Musselburgh Grammar School Handbook 2014/2015

MUSSELBURGH GRAMMARHANDBOOK 2014/2015

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c copyright. The Homework Diary Company Ltd. Registered in Scotland No 177762

MUSSELBURGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

“STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE - CARING FOR ALL”

DECEMBER 2013


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CONTENT PAGE

Introduction by Head Teacher 3

Basic Information about the School/Main Features of Accommodation 4

The School Year 5

The School Day 6

Staff 7-9

School Guidance Provision 10

Curriculum for Excellence 11

School Curriculum 12-13

Teaching and Learning at Musselburgh Grammar School 14-15

Assessment and Reporting 16

Enrolment 17

Religious Observance 18

Parents’ Meetings and Reports 19

Homework Policy 20

Extra Curricular Activities/Anti Bullying Policy 21

Pupils Who Have Additional Support Needs 22

School Policy on School Uniform and Clothing 23

Standards of Behaviour and Attendance 24

Inclusion Strategy 25

School Code of Conduct 26-27

Educational Excursions/Outdoor Education/School Meals/School and Community 28

Health and Safety/School Transport 29

Medical Care/Administration of Medical Procedures 30-33

Parent Forum and Parent Council/Parent Teacher Association (PTA) 34-35

Complaint Procedures 36

Appendix 1; 1a, 1b

• ThirdYearCourseChoiceForm-2013 37

• FifthYearCourseChoiceForm-2013 38

• SixthYearCourseChoiceForm-2013 39

Appendix 2

• InformationForParents:ExaminationResults&Statistics 40

Appendix 3

• InformationfromEastLothianCouncilDepartmentofResourcesandPeopleServices. 41-65


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INTRODUCTION BY HEAD TEACHER

There has been a school in Musselburgh since 1626 and today the school continues to serve the town of MusselburghaswellasWallyfordandWhitecraig.Ibelieve that it is our privilege to educate the children from the age of eleven to eighteen years, and during thattimetoseektoachievetheschool’saims.

At the end of Primary 7, pupils come to us from Campie PrimarySchool,PinkieSt.PetersPrimarySchool,Musselburgh Burgh Primary School, Stoneyhill Primary School, Wallyford Primary School and Whitecraig PrimarySchool.

Thisisaveryimportantstepinthelifeofayoungperson.Theyleaveasmallerschool where they have spent almost all their day with one teacher in one classroom, and come to a very much larger school both in terms of size of roll andbuilding.Whentheycometotheschoolwewantthemtoenterasecureandcaring environment in which they can experience teaching and learning of the highestqualitysothattheycanreachtheirfullpotential.Wewantthemtoleaveatthe end of their school career ready for the world of work or further education and ready to be citizens in 21stCenturyScotland.Icanbereachedatrsummers@musselburghgrammar.elcschool.org.uk

MrRonnieSummersM.A.HonsHead Teacher

EDUCATIONAL AIMS & ETHOS

Ouraimsaresimple.Wewantto:• Ensurethatallpupilsachievetothelimitsoftheircapabilitiesthrougheffective teachingandlearning.Wewantthemtobesuccessfulleavers,confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors;

• Recogniseandvaluetheindividualityanddiversityofallmembersofthe school community;

• Createasenseofcommunityintheschoolbyemphasisingtheimportanceof working together;

• Fosterthepersonaldevelopmentofpupilsinorderthattheymakeresponsible decisions about social, moral and vocational issues, both for their day to day livingandtheirfutures.


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BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Musselburgh Grammar School86 Inveresk RoadMusselburghEast LothianEH21 7BA

Tel: (0131)6654278Fax: (0131)6532152PupilAbsenceLine: (0131)6531390

TheSchoolrollforSession2014/2015isexpectedtobeasfollows:

First Year 210

Second Year 221

Third Year 221

Fourth Year 207

Fifth Year 178

Sixth Year 147

Thisgivesatotalof 1184.

The associated Primary Schools are:-

CampieMusselburgh BurghPinkie St Peter’sStoneyhillWallyfordWhitecraig

MAIN FEATURES OF ACCOMMODATIONAlargepartoftheschoolisbuilton4floors.Allsubjectareasareaccessiblebyusingstairsoracombinationoftheliftandplatformlifts.Thegroundfloorhaswheelchairaccessatseveralpointsandallfloorshavedisabledtoilets.Parentsshould contact the school immediately if they have any concerns regarding access tofacilities.Theschoolisverywillingtoworkwithparentsandpupilstosupportpupils with disabilities as far as possible and takes a very flexible attitude to the requirementsofindividualchildren.


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THE SCHOOL YEAR 2014/15

Term 1 Staff Days 88 Pupil Days 85

Staff Resume Monday 18 August 2014 In-Service Day 1

Tuesday 19 August 2014 In-Service Day 2

Pupils Resume Wednesday 20 August 2014 Start of Term 1

Autumn Holiday Friday 12 September 2014

Monday 15 September 2014

All Resume Tuesday 16 September 2014

All Break Friday 10 October 2014 Mid Term Break

Staff Resume Monday 20 October 2014 In-Service Day 3

Pupils Resume Tuesday 21 October 2014

All Break Friday 19 December 2014 End of Term 1

Term 2 Staff Days 60 Pupils Days 59

All Resume Tuesday 6 January 2015 Start of Term 2

All Break Friday 13 February 2015 Mid Term Break

All Resume Monday 23 February 2015

Pupils Break Wednesday 1 April 2015

Staff Thursday 2 April 2015 In-Service Day 4

Good Friday – 3 April 2015; Easter Monday – 6 April 2015;

Term 3 Staff Days 57 Pupil Days 56

All resume Monday 20 April 2015 Start of Term 3

May Day Holiday Monday 4 May 2015

All Resume Tuesday 5 May 2015

Staff Monday 18 May 2015 In-Service Day 5

Pupils resume Tuesday 19 May 2015

All Break Friday 3 July 2015 End of Term 3

Total 195 Total 190

(See also Appendix 3 for further information)


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THE SCHOOL DAY

The School operates a 271/2 hour pupil contact week over a period of 41/2days.

