welcome to edinbarnet primary school · new pupils in session 2016-17. edinbarnet pupils can expect...

Welcome

To

Edinbarnet Primary School

School Handbook

December 2015

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

2

Contents Page Number

WDC Statement of Commitment 3

Online Handbook 4

Head Teacher Introduction 5

Educational Aims of Edinbarnet Primary School 6

About Edinbarnet Primary School 7

Staff 8

School Hours 9

School Holidays 10

Enrolment 12

The Curriculum 13

Assessment & Reporting 19

Homework 20

Additional Support Needs 20

Attendance at School 23

Extra Curricular Activities 24

School Discipline 25

Supervision of Playgrounds 26

School Uniform 26

School Meals 28

Medical & Health Care 28

Information in Emergencies 29

Parents in School 29

Transfer from Primary to Secondary 31

Data Protection Act 1984 31

Useful Addresses 32

Your Questions Answered 33


3

Department of Educational Services

Learning for Life

We will work together to ensure that everyone in our

community is valued and has the opportunity to learn for

life and to achieve their potential

Vision:

To enable everyone in West Dunbartonshire to become

• Successful learners

• Confident individuals

• Responsible Citizens

• Effective Contributors

To achieve our vision, we will: • Create and deliver courses, activities and events which will motivate and

excite learners

• Develop innovative ways to support learning

• Value diversity, promote equal opportunities and foster inclusion

• Promote partnership and community participation

• Value achievement and celebrate success

• Continually reflect on and aim to improve the quality of our services


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All local authority schools are required by law to issue a copy of the school

handbook to certain parents in December each year for their use as

appropriate. A copy of our school handbook is also available online at

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

search/edinbarnet-primary-school/

All educational establishments within West Dunbartonshire Council are

members of a Local Learning Community (LLC). These LLCs are made up of one

secondary school and its associated primary schools and include a number of

Early Education and Childcare Centres and Partnership Nurseries. Edinbarnet

Primary School is a member of the Clydebank High Local Learning Community.

The five Learning Communities in West Dunbartonshire have been established

as part of West Dunbartonshire’s educational improvement strategy. This

strategy has a clear focus to raise educational aspirations, achievement and

attainment of all pupils while improving the skills and knowledge of all staff

involved in the education of children and young people.

Mrs McCormick represents Edinbarnet Primary School on the Clydebank High

LLC; however other members of staff may attend meetings in support of

improvement work. The Clydebank High LLC is led by Matthew Boyle,

Educational Services Manager who is assisted by Susan Gray, the school’s

Quality Improvement Officer.

Updates on the work of the LLCs will be made available through parent council

meetings and through Standards and Quality reporting.

Edinbarnet Primary School

Faifley Road

Faifley

G81 5BQ

Tel: 01389 872093

Email: [email protected]

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

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

mailto:[email protected]


5

Message from the Head Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

new pupils in session 2016-17.

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

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

of their ability. The achievements of our pupils are celebrated

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

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

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

and productive partnerships between home and school.

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

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

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

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

me or phone the school office (01389 872093)

Laura McCormick


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Headteacher

Aims of Edinbarnet Primary School

We aim:

To provide a broad, balanced, differentiated

curriculum in a secure, safe, just and happy

environment in which every person is valued

To ensure that learning experiences are

challenging, stimulating, of a high quality and

promote an awareness of social responsibility

To promote and extend partnerships with parents,

other establishments particularly our cluster

colleagues, other agencies and the wider

community

To monitor through Improvement Planning and

other evaluation strategies the corporate life of

the school to ensure best value

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

reusing and recycling


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School Information

School Address: Edinbarnet Primary School

Faifley Road

Faifley, CLYDEBANK. G81 5BQ

Telephone Number : (01389) 872093

Fax number: (01389) 879394

E-mail Address: [email protected]

The present building was originally designed as a secondary building in 1958 and

has been used as a primary school since 1972. In 1993, the school was

completely re-designed specifically as a primary education facility. The school

has:

a computer suite

An upper school reference and fiction library

a multi purpose room

open activity areas on the middle and top floors of the school

a lower school reference and fiction library

nurture room (the Sunshine Room)

staff resource rooms (3)

a parents’ room

a large assembly hall with a stage

a gym hall

large open grounds leading to Auchnacraig Country Park

a spacious, separate dining hall with its own kitchen.

The present roll of Edinbarnet Primary is 242 pupils. Parents should note that

the working capacity of the school may vary dependent upon the number of

pupils at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised.

