ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PRIMARY SCHOOL

FAULDHOUSE

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

West Lothian Council Education Services SESSION 2015/2016

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I N D E X

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Introduction from the Head Teacher The School Mission Statement School Aims School Staff

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School Role School Information

• Hours • Holidays

Enrolment • P7 to Secondary 1 Transfer Arrangements

Teaching and Learning • Assessment • Equal Opportunities

Curriculum for Excellence

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Curriculum • Language • Mathematics • Environmental Studies • Expressive Arts • Information Technology • Religious Education • Forest School • Health Promoting School/Eco-

Group/Garden Group • Personal and Social Development • Support for Learning • Homework • Extra-Curricular Activities

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Educational Visits and Outings Home and School Links

• School and the Community • Parental Involvement • Reporting to Parents • School Uniform • Assistance with Provision of Clothing and

Footwear • Promoting Positive Behaviour and

Discipline • Pupil Council

Attendance and Punctuality • Absence During the School Day • Family Holidays during Term Time

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Meals and Milk • Free Meals and Milk

Photography • Publicity • School Trips

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• Concerts/Plays/Prizegiving/Sports Days • School Photographer

Health and Safety • Fire Drills • Parking • Entry to School • Supervision of Playgrounds • Intervals and Lunchtimes • Wet Weather Supervision

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Child Protection Procedure • Medical Care • Medication in School

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Transport 23 Employment of Children 23 Pupils with Special Needs 23 Mobile Phones 24 Transferring Educational Data about Pupils Parent Council Occasional and Emergency Arrangements The Education Service Complaints Procedure

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St John the Baptist RC Primary School Lanrigg Avenue Fauldhouse West Lothian EH47 9JR Telephone No: 01501 770232 Fax No: 01501 770232 Email Address: stjohnthebaptist.ps@westlothian.org.uk Dear Parents, Carers Welcome to St John the Baptist Primary School. This handbook will hopefully give you a clear insight of the school. It is our belief that our Catholic School is a community of learning and spiritual development where every individual is treated with respect and pastoral care. In line with Curriculum for Excellence, we will strive to ensure the highest quality education for each child as well as giving them the chance to develop emotionally and socially. I hope that all of our children will be happy in this school and contribute further to the excellent ethos which already exists. On behalf of all the staff, we look forward to working in partnership with you in the future. Yours sincerely Anne T Purdie DipCE Head Teacher

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THE SCHOOL St John the Baptist Primary School was opened in 1968 as a Roman Catholic primary for the children of the Fauldhouse and Longridge area. The school has eight classrooms, a 40/30 nursery known as Fauldhouse Nursery Class, a large hall and separate dining area. We have a school library which also serves as a resource room. We also have a general purpose room on the ground floor. The school is surrounded by a large pupil playground with Multi-use games area, trim trail and playing field, used for football and sporting events. There is also a ‘Quiet Garden’ for the children to sit in. In 2005 the school opened a garden as part of an environmental/community funded project. In 2009 the school opened a beautiful Memorial garden as a tribute to past pupils. MISSION STATEMENT “To provide an education of the highest quality for all children in our school community in order to meet their educational, personal and spiritual needs and develop their self respect and their Christian values towards all people. To seek the support and involvement of the whole school community: pupils, teaching and non-teaching members of staff, Parish priest and parishioners, but especially the support of parents through a true partnership in the curricular, pastoral and spiritual work of the school.” SCHOOL AIMS The Mission Statement will be borne out through the practice of the following aims:

• An ethos where children’s self-esteem can be developed by acknowledging achievements in all areas of their life and show a pride in their own work and the work of others

• Active participation by all concerned, encouraging the children to practise and develop

their faith through a commitment to the building of a Christian community that shows by example, faith, love and justice equally to all children

• A concern for others through true partnership with all members of the school and wider

community

• A supportive environment where children feel happy, secure and willing to learn through mutual trust

• The provision of equality of opportunity which enables each child to achieve his/her

potential and know they are always valued

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SCHOOL STAFF Head Teacher Mrs Anne T Purdie Principal Teacher Mrs Katrina McIlwraith Teachers Mrs Veronica Nolan P1N

Miss Louise McKenna P1K Mrs Elizabeth Ferrie P2

Mrs Kathleen Bow P3

Mrs Michelle Fagan P4 Mr Martin McNaughton P5

Mrs Audrey McCart P6 Miss Laurel Timmins P7 Support for Learning Teacher Mrs Eileen Donnelly Nurture Teacher Mr Jason Eden Nursery Class Teachers Miss Samantha Laing Mrs Kathleen Brunton (until mat. leave in November) Nursery Nurses Mrs Sheree Newton –Stott Mrs Parveen Amin Miss Amy Larkman Mrs Lisa Callaghan Visiting Specialist Teachers Mrs Cara Gourdie (Violin) Mr Stuart French (Brass) Mr Joe Cowley (PE) School Business Support Manager Mr Steven Young School Chaplain Canon Hugh White Support Staff Mrs Lynda Paterson – Secretary (First Aider) Mrs Mary Callaghan – Pupil Support Assistant