TheSchooldayisasfollows:-

Monday - Thursday Friday Only

8.45 -8.50 Registration or Assembly 8.45 - 8.55 Registration

8.50 -9.50 Period1 8.55 - 9.55 Period1

9.50 -10.50 Period2 9.55 - 10.55 Period2

10.50-11.05BREAK 10.55 - 11.10 BREAK

11.05-12.05 Period3 11.10 - 12.10 Period3

12.05-1.05 Period4

1.05 -1.50 LUNCH

1.50 -2.50 Period5

2.50 -3.50 Period6

OnFridaysallpupilsfinishat12.10pm.LunchisavailableintheSchoolCafeteria.

StaffcontinuetoworkonsomeFridayafternoonsondevelopmenttasks.Sinceour associated Primary Schools and Neighbourhood Secondary Schools also close early on Fridays, this allows us to work together on Primary Liaison and other new curriculardevelopments.


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STAFFPleasenotethatinformationaboutstaffissubjecttochange,aspersonnelcanvaryfrom year toyear.

HEAD TEACHER

Mr R Summers DEPUTE HEAD TEACHERSMr S MacKinnon (Senior Depute)Mrs Y Mackie (Grange) Mr R Burns (Moray) Mr G Fruish (Caird)

EachpupilintheschoolisallocatedtoaHouse.Therearethreehousesintheschool:Moray,GrangeandCaird.EachhouseisheadedbyaDepute Head Teacher whoworkswithtwoPrincipalTeachersofGuidance.Itisthisteam’sresponsibility to look after the pupils in their House, to care for them, to listen to their problems, to help resolve these problems, to give curricular and career advice, to monitor their attendance and behaviour and to liaise with staff and other externaleducationalagencies.

Mr S MacKinnon, Senior Depute Head Teacher, deputises for the Head Teacher whenever he is unavailable and is also responsible for the day to day running of theschool.Amajorpartofhisjobistoliaisewithandsupportstaffandpupilsintheimplementationofthepositivebehaviourpolicy.


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SUBJECT DEPARTMENTSART AND DESIGN Z Walker (Principal Teacher: Expressive Arts Faculty) D Casado G Lloyd (Part time) L Main P ThomsonE Lawrence-Peattie (Part time)

BIOLOGYJ Laidlaw (PT Biology/Science)

K Addison (Temp)

J Graham de Perez (Maternity) J Park (Principal Teacher : Partnership with Parents and Pupils)

J Wilkinson (PT Guidance) E Ellis (Maternity)

K RobertsonA Court (Temp)

BUSINESS EDUCATIONM Campbell (Principal Teacher Office & Info Tech Faculty) A Crawshaw A McGlenJ Williams

CHEMISTRYL Shaw (Principal Teacher: Chemistry/Physics) K Capon K MalleyS Gilbertson

COMPUTER EDUCATIONM Campbell (Principal Teacher Office & Info Tech Faculty) R Henderson (Part time) D Lynch

CRAFT, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGYR Virtue (Principal Teacher)

G Plimer (Principal Teacher)

F Brown (Principal Teacher Outdoor Education) G Gallagher (Principal Teacher Performing Arts) J MonaghanR ShawS Watson

ENGLISH J Craigie (Principal Teacher) S Cavers (PT Guidance)

D Mainds (Job Share)

F Neill (Part Time)

M O’Connor (PT Guidance)

R SweetnamL DalrympleC Roddy (Principal Teacher)

N Robertson J.A.WrightM JohnstoneR Thomas

GEOGRAPHYA Chisholm (Principal Teacher) S Dias (Maternity) E Orsi (Maternity)

G Calder (Temp)

L Mitchell (Temp)

HISTORYA Chisholm (Principal Teacher) K Anderson J BonnarR Duncan

HOME ECONOMICSK MacDonald (Principal Teacher Health & Wellbeing Faculty) J JohnstoneG TaylorM ForganM LoganJ Stewart (Auxiliary: H.E)

ENHANCED SUPPORT TEAMG Forrest (Principal Teacher) M Dreon GouldAuxiliaries S Beveridge J HowieM Dickinson

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING C Wills (Principal Teacher) V Douglas P Glennie (Part time) S Murphy (Principal Teacher) (Communication Provision)

C MacBeath K MacDougallA Tully (Temp) AuxiliariesT Waye, B Brodie, D Little, P Sutherland, M Wilson, S DudgeonSSouter,M.Lyons,ARiding,D.RamsayJBroomfield, D McHughA Tait, J Johnston, K Thomas

MATHEMATICSF McLeod (Principal Teacher)

V Lyall (Part time) J Connelly (Principal Teacher : Mentoring) J Dewar M Gebbie J Inglis A Marchant P Goodall (Acting Principal Teacher)

S Morris

N Mair

SUBJECT DEPARTMENTS


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MODERN LANGUAGESD Waugh (Principal Teacher) S Gellaitry (PT Guidance) J Forbes (Maternity)

