yours faithfully

CLARE M LEVENS

Head Teacher

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SCHOOL AIMS

1. To enable each child to develop spiritually in his/her knowledge of the

Catholic Faith.

To work closely with the Parish of Our Lady & St Mark’s supporting one another in

nurturing the gospel values and embracing the Christian ethos as well as

preparing our children to receive the Sacraments.

2. To develop a school environment, where all member of the school community

feel valued and respected and where a positive ethos and the health and well-

being of all are nurtured, fostering a sense of strong self-esteem, motivation and

self-discipline and encouraging each child to be effective contributors.

3. To provide a high quality teaching and learning environment where both staff

and pupils set high expectations for themselves and become Successful Learners

across the curriculum.

4. To provide our children with a wide range of learning experiences, which give

them opportunities to learn about issues such as Scottish Culture, citizenship, the

environment, enterprise and the arts, which develop a greater understanding of

the world around them and encourage them to be Responsible Citizens.

5. To encourage staff and pupils to be creative thinkers to enable them to meet

new challenges and situations which will develop Confident Individuals.

6. To plan, monitor and evaluate each aspect of school life on a regular basis to

ensure that children are being offered the best teaching and learning

experience.

7. To promote healthy and active living and embrace the principles of a health

promoting school.

8. To accept and respect the uniqueness of the individual.

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OUR VISION:

All staff, pupils and parents are empowered to achieve their

potential.

Develop a community of Teaching and Learning

Provide a service to pupils, parents, staff, parish and

community.

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A CHARTER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

IN SCOTLAND The mission of the Catholic school is to develop as a community of faith and learning, providing

the highest quality of education, and offering formation through the promotion of Gospel values,

through celebration and worship, and through service to the common good.

All Catholic schools in Scotland, in honouring Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth

and the Life, will feature the following characteristics:

a commitment to the integrated education and formation of the whole

person, in close partnership with parents as the first educators of their children;

an inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each

person, made in the image of God;

a commitment to the search for wisdom in life and to the pursuit of

excellence, through the development of each person’s unique God-given

talents;

a commitment to the spiritual formation of the school community, through the

shared experience of prayer and liturgy, and in partnership with local parishes;

the provision of religious education programmes which will enable young

people to develop their understanding of Gospel values and of how to apply

them to life;

a commitment to uphold the moral teaching, faith tradition and sacramental

life of the Catholic Church;

a commitment to communicate Catholic social teaching and thereby to

promote social justice and opportunity for all;

a commitment to ecumenical action and the unity of Christians;

the promotion of respect for different beliefs and cultures and for inter-faith

dialogue;

a commitment to support the continuing profession and spiritual development

of staff.

All staff appointed to a Catholic school are expected to support and promote the aims, mission,

values and ethos of the school, as illustrated in this Charter.

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SCHOOL INFORMATION

St Ronan’s Primary School

Ladyton

Bonhill

G83 9DZ

Telephone: 01389 757051

Fax: 01389 710302

e-mail address: SchoolOffice.StRonans@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

St Ronan’s is a Catholic co-educational school with a roll of 82 and covering the

stages from Primary 1 to Primary 7.

St Ronan’s moved in the summer of 2015 from their premises in Redburn to their

new building in Ladyton, previously occupied by Ladyton Primary. The building,

opened in 1973, has undergone a major refurbishment. The current planning

capacity is 190.

Adult Cultural and Sports Organisations may use the school during the school

terms. Also, the facilities of St Ronan’s School can be used by the community.

There is ramp access available via the rear entrance to the school. At present

applications for the use of the school facilities should be made to:

Letting Section

West Dunbartonshire Council

Department of Education

Garshake Road

DUMBARTON

G82 3PU

Tel: 01389 737329

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ENROLMENT

Parents wishing to enrol their child/children in the school are advised to

telephone the Head Teacher for an appointment, or simply to call into the

school when convenient. Registration takes place in January for new Primary 1

children. You must register your child week commencing 11 January 2016 in the

school which serves your catchment area. However, you may exercise your

parental right and apply for a placing request to another school at the time of

registration. Placing request forms will be given at the time of registration.

PRIMARY 1 – NEW INTAKE

Early in the year dates for registration will be given in the press. In February, the

new children are invited to come and spend one morning/week in the school

during which time the children will be introduced to their Primary 1 teacher and

given the opportunity to work with the current Primary 1 children. Parents are

also given useful information for the start of the new school session at an

information evening. Children in Primary 6 who will be buddies to the new

Primary 1 children will also have the opportunity to meet each other.

POLICIES FOR PARENTS/CARERS

The local education authority has produced policies for parents. These provide

information for new parents at school (copies are readily available from the

school or accessed from the council website).

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TEACHING STAFF

Head Teacher: Clare Levens

The number of teachers is adjusted each session according to the size of the

school roll.

At present this school has a staff of 6.

The total staffing complement full time equivalent is 5.9

Name of Teacher Stage Taught

Mrs Lisa Miller Primary 1/2

Mrs Fiona MacEachan Primary 2/3

Mrs Lynne Doyle Primary 4/5

Miss Laura Birrs/Mr Michael Ruane Primary 5/6

Mr Chris Boyle Primary 6/7

(Mrs Cannon and Miss McEwan are on maternity leave)

Support Staff

Mrs Tracey Millan Senior Clerical Assistant (24.75 Hours)

Mrs Linda Henderson Learning Assistant (Full Time)

Mrs Glynis Malcolm Learning Assistant (Full Time)

Mr Tommy McGown Facilities Assistant

Visiting Staff

Mr Lorne Cowieson Brass (0.05)

Ms Barbara Mulhern Network Support (0.1)

Kitchen Staff Cleaning Staff

Mrs Neil Mrs Parker

Mrs Whyte Mrs Shand

Mrs Bishop

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School Hours

Morning Session: 9.00 – 12.15pm

Interval: 10.30 – 10.45am

Lunch Break: 12.15 – 1.00pm

Afternoon: 1.00 – 3.00pm

It should be noted that Primary 1 pupils attend for the morning only until Friday 26

August 2016. From Monday 29 August 2016 P1 pupils will enjoy a full school day.

At Christmas and Easter holiday periods school will normally dismiss at 2.30pm on

the final day of school.

At summer holiday time school will normally dismiss at 1.00pm on the final day of

school. Please note that pupils are not permitted to leave/go home for lunch at

12.15pm on the final day of school.