Mrs Susan Hill – Pupil Support Assistant (First Aider) Mrs Carol McTavish – Pupil Support Assistant Miss Marianne Quipp – Pupil Support Assistant Mrs Clare Dunn – Pupil Support Assistant

Mr Derek Howley – Facilities Management Associate Mrs Evonne Timmins – Senior Cleaner Mrs Loretta Allen – Catering Supervisor

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SCHOOL ROLL At present there are currently 201 pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7. SCHOOL INFORMATION HOURS School opening and closing times are as follows: Primary 1-7: 8.55 - 10.35 am 10.50 - 12.30 pm 1.10 - 3.15 pm Morning Interval 10.35 - 10.50 am Lunch Break 12.30 - 1.10 pm There is no afternoon session for pupils on a Friday. There is provision for playground supervision of pupils before the commencement of the school day, from 8.35 am when the classroom assistants will be in the playground in case adult help is required. On very cold or wet days the school will open 10 minutes earlier to provide shelter. In bad weather children will normally remain indoors at intervals where a wet weather routine is established in each classroom. HOLIDAYS Holiday dates for 2015 – 2016 are as follows: Term 1 Staff In-service Tuesday 18 August 2015 Pupils resume Wednesday 19 August 2015 Autumn holiday Monday 21 September 2015 Staff In-service Tuesday 22 September 2015 Pupils resume Wednesday 23 September 2015 October holidays Monday 19 October 2015 Staff In-service Monday 26 October 2015 Pupils resume Tuesday 27 October 2015 Term ends Friday 18 December 2015

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Term 2 Teaching Staff resume Tuesday 5 January 2016 Pupils resume Tuesday 6 January 2016 All break Friday 12 February 2016 All resume Wednesday 17 February 2016 Term ends Thursday 24 March 2016 Term 3 All resume Monday 11 April 2016 May holiday Monday 2 May 2016 Teaching Staff resume Tuesday 3 May 2016 Pupils resume Wednesday 4 May 2016 Victoria Day holiday Monday 23 May 2016 Term ends School Wednesday 29 June 2016 Session 2016 – 2017 Staff In-Service Monday 22 August 2016 Pupils resume Tuesday 23 August 2016

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ENROLMENT Children are enrolled for Primary 1 in early December. Notification of dates for enrolment are displayed in the local Churches, nurseries and the village shops. Individual arrangements for parents offered or seeking a place in the school can be made by telephoning the Head Teacher. As part of our pre-school arrangements, visits to the school will take place between April and June. These visits will help to prepare both children and their parents for those first months at school. Once our children have been in Primary 1 for a few weeks, we invite parents to curriculum workshops to give information about what their children are doing in class. Parents who are considering enrolling their child at St John the Baptist Primary School are most welcome to visit the school and discuss the education provided. Primary 7 to Secondary 1 Transfer Arrangements Structure of school provision in West Lothian Council: West Lothian Council is divided into denominational (Roman Catholic) and non-denominational primary and secondary school catchment areas. Each home address therefore has two catchment primary schools and 2 catchment secondary schools. Each secondary school catchment area is made up of a number of associated primary school catchment areas. St John the Baptist Primary School is associated with St Kentigern’s Academy. Children attending St John the Baptist Primary School and living in the catchment area of the school would therefore normally transfer to St Kentigern’s Academy. However the non-denominational school for this area would be Whitburn Academy. It is not possible to guarantee places at a secondary school for children from an associated primary school. Secondary schools have intake limits and where the applications for admission exceed this limit, it would be necessary to apply the ‘Placing in Schools - Guidelines’ and refer all applications to the Special Sub-Committee on Pupil/Student Support. Enquiries should be made to: (1) St Kentigern’s Academy (2) Whitburn Academy West Main Street Shanks Road Blackburn Whitburn EH47 7LX EH47 0HL Tel: 01506 656404 Tel: 01501 742724 or Pupil Placement Section West Lothian Civic Centre Howden South Road Livingston EH54 6FF 01506 281857

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TEACHING AND LEARNING

ASSESSMENT Continual checks are made on every child’s progress to make sure that they are working to the best of their ability. A file is kept on each child which contains a record of progress and assessment. The file is passed on to each new teacher and this will move to secondary school with them. Progress is monitored by:

• Continuous assessment on a daily basis by the class teacher in all subjects through a variety of methods

• Early intervention in reading – Primary 1 – 3 • Regular testing in phonics, spelling and numeracy/ mathematics

For assessment purposes the NAR (National Assessment Resources) and other assessment materials will be used. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES In St John the Baptist Primary School there are no restrictions in any child participating in any activity or area of the curriculum. Each boy and girl has equal opportunity to develop to the maximum of his/her talents and abilities. We aim to work in partnership with our community, by communicating with other schools, with the Parent Council and local agencies. In St John the Baptist Primary School we will ensure equal opportunities by:

• Enabling all our children to have access to a modern and relevant curriculum, taking account of individual abilities and aptitudes with differentiated programmes of study in all areas.