K Thiam L Cairns M McIntosh (Part time) E Jardine (PT Guidance)

F Scott (Part time) K Henderson (NQT)

MODERN STUDIESB Richardson (Principal Teacher) L AndersonR Nicolson

MUSICZ Walker (Principal Teacher: Expressive Arts; Faculty)

E ArmstrongG EdesL McGhee (NQT)

MUSIC INSTRUCTORSJ Aspley (Woodwind)

A Coady (Guitar) O Gray (Cello)

S Reeves (Brass)

J Smith (Violin and Viola)

D Swanson (Drums)

D Barnes (Bagpipes)

E Woodsend (Piano)

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONK MacDonald (Principal Teacher Health & Wellbeing (Faculty) L FruishA McSherry M Scott K MansonA DoakC Benson (NQT)

J McCarthy (NQT)

PHYSICSJ Sneddon S Dudley A WrightC Ferguson

RELIGIOUS STUDIESM Mohammed (Part time)

E MacDonald (Part time)

BUSINESS MANAGERL Balmer

ADMINISTRATIONE Ferguson (Senior Business Support Administrator) E McLauchlan (Admin Assistant)

S Murray (Reprographics)

E Cullen (Clerical)

L Scott (Clerical)

C Owenson (Clerical)

E Laidlaw (Clerical)

M Stewart (SMT Clerical)

JANITORS N HossackJ McLellandK Gale

LIBRARIANSA Scott

MEDICALC Harvey (Welfare Assistant) J McLeod (School Nurse)

TECHNICIANS/SUPPORT STAFFC Crookston - Science Dept (Senior Technician)

B Cunningham - Science Dept (Technician)

S Mells - CDT (Technician)


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SCHOOL GUIDANCE PROVISION

Theschoolisdividedverticallyintothreehouses:Caird,GrangeandMoray.Eachhouse is staffed by a Guidance Team consisting of a Depute Head Teacher (Head of House) and two Principal Teachers of Guidance, assisted by a group of Register Teachers.

Pupils will remain in the same house throughout their school career, enabling them to builduparelationshipwiththeirRegisterTeacherandtheHouseGuidanceTeam.Asfar as possible brothers and sisters will be allocated to the same House in order that parentsneedonlycontactoneHouseGuidanceTeam.

Outwith Parents’ Evenings, Guidance Staff are the point of contact between parents andschool.GuidanceStaffwillmeetparentsbyappointmentinschoolduringnon-teachingtimeorattimesmutuallyconvenienttobothparentsandGuidanceStaff.

Each House Guidance Team is responsible for the pastoral care of all the pupils in theircharge.Theywillprovidepersonal,vocationalandcurricularguidanceandcounselling.Guidanceteachersgivesupporttoeverypupilintheircaseload;throughconstantly monitoring attendance, through teaching their case load in social education classes,throughonetooneinterviewsandPupilProfiles,andthroughreviewingreportsandmonitoringattainment.Eachteamwillliaisecloselyandtherewillbeatimetabledweeklymeetingtodiscussthepupilsundertheircare.

TheGuidancestaffhaveasignificantroletoplayattimesoftransitione.g.Primary/Secondary transfer, personalisation and choice in S2 and course choices made at the endofS4,S5andS6.Theyalsowritereferencesforpotentialworkplaces,CollegesandUniversities.

Where a pupil requires additional support, the Guidance teacher will use a number of strategiestotrytoresolveanydifficulties.Thereisan‘opendoor’policyandpupilsareencouragedtoself-refertodiscussanyproblemstheymaybehaving.IftheGuidanceteacher is not immediately available they will make an appointment to meet with the pupillater.Parentsarealsoaskedtocontacttheirchild’sGuidanceteacheriftheyhaveanyconcerns.


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CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE

BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE AND LIFE TO LEARNING

Curriculum for Excellence has been introduced across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds – wherevertheylearn.Itaimstoraise standards, prepare our children for a future they donotyetknowandequipthemforjobsoftomorrowinafastchangingworld.

We started to implement a Curriculum for Excellence in August 2010 when our S1 grouparrived.Wewillcontinuetodevelopthecurriculumeachyear.ManyofthefeaturesofaCurriculumforExcellenceoccurredherealready.

Teachersandpractitionerswillshareinformationtoplanachild’s‘learningjourney’from 3-18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary andbeyond,ensuringthechangeissmooth.They’llensurechildrencontinuetoworkatapacetheycancopewithandwithchallengetheycanthriveon.

Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills.

Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level andability.Everysingleteacherandpractitionerwillberesponsibleforliteracy and numeracy–thelanguageandnumbersskillsthatunlockothersubjectsandarevitaltoeverydaylife.

It develops skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study,secureworkandnavigatelife.Itbringsreallifeintotheclassroom,makinglearning relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom.Itlinksknowledgeinonesubjectareatoanotherhelpingchildrenunderstandtheworldandmakeconnections.Itdevelopsskillssothatchildrencanthinkforthemselves,makesoundjudgements,challenge,enquireandfindsolutions.

There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential.Therewillbenewqualifications for literacy and numeracy and new National4and5qualificationsfrom2013/14.OurwellregardedAccess,HighersandAdvanced Highers will be updated to take account of and support the new approaches tolearningandteaching.

There’s personal supporttohelpyoungpeoplefulfiltheirpotentialandmakethemostof their opportunities with additional supportwhereverthat’sneeded.Therewillbea new emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensurethattheschoolisaplacewherechildrenfeelsafeandsecure.

Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims is to improve our children’s life chances, to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens,buildingonScotland’sreputationforgreateducation.


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SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Thecurriculuminfirstandsecondyearoffersamixtureofmanysubjects.EnglishandMathematics will be very familiar to pupils, whilst Art, Music, Modern Languages, Physical Education and Religious Education will be studiedingreaterdepth.Somesubjectswillbenew, such as Craft Design and Technology, Home Economics,CitizenshipandSocialEducation.

Pupils are taught in whole classes of up to 33 andinpracticalclassesofupto20.InFirstYeartheyaremostlymixedabilityclasses.Thisallowspupilstohavetimetosettlein,adjusttothe

newsetting,anddeveloptheirstrengthsandtheirweaknesses.InSecondYearmostDepartmentsarrangepupilsaccordingtotheirabilityintheparticularsubject.

Pupilswhohavelearningdifficultiesareidentifiedandgivenspecialhelpeitherintheclassroomorinsmallextractedgroups.SupportforLearningstaffalsoworkwith teachers to give them advice on supporting pupils and to help them construct programmesofworktodeveloptheseyoungsters.

Underpreviousarrangements,pupilswouldstudyabroadrangeofsubjectsinS1/S2andthenpick8subjectstostudyinmoredepthaspartofStandardGradecourses.Inthe future, pupils will experience a broad general education across 8 curricular areas- languages,mathematics,sciences,SocialSubjects,Technologies,ExpressiveArts,ReligiousandMoralEducationandHealthandWellBeing.

We introduce an element of choice by the end of S2, while ensuring a broad general educationacrossall8curriculumareas.Pupilswillmoveintotheseniorphase(S4-S6)atthestartofS4.Pupilswillbeabletochoosetheirsubjectsonthebasisoftheirinterest,aptitudeandabilityastheyhavealwaysdone.

Aswellascertificatedsubjects,pupilswillalsotakePhysicalEducation,PersonalandSocialEducationandReligiousandMoralEducation.InS4allpupilswilltakeEnglishandMathematicsascertifiedsubjects,plustheirfivechoices,toSQAcertification.TheycanalsochoosetobepresentedforcertificationinReligiousandMoralEducation.ThesubjecttakenintheS3EnhancementcolumnisdroppedinS4,withone extra period given to English and Mathematics respectively to support work in literacyandnumeracy.AllpupilsinEastLothianwillhavethechancetobepresentedforupto8subjects,itwillnotdisadvantageourchildrenagainstthosefromotherschools.

For S5 and S6 classes, it may not be possible to pursue all subjectsthroughalllevelsfromAccessacrosstheNationalQualificationsFramework.

AllpupilswillsitnewNationalQualificationsinLiteracyandinNumeracyaspartoftheirEnglishandMathematicscourses.These will be offered at levels 3, 4, and 5 and are at the equivalent level to Foundation, General and Credit Awards for StandardGrade.

The school will keep parents informed on a regular basis as our plans are formalised andweanticipateholdingparents’meetingstokeepyouinformedofdevelopments.

We will continue to hold Open Choice evenings as well as our Parents’ Meetings whereyoutalktoyourchild’steachers.


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Guidance Staff spend a lot of time giving advice and support to pupils on curricular choice.SubjectteachersadvisebothGuidanceStaffandpupilsaboutthesubjectspupilsaremostsuitedtotake.SkillsDevelopmentScotlandstaffcanalsoadvisethemontheeducationalrequirementsfordifferentjobsandcareers.

Attheendoffourthyearthevastmajorityofpupilswillhavesatexaminationsatavarietyoflevels.Afewwillthendecidetoleaveschoolandtakeupemploymentorgotocollege.MostwillstayonandcontinuetheireducationatMusselburghGrammarSchool.Asagrouptheywillhavewidelydifferentaspirations.

Scottish Education remains broad based in the senior phase and we will encourage pupilstokeeptheirchoicesasopenaspossible.AcademicpupilswithLevel5passes (equivalent to Credit passes at Standard Grade) will be looking to take up 5 Higher courses at Higher and then may take Advanced Higher courses (equivalent to AdvancedHigher)insixthyear.Otherpupilscanchooseamixtureofsubjectsfromlevel4tolevel5toHigherandprogresstheirqualificationsforthecareer,training,furthereducationandemploymenttheychoose.

These senior pupils are also expected to take an active part in their school experience and will be encouraged to set their own goals and targets and become more independent.

Others who stay at school until Christmas may commence a course at a College of Further Education such as Edinburgh college at the Milton Road, in Sighthill and GrantonCampuses.

Alltheirchoiceswillbemadeafterextensiveadvicefromsubjectteachers,GuidancestaffandtheSkillsDevelopmentScotland.

Sport plays a vital part in the school curriculum at Musselburgh Grammar School, withmanypupilstakingcertificatedcoursesinPE.Weofferawiderangeofsportsinthe school , including athletics, hockey, swimming, football, gymnastics, rugby, golf, basketball,tennis,keepfitandaerobics.

Musicalsoplaysalargepartinthelifeoftheschool.AllpupilstakemusicinFirstYearandSecondYearandhavetheopportunitytotakecertificatedcoursesinthemiddleandseniorschools.Inaddition,musicallytalentedchildrencanhaveextratuitionwiththeMusicInstructorswhoareinschooldaily.

Artisanotherstrongareaintheschool.TheArtDepartmentprovidesallthepostersandartworkdisplayedinandaroundtheschool.


