CONTENTS

Page Statement of Commitment 1 Introduction 2 School Information 3 School Leadership/Promoted Teaching Staff 4 Our Staff 5 School Hours 6 Local Learning Communities 6 School Holidays 7 Our Values 8 Charter for Catholic Schools 9 Our Vision and Aims 10 Enrolments 11 Clothing, Uniform, Transport and Meals 12-14 School Achievements 14 School Improvement Priorities 15 Additional Support Needs 15-16 Named Person 16-17 Equal Opportunities 17-18 Anti Bullying 18 Attendance at School 18-19 Behaviour - Promoting Positive Ethos 19-20 Communication with Parents/Carers about Learning 20-21 Extra Curricular Activities 21 School and the Community 21 Child Protection 21 Curriculum, Learning, Teaching and Assessment 22-29 Medical and Health Care 30 Learning and Sustainability 30 Assessment Approaches 31 Assessment of Learning and for Learning 31 Achievement of CfE Levels 31 Tracking Progress of Achievements/Attainment 32 Wider Achievement 32 Reporting to Parents/Carers 32 Pupil Voice 33 Emergency Situations 33 Data Protection Act 1984 33 Policy on Taking of Photographs 34 The Parent Council 34-35 Parental Views and Concerns 35 Useful Addresses 36 Appendix A - Application for Free School Meals & Clothing Grant 37-38 Appendix B - Anti-bullying Policy 39-41 Appendix C - Homework Policy 42-44 Appendix D - Home/School Communication & Complaints Procedure 45-47

St. Mary’s Primary School Chapel Rd, Duntocher

G81 6DL

Tel: 01389 873211 Email: SchoolOffice.St-Marys-Dun@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

All local authority schools are required by

law to issue a copy of the school handbook

to certain parents in December each year for

their use as appropriate. A copy of our

school handbook is also available online at

www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-

and-learning/schools/schoolhandbooks

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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

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

now and throughout their lives.

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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Dear Parents/Carers, We wish you a warm welcome to St Mary’s Primary School. We realise how important this stage is in your child’s life and how important it is for the whole family. I hope that the information in this book will explain how the school is organised and the types of learning experiences your child will have. We hope you will always feel welcome and involved in your child’s learning and that you will continue with this throughout his/her time in St Mary’s. Our school mission statement is ‘Be better than your best’. We constantly strive to do better than we think we can do. We want to create a happy and safe environment where every child will: have the opportunity to develop his/her own particular talents; always have courage to have a go; be knowledgeable about their learning and where all in the school will aspire to achieve greatness in all they do. We want our learners to work together, respect each other and to understand Scotland’s place in the world, ensuring a pride in themselves, their community and in their country. In and around our school you will see many improvements to the learning and play environment. We are very proud of our school. Our wall displays tell parents and visitors to the school of the hard work and great efforts that our pupils achieve in their learning experiences both at and out with school. Pupils are actively encouraged to enjoy and care about school life during the school day and in our many afterschool clubs, these are all important aspects of the learning process. Our school uniform is very important to us. Pupils wear this with pride, encouraging a sense of belonging to our school community. Football colours, even in jackets, bags, PE clothes and gym bags are not permitted. I hope that you will look upon our school as an extension of your home and through meaningful communication, co-operation and partnership between the school, your home and the parish community we can ensure the success and well-being of your child. You will always be made welcome in the school whenever you wish to discuss the education and development of your child. Yours sincerely

Marie Guthrie

Marie Guthrie Head Teacher

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SCHOOL INFORMATION

St. Mary’s Primary School Chapel Road Duntocher Clydebank G81 6DL Tel: 01389 873211 email: SchoolOffice.St-Marys-Dun@west-dunbarton.gov.uk webpage: www.scottishschools.info/stmarysprimary

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/myschool/findaschool/schools/stmarysprimaryschoolclydebankwestdunbartonshire.asp

St Mary’s is a Roman Catholic, co-educational school and can accommodate children from P1-7. At present we have 344 children on the school roll but can cater for 429 children. Parents should note that the working capacity of the school may vary. This is dependent upon the number of pupils at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised. The school building is comprised of a combination of new and refurbished accommodation. There are 14 classrooms or class bays, two open areas – one is currently used for play based learning for p1-3 learners and the other is being developed for learning through across the curriculum. We are also developing a library in this area too. We have a dining room, assembly/ PE hall and a multi-purpose room for technologies and expressive arts. This room is also used to hold meetings for pupil groups eg Mini Vinnie’s, Eco, RRS and our Pupil Council. The building is accessible to disabled adults and children with 2 disabled toilets for adult/children's use. Applications for use of the school facilities should be made to: Letting Section West Dunbartonshire Council Education Department Council Offices Garshake Road DUMBARTON G82 3PU TEL: 01389 737

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SCHOOL LEADERSHIP / PROMOTED TEACHING STAFF

Each session the number of teachers in the school is adjusted according to the size of the school roll. With a roll of 344 the staffing is 18.0 full time equivalent members of staff of whom Mrs Marie Guthrie is the Head Teacher. In St Mary’s Primary we have two Depute Head Teachers and one Principal Teacher. Mrs Helen Nelis (DHT) has a remit that encompasses: pastoral care of p1-3 including transition from Early Years to P1. She coordinates: Support for Learning at p1-3 and specific support and partnership working with health professionals; Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist; Religious Education and preparation of liturgy for mass; Literacy and English curriculum and Child Protection across the school. Miss Jane Crombie (DHT) has a remit that encompasses: pastoral care of p4-7 including transition from p7 to S1; She coordinates: Support for Learning at p4-7; Sacramental preparation for Confirmation; Support for staff and pupils with regard to Pope Francis Faith Award; all sporting events, associated partnership working, including festivals and after school clubs. Miss Crombie supports students at p4-7 stage of school and leads the development of Numeracy and Maths curriculum. Mrs Eileen McWilliams (PT) has a remit that encompasses supporting class teachers leading Learning for Sustainability eg Global Goals, Eco Schools and Rights Respecting Schools. She supports staff member who mentors probationer and supports students at p1-3. Mrs McWilliams leads the Literacy curriculum with regard to reciprocal teaching approaches in reading and the development of writing across the school. More recently Mrs McWilliams has been involved with leading aspects of the Health & Wellbeing curriculum, including the PAThs curriculum. Mrs Nelis, Miss Crombie and Mrs McWilliams assist Mrs Guthrie in the general administration and good running of the school. Class teachers have 22.5 hours class contact per week. During their teacher’s non-class contact time pupils are taught by Mrs Nelis, Miss Crombie, Mrs Shaw and staffing acquired through 0.6 temporary allocation for the session. (This session it is Mrs Mary Reilly, Mrs Linda McCluskey and Mrs Alaine Watson). Miss Clare Donnelly is a Chartered Teacher. Miss Donnelly leads Rights based Learning including Fairtrade. She coordinates the Languages 1+2 curriculum.

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OUR STAFF

TEACHING STAFF

Head Teacher Mrs M Guthrie Depute Head Teacher Mrs H Nelis (responsible for P1-P3) Depute Head Teacher Miss J Crombie (responsible for P4-P7) Principal Teacher Mrs E McWilliams Miss C Donnelly P7 Mrs E McReynolds P7 Miss L Hone P6 Miss C McDowall P6 Mr H Killough P5 Mrs E McWilliams P5 Mrs N McLaren P4 Mrs G McMenamin P4 Mrs L Cocozza P3 Miss J Wade P3 Miss L Gibbons P2 Miss A Walker P2 Miss A Thumath P1 Miss A Muir P1 Mrs G Gallagher Visiting String Instrument Specialist

SUPPORT STAFF Mrs A McDowell, Ms G Cassidy, Mrs F McGlynn Clerical Assistants Mrs A Bentley, Mrs M Brown, Mrs C Connolly Learning Assistants Mrs C Harkins, Mrs S Hayes, Ms B Tracey, Mrs A Opfer, Mrs A Rogers Mr S Busby Facilities Assistant Ms E Scally Facilities Assistant

CATERING TEAM

Mrs K Richford Mrs N O’Brien Ms B Atkinson Ms A Holms Mr D Scott Mrs M Cubeddu

CLEANING TEAM Mrs S Drummond Ms Y Farrell Mrs L Boyle Total Staff 40

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SCHOOL HOURS

Opening 9.00am Interval 10.15am-10.30am (P1-3 pupils), 10.40 – 10.55am (P4-7 pupils) Lunch 12.15pm-1.00pm Closing 3.00pm

Primary 1 pupils attend in the morning only until Friday 18th August. After this they enjoy a full school day from Monday 21st August 2017. 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 – pupils are not permitted to leave at 12.15pm on the final day of school).