• Providing modern and relevant resources available to support programmes of study. • Ensuring that staff is well trained and highly motivated and that a good team spirit exists

where everyone is working together to achieve common aims. • Promoting Positive Behaviour strategies. • Enabling all our children to develop self-respect and to respect the rights to others.

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Curriculum for Excellence

Bringing learning to life and life to learning

Curriculum for Excellence is now being introduced across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds – wherever they learn. It aims to raise standards, prepare our children for a future they do not yet know and equip them for jobs of tomorrow in a fast changing world. Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together. Glow, Scotland’s unique, world-leading, online network supports learners and teachers in this and plans are already in place for parents across the country to have access to Glow. Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s ‘learning journey’ from 3-18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary and beyond, ensuring the change is smooth. They’ll ensure children continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with challenge they can thrive on. Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills. Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level and ability. Every single teacher and practitioner will be responsible for literacy and numeracy – the language and numbers skills that unlock other subjects and are vital to everyday life. It develops skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study, secure work and navigate life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learning relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. It links knowledge in one subject area to another helping children understand the world and make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions. There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential. There will be new qualifications for literacy and numeracy and from 2012/13, new National 4 and 5 qualifications from 2013/14. Our well regarded Access, Highers and Advanced Highers will be updated to take account of and support the new approaches to learning and teaching. There’s personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make the most of their opportunities with additional support wherever that’s needed. There will be a new emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensure that the school is a place where children feel safe and secure. Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims is to improve our children’s life chances, to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens, building on Scotland’s reputation for great education.

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CURRICULUM The curriculum covers all the learning experiences which your child will encounter during his/her time at school. The curriculum is designed using the Experiences and Outcomes outlined in Curriculum for Excellence. Staff plan learning opportunities for children based on the principles of Curriculum for Excellence.

• The curriculum is organised under the following subject areas: • Literacy/English • Numeracy/Mathematics • Health and Wellbeing • Sciences • Social Studies • Technologies • Expressive Arts • Religious and Moral Education in Roman Catholic Schools

The purpose of Curriculum for Excellence is to ensure that all children develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need if they are to succeed in life, learning and work, now and in the future. Curriculum for Excellence aims to develop the following four capacities in all children and young people:

• Successful learners • Confident Individuals • Responsible Citizens • Effective Contributors

In order to develop these capacities a wide range of learning and teaching approaches are used. Learning in school is based on a range of strategies including investigations, problem solving, challenges and discussion, as well as direct teaching methods. Class, group and individual lessons form the basis of teaching in order that the curriculum can be tailored to meet the needs of every child. To ensure children learn effectively they are assessed on a regular basis. Assessment takes many forms, including teacher observation, questioning, presentations, written tasks and self and peer assessment. Literacy/English Language is at the centre of pupils’ learning. It is through language that they gain much of their knowledge and many of their skills. High priority is therefore given to developing pupils’ ability to use English language effectively. Literacy, including Modern Languages, is pursued through an integrated programme of work involving listening, talking, writing and reading. Our pupils are taught to listen carefully and effectively, talk confidently and fluently, read with understanding and enthusiasm and write with expression and accuracy. In this way they will gain a sound knowledge of how language works and will become familiar with the many ways it is used.

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In writing, pupils will focus on the creation of meaning within a range of interesting contexts. Pupils will also learn to present written work in a way that can be easily understood, paying attention to punctuation, grammar, handwriting and spelling. Numeracy/Mathematics “Mathematics is a problem-solving activity supported by a body of knowledge – the concepts, the facts and the techniques” St John the Baptist Primary School endorses this statement. We believe that a solid foundation in numeracy/mathematics is very important for all children. Mathematics provides more than opportunities to calculate; it enables information to be handled and communicated and problems to be solved. Mathematics is used in all aspects of everyday life as well as in sciences, business and technology. The different aspects of numeracy/maths the children will experience are- Number, Money, measurement, shape, position, movement, time and information handling. In each of these areas, pupils should develop Problem-solving and Enquiry Skills. The development of such skills will encourage pupils to think about what they are doing in mathematics, to question and explain. The use of ICT will also feature in the Numeracy/Mathematics curriculum. With each aspect teachers introduce practical activities, and through active learning, encourage children to handle concrete materials and real life mathematical problems. Health and Wellbeing This includes learning about –

• Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing • Planning for choices and changes • Food and Health • Substance Misuse • Relationships, sexual health and parenthood • Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport Programmes of work in this area are delivered sensitively taking into consideration age and stage of pupils. Parents/carers are encouraged to speak with school staff if they have any questions about the delivery of this curricular area.

