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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: [email protected]
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 [email protected] 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.
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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 [email protected]
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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: [email protected]
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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:
56
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 [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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.
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