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. Mary’s primary is a member of the St. Peter the Apostle 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 Guthrie represents St. Mary’s primary school on the St. Peter the Apostle LLC; however other members of staff may attend meetings in support of improvement work. The St. Peter the Apostle LLC works with Clydebank High School LLC in newly formed Area Learning Community approach. This is led by Miss Julie McGrogan Senior Educational Services Manager who is assisted by the Service Managers Matthew Boyle and Andrew Brown and Quality Improvement Officers Mrs Kathy Morrison and Mrs Susan Gray. Updates on the work of the LLC’s will be made available through parent council meetings and through Standards and Quality reporting.

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

2017 - 2018

2017

Return Date for Teachers Monday 14 August 2017

Return Date for Pupils Wednesday 16 August 2017

P1 Begin Full-Time Education Monday 21 August 2017

September Weekend Friday 22 September and Monday 25 September 2017

First Mid-Term Monday 16 October to Friday 20 October 2017 (inclusive)

Christmas/New Year Friday 22 December 2017 to Friday 5 January 2018 (inclusive)

2018

2017 Return to school Monday 8 January 2018

Second Mid-Term Monday 12 February and Tuesday 13 February 2018

Spring Holiday Monday 30 March to Friday 13 April 2018 (inclusive)

May Day Monday 7 May 2018

May Weekend Friday 25 May and Monday 28 May 2018 (inclusive)

Schools Close Thursday 28 June 2018

In-Service Days

Day 1 Monday 14 August 2017

Day 2 Tuesday 15 August 2017

Day 3 Friday 13 October 2017

Day 4 Wednesday 14 February 2018

Day 5 Friday 4 May 2018

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OUR VALUES

OUR SHARED VALUES In our Catholic school community we value: FAITH We follow gospel values and live our lives as Jesus taught us to. We show love care and

tolerance for others. We are aware of and appreciate the faith of others. We work hard to develop our God given talents.

RESPECT We respect the opinions and contributions of others and work hard to celebrate and

recognise attainment and achievement for all in our community and in the wider world. We will be well mannered and courteous to all who visit or belong to our community. We will work hard to help those in need. EDUCATION We are grateful to all those in our lives that support us in our learning journey - parents,

carers, teachers, learning assistants, clerical staff, facilities assistants, cleaning and catering staff, volunteers, parish and the wider community.

LEARNING We will have high expectations and aspirations for all and work hard to ensure that all

learners have opportunity, support and challenge to be better than their best. OUR MISSION We in St Mary’s Primary School are committed to the pursuit of raising attainment and achievement, through building capacity, fostering ambition and the development of each person’s God given talents. Our mission statement is ‘Be better than your best’. OUR SCHOOL MOTTO Mater Nobiscum (Latin) – Mother with us (English translation).

This is very fitting and appropriate. Our school is named after Mary the mother of God. Our school building is very close to the lovely church of St Mary’s. As a mother nurtures and cares for her children we look to Mary the mother of God to guide us, nurture us and pray for us.

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OUR VISION AND AIMS

OUR VISION “We will ensure that we have a learning community - school, home and parish working in partnership, committed to ensuring excellent quality in care, welfare, learning, teaching, support, challenge, spiritual development and sacramental preparation, recognising and using their own individual God given talents, ensuring high aspiration for attainment and wider achievement. We want our learners to be happy, confident, successful, articulate, independent and highly motivated within a vibrant school community, recognising their position in the global environment”.

OUR AIMS To make our vision a reality we work hard to improve our school and the following aims help us to keep focus and achieve the vision.

Engage in self-evaluation with the whole school community leading to effective school

improvement.

Make choices that reflect our gospel values. We ensure that all in our community feel involved,

cared for, included, valued, secure and safe.

Be fair in our interactions and dealings with each other and the wider community.

Aim high with a can-do attitude. We want members of our community to be: highly motivated;

confident; able to talk about their own learning journey; given opportunities to be innovative and enterprising; fulfilling their own potential; aspiring to be better than their personal best.

Respect our own and others uniqueness. Ensure opportunities for learners to have a voice and

have their needs supported and challenged.

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ENROLMENT OF CHILDREN IN ST MARY’S

Dates for Registration of school beginners (entering Primary 1) will be advertised in the local press and announced in the local churches before 1st February each year. In May/June the children will be invited to visit the school, and parents will be invited to participate in Pre-Entrant Workshops as an introduction to the new session. Parents moving into our catchment area may enrol school age children by contacting the Head Teacher. Parents outwith our catchment area who wish to enrol their children in St Mary’s should submit a placing request to the Educational Service Officer. The appropriate form is available on West Dunbartonshire Council website. Parents who are considering enrolling their children in St Mary’s are welcome to visit the school and discuss the educational provision for their children.

TRANSITION FROM NURSERY A transition programme is planned throughout every school session for pre-school children. Children from nurseries are given opportunities to visit and become familiar with the school and to take part in a variety of play based teaching and learning activities. Staff from the school also visit nurseries to get to know the children prior to them starting school. Staff at P1 stage are involved in planning learning experiences with early years staff.

POLICIES FOR PARENTS/CARERS The local education authority has produced policies for parents which provide information for new parents at school. Copies are available from the school or can be accessed from the council website.

PLACING REQUESTS The Education Authority does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request other than exceptional circumstances. In the case of under-age placing requests if the child is offered a place in his/her catchment area school, transport will be provided in accordance with regional council policy stated above. TRANSITION TO SECONDARY SCHOOL Pupils are normally transferred between the age of eleven and a half and twelve and a half so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least four 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. Pupils from St Mary’s have transferred to St Peter the Apostle. St Peter the Apostle High School Kirkoswald Drive Clydebank G81 2DB Phone: 0141 533 3100 Prior to transfer, pupils are given the opportunity to visit the High Schools. Meetings are arranged for parents to visit the High Schools and share in this new experience with their children. Staff of primary and secondary schools work together to make the transition as smooth as possible for the pupils.

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ST MARY’S CATCHMENT/ZONED AREA Children who live within the catchment area of St. Mary’s and out with the boundaries are eligible for free transport under the terms of the regional policy stated. The contract for taxiing the children is presently held by Clydebank Taxis, Telephone Number 0141 941 4055/1101. Children are collected between 8.30am and 8.40am and are escorted to the taxi at the appropriate dismissal times. Transport application forms may be obtained from West Dunbartonshire Council or the school office.

CLOTHING, UNIFORM, TRANSPORT AND MEALS SCHOOL 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.

In implementing a dress code, schools should be mindful of the diversity of cultural and religious customs represented in our society. It may be appropriate for items of schoolwear to include alternative forms of dress corresponding to the cultural mix of the school population. Schools must ensure that no pupil is discriminated against on the grounds of race or gender. The forms of dress which are unacceptable in school are items of clothing which:

potentially encourage faction (such as football colours even in bags, jackets and PE kit)

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

could cause health and safety concerns, such as loose fitting clothing, sportswear made of flammable material and body piercing/jewellery for PE and sport

could cause damage to flooring

carry advertising particularly for alcohol or tobacco

could be used to inflict injury on other pupils or 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, job-seekers allowance (income based), housing benefit or council tax rebate will normally be entitled to monetary grants to assist with clothing and uniform. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in difficult circumstances are at the discretion of the Director of Educational 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.

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The colour scheme and certain items of dress to comprise an individual school’s uniform should be determined, through a consultation process which is appropriate to each school. This 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. The agreed school uniform for St Mary's is:- Girls Boys School tie School tie Blue blouse Blue shirt Navy skirt/pinafore Grey trousers Navy cardigan/pullover Navy pullover Black shoes Black shoes 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.