School Holiday Arrangements

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Session 2016/2017 ____________________

Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 August 2016

Teachers Return

In-Service Days – School Closed

Friday 19 August 2016

Pupils Return (P1 @ 10.00am)

Friday 23 & Monday 26 September 2016

September Weekend – School Closed

Tuesday 27 September 2016

School Re-opens

Friday 14 October 2016

In-Service Day - School Closed

Monday 17 – Friday 21 October 2016

October Holiday – School Closed

Monday 24 October 2016

School Re-opens

Friday 18 December 2016

School Closes @ 2.30pm for Christmas Holiday

Monday 9 January 2017

School Re-opens

Friday 3 February 2017

In-Service Day - School Closed

Monday 6 & Tuesday 7 February 2017

Mid-Term Break – School Closed

Wednesday 8 February 2017

School Re-opens

Monday 3 April - Monday 17 April 2017

(inclusive)

Easter/Spring Holiday – School Closed

Tuesday 18 April 2017

School Re-opens

Monday 1 May 2017

May Day Holiday – School Closed

Thursday 4 May 2017

In-Service Day - School Closed

Friday 26 & Monday 29 May 2017

May Holiday Weekend – School Closed

Tuesday 30 May 2017

School Re-opens

Friday 30 June 2017

School Closes @ 1.00pm for Summer Holiday

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

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Last session 2015 - 2016 was a very successful year in St Ronan’s. Pupils were

afforded the opportunity to be involved in a great number of varied and

exciting events.

In literacy, once again, the school was highlighted as an example of good

practise in our approaches to reading. We were visited by other schools within

the authority and by schools from other areas of Scotland. Pupils at P3, P5 and

P7 engaged in GL assessments in reading and maths and performed

exceptionally well in both areas. Social Studies was the major focus in our IDL

with specific focus on ‘Our Natural World’, followed by the study of the human

body. Through their interdisciplinary learning pupils developed their skills of

enquiry and research. Procedures for tracking pupil progress and achievement

are robust and ensure progression for all pupils. Pupils at all stages are

encouraged to reflect on their learning and to set targets about how to improve

their learning. Last session also saw us moving to our new school site and

benefiting from a fully refurbished school building.

Future plans for school improvements are to develop our new school building , to

enhance aspects of our curriculum, to develop science and to ensure skills

progression. Further information on our achievements and the school

improvement agenda can be found in our Standards and Quality Report for this

session. A copy of this is available in the school.

CURRICULUM

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The aspiration of the Curriculum for Excellence is that all children should develop

their capacities as: Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Responsible

Citizens and Effective Contributors. The curriculum for Excellence challenges us

to look at new, innovative and exciting ways to deliver the curriculum to the

children in our schools. Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach

in a creative way, to work together, plan together and to create school learning

experiences.

Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills.

There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their

potential. There will be new qualifications for literacy and numeracy from

2012/13 and new National 4 and 5 qualifications from 2013/14.

(www.educationScotland.gov.uk)

There is personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make the

most of their opportunities with additional support wherever that’s needed.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s priority for Curriculum for Excellence is to ensure

effective teaching and learning. It is committed to providing Co-operative

Learning training for all of its staff. It is working closely with all its establishments

to review school structures to meet the requirements of the new teaching and

learning approaches.

The guidance of the new curriculum is structured under the headings of the

eight curriculum areas:

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Language Religious and Moral Education

Maths Sciences

Expressive Arts Social Studies

Health and Wellbeing Technologies

While there are specific programmes for each area of the curriculum much of

the curriculum can now be delivered through cross-cutting themes and

interdisciplinary studies and projects. In St Ronan’s we have introduced a focus

for each term which allows for interdisciplinary learning.

INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING

2015 – 2016

Term 1 August – October Our Natural World

Term 2 October – December Our Natural World

Term 3 January – March Our Scientific World

Term 4 April – June Our Enterprising World

2016 – 2017

Term 1 August – October Our Historical World

Term 2 October – December Our Technological World

Term 3 January – March Our European Neighbours

Term 4 April – June Our Healthy World

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERACY

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Language and literacy are of personal, social and economic importance. Our

ability to use language lies at the centre of the development and expression of

our emotions, our thinking, our learning and our sense of personal identity.

Language is itself a key aspect of our culture. Through language, children and

young people can gain access to the literary heritage of humanity and develop

their appreciation of the richness and breadth of Scotland’s literary heritage.

Children and young people encounter, enjoy and learn from the diversity of

language used in their homes, their communities, by the media and by their

peers.

Literacy is fundamental to all areas of learning as it unlocks access to the wider

curriculum. Being literate increases opportunities for the individual in all aspects

of life, lays the foundations for lifelong learning and work and contributes strongly

to the development of all four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence.

The method used to teach reading in the early stages is a combination of ‘look

and say’ plus training in the use of phonics. The phonics programme is ‘Jolly

Phonics’. Our Reading Programme in P1 – P3 is Ginn 360 and in the upper school

we use Reciprocal Reading which encourages pupils to develop their skills of

analysing text. This reading programme gives the children experience in reading

fiction, non-fiction, poetry and plays. Reading for pleasure and information is

encouraged at all times. We have a well stocked non-fiction library and are

continually supplementing and extending our fiction material. We actively

encourage our pupils to develop listening and talking skills using a variety of

formal and informal planned activities.

Our school seeks to develop each pupil’s inherent creativity to its full potential by

developing the skills necessary for writing. These are two-fold skills

(a) secretarial skills to ensure that children write legibly, accurately and with

ease and (b) composing skills to ensure that our pupils can progressively express

their thoughts, feelings and experiences in the written form. New resources

have been utilised to ensure that the high standard in writing at St Ronan’s is

maintained and where possible raised further.

With the new Languages 1+2 initiative, all pupils are now afforded the

opportunity to learn a new language. Therefore, all classes (P1 – P7) are now

introduced to French. This session some of the children have had the

opportunity to work with the foreign language assistant learning Italian.

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MATHEMATICS AND NUMERACY

Number, Money & Measure

Information Handling

Shape

Problem Solving

We provide a programme of learning which is based on a practical approach to

mathematics and centred around meaningful experiences.

The children work in a wide range of learning situations which fall into four main

areas:-

number, money and measure

information handing

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.

To provide a structured and balanced approach to the teaching and leaning of

mathematics we use the published scheme of Scottish Heinemann Mathematics.

Supplementary material is available for problem solving and we are fortunate to

have effective links with the Mathematics Department of our local Secondary

School.