Stages covered are from Primary 1 to Primary 7 - this caters for pupils aged

from four and a half years to twelve and a half years. Edinbarnet Primary is a

non-denominational school for both boys and girls.

mailto:[email protected]


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Staffing Head Teacher Mrs Laura McCormick

Depute Head Teacher Miss Natalie Ward

Principal Teacher Miss Linda McGregor

P1a Class Teacher Miss Sinead Connolly

P1b Class Teacher Mrs Laura Radcliffe

P2 Class Teacher Mrs Ailie Haouchine

P2 Class Teacher Miss Lauren McKelvie

P3 Class Teacher Miss Lucy Ellis/Miss Linda McGregor

P4 Class Teacher Mr John Paton

P5/4 Class Teacher Miss Krissa McFarlane

P5 Class Teacher Miss Lindsay Walsh/Mrs Liz Johnstone

P6 Class Teacher Mrs Caroline Yates

P7/6 Class Teacher Miss Rebecca Hampson

P7 Class Teacher Mr Ross Hunter

Nurture Teacher (0.5) Mrs Laura McIntosh

McCrone Cover Mrs L Johnstone/Mrs J Bowman

Area Network Support (0.3) Mrs Liz Alderson

Teacher of Gaelic Mrs Catriona Morrison

Brass Instructor Mr Chris Mitchell

Senior Clerical Assistant Mrs Lynn McLafferty

Clerical Assistant Mrs Gillian Graham

Clerical Assistant Mrs Jacqueline Smith

Learning Assistant Mrs Geraldine Green

Learning Assistant Mrs Eleanor Sharman

Learning Assistant Mrs Alexis Lyons

Learning Assistant Mrs Muriel Watt

Learning Assistant Mr Thomas Nisbet

Learning Assistant Mrs Elaine McCabe

Learning Assistant (0.5) Mrs Caroline Baird

School Chaplain Mr Gregor McIntyre

Facilities Assistant Mr Scott Murdoch

Kitchen Supervisor Mrs Susan Smith

Facilities Assistant Mrs Jacqueline Paterson


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School Hours

School begins: 9.00 am

Morning interval: 10.30 - 10.45 am

Lunch: 12.15 - 1.00 pm

End of school day: 3.00 pm

Please note that P1 pupils will be in school until 12.15 until they start

full time on Monday 29th August 2016

At the Christmas and Easter holidays, school will normally close at

2:30pm on the last day of term.

At the end of the Summer term, school will normally dismiss at

1:00pm.


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School Holidays

Dates for the second half of session 2015 –2016 are

Term 3 begins Tuesday 5 January 2015

School closes Thursday 4 February 2016 at 3pm

School opens Wednesday 10 February 2015

School closes Thursday 24 March 2016 at 3pm

School opens Tuesday 29 March 2016

School closes Friday 1 April 2016 at 2.30pm

School opens Monday 18 April 2016

Local Holiday Monday 2 May 2016

School closes (May weekend) Thursday 26 May 2016 at 3pm

School opens Tuesday 31 May 2016

School closes Wednesday 29 June 2016 at 1:00pm

(In service days – Friday 5 Feb 2016 and Thursday 5 May 2016)

Dates for session 2016 –2017 are

Return Date for Teachers Wednesday 17 August 2016

Return Date for Pupils Friday 19 August 2016

September Weekend Friday 23 September and Monday 26

September 2016

First Mid-Term Monday 17 to Friday 21 October 2016

Christmas/New Year Monday 26 December 2016 to Friday 6

January 2017


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2017

Return to school Monday 9 January 2017

Second Mid-Term Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 February 2017

Spring Holiday Monday 3 April to Monday 17 April 2017

May Day Monday 1 May 2017

May Weekend Friday 26 and Monday 29 May 2017

Schools Close Friday 30 June 2017

In-Service Days

Day 1 Wednesday 17 August 2016

Day 2 Thursday 18 August 2016

Day 3 Friday 14 October 2016

Day 4 Friday 3 February 2017

Day 5 Thursday 4 May 2017


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Enrolment

All children who live in the catchment area of Edinbarnet Primary

School and born between 1 March 2011 and 28 February 2012 must

register for education at this school. (A placing request can be made

to another school if desired.) The date for registration is week

beginning Monday 11th January 2016.

Children who will be attending Edinbarent have already had several

visits to the school. After enrolment, further arrangements are

made for our new P1 entrants and their parents to visit the school

on several occasions before the end of the session. The children will

meet their personal senior school buddy and parents have an

opportunity to speak with Mrs McCormick, Head Teacher and other

staff.


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Curriculum

At the heart of Curriculum for Excellence lies the aspiration that all children

should develop their capacities as successful learners, confident individuals,

responsible citizens and effective contributors. West Dunbartonshire Council’s

priority for Curriculum for Excellence is to ensure effective teaching and

learning. Curriculum for Excellence challenges us to look at innovative and

exciting ways to deliver the curriculum to our children. While there are

specific programmes for each area of the curriculum much of it can now be

delivered through cross-cutting themes and interdisciplinary studies and

projects. Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach in a creative

way, to work together, plan together and to create shared learning experiences.