SCHOOL MEALS The Scottish Executive set up an Expert Panel on School Meals to report on the provision of meals within all Scottish schools and to advise on a revitalised schools meals service in Scotland, which will improve the health of pupils. West Dunbartonshire Council is implementing the recommendations of the Expert Panel. Guidance has been provided for caterers to ensure that all meals are nutrient based and that children will receive the best nutrition from their 2-course school meal. West Dunbartonshire's menu will include a hot meal and salad choice each day. There will be a picking plate on one day and packed lunch for 4 days. There will also be bread and drinks supplied, at no extra cost as part of the meal. The drinks available will be water, diluting juice or milk. Children pre-select their meal in the morning. This session WDC have created a new holding page for the school menus (there will be no hard copies issued). The webpage is easy for you to navigate round. Please use the link below to access the school menus. http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/school-meals-2016/

All school meals cost £2.05. Our school meals’ system is ticketless. Currently all P1-3 pupils are entitled to a free school meal. Children of parents receiving income support, job-seekers allowance (income based) or child tax credit may be entitled to a free midday meal, please see Appendix A. Information and application forms for free school meals 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. Only those children whose parents receiving income support will be entitled to free milk with their lunch. Lunches Children may bring a packed lunch to school, which they will eat in the school hall.

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Free Milk Initiative Every child is provided with free milk at break time and we would ask parents to encourage their child to drink the milk. TRANSPORT 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 the 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 from 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 their child arrives at the pick-up point on time. It is also the parent’s responsibility to ensure that 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.

SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

The school’s Standards and Quality report can be accessed on the school website which outlines the school’s main achievements in the previous year. The website is under construction but can be accessed at:

www.scottishschools.info/stmarysprimary

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SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES

Development of aspects of the curriculum is an ongoing process and forms part of the school's improvement plan. Priorities for session 2017-2018 are as follows:

1. Raise attainment and achievement in early literacy

(a) improving reciprocal teaching in reading at early level, (b) Improving analysis of data/ tracking progress in literacy early years/p1 and (c) engage in collaborative action research project within reading at early level

2. Continue to embed play based learning

(a) p2&3 staff trained in methodology, (b) share and develop practice, (c) visit schools and nursery settings to benchmark, (d) continue to improve learning environments and (e) self-evaluation to improve learners experiences.

3. Raise attainment and achievement in numeracy & maths

(a) analysis of LC data to plan a focus for improvement, (b) select/identify a target group of pupils to monitor progress and evaluate impact of new initiatives, (c) identify approaches to numeracy to support improved learning and attainment

4. Continue to participate in WDC assessment and moderation framework

(a) WeDAR –year 2 roll out - P2, P4, P6, S3), (b) SPtA assessment and moderation second level numeracy and maths (c) Transitions 2 project for SIMD 1-3 pupils at p5, (d) Improve understanding of benchmarking

5. Improve our teaching and learning approaches within STEM

(a) engage in training for SST, (b) identify and plan for interdisciplinary learning in STEM and (c) work collectively sharing ideas, resources for STEM hubs, regenerating our learning environments

6. Continue to develop 1+2 languages

Introduce year 3 of Spanish language across the school

7. Self-evaluation for improvement

(a)Reflection against key drivers for NIF, (b) WDC Year 3 cycle of self-evaluation and self-evaluation, (c) Developing in Faith (Themes 1-3)

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS

In line with West Dunbartonshire policy, the school strives to provide learning experiences which are appropriate to the needs of individual children. A national policy ‘Getting It right for every child’ (GIRFEC) is a common co-ordinated approach for all agencies that supports the delivery of appropriate, proportionate and timely help to ALL children. The implementation of GIRFEC is progressing through West Dunbartonshire – within education, social work and health. All agencies work together to support the learning and achievement of young people. In West Dunbartonshire a process called staged intervention is used to identify and support children who have additional support needs. Staged 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

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In West Dunbartonshire we have four stages of staged intervention. Children may move between the stages as appropriate. Parents can ask at any time if their child has additional support needs and can be expected to be involved at all stages of the staged intervention process. When a child is experiencing difficulty he/she will receive additional help either individually or in a small group. Where appropriate, a Child’s Plan is devised by the area specialist learning support teacher, class teacher and pupil support co-ordinator. Parents will be consulted/and will contribute to the plan and are encouraged to support the child, sharing progress with staff at agreed dates. The area learning support teacher will assess pupils and monitor their progress and, in conjunction with the pupil support co-ordinator, will keep records of assessment and reports up to date. In cases where further assistance is required, advice is sought from the Educational Psychologist who will have a discussion with the parent before doing any work with the child. Where a child has very significant or complex needs it may be necessary to have a Co-ordinated Support Plan in place. This is a legal document which outlines the specific requirements for a child which may include attendance at a specialist unit, adaptations to the building or provision of additional auxiliary support. 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/schools-and-learning/schools/support-for-pupils/additional-support-needs/

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT LEARNING ACT 2009 As part of the amendments to the Additional Support for Learning Act, Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament agreed to an Information Order requiring all local authorities and their schools to notify all pupils and their parent/carers where they can get advice, further information, and support. ‘Enquire’ is one of the two organizations specifically mentioned. In 2016 the new Act (2016) will introduce the Child’s Plan where necessary for pupils with additional support needs. The Additional Support for Learning (Sources of Information) (Scotland) Order 2010 commenced on 14 November 2010. From this date local authorities must ensure that young people with additional support needs and their parents are made aware of ‘Enquire’ and the ‘Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance Ltd’.

NAMED PERSON

Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is the Scottish Government’s approach to promoting and safeguarding the wellbeing of children in Scotland. In most cases the families around each child will be able to offer all the help and support that is needed. However, there are times when a child may need a bit of extra help. The GIRFEC approach is there to make it as easy as possible to get that help when it is needed.

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The GIRFEC policy requires that every child and young person and their family have access to help and support from a Named Person. The role of the Named Person is to safeguard and support the wellbeing of children and young people very much like the support that has always been offered by key members of staff in school. The role of the Named Person is integrated into the current role of key promoted members of staff in schools and serves to strengthen the support they currently provide as a central point of contact for children, parents and other people working with them. On our school website you will find the names of the members of staff who have been given the role of Named Person for each age group of children along with the arrangements for cover in the event of absence. Mrs Nelis (p1-3) and Miss Crombie (p4-7) support Mrs Guthrie in meeting the requirements of the Named person legislation. It is our intention to support the wellbeing and safeguarding of all our young people. Parents are reminded that the Named Person will only offer advice or support in response to a request from a child or parent, or when a wellbeing need has been identified. There is no obligation to accept the offer of advice or support from a Named Person. Holiday Cover The GIRFEC policy also recommends the local authorities provide continuity of the Named person Service during school holiday periods. At these times the Named Person Service will be provided by suitably qualified staff from the Central Named Person Service at the Council Offices. See contact details below. Central Service Named Person Service: Joanne Scott (Education Support Officer) 01389 737303 education.nps@wdc.gcsx.gov.uk

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

In line with authority policy, the school actively promotes equal opportunities, social justice and race equality. We give high priority to providing a curriculum which is free of sex stereo-typing in books and other teaching materials. There is no segregation of entrances, lines, playgrounds or classroom chores and we endeavour at all times to organise the school on an equitable basis. The head teacher is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures are followed. These include monitoring of attainment, absence, exclusions and racial incidents. Where a child has very significant or complex needs it may be necessary to have a Co-ordinated Support Plan in place. This is a legal document which outlines the specific requirements for a child which may include attendance at a specialist unit, adaptations to the building or provision of additional auxiliary support. 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/schools-and-learning/schools/support-for-pupils/additional-support-needs/

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Enquire – The Scottish Advice Service for Additional Support for Learning Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offer independent, confidential advice and information on additional support for learning through:

A telephone helpline – 0845 123 2303

An email enquiry service – info@enquire.org.uk

An online enquiry service

Two websites – www.enquire.org.uk (for parents/carers and practitioners) and www.enquire.org.uk/yp (for children and young people)

ANTI-BULLYING

The school has an anti-bullying policy which is based on the principles outlined in West Dunbartonshire Council's anti-bullying policy. Bullying is seen as an important issue for all staff, parents and children in the school. The effect of bullying cannot be underestimated, not only on the child being bullied, but also on the bully and the rest of the school. We will not accept bullying in school and incidents will be dealt with as a matter of urgency. The school anti-bullying policy is based on three basic rules for the children: 1) Do not hit back 2) Walk away 3) Tell an adult All the children are made aware of these three rules and are reminded of them as they move through the school. This will often be done within Health and Wellbeing and at assemblies where the issue of bullying and relationships is regularly visited. There are clear procedures for reporting incidents of bullying. Copies of the school policy are available on request. See Appendix B.