The development of our pupils’ knowledge and understanding of mathematics is

enhanced by integrating it, when appropriate, with other relevant areas of the

curriculum.

Pupils are provided with opportunities to work with calculators, and in the use of

computer, to enhance their mathematical learning experiences.

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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 environments had been shaped.

Children learn about human achievements, conflicts and environmental issues –

both in a local and global context.

Interdisciplinary Learning topics enable the children to learn and further develop

skills associated with other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics,

language and expressive arts.

Sciences include study in biological, chemical, physical and environmental

contexts. Learning through science enables children to investigate their

environment, develop an understanding of scientific contexts and

achievements as well as recognise the impact science makes on our lives.

The use of ICT is an integral part of education. To participate fully in modern

society children need to be skilled and knowledgeable users of technology as

well as being able to assess its impact in society.

Our pupils are also provided with opportunities to use construction materials to

help with aspects of technology. We hope to be adding to our technology

resources soon.

On occasion our pupils may be given the opportunity to attend an outing as

part of topic work being undertaken. All classes enjoy, where possible, visits to

help with school activities.

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

The inspiration and power of the arts play a vital role in enabling our children

and young people to enhance their creative talent and develop their artistic

skills.

By engaging in experiences within the expressive arts, children and young

people will recognise and represent feelings and emotions, both their own and

those of others. The expressive arts play a central role in shaping our sense of

our personal, social and cultural identity. Learning in the expressive arts also

plays an important role in supporting children and young people to recognise

and value the variety and vitality of culture locally, nationally and globally.

Art, Music and Drama form a balanced part of our curriculum. Here we seek to

enhance the child’s innate creativity by encouraging self-expression and

developing skills in each area. Art appreciation and presentation are given

high focus in St Ronan’s and the skills developed in art contribute greatly to our

school ethos.

All pupils participate fully in our annual Christmas Concert.

Primary 6/7 are also working with the Digital Motivator.

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Our school was accredited as a ‘Health Promoting School’ in 2008 and recently

had a very successful health and wellbeing follow up visit to ensure we continue

to promote 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 activities and fitness opportunities and we have support from the

sports development team and active schools, both in the curriculum

programme and for some extra curricular clubs after school.

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 and the Archdiocese of Glasgow. We arrange for parents

workshops around the curriculum pack so that parents are fully aware of what

the children are being taught in this area.

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.

Mental, Emotional, Social and Physical Wellbeing

While we have a range of experiences for our pupils to help with their personal

social development, which will equip them to make informed decisions and

choices about their lifestyle, the ethos of our school makes every child feed safe,

respected, nurtured and valued.

Substance Misuse

Pupils learn abut a range of issues relating to substance misuse. They lean abut

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.

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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SCIENCES

Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every

day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the home. Science and the application

of science are central to our economic future and to our health and well-being

as individuals and as a society. Scotland has a long tradition of scientific

discovery of innovation in the application of scientific discovery and of the

application of science in the protection and enhancement of the natural and

built environment.

Through learning in the sciences, children and young people develop their

interest in and understanding of the living, material and physical world. They

engage in a wide range of collaborative investigative tasks which allows them to

develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising adults in

a world where the skills and knowledge of the sciences are needed across all

sectors of the economy.

This session all classes will have an Interdisciplinary focus linked to Space.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The parents of our school are recognised as the primary religious educators of

their children. The school seeks active co-operation with priest and parents so

that our principles are linked with the church and home.

Religious education in this school has regard to the personal, social, cultural and

moral development of the child. An integral part of our Religious Education

policy is to ensure a caring atmosphere where each child’s worth is fully

recognised and respect for the individual is paramount. Guidelines for the

teaching of Religious Education provide a coherent and progressive approach

to planning. The new diocesan guidelines ‘This is Our Faith’ is used in St Ronan’s

as the main resource for implementing the guidelines. We are also in the process

of introducing ‘God’s Loving Plan’ which will focus on relationships,

The children regularly collect for charities: Missio, SCIAF, CHAS, Mary’s Meals and

Local Initiatives. Fr McElwee visits the school regularly and says Mass in school on

Feast Days. We gather together as a whole school every morning to begin our

day in prayer. The morning welcome has a specific focus at certain times of the

year eg Lent, Advent, November.

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RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

Under Section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and subsequent national

advice set out in SOED Circular 6/91, parents have the right to demand that their

child be excused from all religious instruction and observance. Such religious

instruction and observance form part of the religious tradition in Catholic Schools

and play an important part in the education provided in St Ronan’s.

Parents who elect to send their children to St Ronan’s, therefore, are expected

to accept these traditions and their children should attend all religious lessons

and observance. However, in cases where parents do not wish Religious

Education given, they can exercise their right of withdrawal from all such

instructions and observance, by arrangement with the Head Teacher.

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 no more than three

occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as authorised absentee

in the register.

Every pupil in our school is considered to be of equal worth and all pupils are

given equal opportunities to take part in all aspects of the curriculum. To this

end school policies on Equal Opportunities and Social Justice are in place.

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PUPILS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IN THEIR LEARNING

Pupils receive assistance individually, and as members of a small group teaching

unit. A specialist teacher in additional support needs, where necessary, co-

operates with, advises and supplements the work of the class teacher. In

certain cases the specialist teacher keeps an ongoing record of the child’s

achievements. The co-operation of the parent is encouraged where a pupil

requires learning support.

In West Dunbartonshire a process called Staged Intervention is used to identify

and support children and young people (hereafter referred to as children) who

have additional support needs.

Stage Intervention is based on:

strong partnership working within education, with partner agencies and with

parents;

early identification of additional support needs by assessing needs carefully

and well;

targeting of resources for maximum effectiveness through careful planning

and joint working;

regular reviews and assessment of achievements and progress.

In West Dunbartonshire we have four stages of Staged Intervention. Children

may move between the stages as appropriate. Parents can ask at anytime if

their child has additional support needs and can be expected to be involved at

all stages of the Staged Intervention process.

Further information can be obtained on all aspects of additional support needs

from West Dunbartonshire’s Council website at:

http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Any parent concerned about any additional support their child may require, is

always most welcome to arrange an appointment with Mrs Levens to discuss the

matter. Parents are also afforded the opportunity to meet with staff from the

Network Team at Parents’ Evenings and during the session an Open Afternoon

with the Network Team is also arranged.

Further support can be obtained from 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 giving cause for concern. Parents will always be advised in advance of any

referral to the psychologist.