We have a ‘Mega Health’ tuck shop where fresh fruit and water are available. Social Studies Through the Social Studies programme pupils will learn about the world in which they live. Our aim is to develop a wide range of skills in order that they can investigate and understand their environment. Social Studies includes learning about-:

• People, past events and societies • People, place and environment • People in society, economy and business

We aim to use contexts which provide opportunities for children to make connections across and between subjects.

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Technologies This includes learning about –

• Technological developments in society • ICT to enhance learning • Business • Computing Science • Food and Textiles • Craft, design, engineering and graphics • We aim to plan opportunities to reflect individual and local needs.

Science This includes learning about-

• Planet Earth • Forces, electricity and Waves • Biological Systems • Materials • Topical Science

We aim to provide various contexts for learning which will draw on important aspects of everyday life. Expressive Arts The three areas of Expressive Arts are Art, Music and Drama. Expressive Arts provides opportunities for children to develop their natural talents as well as building up self-esteem and self-confidence. By the end of P7, pupils will have acquired a wide range of IT skills from their experience of using word processing, databases, spreadsheets and graphic applications. Religious Education Our aim at St John the Baptist Primary School is that our pupils will develop into responsible and caring members of society. Through the positive Christian teaching of our Catholic school we will develop in our children a love of God, a respect for all and a consistent set of beliefs, values, attitudes and practices. The Religious Education programme forms a daily part of every class and the school has assemblies and school masses on regular occasions throughout the school session. This programme is planned using ‘This is Our Faith’ and God’s Loving Plan. Religious instruction and observance form part of the religious tradition and ethos in Catholic Schools and play an important part in the education provided in this school. St John the Baptist Primary School enjoys an excellent relationship with our school chaplain, Canon White who visits the school regularly and helps the school forge links with the wider community. Particular support is given in the preparation for and the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. Partnership between home, parish and school is vital at all times but is especially important at times of sacramental preparation. At present Primary 3 pupils are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In Primary 4 Confirmation and Eucharist is celebrated.

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Through Religious Education and Environmental Studies we try to make our children aware of cultures and religions. We constantly stress the development of anti-racist attitudes and an awareness of prejudice. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or any Religious observance and this right may be exercised by informing the Head Teacher. Forest School Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils participate in Forest School, a carefully structured, experiential, fun vehicle for outdoor learning, delivered through first hand experience in a natural habitat. Although many children taking part often see it as ‘playtime’, the teachers, carers and parents involved are aware very quickly that it is much more than just ‘playing’ in the woods, and fully delivers a Curriculum for Excellence. Eco/Health Group As part of our school citizenship programme, we have merged two established groups: ‘Health Promoting Schools’ and the ‘Eco-Group’. This group is co-ordinated by teaching and support staff. Meetings are held once a month with elected class members from P1 – P7. Our school has recently been awarded Third Green Flag status from Keep Scotland Beautiful for our efforts in effective waste minimisation, litter control and energy efficiency. Personal and Social Development Personal and Social Development is concerned with the education of the whole child and in St John the Baptist Primary School we develop personal and inter personal skills which will enable them to become responsible and active members of their community. There are planned programmes of study throughout the school to develop their skills in Personal and Social Development. Support for Learning We believe that it is the right of every child to receive an education which will meet his/her needs. We are committed to providing for the needs of each child in our school and welcome the help of parents in identifying those needs. Some children will have learning difficulties and within the school’s assessment procedure these children will be catered for as early as possible. A wide range of provision including the use of Early Intervention strategies, the inclusion of ICT programmes, special phonic skills and reading resources are all in place to impact on learning and teaching. Mrs Donnelly co-ordinates the Learning Support Programme and provides the resources and extra teaching time for every child requiring support. The Head Teacher and Pupil Support Co-ordinator also spend time consulting with teachers and parents. It is important to remember that if we are at all concerned about your child we will contact you immediately and all further action will be taken in full consultation with you. It is also important to stress that if you have any worries about your child’s progress please contact the school immediately. If we are especially concerned about a pupil’s performance we would ask for help from WL Psychological Services. Homework