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

It is every parent’s duty to ensure that, if there child is of school age, they attend school regularly. Research evidence has shown the clear link between good attendance and attainment and achievement so in Saint Mary’s we strive to work with our children and their families to ensure that children attend regularly and punctually. There are however occasions when your child may have to be absent from school due to ill health. In the first instance parents should notify the school before 9.30am on the first morning of an absence and thereafter keep in touch daily, unless you know when you call that child is likely to be absent for some time. With no explanation from a parent, the absence is unauthorised.

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For safety reasons, it is essential that parents provide the school with up to date contact information so that we can confirm an absence if no notification has been received. The Scottish Executive Education Department has now issued guidance to all local authorities indicating that family holidays taken during term-time should be categorised as an unauthorised absence (see www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/ schools-and-learning/schools for term dates). 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. West Dunbartonshire Council is committed to working in partnership with parents, children and other stakeholders to ensure that, all children enrolled in our schools receive an education that maximises the opportunity for each child to achieve his/her potential. In working towards this, West Dunbartonshire Council expects all schools to closely monitor the attendance of all children. Further information with regard to this process is contained within in a West Dunbartonshire Council parent leaflet, ‘A Guide to: Attendance Procedures’. A copy of the leaflet is available at the school office or it can also be accessed on the WDC website, but the main stages in the process are as follows:

Attendance falls below 90% within 6 weeks.

Step 1 Parents are informed of attendance

record.

No sustained improvement in attendance within

4 weeks, or no improvement at all within 2 weeks.

Step 2 Parents are invited to a maximising

attendance meeting.

No sustained improvement in attendance within

4 weeks, or no improvement at all within 2 weeks.

Step 3 Referral for multi-agency planning (JAT in secondary school, case conference in primary).

Failure to cooperate with multi-agency

recommendations.

Step 4 Referral to Attendance Review

Committee (ARC).

BEHAVIOUR - PROMOTING POSITIVE ETHOS

Good discipline can be established and maintained only through good home-school relations. Instilling in children a respect for good and fair discipline must be a responsibility shared by the school and the parents. We use a whole school approach to behaviour and learning management called Assertive Discipline. Each teacher has developed a classroom discipline plan in partnership with the class that gives every pupil guidance in making good decisions about his or her own behaviour and thus an opportunity to learn in a positive classroom environment. The discipline plan outlines the rules for the class along with the supportive feedback given to pupils who follow the rules and the corrective action which will be taken if a pupil chooses not to follow the rules. This is linked to our Rights based learning in that all children have a right to an education and a right to have quality teaching and learning time that is not disrupted by others. Children have a right to play and we encourage children to ensure they do not play roughly or inappropriately as it can hurt others.

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Rewards We operate an award system within which children are given a reward for good behaviour and they strive to attain Rewards stickers, bronze, silver and gold certificates. This has proved a successful way of encouraging good behaviour. In addition to this pupils have a half hour Golden time on a Friday afternoon Sometimes we have to deal with ‘bad behaviour’ and on these occasions sanctions operate within the school. Most cases of indiscipline can be rectified through a quiet word from the class teacher or reprimand from promoted staff. Sanctions

detention during intervals,

withdrawal of privileges or missing some ‘Golden Time’,

telephone call/letter to parents,

parents being called to the school and - in more serious cases - exclusion from school.

Supervision of Playgrounds An adult presence is provided in playgrounds from 8.50am in the morning and at break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations 1990. We will advise parents which playgrounds are being used for specific classes. Pupils are expected to behave well in the playground and respond positively to Learning Assistants when given advice or guidance on safety.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/CARERS ABOUT LEARNING

Home-School Links Co-operation between the school and the home ensures the best service for the children. Parents are welcome to contact the school at any time to discuss issues relating to their child or any other aspect of school life. If you wish to see a specific member of staff it is advisable to make an appointment so that we can make arrangements to ensure that the person is free of other duties. However you can come in to school at any time and we will do our very best to accommodate you. During the year there are many outings to places of interest and special events. We always seek parents help in accompanying children and we find this support invaluable. Regular newsletters ensure that parents are aware of all the events taking place in the school or in specific classes. As children often forget to give these to you it is wise to regularly check the school bag! We use an e-mailing system for keeping parents up to date with newsletters and other information.

Homework Homework is usually issued four times per week. Pupils in the P1-P3 classes should be particularly encouraged to practise their reading at home with you. The most profitable and effective “homework” for your child is your own interest and involvement in his/her school work (especially project work) for a short time each evening. We have a Policy & Parent Prompt for Homework in St Mary’s Primary School. See Appendix C.

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Personal Learning Planning There is a focus in the school on talking about and sharing learning. Pupils work together in each class using an electronic Learner Journal, - ‘Our Learning Journal’ on Google slideshow, which they use to reflect on their successes and plan their next steps in learning. There is a particular focus on:

the core subjects of literacy and numeracy;

development of successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens;

the process of learning and higher order skills;

recognising wider achievement.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

There are a number of opportunities for children to take part in after school activities eg, golf, football, netball, athletics, science, mini movers and dance. These may vary according to staffing and budget considerations. There is a notice board for parents and sports coaches beside the school office. Details of all after school clubs can be found there.

SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY

St Mary’s plays an active part in community events and local competitions. We have links with the Senior Citizens Committee, the Antonine Sports Centre and the Glenhead Community Centre.

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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CURRICULUM, LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

CURRICULUM The values, purposes and principles for the curriculum 3–18 in Scotland are set out in Curriculum for Excellence. Children will follow this curriculum from nursery through primary and secondary school. It aims to ensure that everyone develops the attributes, knowledge and skills they will need for life, learning and work. It is the basis for improving the attainment, achievement and life chances of all children and young people. 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. We offer our pupils a wide and varied curriculum, with an emphasis on active and play based learning. This enables our pupils to achieve their potential so that they can become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society and the world of work. Guidance from Education Scotland on the new benchmarks within literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing (Food and Health) supports the progression frameworks in core subjects and support schools with planning and assessing curriculum. Although in the following sections the subject areas of the curriculum are illustrated individually, we aim to develop and consolidate skills across the curriculum, e.g. maths skills will be applied in problem solving and technology, writing skills in science and social subjects, etc. Across our curriculum, we aim to provide equal opportunities for all our children, regardless of ability, gender or race. Anti-racist education is actively promoted in the school, as is creativity, citizenship and enterprise. West Dunbartonshire Council’s priority of raising attainment and improving learning ensures that all schools focus on achieving a coherent curriculum that supports effective teaching and learning. All establishments have embraced the principles of CfE and are working innovatively to ensure successful implementation. The curriculum is structured into 8 main areas:- Expressive Arts Religious and Moral Education Health and Wellbeing Sciences Literacy and English Social Studies Numeracy and Maths Technologies We also have Languages 1+2 which has introduced Spanish across the curriculum in SPtA Learning Community. Through interdisciplinary themes, integrated learning in STEM (science, technologies, engineering and maths) or as discrete lessons or contexts, our annual and termly plans ensure that all areas are covered throughout the year or across two years. The experiences and outcomes are set out in lines of development which describe progress in learning. Progression is indicated through curriculum levels, which are explained in the table below. There are no ceilings, therefore teachers can extend the development of skills, attributes, knowledge and understanding into more challenging areas and higher levels of performance. Teachers plan learning and teaching experiences to enable the development of skills for learning, life and work particularly in literacy, numeracy and health and well-being. They plan for assessment to affirm judgments and to inform next steps in learning.