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There will be occasions where a wider range of people will be working

collaboratively in planning support. Parents of children on Individualised

Educational Programmes are fully involved in the drawing up of I.E.Ps. As of 14

November 2005, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act

2004 introduced a new framework for children and young people who require

additional help with their learning. Under the new Act the Record of Needs

procedures will cease and alternative arrangements will come into play.

Detailed information on the changes will be made available to parents.

We aim to ensure that learning experiences are appropriate and the best they

can be for all pupils in the school. Our approach to embrace the GIRFEC

national policy of Getting it Right for Every Child is to ensure that we work

effectively and communication successfully with parents and different agencies

to ensure maximum benefits for pupils.

CHILD PROTECTION

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 person deputising for the head teacher 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.

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ASSESSMENT, TRACKING AND REPORTING ON PUPIL PROGRESS

Continued assessment of the curriculum is carried out by the head teacher and

staff. Teachers continually monitor the progress of all pupils through:

Observation

Oral feedback

Written feedback

Class progress tests

Standardised and national tests

A key feature of assessment is formative assessment. Formative assessment is the

teacher and child working together to support learning. This happens in

St Ronan’s when:

Our pupils and staff help to set their own learning goals

Our pupils and staff practise self and peer assessment

Our pupils and staff are given feedback about the quality of their work and

how to make it better

Our pupils and staff are fully involved in deciding next steps in their learning

and identifying who can help

Staff talk and work together to share standards in and across schools

Staff use a range of evidence from day-to-day activities to check on pupils’

progress

Staff use assessment information to monitor progress within St. Ronan’s and to

plan for improvement

Our classroom assessment involves high quality interactions, based on thoughtful

questions, careful listening and reflective response.

Parents of children with a co-ordinated support plan have the option to choose

whether or not a child should be tested as outlined above.

TRACKING

Self evaluation is a key feature in teaching and learning. Staff and pupils

engage in self and peer evaluations throughout the year to continually inform

and improve standards across the school. Pupils performance is tracked termly

by the class teacher and head teacher. Teachers regularly meet with the Head

Teacher to ensure pupils are on track within and between levels. Pupils are

encouraged to have a knowledge of the level they are working on. All pupils

work on a learning journal which they use to reflect on their personal targets.

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REPORTING

There are two official parent/carer evenings in St Ronan’s and an annual written

report. Curriculum for Excellence is organised into different levels and your

child’s report will tell you about their progress in the levels throughout the year.

The written report will include information and teacher comments about:

a. the breadth of learning your child has experienced within curricular

areas

b. the level of challenge planned for your child to ensure he/she is

achieving his/her full potential and being supported appropriately

c. how well you 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 for some

Third &

Fourth

S1 - S3, but earlier for some. The further level broadly equated 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 – S6 and college or other means of study.

Progress within a curriculum level will be described as developing, consolidating or

secure.

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HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOLS

Within St Ronan’s we are participating in the following:

Hungry for Success

Children encouraged to access drinking water during the day

Water provided as part of school lunches

Breakfast Club within the school

Personal, Social and Health Education Curriculum

PE – Each child has 2.5 hours activity/week

ECO SCHOOLS

At present St Ronan’s has just been awarded our second Green Flag and we are

currently working towards our next one.

The children are involved in an Eco Council and we encourage recycling.

All these initiatives are focussed on enriching the learning experiences of pupils

and A Curriculum for Excellence provides the canvas upon which the

landscapes of these other initiatives can be painted. This is a new way of

looking at the curriculum. It is not just about subject areas and content, but the

whole school experience for every pupil.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

One of the aims of West Dunbartonshire Council is to educate all children in

understanding and respecting the diverse and multi-cultural world in which we

live. Equality and Justice is the right of all pupils and demands that racist and

discriminating behaviour and remarks are treated as totally unacceptable.

Personal and Social development are fundamental aspects of the education of

the child.

In St Ronan’s, it is the aim of every member of staff, teaching and non-teaching,

to help all pupils to have an appropriate positive regard for self, for others and

their needs.

Information and advice for parents may be accessed from school.

We aim to help the children develop all skills required to enable them to

participate effectively and safely in society and to take increasing responsibility

for their own lives. Bullying in St. Ronan’s Primary will not be condoned and the

advice in West Dunbartonshire Council’s Policies and Procedures on bullying will

be adhered to. Our policy on bullying gives children and adults advice and

strategies on how to deal with bullying and encourages children to speak out.

Copies of the full school policy are available from the school.

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SCHOOL/HOME/CHURCH/

COMMUNITY LINKS

HOME/SCHOOL LINKS

In St Ronan’s we feel that co-operation between the home and the school is

essential for the whole well-being of the children.

Written reports on the progress of each child are sent to his/her parents in May of

each year. Two formal parents’ evenings are organised in October and May of

each school year. If you have any concerns about your child you may request

additional interviews at any time with your child’s class teacher. Requests for

these interviews should be made in writing to the head teacher who will then

suggest suitable times and dates. This system gives the teacher time to have all

relevant records readily available. The head teacher and members of staff are

also available at your request if you wish to discuss a particular concern or worry.

All information on these and other activities is conveyed to parents by newsletter

taken home by the children.

Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time, but you are asked out of

courtesy and for security reasons to report to the office area in the first instance

to outline your enquiry.

There are a variety of parent workshops and assemblies held at various times

during the school year.

Parents may be asked to help with certain areas of the curriculum as the need

arises. All adults who come into the school to help with activities must be

approved by Disclosure Scotland.

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All of our children continue to develop our school grounds and we are working

towards achieving our third green flag for eco schools. We have been

supported by the environmental trust to develop our school grounds to support

Outdoor Learning. This link has been greatly supported by our very active parent

council.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Many outings and displays take place as part of our Social Studies Programme.

Football, Athletics, Spanish and Art are implemented each session with

assistance from Mr Boyle, Mr Ruane, Mrs Cannon, Miss McEwan, Mrs Miller, Mrs

MacEachan and Mrs Doyle. Other sports activities available in school include

hockey, rugby and athletics. Primary 5 – Primary 7 also participate in West

Dunbartonshire Council’s Cross Country Championships bi-annually. Primary 6

and 7 children recently enjoyed a residential stay at Lochgoilhead -which we

attend on alternate years.

Out of doors there is currently a 3G pitch being installed and there is also plenty

of available space to play. The playground is very attractive with many games

painted in a variety of areas for the children to enjoy. There are also benches

and picnic tables where children can sit to eat their snacks.