It balances the importance of knowledge and skills. It ensures that pupils have

opportunities for choice and that they are active participants in their own

learning.

Teaching in Teams for Mathematics (Primary 4 to 7 only)

Mathematics and numeracy activities are taught in groups to children with

similar ability with the teachers working in teams.

This system is called “SETTING” and means that pupils could well have a

different teacher for Mathematics rather than their own class teacher.

This system allows for closer focus and a more intense pace of learning because

within each group are children of similar ability. It also caters more for the

needs of individual children.

CURRICULAR AREAS

Reading

As well as enabling children to read with ease and enjoyment, or to find

information, the school aims to involve children in reflecting on what they have

read and understanding as completely as possible the ideas contained. Reading

study skills are an essential part of our programme and pupils are encouraged to

use these skills in all areas of the curriculum.

In Primary 1 – 3, a reading scheme called “The Oxford Reading Tree” is used.

This scheme has a strong phonics programme supplemented by worksheets and

games.


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In Primary 4 – 7, we use a variety of resources to develop reading skills. This

includes Literacy World, ORT and novel studies.

Talking and Listening

Pupils are encouraged to talk, to express their own ideas to offer opinions, to

debate and discuss and to draw upon their imagination in an intelligible and

acceptable form. In the Early Stages, structured play provides enormous

opportunities for Spoken Language. Drama too, provides further opportunities

for this.

The West Dunbartonshire Council file “Hearsay” is now being used extensively

throughout the school to develop talking and listening in the classroom.

Circle Time and PATHS are both used in school to help to promote the social

and emotional development of our pupils through talking and listening.

Good listening is an important aspect of the language development of our pupils

and is a skill that we try to develop across the curriculum.

Writing

Being able to communicate clearly in writing is an important part of our language

programme and our pupils are taught the skills of personal, imaginative and

functional writing. They learn to express themselves creatively through

personal and imaginative writing and through functional writing to convey

information.

Peer and self assessment is encouraged to enable our pupils to plan the next

steps in their learning.

Handwriting

The school aims to develop a style of handwriting which gives the child the

ability to write early, quickly and legibly. Linked script is the form of

handwriting used in the school. Handwriting is practised regularly by all classes

throughout the school.


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Mathematics & Numeracy

Through the study of mathematics children develop essential numeracy and

mathematical skills which they can apply in different contexts and in the world

of work. Mathematics is a key element in engineering, science, technology and

business.

We use Scottish Heinemann Maths and TeeJay as our core maths schemes for

P1-7. However other resources and approaches are used depending on the

individual needs of each child. We try to ensure that maths lessons have an

appropriate balance of oral maths, practical/active experiences, consolidation

and practice. Great emphasis is placed on interactive and active learning.

Based on gathered assessment data, a focus element of mathematics and

numeracy eg Money is taught one day per week by every class for a term.

Every class has a Smartboard and these are used extensively to support the

curriculum using a variety of software and internal sales.

Social Studies

Engaging in social studies allows children to develop an understanding of their

world by learning about other people, their values and cultures, in different

times, places and circumstances and how their environment has been shaped.

(People in place, people in the past and people in society).

Children learn about human achievements, conflicts and environmental issues,

both in a local and global context.

Expressive Arts

Expressive arts include art & design, drama, dance & music. Through the

expressive arts curriculum children are given a variety of opportunities to enjoy

creative and imaginative activities and to express themselves in different ways.

Expressive arts can also be a forum for children to bring enjoyment and

entertainment to others through shows, concerts and assemblies.

Throughout the year the children are given opportunities to perform before

their peers, parents and the local community.

In December the whole school take part in the Nativity concert and in March

children from P5-7 take part in the annual school show.


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In December we also hold our annual T-Dance for the retired ladies and

gentlemen of Faifley.

Religious and Moral Education

(including personal and social development with health education)

All pupils should develop some understanding of religious and moral education

and for the majority of our pupils this will be achieved through a curriculum

that is based on Christianity.

At Edinbarnet Primary School a curriculum is also provided which allows our

pupils to develop an understanding and respect for people of other faiths.

Moral Education is implicit here in Edinbarnet Primary School. The

establishment of a caring atmosphere and an emphasis on good personal

relationships plays an important part in developing appropriate moral values and

a sense of individual and collective responsibility. Activities are included in this

curricular area to enable pupils to appreciate values such a honesty, fairness

and respect for others and also to develop a personal code of behaviour.

Personal and Social Development and Health Education

At Edinbarnet Primary School a programme of study has been established to

enable our pupils to take on responsibility for their own personal and social

development and health and that of others.

This programme gives our pupils the opportunity to increase their knowledge

and understanding about a wide range of health issues and life styles that are

relevant to them.

It also allows them to develop their self-awareness and self-esteem and to

develop personal and interpersonal skills. These include issues to do with

building relationships, personal protection and bullying.