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TEACHING AND LEARNING AT MUSSELBURGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

CURRICULUM S1 AND S2

We have a close liaison with our associated primary schools in order to ensure thatthereisacontinuityofdevelopmentbetweenP7andS1.TheClusterGroupcontinuetoworktogethertotakeforwardACurriculumforExcellence.

Intheirfirstthreeyearsinsecondaryschool,pupilshavetheopportunitytoexperienceawiderangeofsubjectsaspartofabroadgeneraleducation.Thisenables them to develop and assess their own capabilities and interests as far as possible.

In S1, classes are generally mixed groups with regard to age, sex, ability, former PrimarySchooletc.However,asfaraspossible,pupilsparticipateinPEinsinglesexgroupsandclassesaresetbyabilityforMathematicsandEnglish.

InS2manysubjectssettheirclassesbyability.Subjectsinwhichpupilscontinueinmixed ability groups are Art, Computer Studies, Home Economics, Music, RME, PE andPSE.TherewillbeelementsofchoicefromthestartofS2inthefuture.

Thelearningtakesplacethroughawiderangeofplannedexperiences.Theseincludeenvironmental,scientific,technological,historical,social,economic,political,mathematicalandlinguisticcontexts,thearts,cultureandsports.

The subjects which make up the Common Course in First Year are:

Art, English, Mathematics, Science, Home Economics, Craft and Design and Technology, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Music, Computer Studies, BusinessEducation,PSEandCitizenship.(History,Geography,ModernStudiesandRME)

The subjects which make up the Common Course in Second Year are:

Art, English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry,HomeEconomics,Craft,Design&Technology, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Music, Computer Studies, Enterprise, Geography, History,ModernStudiesandReligious&MoralEducation,BusinessEducation.


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CURRICULUM S3 AND S4S3 is now part of the broad curriculum in S1-S3 when pupils will be studying at third and fourth levels.Arrangementswillbefinalisedovertimeforthisareaofthecurriculum.

S4willbetheyearwhenpupilswillbepresentedforsubjectcertificationinEnglish,Mathematicsandalltheothersubjectspecialisms.

Inboththeseyears,subjectteacherswillbelookingtobuildontheknowledge,skillsandcapacitiesofpreviousyearsandpreparepupilsforthenextstageoflearningtocome.WearelookingtohaveamoreevengradientoflearningforeveryyearratherthanverydifficulttransitionsfromS4toS5asatpresent.

CURRICULUM S5 AND S6

In S5almostallpupilsstudyEnglishandMathematicsandselectafurtherthreesubjectsandanelectiveperiodtostudyatN3-5andHigherLevel.PupilsalsohaveoneperiodofPSE.Thecourse choice sheet in the Appendices gives an indication of the wide range of choice and the progressionroutesavailabletopupilsgoingintoS5.

In S6pupilsselectfourormoresubjectsforstudydependinguponthelevelofcoursebeingstudied,previousperformanceand/orfurthereducationrequirements.Pupilsstudying3AdvancedHigherswillnotbeexpectedtochooseadditionalsubjects.S6pupilsalsohaveoneperiodofPSEandusuallyhavesome‘privatestudy’ontheirtimetablewheretheycancarryoutadditionalworkingreaterdepth.ThetimetabledS5/S6provisionisalsoshownintheAppendices.

CURRICULUM FLEXIBILITY

Although all pupils follow a broad general education in S1-S3 some pupils are unable to access thewholecurriculumandaregivenadditionalsupportwiththeirlearning.SelectedpupilsinS1enjoytimeoutforpairedreadingtoimprovetheirreadingskillswhileothersattendSuccessmaker–acomputerisedlearningpackagetopromotemathematicalandlinguisticskills.

In S5 and S6 there is greater flexibility with some pupils opting for a work experience placementandotherstoattendcollegeforpartoftheweek.

Parents/guardians are asked to note that the arrangements described above are those currently available.Theoptionsareonlythosecurrentlyavailableandmaychangeaccordingtochangesinroll,staffingorpolicy.CurrentcoursesmaynotbeavailablewhenapupilentersS5andoptions presently offered at later stages may not still be provided when a pupil reaches these stagesinduecourse.ForS5andS6classes,itmaynotbepossibletopursueallsubjectsthroughallgrades.

HIDDEN CURRICULUM

Pupils also learn through the day-to-day experiences of the life of the school community, with itsvaluesandsocialcontact,andfromoutofschoolactivities,eventsandcelebrations.Manypupilstakeonpositionsofresponsibilitye.g.Prefects,PupilCouncil,HouseCouncilsandassistingatParents’Evenings.


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ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING ON PUPIL PROGRESS

Therearemanytypesofassessmentinschools.Teachersgatherevidenceaboutpupils’ performance all the time- informally by observation, formally through set tasksincludinghomeworkandendoftopictasks.Thisinformationisfedbacktoparents via parents’ meetings and via the summary report issued to parents each year.

ACurriculumforExcellencehasseverallevels-fromEarlytoFourth.Apupilwillnot achieve a level in a single academic year, but we will expect every pupil to progress.Wewillusethewords“developing”,“consolidating”and“secure”toindicateapupil’sprogressthroughthelevel.

AwrittenreportisissuedtoparentseveryyearforS1toS6.Youwillhaveareportfromeverysubjectyourchildtakesandeachsubjectwillindicatethelevelyourchildisworkingat.Thereportwillcontaininformationaboutthestrengthsofyourchild’sperformanceandabouttheareasheorshenowneedstoworkon.