32

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LINKS

The school is an integral part of the community of Bonhill and we encourage all

children to realise that he/she is a member of that community and has a duty

towards it. The children are encouraged to join appropriate activities and

contribute as best they can eg through participation in local projects and

competitions.

The school has frequent visits from road safety personnel, police and various

other members of the community, who explain and promote their function to

the children and, on occasion, appeal for assistance. The children respond to

various appeals by local and national charities e.g. Missio, SCIAF, The Pastoral

Care Trust and CHAS and Mary’s Meals.

Close links with the church also encourages community spirit. During the period

of Lent the children normally collect Lenten Alms which is handed over after the

six weeks of Lent to an appointed charity. SCIAF has benefited from the

generosity of our children.

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. Attendance

must be recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.

Regulation 7 of the Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland)

Amendment, etc. Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to

be recorded in the school register as authorised that this is approved by the

authority, or unauthorised that is unexplained by the parent (truancy) or

temporarily excluded from school.

PARENT OBLIGATIONS

The Policies for Parents document “Achievement through Attendance”,

available to all parents from their child’s school, outlines the importance of good

attendance.

The Scottish Government has now issued guidance to all local authorities

indicating that family holidays taken during term time should be categorised as

unauthorised absence (Circular No. 5/03). Only in very exceptional

circumstances will it be possible for the Head Teacher with the approval of the

local authority to authorise a family holiday during term time. Clearly with no

explanation from the parent the absence is unauthorised.

33

The parent must ensure that the child attends school regularly. If a pupil is likely

to be absent for a long time, the school should be informed by letter or

telephone. Parents should always send an explanatory note with the child on

return to school after any absence.

New Attendance Guidelines are in use in St Ronan’s. Parents must notify the

school before 9.15 am on the first day of absence. If this is not done and the

school are unable to contact you then Pupil and Family Support will be called

and asked to visit the home. A Parent Prompt and Policy detailing this is

available from the school.

Pupil and Family Support investigates unexplained and regular patterns of

unexplained absence and the authority has the power to write to, interview or

prosecute parents, or to refer pupils to the reporter of the children’s hearings, if

necessary. The school will also notify the parents of children, about whose

absence there is concern, by letter and an appointment to discuss the situation

with the head teacher will be requested.

We in St Ronan’s also closely monitor late-coming as this can mean a child will

miss the start of their work in class and often others in the class are kept waiting

while instructions are repeated for the latecomer. The head teacher will

contact parents where there is concern.

No child is allowed to leave school during school hours without the permission of

the head teacher. Therefore, if it is essential for a child to leave class eg for

doctor, hospital or dental appointment, an explanatory letter or appropriate

card should be sent in and the child collected from school. In these cases

children will be issued with an authorised absence pass. This pass should be

brought to school when the child returns from authorised absence.

The parent or guardian must come to the school for the child on these occasions

as, in the interests of safety, no child will be allowed to leave school

unaccompanied to keep an appointment or meet a parent at home or in town.

34

HOMEWORK

It is the policy of the school to give regular homework. The school’s policy on

the purpose and value of homework is available at the school and you are

welcome to ask for a copy if required. Parental Guidelines are available in a

variety of curricular areas and these can be obtained from the school office or

class teacher.

Homework may be as follows:

phonics

spelling

learn tables

read a short story

research

practise skills in PE etc

As homework is for the benefit of the child you are asked to co-operate by

seeing that the work is completed and signed. Concerns about homework

should be communicated to the Head Teacher.

PUPIL COUNCIL

Members:

Kieran Cadle, Kieran Cassidy,

Chloe Campbell, Lewis McTaggart,

Joshua Wales, Catherine Taylor,

Jessica Gow, Anna Macqueen

There is an active pupil council in the

school. This council is a classroom elected

body of pupils whose purpose is to represent

their classes and be a forum for active and

constructive pupil input into the daily life of

the school community.

There are representatives from Primary 4, 5, 6 and 7 on the council. The council

is an ideal platform from which pupils can discuss a whole range of issues,

encouraging children to recognise socially acceptable behaviour and to take

responsibility from an early age for issues which concern school life. This in turn

will help them to develop confidence, self-esteem and respect for others.

The school also has an Eco Council and Enterprise Group. Both these groups

lead initiatives in the school.

35

PARENT COUNCIL

The Scottish Schools (parental involvement) Act 2006 requires that:

Every parent is automatically a member of the Parent Forum for his/her child’s

school, may be represented by a Parent Council.

The members of the Parent Forum decide the structure, membership, aims,

objectives and constitution of the Parent Council they wish to form.

Other members of the Parent Council may be co-opted.

Parent Councils are to be involved in the appointment of a Head and Depute

Head Teacher.

Parent Councils, the Local Authority and Schools should play an active role in

supporting parental involvement in the school.

Parent Councils have the right to represent the views of parents.

Parent Councils are accountable to the members of the Parent Forum and

should establish arrangements for reporting to the Parent Forum.

The needs of and arrangements for all children and young people involving

parents, carers and those who look after children are met.

The school improvement plan takes account of the Local Authority’s strategy

and includes objectives relating to parental involvement.

A complaints procedure which covers how the Local Authority carries out its

functions under the Act should be established.

Local Authorities must provide reasonable funding to enable the Parent

Council to carry out its functions.

A combined Parent Council may be established to cover two or more schools.

In response to the Act, a West Dunbartonshire Council parental involvement

strategy group was established. This group meets regularly throughout the

school session and includes parents and officers from Educational Services.

Also in response to the Act, the Scottish Government has now set up a national

parent body. Each local authority in Scotland is represented by one parent.

The national parent body will become active in the course of school session

2009/2010.

The school has a very active Fundraising Committee (sub group of Parent

Council). The education of a child is a process of partnership between parents

and the school and the Fundraising Committee is a representation of parents

and teachers who wish to take joint action to improve and maintain the quality

of that partnership.

36

St Ronan’s Fundraising Committee has organised many successful functions and

fund raising events. Any parent who is willing to help the group need only

attend the meetings, where the offer of help will be gratefully received.

Advance notice of all meetings of the group is circulated via pupils.

A list of members of the Committee can be found in the Appendices.

Minutes of all meetings are posted in the administration area of the school.

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

School rules and school aims form the framework of the policy on discipline

which is two-fold. Initially preventive methods are built into the time-table to

avoid extreme behaviour problems arising. Almost full-time supervision and

stimulating programmes of work ensure acceptable conduct from all but the

merest minority. If difficulties do arise deprivation in an extra-curricular area and

rewards for the well-behaved generally have the desired result. In the case of

major disciplinary problems parents are immediately consulted and corrective

procedures devised and agreed.