Spiritual, Social, Moral & Cultural Values

Throughout the school, the ethical and moral aspects of Religious Education

have much emphasis placed upon it.


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As a school our children attend Faifley Parish Church and festivals such as the

Easter and Christmas are celebrated there.

It is recognised that the Education Act allows parents to withdraw their

children from any instruction in religious subjects and from any religious

observance, and any such pupil will not be placed at any disadvantage with

respect to secular instruction.

Parents who wish to withdraw pupils should contact the Head Teacher.

Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their

children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate

recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed

arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on

not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted

as an authorised absentee in the register.

Technologies

There is a well appointed computer suite in the school which is timetabled for

regular use by all the classes.

I.C.T. is integrated across all areas of the curriculum and the pupils use their

skills to create and present their work using word processing and graphics and

to support personal research. The school is connected to the internet which

enables our pupils to browse sites for information for research topics.

Each class has a Smartboard which is used to extensively support all curricular

areas.

We are very fortunate to have a STEM hub within the school which allows for

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to be taught in an integrated way

enabling a practical approach to collaborative study of these subjects.

Physical Education

In line with guidance from the Scottish Government, each child gets two hours

of physical education per week.


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The physical education curriculum includes games skills, inventive movement,

expressive movement and dance and is based on materials published by Glasgow

City Council.

Swimming lessons held weekly at Clydebank Playdrome are currently available to

the children of Primary 7.

Various clubs including Football, Netball and Street Dance are offered to the

children after school. These clubs are available to children at different stages

in the school.

Throughout the year Sports Development Officers come into the school to

work with our children in a wide variety of sports including Hockey, Athletics,

Football, Tai Kwan Do and Judo.

Each year the children of Primary 7 are given the opportunity to take part in an

Outward Bound Residential Activity Course.

Activity courses may vary depending on the time of year but cover a wider

range of outdoor activities including abseiling, hill walking, canoeing and

orienteering.

Gaelic

The original three year pilot project funded by the Scottish Government has

been expanded for at least another year whereby Gaelic is taught to identified

classes in the middle and upper stages of the school. The children in these

classes also learn about the culture and history of the Gaelic speaking

communities.

Edinbarnet Primary School is the only school on West Dunbartonshire Council

that offers Gaelic to its pupils.

French

The pupils in Primary 6 and 7 receive lessons in elementary French once per

week with Mrs Caroline Yates.

Spanish

Spanish is taught across the school from P1-7.


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Assessment and Reporting

Pupil progress is continually monitored by the class teacher and Head Teacher

using a wide variety of methods. Evidence is collected through pupil’s written

work, group tests, teacher observation, pupil’s self and peer assessment and

display work. Samples of the children’s work chosen by both teacher and pupil

are added to each child’s profile. Two Parents’ Evenings are held during the

year (October and May) at which parents, pupil and teacher can discuss the

child’s progress and have a look at his/ her work. Your child’s end of year

report will be issued in May. It will include information and teacher comments

about:

the breadth of learning your child has experienced within curricular areas

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

his/her full potential and being supported appropriately

how well your child can apply learning in new and unfamiliar contexts.

Level Stage Early The pre-school years and P1, or

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

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

for some. Third and Fourth S1 to S3, but earlier for some. The

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

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

Please note that parents are welcome into school at any time throughout the

session to discuss their child’s progress, either with the Head Teacher or the

class teacher. If you wish to do so, please telephone the school to make an

appointment or drop in next time you are passing.


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Homework

Children will be encouraged to extend the skills taught in school through

further practice and research at home. The time spent in this should vary

according to the age of the children.

Activities set might include:

phonics, spelling

practice in mathematical processes

home reading

research/information collection

As homework is for the benefit of your child you are asked to ensure that the

homework is completed.

Additional Support Needs

Schools are required by law to ensure they are providing for children and young

people who require additional help with their learning. The Additional Support

for Learning Act (ASL) 2009 requires that from 14 November 2010 schools

improve on how we communicate with parents/carers on all aspects of the ASL

Act. Detailed information on the changes resulting from the legislation is

available to all parents and recent publications on supporting learning needs are

available in the school foyer.

Supporting learners requiring additional support

Staff monitor the progress of children requiring support and provide learning

materials suitable to their level of development. All schools in West

Dunbartonshire have a staged intervention process for identifying pupils with

support needs. Some pupils have support plans to help them with particular

aspects of their learning. Parents will always be informed about this and will be

invited to discuss support needs and plans with the head or depute head teacher

at key times during the year.

Any parent/carer concerned about their child’s learning is welcome to visit the

school to discuss their concerns. Information is available about additional

support on the council website and is also available in the school reception area.