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St John the Baptist Primary School has a clear, written homework policy. In the early years in particular, children need support and encouragement in their reading, and parents are asked to work with their child on a regular basis and in a positive manner. Homework can take many forms - such as spelling, number work, researching a topic, asking questions etc. Again, work which ought to have been finished in class may be sent home to be completed. We would ask parents to co-operate by making sure that any form of homework is done and that homework is signed by a parent if appropriate. EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Art P7 are involved in an after-school art class to help develop their awareness and appreciation of art. Jogging Group P4 upwards, and any interested parents participate in a weekly after-school jogging group during the summer term. Golf P5 have the opportunity to learn and practice the skills involved in the game of golf. This happens indoors after-school and an outing to the local golf course is arranged at the end of the session. Rights Respecting School A group of pupils from all stages can attend to discuss events, issues, etc. Homework Club P5-7 can participate in an after-school homework club. Lego Club Pupils of various ages can learn about using Lego Education ‘We Do’ or NXT ‘Mindstorms’ robots in order to extend understanding of stimulating programming software.

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EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND OUTINGS Every year, we organise outings to consolidate work undertaken in class. The P5 class visit The Scottish Centres Camp at Aberfoyle for three days and experience a wide range of outdoor activities. In addition our Primary 7 pupils can take part in a residential activity holiday, this year going to Ardgour, nr Fort William. HOME AND SCHOOL LINKS School and the Community The school places great importance on close links with parents and the local community. We are involved with Fauldhouse Community Development Trust and the Levenseat Trust. Our choir sing at Christmas to the residents of Crofthead Nursing Home. Our children make a regular visit to the local library. We encourage the children to participate in the annual gala day. We also have involvement in the local Remembrance Sunday service. Parental Involvement Parents should feel welcome to call at school anytime. To avoid disruption of classes however, appointments should be made to discuss concerns with members of staff. Please contact the school office to make the necessary arrangements. We are keen to involve parents in all aspects of school life. Many parents have been involved in working with groups of children. It is now Council policy that parent helpers require to be Disclosure checked. We have a bank of parents who have the relevant certificate who accompany classes on excursions and assist in other activities. Reporting to Parents A written report is sent to parents in June. Next steps in your child’s learning are identified. This forms the basis for discussion at the parents’ meeting in October ensuring that children’s learning is continuous and progressive. Parents have the opportunity to discuss their child/children’s progress twice during the session – October and April. During the meeting in April, Primary 7 pupils, their teacher and parents participate in a three way meeting where pupils discuss their Personal Learning Plans. School Uniform The School encourages and expects the wearing of school uniform at all times. The wearing of our school uniform helps pupils to identify with the school community and shows a pride in being part of this school. It also helps to promote the identity of this school in the local community. Furthermore, it sets an acceptable standard of dress for pupils, eliminates competition between pupils in dress fashion and does not involve parents in expensive fashion fads.

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The school relies and expects the support and co-operation of parents for the success of our school policy on uniform. ‘Uniform’ consists of grey or black trousers/skirt, white shirt and a grey or black jumper. The school tie is black and purple and is available from the school, as is the school badge. We have recently introduced a purple summer dress for the girls, available from the school as are sweatshirts, polo shirts and reversible outdoor jackets (in black or purple), all embroidered with the school badge. A new item of clothing comprising of a kilt has also been introduced. Primary 7 children wear a purple sweatshirt to indicate that they are the most senior and responsible members of our school community. Footwear suitable for indoor use are worn within the school. Shorts and gym shoes should be worn for PE. Assistance with Provision of Clothing and Footwear Clothing Grants are paid annually and can be claimed by parents in receipt of certain benefits. Parents who wish to apply for the scheme should complete an application form which is available from the school or Education Headquarters, Civic Centre, Livingston (Tel 01506 281952). The form details the eligibility for Clothing Grant. Positive Behaviour Parents, pupils and staff are asked to sign a Contract in line with the Policy of Promoting Positive Behaviour. The aims of this policy are: • To help our children develop a sense of self-discipline and an acceptance of responsibility for their own actions. • To create and maintain an ethos for an orderly, happy community in which effective learning can take place. • To ensure that there is mutual respect among all members of the school and that there is appropriate care and concern for the environment. We aim to ensure that: There is a welcoming atmosphere and a positive ethos throughout the school and all children are educated in a safe, secure environment. We respect each other’s views and values by developing an ethos of trust, honesty and fairness. Everyone is the best they can be by developing a ‘have a go’ attitude to learning. We promote a healthy, caring lifestyle across the community and environment. In accordance with the Convention of the Rights of the child, we value • good behaviour • good communication • children’s learning and achievement with equal opportunities for all • We aim to have fun throughout Pupil Council St John the Baptist Primary School has an elected Pupil Council which meets regularly with Mrs Purdie. The Pupil Council comprises of two representatives from each class as well as the Head Boy and Head Girl.