QualificationsarrangementsforpupilshavechangedfromAugust2013andthiswillaffectyourchild.

TherewillbepreliminaryexaminationsinJanuaryforS4forNational5pupils.S4pupilswillbepresentedforqualificationsinS4atNational3-5Levels.S5/S6pupilsmayalsobepresentedatN3-5plusHigherorAdvancedHigher.

We undertake to keep parents fully informed of any changes to examinations whichwillaffectpupils.


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ENROLMENT

Admission of Pupils at S1: August 2014All pupils who live in the catchment area of the school and/or attend one of the associated primary schools will normally transfer to secondary school on completion of the seven year course of primary education, or on attaining the age of12years6monthsatthedateoftransfer.AllP7pupilswillvisittheschoolfortwodaysinJune2014.Thiswillallowthemtogettoknowtheschool,thestaffandotherpupilsandtofollowtheirtimetable.

Admission of All Other Pupils:

Admission of all other pupils takes place in either August 2014 or during session 2014/2015.TheHeadTeachermayenrolanypupilwhoisnormallyresidentwithinthecatchmentareasubjecttoaccommodationandstaffingavailability.

In the case of any other pupils whose parents request admission, the Head Teacher shouldreceivetherequestinwritingandwillreferittoEastLothianCouncil.

Change of AddressPupils whose place of residence changes to outwith the catchment area of the school may remain in attendance if the parents submit a placing request which is acceptedbyEastLothianCouncil.Acceptanceofsucharequestwillnormallybeon the understanding that the cost of travel to and from school will be met by the parent.Exceptionsmaybemadeincertaincircumstancesparticularlyforthoseatacriticalstageintheireducation.

School Procedures for EnrolmentParents who wish their children to be enrolled at the school, other than at the transferstageP7toS1,shouldcontacttheschool.AnappointmentwillthenbemadetomeettheHeadTeachertodiscussalltherelevantdetails:placeofresidence,ageofpupil,coursebeingfollowed,etc.Subjecttoagreement,arrangementswillthenbemadeandadateforenrolmentgiven.

All parents should feel free to contact the school at any time prior to enrolment if theywishtoseetheschoolordiscussanyissues.

PUPIL PLACEMENTNormally children attend the catchment area school knownasthedistrictschool.Ifyouwishyourchildtoattend a non-district secondary school, information will be sent to your home address when your child is in P7.Itshouldbenotedthatattendanceatanassociatedprimary school does not mean automatic transfer to the attachedsecondaryschool.


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RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

Religious observance should provide opportunities for the school community to reflect on, and develop, a deeper understanding of the dignity and worth of each individualandtheircontributiontotheschoolandwidercommunities.In recognition of Scotland’s Christian heritage, schools are encouraged to use the richresourcesofthistraditionwhenplanningreligiousobservance.Manyschoolcommunities contain pupils and staff from faiths other than Christianity or with no faithcommitment.Thisshouldbetakenfullyintoaccountinsupportingspiritualdevelopment.It is of central importance that all pupils and staff can participate with integrity in forms of religious observance without compromise to their personalfaithstances.

At present school assemblies are the most common vehicle for delivering religious observance.Thereshouldbeacleardistinctionbetweenassembliesdevisedfor the purpose of religious observance and assemblies for other purposes such ascelebratingsuccess.Religiousobservancemightincludeopportunitiesforclass, year, stage or whole school observance as well as involvement by pupils andother,includingschoolchaplains,inplanningandpresentation.Thereisastatutory provision for parents to withdraw children from participation in religious observance.Weareadvisedthatthisrightshouldalwaysbemadeknowntoparentsandtheirwishesrespected.Parentsshouldbeprovidedwithsufficientinformationonwhichtobaseadecision.

We are advised that where a child is withdrawn from religious observance, schools should make suitable arrangements for the child to participate in a worthwhile alternativeactivity.Innocircumstancesshouldachildbedisadvantagedasaresultofwithdrawingfromreligiousobservance.

Formoreinformationpleasereferto:Curricular1/2005ProvisionofReligiousObservanceinScottishSchools(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications).


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PARENTS’ MEETINGS AND REPORTS

SUMMARY OF TIMING OF PARENTS’ MEETINGS AND REPORTS FOR 2013/2014

ThesedatesmaychangefromAugust2014.ExactdatesofParents’MeetingswillbenotifiedtoparentsininformationpostedtohomeaddressesinAugust2014.Inaddition letters inviting parents to attend Parents’ Meetings will be distributed 7 days beforethedateoftheParentsMeeting.

Finally, parents are free at any time during the session to ask to see Guidance Staff, whocangivethemanupdateonpupilprogress.

REPORTING

• PupilReportsenablepupilstohaveaclearideaoftheirprogressinallsubjectsbeing undertaken;

• PupilReportsclearlydescribethestrengthsanddevelopmentneedsrequiredofpupils;

• PupilReportsconveyaccurateinformationtocolleaguesworkingwithpupilswithinthe school;

• PupilReportsareeffectiveinpassingoninformationpertainingtopupils,tootherschools, when and if required;

• PupilReportsareusefulandinformativetoparents/guardians.

In accordance with equality legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act, schools may request alternative Assessment Arrangements from the Scottish QualificationsAuthorityforexaminationcandidateswithdisabilitiesand/oradditionalsupportneeds.Theseadjustmentsorchangesshouldprovidecandidateswithanequalopportunitytodemonstratetheirskillsandabilitiestothefullest.Thecandidatesshouldbepotentiallyable to achieve the national standards but be unable to do so using the published assessmentarrangements.Strictproceduresmustbeadheredto.Furtherinformationcanbeobtainedfromwww.sqa.org.uk(AlternativeAssessmentArrangements).