Schools also have the support of Psychological Services. The role of the

educational psychologist is to lend support by interviewing, testing and

suggesting suitable work and materials for children whose learning or behaviour


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is causing concern. Parents will always be consulted if a referral to the

psychologist is being considered.

At Edinbarnet every strategy is employed to enable individual children to

achieve their full potential in all aspects of school life.

Pupil Support Structure

All staff in the school are required to be aware of child protection issues and

are provided with regular information on child protection policy and procedures.

The school maintains close working relationships with all other relevant agencies

to ensure appropriate information is shared and that professionals from various

agencies work collaboratively for the wellbeing of the children and young people.

All staff have a responsibility to report concerns regarding the welfare or

safety of a child or young person to the head teacher. If the head teacher or

the depute head is of the view that there may be grounds for concern they will

immediately contact the duty senior social worker and advise them of the

circumstances. In Edinbarnet Primary we aim to get it right for every child

(GIRFEC). Our policy is to support pupils with all aspects of their learning and

to ensure that parents and pupils access support from different agencies out

with education such as health, social work and the wider community groups

associated with education such as health, social work and the wider community

groups associated with supporting vulnerable pupils. We try to ensure that our

pupils are safe, healthy, achieving, attaining, nurtured, included and fulfilling

their potential. We work in partnership with parents and carers and ensure

that our pupils have an identified person that they can speak to, relate to and

be supported by. We try to remove barriers to learning and at all times

consider how we can best include and support individual pupils so that they

continue to achieve.

Nurture Class

Most of our children start life in primary school with confidence and

enthusiasm. However for a variety of different reasons a few children do not

settle easily into the routine and require help with their self esteem,

confidence and social skills, including acceptance of rules and limits.

Edinbarnet Primary School has a very successful nurture group that has two

members of staff. Mrs Laura McIntosh (teacher) and Mrs Geraldine Green

(learning assistant).


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It is important to stress that the children are still very much part of their own

class but will spend an allocated time each week working with the nurture

teacher and learning assistant within a small group of six children.

This takes place in a dedicated classroom – ‘The Sunshine Room’ which combines

features of both home and school.

Each child will still follow the school curriculum but at their own pace and with

strong emphasis on:

Meeting personal targets

Completing tasks and activities

Be assured that the class teacher and the Nurture Class teacher will work

closely together to ensure maximum benefit and continuity for your child.

Equal Opportunities and Social Justice

All members of the School Community are treated equally and given equal

opportunity to access teaching and learning to each person’s potential.

All staff have a responsibility to ensure the council’s Equal Opportunities Policy

is adhered to.

Rights Respecting Schools

Rights Respecting Schools recognise achievement in putting the rights of the

child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos. A rights-

respecting school not only teaches about children’s rights but also models rights

and respect in all relationships between teachers/adults and pupils, between

adults and between pupils. This provides a clear link for pupils between building

up their rights-respecting school, understanding their rights and the need for

the children’s rights to be realised everywhere. Children and young people in

rights-respecting schools develop a stronger sense of the need to act for global

justice.

Edinbarnet Primary School is a Rights Respecting School and we have been

awarded Level 1 Rights Respecting School status. We are now working towards

Level 2.


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Attendance at School

Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act places a duty on every parent of a child

of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly.

Parents are requested to let us know if their child is going to be absent from

school and to give them a note explaining the reason for the absence when they

return to school. If a child is to be absent for a long time we would be grateful

if you would let us know as soon as possible.

The Policies for Parents document “Achievement Through Attendance”, available

to all parents from the school, and from the council website, outlines the

importance of good attendance. If your child does not arrive at school in the

morning and we have not heard from you, we will make every effort to get in

touch. If we are unable to make contact, we may ask our pupil and family

support worker to visit your home. Please understand our responsibility for the

welfare of our pupils requires us to do this.

If a medical or dental appointment is necessary within school hours parents are

requested to call at the school to collect their child. Children are not allowed to

leave the school premises unless accompanied by an adult.

Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this

disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. Parents should inform

the school by letter before going on holiday of the dates. The Scottish

Government has issued guidance to schools that family holidays taken during

term time should be categorised as an ‘unauthorised absence’.

Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school

to make an extended visit to relatives. Only written requests detailing the

destination, the duration and the provision that will be made for their

continuing education will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised

absence in register. Clearly with no explanation from the parent, the absence is

unauthorised

Breakfast Club

A Breakfast Club is held here in the school dining hall and is available to all

pupils including those who have just started in primary one.


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The Club starts at 8.15 a.m. and the cost of the breakfast is 30p per pupil and

consists of toast, cereal, porridge and fruit juice. If a pupil is eligible for free

school meals, the cost is 15p per pupil.

Please note that the Breakfast Club is there to be used as and when required

and not necessarily on a daily basis. The children are also supervised by two of

the learning assistants, Mrs Jenny Green and Mr Tommy Nisbet.