Rules are kept to a minimum and so are more readily enforced and more easily

observed.

Ideally the school aims at a discreet and gradual inculcation of self discipline

and control which will serve the pupil through life, rather than externally applied

restrictions and pressures, the effect of which are generally short lived.

Pupils are encouraged to show respect for self and others. Staff model good

behaviour and positive interactions with others. Pupils are treated fairly and with

respect.

SUPERVISION OF PLAYGROUNDS

An adult presence is provided in the playgrounds at break times in terms of the

Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations 1990.

Children are encouraged to participate in playground games eg ropes, jacks,

small games. There is usually a member of school staff available to deal with

any incidents from 8.45 – 9.00 am and from 3.00 – 3.15 pm.

37

PUPIL SUPPORT STRUCTURE

In St Ronan’s 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 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 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.

38

CLOTHING AND UNIFORM

Pupils 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 are in favour of 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.

Most people tend to form opinions about a school by the appearance and

behaviour of the 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 identity 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 earrings, sportswear made of flammable material;

could cause damage to flooring;

carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco;

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 present a

security issue for the school.

Parents receiving income support, Jobseekers allowance (income based),

housing benefit or council tax rebate will normally be entitled to monetary grants

for their children. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in

different circumstances are at the discretion of the Director of Education and

Cultural Services. Application forms may be obtained from schools and from

the benefits section on the 1st floor of the Council Offices at Garshake Road,

Dumbarton. Their contact number is 01389 738282. See Appendix 4 for free

school meal and clothing grant applications.

West Dunbartonshire Council is concerned at the level of claims being received

regarding the loss of pupils’ clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are

asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily

expensive articles of clothing are not brought to school. Parents should note

that the council does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any

claims submitted are likely to be met only where the council can be shown to

have been negligent.

39

The colour scheme and certain items of dress that comprise an individual

school’s uniform should be determined, through a consultation process which is

appropriate to each school. The consultation process should involve pupils,

parents and staff. A range of options for this uniform may be considered

including, for example, different items of clothing for summer.

Following consultation with parents a simple uniform has been devised and

found suitable.

Boys - Brown jersey, trousers and cream coloured shirt and tie.

Girls - Brown jersey or cardigan, brown skirt or kimono and cream

coloured blouse and tie.

All items required for the school uniform can be purchased from the school

Parent Council The uniform shop is opened from 2.30 – 3.00 pm on Friday

afternoons and is also available at Parents’ Evenings. Information on uniforms

can be obtained from the Parent Council.

40

SCHOOL MEALS

Guidance has been provided for caterers to ensure that all school meals are

nutrient based and that children will receive the best nutrition from their school

meal.

Under this system to provide nutritional guidelines as laid down by the expert

panel, children in St Ronan’s are given the opportunity to have a two course

meal each day. The serving of this two course meal is the best way to ensure

each child gets the correct nutrients from their school lunch. All school meals

cost £1.95. Parents are required to send £1.95 each day for the school meal.

This is collected and organised by school staff. For this you can be assured that

your child will receive a fully balanced two course meal.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s menus, which operate on a four week basis,

include the choice of a soup, main course, a salad bar, potatoes and

vegetables, one prepared fruit based dessert, plus fresh fruit or yoghurt each

day. There is also bread and drinks supplied at no extra cost as part of the

meal. Drinks available are water, milk or diluting juice.

There are facilities for children who bring a packed lunch.

Children of parents receiving income support, job seekers allowance (income

based) or child tax credit only with an income of £16,500 or less are entitled to a

free midday meal. Information and application forms for free school meals may

be obtained from schools and from area education offices and the Education

Department. Only those children whose parents receiving income support will

be entitled to free milk with their lunch.

41

All children now receive free milk in school (Mondays – Thursdays).

Should any child require a special diet, please contact the head teacher.

Children may bring a packed lunch to school. This may only be eaten in the

area of the dining room set aside for this purpose. In the interest of safety, cans

and glass bottles may not be brought into school. Children who wish a drink

with their lunch may bring one in a plastic container. Please note that “fizzy

juice” is not allowed in school at any time.

We have three water coolers in school which enables all children to access

chilled drinking water every day.

42

USEFUL INFORMATION

TRANSPORT

General

West Dunbartonshire Council has a policy of

providing free transport to all primary pupils who live

more than one mile from their zoned local school by the

recognised shortest safe walking route. This policy is more generous than the

law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at

any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application

form from the school or Education Department. These forms should be

completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils beginning

school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made.

Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be

subject to delay whilst arrangements are made. The appropriate Head of

Service is required to grant privilege places for pupils to travel in transport

provided by the authority, where spare places are available and no additional

costs are incurred.

Pick-up Points

Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain

distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total, including the

distance from home to the pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the

school in any one direction, will not exceed the Council’s limits (see above

paragraph). It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at

the pick-up point in time. It is also the parent’s responsibility to ensure the child

behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and

alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour could result in your child losing the right

to free transport.

Parents should ensure that their child knows what to do in the event of the

transport not arriving at the pick-up point, if the child is not accompanied by an

adult. Transport may be cancelled for example due to adverse weather

conditions.

43

PLACING REQUEST

The education authority does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of

a placing request.

In the case of under-age placing requests if the child is offered a place in his

catchment area school transport will be provided in accordance with Council

policy stated above.

TRANSFER FROM NURSERY TO PRIMARY SCHOOL

There is close liaison between St. Ronan’s and all the local nursery schools.

TRANSFER FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

Pupils are normally transferred between the ages of 11 years 6 months and

12 years 6 months, so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4

years of secondary education. Parents will be informed of the arrangements no

later than December of the year preceding the date of transfer at the start of

the new session. The appropriate High School for St Ronan’s is

Our Lady and St Patrick’s

Hawthornhill Road

Dumbarton

Telephone 01389 762101

44

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. St Ronan’s is a

member of the OLSP 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 Levens represents St Ronan’s Primary School on the OLSP LLC. However,

other members of staff may attend meetings in support of improvement work.

The OLSP LLC is led by Mr Andrew Brown, Education Services Manager, who is

assisted by the school’s Quality Improvement Officer Denise McKinnon.

Updates on the work of the LLC’s will be made available through Parent Council

Meetings and through Standards and Quality reporting.