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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly. In cases of unsatisfactory attendance, the head teacher will ask an education welfare officer to visit the home and discuss the problem with the parents. If such unsatisfactory attendance persists, the head teacher, following discussions with the education welfare officer and other agencies, will decide whether the case should be referred to the local Area Attendance Advisory Group. This group has been formed to make recommendations to the Corporate Manager of Education Services on the statutory responsibilities of the Authority with regard to defaulting parents. Parents/Carers should contact the school as early as possible on the day of absence of the pupil. The office is open from 8.15 am. If no contact is made then the school will try to contact parent/carers by 9.45 am. This may be done by the Group Call system and/or other emergency contact numbers. If the school has not received an explanation of the pupil’s absence by 10.30 am, the Headteacher will conduct a risk assessment, and may put into process guidance issued by Lothian and Borders Police. Punctuality is vital. School starts at 8.55 am and all children are expected to be on time. All late-arrivals or absences must be explained by a note from a parent. Your support in this is vital as late coming can impact greatly on the learning and teaching process. Absence during the School Day If you need to take your child out of school to attend medical/dental or hospital appointments, please send a note in to the school with your child. When collecting your child out with normal school hours, please report to the secretary’s office and a member of staff will go to the appropriate class for your child. This will ensure that continuity of teaching to other children is maintained. Family Holidays during Term Time The majority of family holidays taken during term time should be categorised as unauthorised absence. However, under exceptional circumstances, it may be acceptable for schools to authorise a family holiday during term time. Such circumstances may include:

• A family holiday judged to be important to the wellbeing and cohesion of the family, following serious or terminal illness, bereavement or other traumatic events.

A family holiday classified under the ‘authorised absence’ category should not include such reasons as:

• The availability of cheaper holidays • The availability of desired accommodation • Poor weather experienced during school holidays • Parental difficulty obtaining leave

MEALS AND MILK

School lunches are offered in the form of Rainbow Dining Trays where children select one tray from three different lunch time menus. The cost of these lunches is a flat rate of £1.90 and parents are asked to pay on a Monday for a week’s lunches (normally 4 days which is £7.60). As Friday is a half day packed lunches only are available, again at a cost of £1.90. Children who bring a packed lunch eat in the dining-room.

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All P1 – P3 school children in West Lothian are entitled to free school meals at lunchtime Monday to Friday. Breakfast Provision – Breakfast is provided free of charge to all school children from 8.15 to 8.35 am every morning. Under the Education Committee's policy, children in attendance at schools under the management of the Authority are entitled to free school meals if their parents are in receipt of certain benefits. Further information and an application form can be obtained from the school or from the Free Meals and Clothing Grant Section, Education Headquarters, Civic Centre, Livingston (tel 01506 281952). Free milk will be available to all children in nursery education, as well as all children in receipt of Free School Meals. Milk is available to all other children in education at reduced prices - 18p per 200ml tetra pack. This is paid in set periods and parents are notified when this money is due. PHOTOGRAPHY West Lothian schools have a photography policy which is in accordance with data protection and human rights legislation. Photographs taken for curricular, assessment, security, registration, training and development or travel reasons will not be used for any other purpose. Publicity Photography is helpful in publicising the success of the school and in promoting educational initiatives. From time to time members of the press and media are invited into schools to cover events celebrating success. However, the views of parents who, for any reason, do not wish their children to appear in such photographs will be respected at all times, as will the views of the senior students, themselves, in secondary schools. School Trips Photography by staff on school trips and visits may be used in the curriculum and displayed within the school or at parents' evenings to illustrate the work of the school. Concerts/Plays/Prizegivings/Sports Days If photography is permitted, parents and guests should take care to avoid distracting pupils and the audience. They should observe any constraints imposed by school staff. Video or sound recording of a copyright musical or theatrical performance is forbidden and photography may also be restricted for reasons of child protection or out of respect for the rights and privacy of individuals. If unsure whether or not permission has been given by staff to record a particular performance or event, parents should ask the Head Teacher. We also ask that parents ensure the supervision of younger children brought along to performances. School Photographer Class and individual or group photographs are frequent school events. Parents are asked in advance whether or not they wish their children to be included in these events. Reputable commercial photographers are involved and the law allows them to retain the copyright in the photographs.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY Within the general policy laid down by West Lothian Council, Education Services has prepared a series of statements of safety policy for all areas of its responsibility in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. School staff are fully instructed in their responsibilities in this respect and safety regulations apply to all aspects of school life both on and off the premises. Within this policy details in relation to fire drills and safety checks on fire extinguishers must be recorded and logged. It is expected that pupils will behave responsibly and comply with all safety requirements. The support of parents in promoting good practice in health and safety matters is of importance to the school. Fire Drills The school has a fire drill once a term when emergency exits are practised. These are logged in the Fire Register. There are also regular checks of individual fire alarms. Parking In the interests of safety, we ask that parents do not park within the school grounds and observe any parking restrictions around the school. Our Junior Road Safety Officers, over the course of the session, monitor the parking situation and report back to the Head Teacher. Entry to School There is a controlled entry system at the main entrance to the building. All visitors to the school including parents, workmen etc are asked to enter and exit the school by the main door and report to the Secretary’s office. This is to enable us to know who is in the building at all times. Parents are asked not to go to their child’s classroom to collect their child as this disrupts the flow of the teaching. A member of staff will collect your child from class. This is to ensure sure the school is a safe place for all. Supervision of Playgrounds There is provision for supervision of pupils before the commencement of the school day, from 8.35 am when the school auxiliary/classroom assistants will be in the playground in case adult help is required. Intervals and Lunchtimes In the interests of safety, children are not allowed to leave the premises during intervals. If you wish your child to go home for lunch, the school must be informed in writing before permission will be given for a child to go out of school. Wet Weather Supervision During inclement weather, children remain in the classroom. Classroom Assistants will monitor the children during these times.