If however you have any questions or concerns, please telephone me here at the

school or drop in next time that you are passing.

Extra Curricular Activities

A wide and varied range of extra curricular activities are available to our pupils

after school.

These clubs which are listed below are available to all our children from Primary

2 - 7 and are held in various parts of the school nearly every day of the week.

These clubs are staffed by teaching staff and who give of their time voluntarily

and enthusiastically.

Football Basketball Drama

Netball Athletics Street Dance

School Discipline

If our pupils are to get the full benefit from their time at school it is

extremely important that a high standard of acceptable behaviour is achieved.

The school promotes a POSITIVE discipline policy – Traffic Light System which

rewards good behaviour as well as dealing with the unacceptable. We know that

children respond to praise and encouragement no matter what year they are in.

At the beginning of each session staff and pupils discuss the school rules and

amendments are made if the consensus of the class feel it necessary. It is

important that the children understand and agree to the rules and the need for

them.

From time to time, some children may have difficulty regulating their behaviour.

At these times, children may be placed on a behaviour monitoring sheet which

goes home at the end of each day to let you see how your child is behaving and


25

to give you the opportunity to talk to them about their behaviour. Again, you will

be informed of this if the need arises.

Any issues on school discipline can be raised with Mrs McCormick, Head

Teacher.

Pupil Council

The school has a Pupil Council. Council is made up of one elected representative

from each class from Primary 1-7 who meet on a regular basis.

These issues may be whole-school or specific to individual classes and if

necessary guest speakers are invited along to Council.

All the children are encouraged to take part in Council and meetings are

minuted, and after each meeting individual members report back to their own

class. A selected member also gives a report to the whole school at assembly.

In this way it is hoped that all the children will feel a sense of responsibility for

their school and that their views and contributions are valued.

Supervision of Playgrounds

An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at breaktimes in terms of the

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

Parents are asked to send or bring pupils to school as near entry time as

possible and not before 8.50 a.m. particularly during wet weather as shelter is

extremely limited.


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Clothing and Uniform

Pupil attending schools within West Dunbartonshire Council are strongly

encouraged to wear a school uniform. Our contact with parents in recent years

has also made us aware that the vast majority is in favour of uniform. The

wearing of school uniform helps promote the identify of the school in the local

community and helps create an ethos of sharing and pride in the school.

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

behaviour of its pupils. West Dunbartonshire Council supports the wearing of

the uniform in all of its schools because it:

improves school security by making it easier to identify intruders

builds a sense of identify and belonging to the school

gives pupils an equality of appearance thereby discouraging competition

is cheaper to buy than other clothing which pupils may wish to wear

encourages school discipline and a work ethic amongst pupils.

The forms of dress which are unacceptable in school are items of clothing

which:

Potentially encourage faction (such as football colours)

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

Could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing,

dangling earring, sportswear made of flammable material

Could cause damage to flooring

Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco

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

so

Are valuable or expensive items of clothing or jewellery, which presents a

security issue for the school.


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Edinbarnet Primary School Uniform

The agreed uniform for boys and girls at Edinbarnet Primary School is as

follows:

Formal Informal

White shirt or blouse and tie Pale blue or white polo shirt

Navy/black jumper or cardigan

Black trousers or culottes Blue sweatshirt with school logo

Navy kimono or skirt

Blue sweatshirts with the Edinbarnet Primary School logo can be purchased at

the school office. School ties are also available.

A list of sizes and costs is given below for your information.

SWEATSHIRTS (Royal Blue with logo) POLO-SHIRTS (Pale Blue with

logo)

Size: Price: Size: Price:

22 - 24 (3-4 years) £8.00 22 - 24 (3-4 years) £8.00

26 - 28 (5-6 years) £8.00 26 - 28 (5-6 years) £8.00

30 (7-8 years) £8.00 30 (7-8 years) £8.00

32 (9-10 years) £8.00 32 (9-10 years) £8.00

34 (11-12 years) £9.00 34 (11-12 years) £9.00

Small Adult £10.00 Small Adult £10.00

School Tie £3.50

The following items, with logo are also available:

Hooded Top £10/£12

Fleece £13.00

Reversible Jacket £20.00

Woolly Hat £4.00

School bag £7.50

All clothing, including shoes, outer jackets and coats should be clearly named.


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School Meals

We are a ‘Healthy Choices’ school and the 4 week rolling menu reflects this,

offering a range of nutritious main meals, homemade soup, fresh fruit and

salads on a daily basis. All meals are cooked on the premises and copies of the

menu will be sent home. Parents are most welcome to come into school and see

the choices available. Each session we invite parents of our new P1 pupils to join

us for lunch. The response and comments received show that parents are most

impressed with the quality and choice.

Parents of children who need a special diet should contact the Head Teacher.