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Literacy and English Reading Writing Listening Talking

Listening and Talking The main resource used for Listening and Talking is “Hearsay” a West Dunbartonshire Council programme which is used in all West Dunbartonshire schools. The programme provides a cross curricular approach to Listening and Talking. This approach is based on interactive learning with a focus on the development of three main skills:

content

delivery

body language These skills are developed through:

group discussion

finding and using information

reflecting on a personal experience

analysis and evaluation of text Throughout the year the children take part in a variety of cross curricular opportunities to develop their skills in listening and talking. In St Mary’s we aim to:

create a positive ethos throughout the school so that pupils develop confidence and pleasure in engaging in listening and talking activities.

teach listening and talking through a structured programme with agreed targets and lesson aims which are taught from P1-P7.

teach listening and talking in a structured way to ensure progression, continuity and consistency.

link planning, teaching and assessment in talking and listening lessons in order to raise levels of achievement in listening and talking throughout the school.

Pupils are taught the importance of the common skills of talking and listening which are content, delivery and body language. Content It is important that children focus on selecting information that is interesting and relevant to the listening and talking activity that they are engaged in. Our children are taught to consider purpose and audience when presenting and are encouraged to build upon the ideas of others during group discussion. Delivery The importance of volume, pace and tone of voice are emphasised as our children engage in a range of different contexts to develop their talking and listening skills. Body Language Our children are taught the important impact of body language in verbal communication. A particular focus is placed upon the use of eye contact, facial expression and gesture.

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Reading The reading scheme used at Primary 1 and Primary 2 is Storyworld. At the early stages the core resource for teaching phonics is the Jolly Phonics programme. At this stage, we focus mainly on teaching children to recognise words and to begin to read aloud with fluency. Children will also spend time discussing stories and be involved in activities to develop vocabulary. The Ginn Reading Scheme is used from P3-P7. All children learn to read the first 300 common words (Fry’s List)-this is planned over stages. West Dunbartonshire’s Reading Routes resource is used to develop reading skills. The children also explore a wide range of texts to develop their skills in analysis and evaluation. There is also a focus on developing reading skills in a variety of cross curricular contexts. Throughout the session, all of the core reading skills are developed. The core reading skills are:

Reading for Enjoyment and Choice: we are currently working on re organisation of our library incorporating fiction/nonfiction books. Children are always involved in talking about books they have read, choosing books and writing book reviews.

Finding and Using Information: children are given opportunities to access and make sense of a wide range of information in a variety of formats. This will enable them to cope with the different type of texts they will encounter in everyday life.

Tools for Reading: building on the Jolly Phonics approach at the early stages, pupils will develop high order decoding skills which will develop confidence in reading unfamiliar texts.

Reading for Understanding: in relation to increasingly sophisticated texts, pupils will learn how to demonstrate an understanding of what they have learned.

Analytical Reading: building upon understanding skills, pupils will explore how writers create particular effects through using a range of different techniques.

Evaluative Reading: a focus on evaluating texts will encourage pupils to assess why writers have made particular choices in relation to the text they have created and how successfully writers have met their purpose.

In St. Mary’s we teach the children reciprocal reading strategies to help them achieve greater understanding in reading. Psychological services have supported all staff in WDC to develop skills in teaching approaches for reciprocal teaching in reading. Writing Writing takes place every day in the classroom and occurs within all areas of the curriculum. The three main strands which are given special consideration during curricular activities are:

Functional - reports, posters, adverts, instructions

Imaginative - stories, poems

Personal - diaries, letters, prayers Knowledge about Language is taught through structured programmes using Nelson Skills and Grammar, and also through the children’s own reading and writing and within a variety of contexts.

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SPELLING - the main resource used is Nelson Structured Spelling HANDWRITING - the main resource used is Nelson Handwriting WRITING - the main resource used is West Dunbartonshire Council’s ‘Write to the Top’

Languages 1+2 There is a member of our staff trained to teach French at P6 and P7 stage. French is identified as the L3. This is undertaken in the upper primary stages. All pupils are engaged in learning Spanish. This is the L2 and is being taught to all children P2-P7. We are now up to p3 programme of learning (p1 and p2 will learn p1 and p2 programme respectively - all other classes will learn the p3 programme).

Numeracy and Maths Number, money and measure Shape, position and movement Information handling Problem solving Numeracy and Mathematics are important in our everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. Mathematics equips us with many of the skills required for life, learning and work. It is important that children understand the part that mathematics plays in almost all aspects of life and therefore our pupils benefit from a variety of approaches such as:

Active learning and planned, purposeful play

Practical activities

Problem solving

Asking pupils to explain their thinking

Use of relevant and familiar experiences and contexts

Making links with other areas of the curriculum

A combination of direct teaching and independent learning The main scheme we are using from Primary 1 through to Primary 7 is Scottish Heinemann Maths. We also use TJ and Rapid Maths for some pupils. In addition there are several other resources available within the school to enhance the main scheme. Mental agility and numeracy has a high priority and a period of time each day is given over to this activity. Our pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of their financial capabilities, teamwork and enterprise skills through our annual financial education week, and membership of Our Super Savers which runs every Wednesday in school in collaboration with the local Credit Union. In addition to money, the key areas taught are:

Estimation and rounding

Number and number processes

Fractions, decimals and percentages

Money

Time

Measure

Social Studies and STEM Subjects (Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Maths) It is through these subjects that children are led to an understanding of the world in which they live that is the social, economic, cultural, physical and technological factors and how they relate to each other. Much of our work in these areas is taught through topics/themes and, by careful planning, we make sure that the variety of topics covered will develop appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes.

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Our pupils must be equipped with the STEM knowledge and skills they need to be an informed citizen in an increasingly scientific and technological society. We are planning integrated learning experiences within STEM subjects (science, technologies, engineering and maths). With the Learning Community and across West Dunbartonshire we are encouraged to promote STEM subjects, encourage our young learners to be focused towards the future and the world of work. Greater experience in learning through STEM allows our young learners to aspire to a variety of careers. We are also developing our open areas at p5-7 and in our Rainbow room to incorporate STEM based learning. We are trying to develop our learning environment to be more conducive to learning about and through STEM subjects. We are trying to have:

Teaching within STEM subjects, and engagement with new curriculum planners in technologies, sciences and numeracy and maths.

Staff participation professional learning eg Single Steps Learning.

Making links with the world of work, and using varied contexts to help young people relate STEM subjects with their real-world experience.

Drawing on the expertise of others to enhance and enrich the pupils’ experiences, e.g. STEM Ambassadors from SPtA and local business partners.

Collaborating with parents who are in the STEM industry to organise learning in partnership with class teachers eg coding.

Participation in competitions and challenges, e.g. the K’nex challenge.

Senior pupils consulting with whole school to incorporate use of lego in school.

Through participation in a variety of IDL themes with major focus on Social Studies, our pupils develop their understanding of the world by learning about their values, in different time, places and circumstances. They also develop an understanding of their environment and how it has been shaped. Pupils’ experiences are broadened through using Scottish, British, European and wider contexts for learning, while maintaining a focus on the historical, social and geographic, economic and political changes that have shaped Scotland. Outdoor learning and educational excursions enhance and enrich the learning. Across a level, pupils experience learning in the following three key areas:

People, past events and society

People, place and environment

People in society, economy and business

Sciences Through learning in the sciences, our pupils develop their interest in and understanding of, the living, material and physical world. In St. Mary’s science is taught through a block of discreet lessons where the focus is on skills development and scientific enquiry. They engage in a wide variety of collaborative tasks which allows them to develop the 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. Skills are taught in the following areas:

Planet earth

Forces, electricity and waves

Biological systems

Materials

Topical science

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Technologies The Technologies curriculum area relates particularly to contexts that provide scope for developing technological skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes through creative, practical and work related activities relating to:

Technological developments in society

ICT to enhance learning

Business

Computing sciences

Food and textiles

Craft, design and graphics ICT As part of the technologies curriculum children learn to use information technology (ICT) to enhance and to access learning. Greater use of IT allows learners to collaborate, research and learn beyond the boundaries of the classroom. West Dunbartonshire is committed to supporting the development of and greater use of ICT. Our strategy for improving technologies - all learners have access to Smart boards, chrome books, net books, PCs and lap tops at some point in their school day. They use a variety of software which supports teaching and learning within technologies.