PARENTS' MEETINGS ALL MEETINGS 5PM-7PM 29 October 2013 S16 November 2013 S428 November 2013 S5/S615 January 2014 S327 February 2014 S2

ISSUE OF REPORTS 31-January 2014 S214-March 2014 S426-March 2014 S5/S616-May 2014 S130-May 2014 S3


20

HOMEWORK POLICY

Pupils should be encouraged to take an active role in their own education and it should be stressed to them that homework is an important part of their learning experience.Homeworkisintegraltoeducationasitencourages pupils to reflect on work done in school, stimulates interest in building on this work and helps pupilsdevelopgoodstudyhabits.

Thevastmajorityofparentsarekeenfortheirchildrentodohomeworkandareverysupportiveoftheschoolinensuringthathomeworkiscompleted.

Pupils must take responsibility for their own learning and so it follows that failuretocompletehomeworkneednotnecessarilybepunished.Neithershoulditbecondonedorignored.ParentswillbepromptlyinformedbytheSubjectDepartmentwhenhomeworkisnotcompleted.

Points Regarding Homework

1.Homeworkshouldbegivenregularlytoallyears.Goodhomeworkhabits should be set in S1 and continued as pupils progress through the school;

2. Homework should not be too onerous or unduly time consuming particularly for younger pupils;

3. Homework should extend or reinforce work completed satisfactorily;

4. If possible homework should be varied and interesting to encourage pupils to complete it;

5. Teachers must ensure that all homework is completed satisfactorily;

6.Homeworkshouldbegivenonaregularbasisandsufficienttimegivenforits completion.ForHigherGradesubjects,homeworkshouldbeissuedatleast once a week;

7.PupilswillbeissuedwithaPersonalOrganiser.TheyshouldmakeanoteinthePersonalOrganiserofallhomeworkgiven.Useofsuchadocumentwillhelppupils remember what homework has been issued to them and assist them in organisingtheirstudytimeeffectively.TeacherswillbeabletocheckthatpupilsarenotoverloadedforanyparticulardayandparentswillfindthePersonalOrganiserhelpfulinensuringcompletionofhomework.


21

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We offer a wide range of extra curricular sporting activities, including football, table tennis, hockey, golf,aerobics,andkeepfit.Wealsorundiscos,dances, pantomime, rock concerts, homework clubs,tonamebutafewotheractivities.Theschool also has a full time Sports Co-ordinator dedicated to the promotion of sport across the school.

Music also plays a large part in the extra curricularlifeoftheschool.ThereisaschoolchoirandorchestraandaGuitarEnsemble.

ForeigntravelisaregularfeatureatMusselburghGrammarSchool.RecenttripsincludeavisittoPoland,theAlps,aFrenchhistoryfieldtriptoNorthernFrance,andatriptoBerlin.Wealsotake groups of pupils on regular outdoor weekends to Lagganlia Outdoor Education Centre and BenmoreOutdoorEducationCentre.

Some activities currently available cannot be guaranteed in future years, since the pattern of activitiesdependsonthechangingexpertiseandinterestsofstaffandpupils.

ANTI- BULLYING POLICY

Musselburgh Grammar School has an Anti Bullying Policy as part of East Lothian Council’s Anti Bullying Policy and Procedures, and incidentsofbullyingarerecordedaspartofthatPolicy.

The School’s Policy aims to reduce bullying and to create a more positive atmosphere so the incidents of bullying will be morereadilyreported.

The school’s Social Education programme is developing its ongoing work to combat bullying and is using nationally producedmaterials.Schoolassembliesregularlyaddresstheissueandreinforceanti-bullyingmessages.

Pupilsareencouragedtotellsomeoneiftheyarebeingbullied.They will do this more often if they feel that incidents of bullying arebeingproperlydealtwith.Aconfidential“It’s O.K. to Tell” box

hasbeenplacedintheLibraryforpupilswholacktheconfidencetospeaktosomeoneconcerningbullying.

Allegations of bullying are always investigated and appropriate actions are taken in line with EastLothianCouncil’sAntiBullyingPolicy.

A.B.E.L(Anti-BullyingEastLothian)arelocatedatBruntonHall,Musselburgh.

Theschool’santibullyingco-ordinatorisMrRBurns,DeputeHeadTeacher.


22

PUPILS WHO HAVE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS

EastLothianCouncil’sPolicyDocument“LearningandTeachingforAll”providesaframeworkforfullandeffectiveinclusionofpupilswithadditionalsupportneeds.

All East Lothian schools offer a range of support for children and young people with additionalsupportneeds.ThereareanumberofadditionalserviceswithintheAuthoritythatofferenhancedsupporttopupilswithadditionalsupportneeds.

Provision and resources are accessed through the local authority’s process of resource allocation and Staged Assessment and Intervention, in consultation with professionals, the childoryoungpersonandtheirfamily.

Section 15 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act 2000 establishes the right of all childrenandyoungpeopletobeeducatedalongsidetheirpeersintheirlocalschools.

Musselburgh Grammar School fully supports East Lothian Council’s Policy of promoting fullandeffectiveinclusionforallchildrenandyoungpeople.ThisPolicyisunderpinnedby the Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act, which includes a presumption in favour ofmainstreameducationforallchildren.Theschool,therefore,aimstoprovideanenvironment for all local children and young people that allows them to achieve their full potential, with particular attention given to youngsters with Additional Support Needs (inthewidestsense).AsrequiredbytheDisabilityDiscriminationActandtheCouncil’sAccessibility Strategy, care is taken to ensure the pupils are not discriminated against with regard to school buildings, the curriculum, extra curricular activities and additional services.