45

MEDICAL AND HEALTH

Children have a medical check in Primary 1 and have their hearing tested by

the audiometrician. The school nurse is very approachable and accessible and

can be contacted where necessary. Parents are requested to inform the

school of any particular medical requirements affecting pupils and of any

particular infections that could be contagious.

Dental inspections are carried out in school and parents are informed if any

treatment is necessary.

First Aid is available in school in the event of a minor accident. It is essential that

parents provide an emergency contact address and/or telephone number, so

that in the event where parents cannot be contacted, the school can be in

touch with another responsible adult of the parents’ choosing. Where a child is

ill, the parent or emergency contact is informed where possible. Similar action is

taken in the event of a more serious accident. Where no one is available

outwith the school, attention is obtained from the nearest hospital or clinic, and

continued efforts are made to contact parents or emergency contacts. In the

event of a child requiring to go home, contact is made, in the first instance with

the parents or emergency contacts by telephone or a personal call at the

appropriate address. In emergency cases, transport will be provided to convey

the pupil to the home address.

MEDICINES – IMPORTANT

If you are sending any kind of medicine into the school for your child to take, we

require a form to be completed by the parent of the child before we can do

anything. Please contact the school if there is anything about your child’s

health or necessary medication that is different from what you have already

informed us.

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. It is normal practice within West Dunbartonshire Council to operate a

help line when emergencies arise. Details will be made available when an

occasion arises. You can also access up-to-date information form the West

Dunbartonshire Council website www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

46

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 Code of Practice. For further information

please contact the school.

ANNUAL CENSUS DATA

Education Authorities and the Scottish Executive Education department (SEED)

have collected data about pupils on paper forms for many years. We are now

working together to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed

programme.

What pupil data will be collected and transferred?

Data on each pupil is collected by local authorities and SEED. The data

collected and transferred covers areas such as date of birth, postcode,

registration for free-school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local

authority, special educational needs, attendance, absence and exclusions from

school. Pupil names and addresses are collected by their school and

education authority but they are not passed to SEED. Your postcode is the only

part of your address that is transferred. Data is held securely and no information

on individual pupils can or would be published by SEED. It is used for statistical

and research purposes only.

Providing national identity and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary.

You can choose the ‘not disclosed’ option if you do not want to provide this

data. However, we hope that the explanations contained in this message and

on our website will help you understand the importance of providing the data.

Why do we need your data?

In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education

service, SEED and education authorities need accurate, up-to-date data about

our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life

and achieve better exam results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows SEED,

education authorities and schools to:

plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils.

plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils

better understand some of the factors that influence pupil attainment and

achievement

target resources better

47

Your data protection rights:

The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in

accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the

National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to

safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the

right to know how we will use your data. This message can give only a brief

description of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be

found on the ScotXed website http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed

The Scottish Government works with a range of partners including Education

Scotland and the S.Q.A. On occasion, we will make individual data available to

partners and also academic institutions to carry out research and statistical

analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in

order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under

the strict control and prior agreement of the Data Sharing Panel in SEED, which

will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the

data sharing and that these data will not be used to take any actions in respect

of an individual.

Concerns:

If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email

them at scotxed@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to The ScotXed Support Office,

SEED, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this

information are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other

languages, audio tape, Braille and large print.

48

THE ANNUAL ELECTRONIC STAFF CENSUS

Individual level staff data is vital for use by Scottish Government in education

workforce planning. As a consequence of receiving this staff information,

Scottish Government will be better able to:

plan more accurately the number of new staff to be trained each year;

identify shortages in particular sectors and subjects;

monitor movements in and out of the profession at a national level

The information yielded from the analysis of this data is also of great interest to

local authorities and teachers’ unions. They were involved in drawing up the list

of data fields to be sent to Scottish Government. Following the

recommendations of the Currie Report, date of birth and gender data about

Educational Psychologists are now collected in order to carry out workforce

planning.

Your data protection rights:

The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in

accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998), the National Statistics Code of

Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the

confidentiality of data relating to individuals. The Data Protection Act gives you

the right to know how we will use your data. Full details of the uses of staff

data can be found on the ScotXed website.

http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed

The Scottish Government will not publish or release any information that allows

individual members of staff to be identified, nor will data be used by Scottish

Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. The information we

collect will be anonymous. We will not be collecting your name or address. No

information on individual members of staff can or would be published by Scottish

Government. The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for

aggregate statistical and research purposes only. Providing national identity

and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary; there is a ‘not disclosed’

option. However, we hope that the explanations contained on the ScotXed

website will help you understand the importance of providing the information.

What more information?

Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed

website, http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed.

Derek McGlynn, our Data Management Systems Officer will be happy to help

with any queries you have regarding this section. Telephone 01389 737335 or

e-mail Derek.mcglynn@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

49

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 where there is a reasonable expectation of 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 events and photography

will be permitted;

where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, permission to take

photographs should not be assumed, in the case of young people under 12

years of 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 photographs

will be taken;

the policy applies to all photographs and digital images, however taken,

including images taken by any camera, camera mobile telephone, video

camera or similar equipment.

A full copy of the policy is available for inspection at Council premises.

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USEFUL ADDRESSES:

Terry Lanagan, Director of Education, Council Offices, Garshake Road,

Dumbarton.

Laura Mason, Head of Service, Council Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton

Denise McKinnon, Quality Improvement Officer, Council Offices, Garshake Road,

Dumbarton

Councillor John Millar, 240 O’Hare, Bonhill, Alexandria

Councillor Jim Bollan, 4 Endrick Way, Alexandria

Councillor Gail Robertson, c/o Council Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton

Councillor Michelle McGinty, 2 Allan Crescent, Alexandria, G83 0BJ

Our Lady & St Patrick’s High School, Hawthornhill Road, Dumbarton G82 4JN

Area Registration Office, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Off Station Road,

Dumbarton, G82 1NR

Community Education Officer, Community Education Centre, Main Street,

Alexandria

Please Note:

Although this information 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.

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TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION

The Council provides interpreters and translated materials on request. Further

details on the services provided are detailed below.

Telephone Interpreting

The Council provides a 24 hour telephone interpreting service, the current

provider is Language Line. We are currently reviewing out translation and

interpretation services.

The telephone interpreting service is simple and easy to use and the supporting

material makes it easy to identify language requirements in face to face

situations.

A ‘Guide to Using Services’ is available from Community Planning and Policy or

can be downloaded from here

Face to Face Interpretation

Where services need to provide information in community languages guidance

is provided within 'Communicating Effectively'. This includes a list of approved

contracts and is available on the Council's website or from Community Planning

and Policy.