Health and Wellbeing Learning in health and wellbeing ensures that children develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attitudes which they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future. St. Mary’s is a health promoting school and aims to achieve a healthy lifestyle for the whole school population. Health and wellbeing permeates all areas of our lives and promotes confidence, independent thinking and positive attitudes. There are six areas which make up the Health & Wellbeing curriculum:

Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing (PAThS Curriculum)

Planning for choices and change

Physical education, physical activity and sport

Food and health

Substance misuse

Relationship, sexual health and parenthood PAThS We use the PAThS curriculum (Promoting Alternative Thinking Skills) to promote emotional literacy, developing in children a sound knowledge and awareness of their own feelings and acknowledgement of the feelings of others. The PAThS curriculum is promoted in all West Dunbartonshire schools and is an evidenced based approach to learning about emotions.

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Our Health Education programme is delivered in a variety of ways: Children take part in 2 hours of physical activity per week. The school is very well supported by the Active Schools Coordinator and sports activities which take place during the school day include hockey, football, netball, tag rugby and athletics. There are a variety of breakfast, and after school clubs for all age groups. Our school always participates in a variety of Active Schools festivals. Outdoors there is a football pitch and plenty of available space where children can eat their snacks and lunch or just chat. At all times we actively promote personal safety and physical wellbeing, ensuring all our pupils are happy, safe, respected and included; and we are proactive in promoting positive behaviour in the classroom, playground and wider community. We do this in a variety of ways:

Planned programmes of work, e.g. God’s Loving Plan

Focus days/weeks, e.g. anti-bullying day

Draw on the expertise of others, e.g. health professionals, community police

Buddy systems/transition programmes

Breakfast club

Health and fitness clubs before 9.00am

Pupil-support staff e.g. designated pastoral care teachers or pupil buddies for other pupils

Extended support teams, e.g. psychological services and health partners

Tooth brushing programme – P.1 & P.2

Cycling Proficiency – P.6

Experiential learning – P.7

Residential experience – P.7

Golden time

Pupil voice – see p.p. 32-33 for information about our pupil groups

St Mary’s has been awarded accreditation at the highest level as a Health Promoting School. We continue to work in partnership with Active Schools, providing a rich programme of afterschool clubs. We also won the highest award in the larger school category for school games.

Expressive Arts In St. Mary’s our children are explicitly taught skills in:

Art and design

Dance

Drama

Music The creative and imaginative talents of the children are developed through art and craft activities, music, dance and drama. We have an instructor for stringed instruments. This provision alters annually and is dependent on the staff we are allocated by the authority at the beginning of each session. At different times the children will be provided with opportunities to use the skills they have acquired in displays of art work, performing in musicals, plays and assemblies. Our p6 and 7 pupils perform a school show on alternate years; p4 and p5 work with partners on drama, music and dance productions and p1-3 perform the Christmas Nativity play and concert each session.

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Religious and Moral Education Saint Mary’s is a community of faith and this is evident in the way that all are valued, treated with respect and encouraged to participate fully in the life of the school. This includes appropriate participation in both religious observance and religious education as well as in other activities which stem from the faith mission of the school, e.g. fund-raising for SCIAF, St Nicholas Care Fund, Bobath, Food Share and service to the community and other charitable activities, like our annual Mary’s Meals fundraiser and the recent Mini Vinnies shoebox appeal for elderly citizens in our local community. Religious education in St. Mary’s 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. ‘This Is Our Faith’ is the core resource used in the teaching of Religious Education and this is complemented by Religious Observance practices, such as Mass on holy days of obligation, special daily prayers led by children and staff during Advent and Lent, etc. Together these experiences help pupils to develop their understanding of the Catholic faith. The parish priest, from St. Mary’s Parish, is chaplain to the school and this provides good links between home, school and parish. There are planned programmes for Sacramental preparation, our p6 and p7 pupils are participating in the Pope Francis Faith Award and links with Parish groups such as St Vincent de Paul are very good.

The pupils of Primary 3 are prepared and presented for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Primary 4 pupils are prepared and presented for their First Holy Communion. Confirmation has now been transferred to the Primary 7 religious education curriculum (2017/2018). Judaism and Islam are the other faiths which are studied. A senior member of staff takes responsibility for planning services for the school year and ensuring that these services take account of the liturgical calendar of the church. We also have very close links with our parish community and work with it in all matters relating to the role of the school in the parish community. 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 request that their child be excused from all religious instruction and observance. Such religious instruction and observance from part of the religious tradition in Catholic Schools and play an important part in education provided in St. Mary’. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or any Religious Observances. This right may be exercised by informing the Head Teacher, but it is obvious that such religious instruction and observance form part of the religious tradition and ethos in Catholic Schools and plays an important part in the education provided. Alternative activities will be provided. Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee on 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 our school policy on Race Equality is included in the appendices.

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MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE

Parents will be informed of any medical or dental inspections and will be advised if any treatment is required. All parents should provide the school with an emergency contact phone number. Minor accidents are dealt with in school by staff members. In the event of more serious accidents parents are notified immediately and the child is taken directly to the Clydebank Health Centre or the Royal Hospital for Children, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF. It is important that parents inform the school of any particular medical requirements referring to their children. In St Mary’s Primary we follow the WDC guidelines for administration of medicines.

LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Global Citizenship International Schools Partnership The school is partnered with Ngangu Primary in Tanzania through the Twende Pamoja Hand in Hand project. This is linked to our work on Rights Respecting Schools. Further details of the project and partnership can be found at:

www.twendepamoja.org.uk

Global Goals In St Mary’s we are working on sharing understanding and learning within the Global Goals mission. We will do this by classes focusing on a particular goal and sharing learning with the whole school by whole school assembly. Rights Respecting Schools St. Mary’s is officially recognised as being a rights respecting school. The school has received a level 2 award in July 2015. The school also achieved Fair Active status for Fair Trade. There is an active Rights Respecting Schools group in the school which has representatives from each class, the community, staff and parents. Eco Schools St. Mary’s is an Eco friendly school. The school has received the internationally recognised green flag. During session 2012-13, the school maintained this status and achieved its second flag.

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ASSESSMENT APPROACHES

A range of assessment approaches are used to assess the different types of achievement across the curriculum. Staff use the evidence of learning from a broad range of contexts to check how a learner is progressing and that learning is secure. Evidence will come from day-to-day learning as well as from specific assessment tasks and activities. Staff use a suite of resources detailed on Education Scotland website to capture assessment evidence eg significant aspects of learning and the new benchmarks within literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing (New National 1-5 qualifications introduced from 2013/2014 for secondary pupils (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 is needed.

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING AND FOR LEARNING

Teachers continuously assess to gather evidence of success and to improve learner progress throughout the school session. When children complete a block of work there will be a check made to provide information on how they have coped and to enable decisions to be made about the next steps in their learning. In addition the following formal assessments are carried out:- Baseline Literacy May/June Primary 1 & 2 Spelling Oct/March Primary 2 to Primary 7 Writing (WDC Criterion Scale) Sep/Jan/May Primary 1 to Primary 7 Reading Oct/March Primary 1 to Primary 7 Maths Diagnostic Assessment Oct/Jan/March Primary 3 to Primary 7 West Dunbartonshire Council in accordance with the wishes of the Scottish Government also support the school to administer summative assessment in reading and maths in March each session (p3-7)

ACHIEVEMENT OF CFE LEVELS

Achievement of curriculum for excellence levels is as follows:

Level Stage

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

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

Second To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some

Third and Fourth S1 to S3, but earlier for some and fourth level broadly equates to SCQF level 4

Senior phase S4-S6 and college or other means of study

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TRACKING PROGRESS OF ACHIEVEMENT/ATTAINMENT

Progress within a curriculum level will be described as: working at the beginning of a level; working within a level; working towards a level and achievement of a level. This is the same as developing, consolidating or secure. D = Developing skills within a cfe level-working at the beginning of a level C = Consolidating skills within a cfe level-working within a level S = Secure in acquisition of skills at next level-working towards a level/achievement of a level All members of staff have a responsibility towards tracking pupil progress, looking at assessment information and planning next steps in learning. Senior managers ensure there are whole school systems for tracking progress of learners.