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CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES West Lothian Council has issued Child Protection Procedures and Guidance which all staff must follow to promote the welfare of children and to protect them from harm. These are available for reference from the Head Teacher. When a member of staff, a child or another individual provides information and the Head Teacher considers that there is a possibility that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm, the Head Teacher is required to immediately contact social work services to discuss the circumstances and agree the immediate action to be taken. If parents or others have concerns for any child they can speak to the Head Teacher about this. They can also contact social work services and/or the police. MEDICAL CARE Throughout your child’s years at primary and secondary school, a team of specialist Health Service and Education Department staff will be seeing him or her from time to time to make sure that he or she benefits as much as possible from all that school has to offer and to help prepare him for her life after leaving school. The School Health Service is part of the Community Child Health Service and has direct links with those who carry out health checks on children before they start school. Many different services are provided. The staff involved make every effort to work closely with parents and with others who are caring for your child, both at school and in other branches of the Health Service. Some of the services, eg testing for vision or speech, are provided to all children on a routine basis to discover which children may need further tests or treatment. Parents re not notified of these screening tests and any parent who does not want a child to be included should notify the school at the beginning of the session. Naturally, if treatment is thought to be required, the child’s parents will be informed and consent requested. Some of the staff concerned and the parts they play are as follows: The Health Visitor or School Nurse carries out regular inspections of groups of children, gives advice on health and hygiene, tests eyesight from time to time and works with the school doctor. The attention of the doctor is drawn to any possible problems and parents and the family doctor are informed if any further action is considered necessary. The School Doctor visits the school regularly and meets with the school nurse or health visitor and with teachers to find out whether any pupils need medical attention. In addition, the doctor reviews the medical notes of all children in Primary 1 and Primary 7. Parents are also asked to complete a health questionnaire about their child at these stages and asked if they would like to have a full medical examination. In addition, the doctor may ask for your consent to examine your child if his or her medical records are incomplete or if the doctor particularly wishes to check on his or her progress. You will be invited to be present at any medical examination and kept informed if the school doctor wishes to see your child again or thinks that he or she should be seen by your family doctor to undertake the examinations instead of the school doctor, but you may be charged a fee for this. A NHS Dental Health Support Workers comes to school to demonstrate to the children how to brush their teeth properly and follow-up visits occur on a regular basis. Any enquires concerning the provision of Dental Services should be made to the Director of the Community Dental Service, Lothian Trust, 16 Duncan Street, Edinburgh, EH19 1SR (tel: 0131 667 7114).

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We hope that the School Health Service can, together with yourselves, contribute to your child’s overall well-being and development. Please do not hesitate to arrange, through the Head Teacher, to see the school doctor, school nurse or the health visitor if you want any information. In the event of an illness or an accident at school, we contact the parents by telephone either at home or through the emergency contact details. May I stress the importance of keeping this information up-to-date. It is also important to inform the school if your child has any other special medical condition. MEDICATION IN SCHOOL We would like to remind parents about the rules regarding medication in school. Children who use inhalers should always have a spare one kept at school. We advise parents to check that these inhalers are full before they are brought to school. Teachers will look after the inhalers so that they are readily available if required. Prescribed medication can only be administered if the child has written permission from the parent. A form for this purpose can be obtained from the school. TRANSPORT