Interpreters can be engaged to assist at meetings or in other situations as

required.

Translated Text

All council publications must be offered in alternative formats or community

languages. It may not be cost effective to translate a large publication, and in

these instances a summary version of the document should be offered, or a

meeting, supported by an interpreter, could be arranged to explain the key

issues.

Download examples of the standard phrase in community languages.

We are currently reviewing our translated materials and the languages they are

provided in and working with relevant community groups on this.

For further information on where to access translation services or for any of the

items mentioned above please contact:

Policy Development Officer

Community Planning and Policy,

3rd Floor, Council Offices

Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU

Tel: 01389 737269

or at: community.planning@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

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A P P E N D I C E S

APPENDIX 1: Members of Parent Council

APPENDIX 2: Improvement Plan (Future Priorities)

APPENDIX 3: Free School Meals & Clothing Grants

APPENDIX 4: Parental Complaints Procedure

APPENDIX 5: Enquire – the Scottish advice service for

additional support for learning

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Appendix 1

Parent Council

Mrs T Ryan

Mrs E Mitchell

Mrs G Dolan

Mrs J McAtear

Mrs J A Fletcher

Mr JP Lacey

Mr and Mrs Dunn

Mrs S Gallagher

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Appendix 2

FUTURE PRIORITIES FOR 2016-2017

1. To improve attainment in maths/numeracy.

2. To improve learning/attainment and achievement in science.

3. To regenerate learning in new school site.

MAINTENANCE AGENDA

1. To implement GIRFEC framework.

2. To introduce French at all stages and Italian at P5 – P7.

3. To develop school website.

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Appendix 3 Application for Free School Meals & Clothing Grant 2016/17

If your child attends a West Dunbartonshire School you may be entitled to free school

meals and a clothing grant. If you think you will qualify, please complete this form

making sure the benefit you receive is clearly identified and ensure you sign the

declaration.

The Clothing Grant is £100.00 per child and payment will be made by BACS (directly into

your bank account). The first payments should be made in June and you should

receive your payment within 2 weeks of your application being processed.

Only one clothing grant will be paid for any pupil during a school year.

If you have any queries regarding a clothing grant or free school meals please

telephone our contact centre on 01389 738282.

Name of parent / legal guardian

First Name National Insurance Number

Surname

Name of partner / spouse

First Name National Insurance Number

Surname

If you do not have a National Insurance Number and are an Asylum Seeker,

please tick the box

Address

Tel No:

Mobile No:

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For payment directly into your bank account, please complete the following:

Account Holders Name

Account Number Sort Code

Name & Address of Bank

N.B. BACS payments cannot be made to post office accounts. If you have a post office

account or would prefer payment by cheque, tick here

List all child(ren) for whom you wish to apply (including children 16 years or over)

Surname

First Name

Male/Female

Date of Birth

(DD/MM/YYYY)

Name of

School/Nursery

Attended from August

2014

Clothing Grants will not be paid for children who will be 16 years old between 1 March

and 30 September (children of school leaving age), until they return to school in the

new session. However you should include these children on your application.

I am in receipt of the following benefit(s) (please tick ALL relevant):

Tick Entitlement To

Income Support School Meals &

Clothing Grant

Jobseekers Allowance (income based) School Meals &

Clothing Grant

Pension Credit School Meals &

Clothing Grant

Employment and Support Allowance

(income related)

School Meals &

Clothing Grant

Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit Clothing Grant

Maximum Working and Child Tax Credit with

income less than £6,920

School Meals &

Clothing Grant

Working Tax Credit with a gross annual

income of £16,105

Clothing Grant

Child Tax Credit ONLY with income less than

£16,500

School Meals

Support under Part VI of the Immigration &

Asylum Act 1999

School Meals &

Clothing Grant

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Declaration

I declare that the information provided by me is a true and accurate statement of my

circumstances and that I have not withheld any facts.

I agree that the Department for Work & Pensions can give you information about my

benefit entitlement so that my application can be processed.

I understand that if my application for free school meals is successful and my

circumstances change, I must report this.

Signed Date

Completed forms can be posted or returned to:

Housing Benefit Section

Council Offices

Garshake Road

Dumbarton

G82 3PU

Opening hours:

9.00am – 4.00pm Mon –

Thurs

9.00am -3.30pm Fri

Housing Benefit Section

Council Offices

Rosebery Place

Clydebank

G81 1TG

Opening hours:

9.00am – 4.30pm Mon –

Thurs

9.00am – 4.00pm Fri

Housing Office

Mitchell Way

Alexandria

G83 0LW

Opening hours:

8.30am - 4.15pm Mon, Tues,

Wed, Fri

9.30am - 4.15pm Thurs

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Appendix 4

PARENTAL COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Complaints may be made in the following ways:

By telephone – 01389 757051

By appointment at the school

By e-mail on schooloffice@st-ronans.w-dunbarton.sch.uk

If a parent turns up at the school without an appointment every effort will be

made to see them but this cannot be guaranteed.

Procedures for dealing with complaints:

The complaint will be recorded by the head teacher or the member of staff you

spoke to.

If the complaint was taken by a member of staff you will be contacted within 24

hours by the head teacher.

If appropriate a meeting will be called at an agreed time to suit both school and

complainant. This should normally be within one week.

A record of the interviews will be kept and an agreed time set to resolve the

complaint. This will normally be within 5 working days, but may take longer

depending on the nature of the complaint.

If the complaint is such that an immediate resolution is not possible the head

teacher will keep you informed on a weekly basis of the progress.

All complaints about members of staff will be dealt with by the head teacher.

If a complain cannot be resolved within school the West Dunbartonshire Council

complaints leaflet can be obtained in the school or from any West

Dunbartonshire Council premises and sent to the Education Cultural Services

Department.

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If you are still unhappy with the reply form the Education Department you can

contact:

The Chief Executive, Council Offices, Garshake road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU

You also have the option of contacting:

your local Councillor

your Member of Parliament

The commissioner for Local Administration (The Ombudsman)

Separate leaflets identifying councillors and on The Ombudsman are available in

all council offices or will be sent to you on request.

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Appendix 5

Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning

Enquire offers independent, confidential advice and information on additional

support for learning through:

Telephone Helpline: 0845 123 2303

E-mail Enquiry Line: info@enquire.org.uk

Advice and information is also available at www.enquire.org.uk

Enquire provides a range of clear and east-to-read guides and factsheets

including The Parents’ guide to additional support for learning.