WIDER ACHIEVEMENT

We celebrate success of learners on our Time to Shine wall. Recognition of best work, sportsmanship, talents within expressive arts or physical wellbeing are also acknowledged. Within each class there is also a focus for learning and achievement displayed to encourage positive aspirations of all.

REPORTING TO PARENTS/CARERS

In May a formal report is issued to parents and twice per year parents are invited to the school to review their child’s progress with the individual teachers (November and March). Your child’s report will tell you about your child’s progress throughout the year. It will include information and teacher comments about:

the breadth of learning your child has experienced within curricular areas

the level of challenge planned for your child to ensure he/she is achieving his/her full potential and being supported appropriately

how well your child can apply learning in new and unfamiliar contexts Over the year there will be opportunities for you to come into school and share the learning with your child in their class, or in another area of the school, such as the assembly hall or dining area. In September we organize a sharing learning opportunity enabling a chance to meet the teacher and see the learning environment. In June we organise a sharing learning opportunity to share learning and success.

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PUPIL VOICE

Learners are encouraged to express their views and to contribute to school improvements. There are a number of opportunities to do this either in class situation, talking to senior managers or within specific pupil groups within the school. Children apply or are elected onto pupil groups. The Learning and Improvement Partners group (LIPs) is a range of children across the school to ensure all or most are consulted. Some of the groups in St Mary’s are as follow:

Pupil Council

JRSO (Junior Road Safety Officers)

Eco

RRS (Rights Respecting School)

LIPs (Learning and Improvement)

Mini Vinnies

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

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 failure 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 SMS text messaging service to mobile phones/emailing parents who have elected to use the form of communication. We will also use letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcement in local churches and announcements in the press and local radio. It is normal practice in West Dunbartonshire Council to operate a helpline when emergencies arise or updates on WDC website. Details will be made available when an occasion arises.

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984

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

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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, without the consent of the parents or guardians. Parents will be asked to give permission, on an annual basis, for their child to be photographed or videoed for specific purposes.

Sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and other similar occasions, will be considered to be public events and photography by parents and family members will be permitted.

Head Teacher may ask parents to restrict their use of photographic equipment to minimise the impact on the smooth running of the event.

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. 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.

THE PARENT COUNCIL

The Scottish schools (parental involvement) Act 2006 requires that: a) Every parent is automatically a member of the Parent Forum for his/her

child’s school and, may be represented by a Parent Council. b) The members of the Parent Forum decide the structure, membership, aims, objectives and

constitution of the parent Council they wish to form. c) Other members of the parent Council may be co-opted. d) Parent Councils are to be involved in the appointment of a Head and Depute Head teacher. e) Parent Councils, the Local Authority and Schools should play an active role in supporting parental

involvement in the school. f) Parent Councils have the right to represent the views of parents. g) Parent Councils are accountable to the members of the Parent Forum and should establish

arrangements for reporting to the Parent Forum. h) The needs of, and arrangements for, all children and young people involving parents, carers and

those who look after children are met. i) The school improvement plan takes account of the Local Authority’s strategy and parental

involvement as appropriate.

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j) A complaints procedure which covers how the Local Authority carries out its functions under the Act is in place.

k) Local Authorities must provide reasonable funding to enable the parent Council to carry out its functions.

l) A combined parent Council may be established to cover two or more schools. St. Mary’s has an established Parent Council. Office Bearers Miss Jacqueline Harkin Chairperson Miss Michelle Radcliffe Treasurer Mr Stephen Allen/Mrs Clare Henderson Secretaries

PARENTAL VIEWS AND CONCERNS

We welcome the views of parents and there will be a number of occasions over the school session when you will be asked to give your opinion or to provide further comment on school issues or school improvement matters. We encourage parents to come into school to discuss any matters of concern. Senior managers in school will make every attempt to resolve your concern or direct you to relevant people that can help you. There may be times when you are dissatisfied, on these occasions you are entitled to log a complaint using the West Dunbartonshire Council approach to complaints. Please see Appendix D. Although this information is correct at time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt within 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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SOME USEFUL ADDRESSES

Ms L Mason Chief Education Officer West Dunbartonshire Council Garshake Road DUMBARTON, G82 3PU 01389 737303 Community Education Centre Glenhead CE Centre Duntiglennan Road, DUNTOCHER 01389 874130 St Mary’s Early Education and Childcare Centre Chapel Road DUNTOCHER 01389 873923 Auchnacraig EECC Faifley Road Faifley Clydebank, G81 5QN 01389 879659

LOCAL COUNCILLORS Lawrence O’Neill 7 Heather Avenue Clydebank G81 6LH 07909 890842 Douglas McAllister 3 Thomson Place Hardgate G81 5QA 01389 890623 Jim Finn Council Offices Rosebery Place Clydebank G81 1TG 01389 738520

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APPLICATION FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS & CLOTHING GRANT

If your child attends a West Dunbartonshire School you may be entitled to free school meals and a clothing grant. Remember if a child is in Primary 1-3 they are automatically entitled to a free school meal, no application is necessary. However applications for assistance with clothing grants must still be made. 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:

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

Account Holders Name

Account Number Sort Code

Name & Address of Bank

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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 2012

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/Universal Credit 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

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

Housing Benefit Section Council Offices Rosebery Place Clydebank G81 1TG

Housing Office Mitchell Way Alexandria G83 0LW

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ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

PRINCIPLES AND VALUES One of our key school aims is to ensure that all of our pupils are able to learn and develop in a happy, safe, caring and nurturing environment. Our ethos as a Rights Respecting School, encourages high expectations of behaviour and of showing respect towards each other. As a school we treat bullying and its impact on everyone involved very seriously. Bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

AIMS OF POLICY We aim to:

Ensure that everyone is vigilant about bullying behaviour and takes prompt action to counteract it.

Promote a consistent, whole school approach to anti bullying.

Inform pupils, staff and parents about the nature of bullying and what each person’s role is in helping to maintain a bully-free environment.

Inform parents, pupils and staff about procedures for dealing with bullying incidents.

WHAT IS BULLYING? Bullying is unacceptable behaviour, repeated over a period of time that intentionally hurts an individual or group either physically or emotionally. Bullying can be:

Emotional Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (eg, hiding books, threatening gestures).

Physical Pushing, kicking, biting, hitting, punching or any use of violence.

Racial Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.

Direct or Indirect Verbal Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

Cyber Bullying All areas of internet, such as email and internet chat Twitter, Facebook misuse. Mobile threats by text messaging and calls. Misuse of associated technology, ie, camera and video facilities, iPad, games consoles.

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PROCEDURES Allegations of bullying made by a child or on behalf of a child by a member of staff will be recorded on the Referral Form. The form should be passed on promptly to a member of the SMT who will carry out an investigation. If an allegation of bullying is made by a parent to a member of staff, the parent must be referred to the DHT or HT. Allegations of bullying reported by a parent will be investigated and the investigation will be recorded. When incidents of bullying are confirmed, parents will be invited into the school to discuss next steps.

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS WHO HAVE BEEN BULLIED Pupils will be supported in a number of ways including:

discussion of the current situation with the class teacher or a member of the SMT

regular follow up discussions with the Pupil Support Co-ordinator to evaluate the success of the intervention

reassuring the pupil that playground staff, teachers and parents will be working together to ensure that the bullying is stopped

being alert to opportunities to rebuild pupil’s self esteem

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS WHO HAVE BEEN BULLYING Young people can become involved in bullying behaviour for a vast number of reasons. They also need support to help them to change their behaviour. Help which can be given includes:

discussion of behaviour with a member of the SMT in order to explore reasons for their behaviour

establishing with the pupils that there are consequences for bullying behaviour and that the pupil must take responsibility for their actions

helping the pupil to understand the impact of their behaviour on the other child

informing parents/carers in order to work together to help modify behaviour Providing opportunities for the victim and the pupil who has been bullying to come together with a member of staff to discuss the events can have a very positive impact on preventing further bullying. This will be offered but will only take place with the agreement of both pupils.