The vast majority of our children walk to school. However it is important for parents to be aware of the Authority's current policy, which is to pay the travelling expenses of those pupils attending the district school who live more than two miles from that school. EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN

We are asked to point out to you that children under the statutory school leaving age can only be employed within the bye-laws on the Employment of Children. These regulations do not permit the employment of children under 13 years of age. Parents and employers must both complete an application form for an employment permit before the employment begins. Further details can be obtained from Education Services, Civic Centre, Livingston. PUPILS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Following the ‘Standards in Scotland’s Schools Bill’ there will be an assumption of mainstream education for all children except where that would not be suited to the child, and the Authority already has a policy of integration for pupils with special needs. Additional support may be given to the school to enable such placements. Special classes may be attached to some schools. These make particular provision for pupils with significant learning difficulties or emotional and behavioural difficulties. These also offer opportunities for integration.

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Integrated placements or placements into special classes are made following assessment by the Authority's specialist advisers and in consultation with parents. Some children may also have special aptitudes and through correct assessment practices we aim to identify and attempt to meet such needs. MOBILE PHONES Whilst mobile phones are a good thing from the essential communications between parent and pupil viewpoint, there is no need for them to be switched on in school. The children are asked to give phones to their teachers for safekeeping. Parental co-operation is needed to suppress improper use. We also request, in the interests of safety, no use of camera phones, if applicable. Transferring Educational Data About Pupils Education authorities and Scottish Government have collected data about pupils on paper forms for many years. We now work together with schools to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed programme. Thus Scottish Government has two functions: acting as a ‘hub’ for supporting data exchange within the education system in Scotland and the analysis of data for statistical purposes within Scottish Government itself.

Why do we need your data?

In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, Scottish Government, education authorities and other partners such as the SQA and Careers Scotland 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 examination results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows us 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 which influence pupil attainment and achievement, • share good practice, • target resources better.

Data policy

The ScotXed programme aims to support schools and Local Authorities by supporting the collection, processing and dissemination of statistical information required for planning, management and monitoring of Scottish education services. A subset of this information is passed to Scottish Government for research and National Statistics publications. Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systems and is exploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject to confidentiality restraints. As part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish or make publicly available any information that allows individual pupils to be identified, nor will data be used by

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Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by Scottish Government. The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for statistical and research purposes only. We hope that the explanations contained on the ScotXed website will help you understand the importance of providing the information.

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 (www.scotxed.net). Scottish Government works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of Education and the SQA. On occasion, we will make individual data available to partners and also academic institutions and organisations 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 of Scottish Government, 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. Decisions on the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with relevant colleagues and individuals within and outwith Scottish Government.

Concerns

If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Senior Statistician, Peter Whitehouse, at Peter.Whitehouse@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, braille and large print.

Want more information?

Further details about ScotXed are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed.net., which contains a section on ‘frequently asked questions’ at https://www.scotxed.net/jahia/Jahia/lang/en/pid/220. PARENT COUNCIL Each year there is an AGM (August) at which you are encouraged to seek election to the Parent Council. The Council meets once each month for approximately one hour. The Head Teacher represents the school on the Parent Council. Our school benefits from committed and enthusiastic Parent Council members. A number of fundraising initiatives have taken place and a range of social activities are organised over the session.

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OCCASIONAL AND EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

In the event of severe weather conditions, possibly causing the closure of the school, you are asked to listen to Radio Forth, BBC Radio Scotland or River FM. These radio stations will be informed of procedures by Education Services and have agreed to get news out to parents as soon as possible about whether their local school will open or not. The school has two telephone lines, however it can be difficult to get through for advice if parents call at the same time. A Groupcall message will be sent out to all parents and it is therefore important to keep the school informed of any changes in mobile phone contact numbers. Schools will only close in extreme conditions. THE EDUCATION SERVICE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

A local answer: Many complaints are resolved locally. If you wish to raise a concern with the Education Service, the first person to approach will normally be the Head Teacher of your school or the office staff dealing with matters such as free meals, transport or bursaries at the Civic Centre, Livingston. Efforts will be made to try to resolve the difficulty or provide an explanation to you within ten working days. Further action: If you remain dissatisfied, you can make a complaint to the Education Service. The Advice and Conciliation Service provides a helpline during office hours to advise you on how to take further action. You may be asked to put your complaint in writing addressed to: Customer Care and Communication Manager West Lothian Council West Lothian Civic Centre Howden South Road Livingston EH54 6FF A written acknowledgement will be sent promptly if your complaint has been received in writing. Following the investigation of your complaint, a full reply will be sent as quickly as possible. This will tell you the outcome of your complaint. We have attempted to make this handbook as comprehensive as possible. However, if we have made any omissions we will be happy to consider inclusion of any other points if you make these known to the head teacher.