Pupils may also bring a packed lunch. Instead of a hot meal, children may choose

a snack lunch: sandwiches, paninis, wraps, fresh fruit, yoghurt etc. We ask

parents to support us in encouraging pupils to eat a healthy diet and ask that

you do not give your children fizzy drinks and sugary snacks to bring to school.

Our catering staff also provide a healthy tuck shop at morning interval.

Some children may be entitled to free school meals and parents can ask at the

office for more information.

Medical and Health Care

West Dunbartonshire Council has strict guidelines and policy on administration

of medicines. Consent/information must be given if medicine is to be

administered in school. In our school we have a member of staff who is

qualified to administer first aid to assist with minor injuries and accidents.

Parents are asked to inform the school of any medical requirements of their

child.

While the school provides minor first aid treatment, parents should provide the

school with an emergency contact so that children can be taken home if illness

occurs. The school should be notified immediately if the emergency contact

changes.

Minor accidents will be dealt with in school by staff members. In the event of a

serious accident the child will be taken directly to the nearest Childrens’

Hospital. Parents will be notified immediately. Minor injuries will be noted in

our accident log book and a note of this will be given to the child to take home.

In the event of more serious injuries and all head injuries, parents will be

contacted by telephone.


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The school nurse is involved with all aspects of health screening and health

education. Hearing, vision and dental checks are also carried out throughout

the year. Primaries 1 and 2 take part in a tooth-brushing project. Pupils in P1-

P4 engage in the fluoride varnish project. The school nurse who is Mrs Rosie

Montgomery is also available to help, advise and guide parents/carers with

individual concerns over pupils health and wellbeing. Please contact the head

teacher if you would like to have an appointment with the school nurse.

Information in Emergencies

We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some

occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be

affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport,

power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can

to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you in

touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres,

announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local

radio. You will also be able to access up to date information from the West

Dunbartonshire Council website. This can be located at www.west-

dunbarton.gov.uk.

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

when emergencies arise. Details will be made available when an occasion arises.

Parents in School

From the earliest opportunity, parents are encouraged to become involved in the

daily life of the school. Apart from pre-school visits, there are many events during

the school year to which parents are invited e.g. sports events, concerts, services

etc. Newsletters are sent home regularly to keep parents up to date with the busy

life of the school. Parents’ evenings to discuss the progress of individual children

are held twice a year and are always well attended. Our Pupil and Family Support

worker who is based in Clydebank High also supports our home/school partnership.

Parental help is always needed to help with outings and help is always welcome

during Book Fairs and fund raising events. We are very grateful for this help and

welcome new faces. A series of meetings for parents of new P1 pupils is held in the

summer term prior to the children starting school and also during the autumn term.

Our Parent Council also serves to strengthen the partnership with parents. They

are very friendly and any parent is welcome to come along to meetings. Details of

who to contact are on our address page at the back the school handbook. An

excellent website for parents is: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Parentzone

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

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


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Parents are welcome to call at the school at any time if there is a problem

or concern that we can help with.

The Parent Council

Edinbarnet Primary has an active Parent Council which is committed to

supporting the life and work of the school. As a new parent you will be invited

to join the Parent Council or take part in fundraising initiatives during the

school year. See contact details for further information on parental

involvement.

Our parent council members give generously of their time for a meeting each

term to discuss how they can best support the school with different projects.

They plan and organise a variety of fund raising projects including an annual

plant sale, Christmas raffle and disco.

Parents on the parent council represent the wider parent group and often

represent viewpoints leading to changes in procedures and routines in the

school. New members are very welcome.

The office bearers and committee members are listed below:

Chairperson Mr G Reid

Vice-Chairperson Ms C Nelson

Treasurer Mrs L Kearns

Secretary Mrs C Fairbairn/Ms L Kerr

Staff Members Miss Natalie Ward,

Mr John Paton

The Head Teacher also attends these meetings which are held on a regular

basis throughout the year.


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Transfer from Primary School to

Secondary School Pupils are normally transferred between the ages of eleven and a

half and twelve years so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least

four years of secondary education. Parents will be informed of the

arrangements by December of the year preceding the date of transfer.

The school to which our pupils normally transfer is:

Clydebank High School Janetta Street

Clydebank

Telephone Number: 0141 533 3000

P7 pupils attend Clydebank High for Induction visits in Term 2 and 4. Secondary

staff also visit and work with the P7 pupils, getting to know the children in

advance. Examples of work are also exchanged enabling P7 staff to check the

children’s progress and to alert secondary staff to changes in pupil

performance. Positive, constructive liaison between the cluster schools is a

major strength.

Data Protection Act 1984

Information on parents and guardians is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching,

registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The information is protected by the Data

Protection Act 1984 and may only be disclosed in accordance with the Codes of Practice. For

further information please contact the school.