BULLYING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL Incidents of alleged bullying which take place outwith the school grounds, are not directly the responsibility of the school. However, pupils can be affected by these incidents when at school. It is our policy, therefore, to discuss the issues raised with pupils and parents as appropriate and to provide them with advice about their next steps.

ADVICE TO PARENTS As a parent of a child whom you suspect is being bullied in school, report your concerns to a member of the teaching staff so that the matter can be fully investigated. It is not advisable to approach another pupil or to become involved in discussions/arguments with parents in front of pupils.

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PREVENTING BULLYING A number of strategies are in place to help to prevent bullying:

Class worry boxes

Anti bullying lessons are part of the Health and Wellbeing programme

Relationships education and Rights Respecting Schools activities contribute to the ethos of respect for self and others

Participation in Anti Bullying Day activities

Developing class charters

Circle time and role play

Participation in Personal Safety Awareness sessions organised centrally (P7)

MONITORING AND EVALUATION The policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s programme of continuous improvement.

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HOMEWORK

Every child has the right to an education. Article 28 UNCRC

Children learn a great deal at school and you can add to that learning by supporting them at home. For example:

WHY IS HOMEWORK IMPORTANT TO US IN ST MARY’S? In St Mary’s we recognise that parents/carers and families are the most important influences on children’s lives. We know that when we work together with families, children do better. Parents, carers and other family members can and do make a real difference to children's education. Between the ages of 5 and 16 children spend only 15% of their lives in school, so supporting them at home really improves their chances of success. Children learn a great deal in school; homework allows them to share their learning which means you can find out what your child has been learning and get involved. It helps teachers check your child’s understanding and contributes to keeping track of their progress. It maintains and promotes partnership working with parents/ carers, which also includes parents’ meetings, report cards and sharing our learning visits.

HOW WILL YOUR CHILD BENEFIT FROM HOMEWORK? Homework helps: children learn how to organise and manage their time children take more responsibility for their own learning children to practise and build on what they have learned at school children to develop confidence to deal with frustrations, overcome

difficulties and solve problems children to learn and work independently in the future.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT OF HOMEWORK IN ST MARY’S? Homework is issued weekly – usually on a Monday, to be returned on the Friday.

Your child will receive a homework schedule from their class teacher, showing the tasks for that week.

Some tasks will be written tasks – to be recorded in a homework jotter or on a worksheet. Some tasks will be reading tasks or they may be more practical in nature.

Homework tasks are usually allocated to each day of the week. However, we know that families are very busy and have different commitments, therefore tasks can be arranged to suit your schedule so long as they are completed by the due date.

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TYPES OF HOMEWORK TASKS It is quality that matters, not quantity – the kind of homework you child does is more important than the amount. Over the school year your child will be given a variety of tasks/ activities including the following: Independent research Reading and Historical associated tasks research Collecting data Practise of times table facts Creative projects Spelling rules

Phonics/new sounds Listening and talking tasks Book reviews Interviews Handwriting Board games Practise of numbers of bonds Shared reading

HOW YOU CAN HELP Encourage your child to complete homework tasks. Showing an interest in their homework helps

them to learn. With support and encouragement, children find it easier to get into the homework habit.

Provide a quiet area where your child can work. It is helpful to switch off any devices to aid concentration.

Help your child manage their time. You will know what other commitments your child has so they may need help in organising their time efficiently.

Offer support and encouragement but do not do it for your child.

Talk to your child about what they are learning. Children learn something well when they talk about it or explain it to someone else.

Encourage your child to explain how they solved or figured out a problem.

Read regularly with your child.

Check homework has been completed and sign schedule.

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WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A QUERY? If your child has a problem completing the homework or you have any questions, please contact the school through the office. We will do all that we can to resolve the problem. Your support in the process is vital for children’s success in developing self-study skills as they move on up through the school.

USEFUL LINKS Parentzone www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk Channel 4 Homework High www.channel4.com/homework BBC Parents www.bbc.co.uk/school/parents BBC Bitesize www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision BBC DynaMo www.bbc.co.uk/education/dynamo/parents Grid Club www.gridclub.com Parents Online www.parentsonline.gov.uk ParentLine Scotland, Tel: 0808 800 2222 www.parentlinescotland.org.uk

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PARENTAL VIEWS AND CONCERNS

Please complete the form and return to the school office if you have any concerns/ positive or negative parental comments/ questions for the Head Teacher. (Form can be handed in to school office or returned via email to SchoolOffice.St-Marys-Dun@west-dunbarton.gov.uk) Child’s Name: Class: Parent’s Signature: Telephone number: Email address:

(Please sign to receive personal response to question)

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In St Mary’s Primary in accordance with West Dunbartonshire Council policy, we are committed to providing the best quality services which we can afford and we aim constantly to improve those services. In all schools or other organisations like ours, things sometimes go wrong. With your help, we aim to identify problems, to solve them quickly and efficiently and to prevent them happening again. Your views matter to us. Our complaints procedure lets you tell us what you feel has gone wrong and helps us improve our services for everyone.

When to use our complaints procedure You should use the complaints procedure if you believe that: We have done something wrong. We have failed to do something that you expected. We have not treated you with courtesy.

Enquiry or complaint? Some problems or enquiries are not complaints and you should use the format above. Therefore you don't need to use the complaints procedure if: You want to ask a question or seek clarification about a communication. You want to report an incident and need some feedback on this. You want to ask about educational provision in the school.

If someone has done a great job or helped you out or you simply wish to thank us for something, please tell us what happened (in the format above or by telephoning, emailing the school).

How to complain Step 1 Contact us directly in St Mary’s (school office or directly to the head teacher), a member of staff will try to sort things out for you on the spot. It is easier to resolve complaints if made quickly and directly. We in St Mary’s will try to resolve the matter for you on the spot or if we cannot and further action or enquiry is required we will arrange to contact you at a later date (within a few days) to resolve the situation.

Step 2 If you feel that that we have not resolved this matter for you and that the issue is too important to let go you can contact Educational Services at West Dunbartonshire Council and speak to the Quality Improvement Officer associated with St Mary’s (K Morrison/ S Gray). They will listen to your complaint and work with yourself and the school-if appropriate, to seek resolution. By phone: 01389 737000 In Writing: West Dunbartonshire Council, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU Please note by calling West Dunbartonshire Council, Education Department your complaint will reach us quickly.

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Our complaints process has 2 stages Stage 1 allows five working days or less to resolve your complaint, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Stage 2 deals with two types of complaint: those that have not have been resolved at Stage 1 and those that are complex and require a detailed investigation. We will treat your complaint fairly and ensure we thoroughly investigate it. tell you the name of the member of staff handling your complaint. acknowledge receipt of your complaint within two working days. discuss the complaint with you if necessary to understand why you remain dissatisfied and what

outcome you are looking for. provide you with a full response to your complaint as soon as possible and within 20 working days.

If our investigation will take longer than 20 working days, we will keep you updated on progress where possible. Alternatively, if a Quality Improvement Officer is involved they will update you on the progress of your complaint.

Step 3 If you are still unhappy once you have a final reply from us you can then contact Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. You must make any such complaint within twelve months of the problem arising. The Ombudsman also expects you to have made a formal complaint to the Council and have received our final response. Single-line address, no stamp required: Freepost SPSO Telephone: 0800 377 7330 Fax: 0800 377 7331 Text: 0790 049 4372 Web: www.spso.org.uk The Ombudsman is happy to receive enquiries by phone, post, email or even in person, and their complaints form can also be downloaded and submitted online via their website.

Who else can help?

You always have the option of contacting the following elected representatives at any stage: Your local Councillor, Member of Scottish Parliament, Member of Parliament or your European Member of Parliament