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Important Addresses

Important addresses regarding the school are:

Mr T Lanagan Clydebank Area Office

Executive Director of Educational Services (School Meals, Clothing Grant Forms)

West Dunbartonshire Council Rosebery Place

Garshake Road Clydebank.

Dumbarton

Tel. No: 01389 - 737000 Tel. No: 01389 - 738770

Social Work Psychological Services

Rosebery Place Careith Primary School

Clydebank Stark Avenue

Tel No: 0141 562 8800 Duntocher G81 6EF

Tel. No: 01389 – 875632

Photographs

Policy on taking of photographs on Council premises.

West Dunbartonshire Council has a policy dealing with photographs taken

of individuals on premises occupied or managed by the Council or at

events organised by the Council:

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

locations where there is a reasonable expectation or privacy: normally for

example, young people would not expect to be photographed in the

classroom, playground, or other areas of the school or during lessons on

the sports field or at the swimming pool, except by arrangement;

sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and other

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

will be permitted;

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

photographs should not be assumed, in the case of young people under 16

years or age, without the written consent of their parent or guardian; in

the case of young people aged over the age of 16 this would refer to the

young people themselves.


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

sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and the

like, where there is an audience, are public events and it is likely that

photographers will be taken

.

Questions Answered

What time will my child spend at school? If your child is beginning Primary 1, he/she will come to school at 9.30 a.m. on the first day. After this,

school begins at 9.00 a.m. Your child will finish at 12.15 for the first week.

For all other children (P2 - P7) school begins at 9.00 a.m. and finishes at 3.00 p.m.

When will my child in Primary 1 be in school in the afternoon? From Monday 29th August 2016, your child will begin school at 9.00 a.m. and finish

at 3.00pm.

When can my child begin to stay for lunches? Although your child can begin having lunch in school immediately, we do not recommend this for the first

week. Very young children find the dinner hall busy, noisy and confusing at first and need to feel

secure in the school situation before they begin to stay for lunch. If however it is essential that your child

starts to stay for dinner earlier, we will ensure that they are well looked after.

At the outset, the children of Primary 1 will always go into lunch slightly earlier than the rest of the school.

Thereafter once they are into the routine, the children will go into lunch first promptly at 12.15pm.

What happens if my child takes ill at school? When your child starts school, you will be asked to fill in a form with your name, address and telephone

number (if available). This form asks for a contact who should be a relative or friend who would be able to

look after your child in case of emergency.

If your child is ill, we will contact you. If we cannot get you, your emergency number will be contacted.

Failing that, your child will be supervised until he/she can be collected.

If your child has a serious accident, he/she may be taken to hospital. Again, every effort will be made to

contact you.

It is essential that you inform the school of any change of address or telephone as vital time could


34

be wasted because of incorrect information.

My child has a Doctors (Hospital, Dentist) appointment. What do I

do? Please let the class teacher know before the appointment. NO CHILD is allowed out of school unless they

are collected by an adult.

All children leaving school during the school day must have a signed Absence Pass. These can be

collected from the office and should be handed back when your child returns to school.

Always let the Class Teacher, Headteacher or Office know if you are taking your child away from school.

Please do not ever take your child away without informing the school. eg. at the interval or lunch-

time.

My child has Asthma, what do I do? If your child has tablets or inhalers which MUST be taken in school time, please inform the Head teacher.

Before any medication is administered, parents must complete a permission slip which will indicate

times and dosage.

What should I do if my child is off school? Please write a note to the Class Teacher when your child returns to school.

If you know that your child will be absent for any reason, please telephone the school.

What should my child wear for gym? Shorts and T-shirt with slip-on gym shoes are best. Outdoor shoes are not allowed in the gym. For

younger children, we would prefer if your child could wear shorts and T-shirt under his/her outdoor

clothes on gym days as it is easier to get dressed and undressed.

Please note that for reasons of Health and Safety, no jewellery of any description should be worn.


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Parents please note that although the information contained in

this handbook is correct at time of printing, there could be

changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the

document:-

(a) before the commencement or during the course of the

school year in question:

(b) in relation to subsequent school years.

Please also note that a summary of this document is also

available in other languages, large print and audio format on

request.

Edinbarnet Primary School –

Our Service Standards The following Standards of Service are also in place in Edinbarnet

Primary School:

Monitor your child’s performance and report to you annually

Hold two parent’s meetings annually

Offer additional meetings with staff if necessary and

appropriate

All primary 1 classes will have no more than 25 pupils

All primary 2 and 3 classes will have no more than 30 pupils

Composite classes will have a maximum of 25 pupils

Newsletters to be sent home regularly

Parents will have access to the school handbook

Parents will be sent home a summary account of the Standards

& Quality Report every September

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

you immediately

If your child is unwell we will contact you immediately

All school staff will be polite and courteous at all times

School staff will wear a name badge

All complaints will be dealt with in line with complaints

procedures


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