TheCouncil’sPolicydocument“FrameworkforMeetingAdditionalSupportNeeds”provides a framework for full and effective inclusion of pupils with additional support needs.

There is a range of specialist provision available to meet the learning and development needsofallchildrenandyoungpeople.Thereareoutreachteacherswhoworkwiththosepupils from whom English is an additional language, those who have long-term absence from school due to illness, those who have visual or hearing impairment and also pre-schoolpupilswhohavesevere/complexadditionalsupportneeds.Therearevariousapproaches used to support children and young people who have social, emotional and behaviouraldifficulties.Theseincludein-schoolsupportbases,enhancedcurriculumgroupsandinputfromtheChildren’sServicesIntegrationTeam.

Withintheschool,pupilswithmoresignificantadditionalsupportneedsaresupportedin a range of different ways and have their curriculum adapted and tailored to suit their needs.AnumberofpupilswithAdditionalSupportNeedsfollowareasoftheelaboratedcurriculumlife/skillscourseaspartofthis.


23

SCHOOL POLICY ON SCHOOL UNIFORM AND CLOTHING School Dress Code

S1 and S2

Plainwhitepoloshirtorplainlightbluepoloshirt.Navyblueschoolsweatshirtwithschoolcrest.Navy blue or black dress trousers or navy blue or black dressskirtortrousers.Darkfootwear-blacktrainersareacceptable.S1/S2pupilscanalsowearshirtsandtiesiftheywish.

S3-6Whiteorpaleblueschoolshirtorschoolblouse.Schooltie.Girls-blackknittedlongsleevedcardiganorblackknittedlongsleevedv-neckjumper.Boys-blackknittedlongsleevedv-neckjumper.Navyblueorblackdresstrousersornavyblueorblackdressskirt.Darkfootwear-blacktrainersareacceptable.(Blazer to remain optional for S5/6)

What you CANNOT wear

No football tops or items relating to alcohol, cigarettes or drugsFashionable itemsBrand namesDenimjeanseitherblueorblackTrainers except blackTracksuit bottoms or tops

Other Points

All pupils should come to school in uniform and then have an appropriate change of clothingforPhysicalEducation.TheychangebacktoschooluniformafterP.E,including the last period of the day.

Allpupilsmusthaveaschoolbag.(Abrandnameontheschoolbagisacceptable).

Outdoorcoatsandjacketscanhaveabrandnamebutthesegarmentsmustberemovedwhenthepupilisinclass.

ASSISTANCE WITH PROVISION OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

EastLothianCounciloperatesaschemeofprovisiontoensurethatapupilissufficientlyandsuitablycladtotakefulladvantageoftheeducationprovided.

Families in receipt of Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance, or Income Support and EmploymentSupportAllowancewillautomaticallyqualifyforsuchascheme.

Othercaseswillbeconsideredinthecaseofexceptionalpersonalcircumstances.Parentswho wish to apply for the scheme should complete an application form which is available from Department of Resources and People Services Unit, John Muir House, Haddington, EH413HA.


24

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR AND ATTENDANCE

Behaviour

Allpupilsareexpectedtobehavewhileinschool.Thisincludestheclassroom,theplayground, when walking to and from Pinkie Playing Fields, and on the way to andfromschool.Allpupilsshouldtreatallstaff,otherpupilsandmembersofthepublicwithrespectandcourtesy.Theschoolhasacodeofconduct(seepage30)whichelaboratesonthis.

In the case of misbehaviour, various sanctions will be used, such as punishment exercise,detentionandbeingsenttotheAssignmentRoom.TheAssignmentRoom is supervised by promoted members of staff and pupils who are persistently misbehavinginclassaresenttheretocontinuewiththeirwork.WealsooperateaCentralDetentionssystemforpersistentlybadbehaviour.Ithasbeenmadecleartoallpupilsthatifthishappensthenparentswillbeinformed.IncasesofmoreseriousmisbehaviourpupilsmaybeexcludedfromSchool.Theywillbereadmitted after their parents have visited the school and agreed to the conditions of re-entry (See Appendix 1 – East Lothian Council – Exclusion of pupils for disciplinaryreasons.)

The school operates a policy of promoting positive behaviour and endeavours to recognise at every opportunity the effort and application of all pupils in all matters relatingtotheschool.PupilscanearnPositiveQuickNotes,PositiveReferralsorMeritAwardsforoutstandingapplicationtowardstheirstudies.

Attendance

Parentsareresponsibleforensuringthattheirchildattendsschoolregularly.Incasesofunsatisfactoryattendance,theHeadTeacherwillaskaChild&FamilySupport Worker (Attendance) to visit the home and discuss the problem with the parents/guardians.Whereunsatisfactoryattendancepersists,theHeadTeacher,followingdiscussionswiththeChild&FamilySupportWorker(Attendance)and other interested parties, will decide whether the case should be referred totheAreaAttendanceAdvisoryGroup.Thisgrouphasbeenformedtomakerecommendations to the Director of Education on the statutory responsibilities of EastLothianCouncilwithregardtodefaultingparents.

Parentsareaskedtotakeholidayswhereverpossibleoutwithtimes.Whereparentswish to keep their child off school for some reasonable purpose, they are asked to writetotheschoolbeforedoingso.Wherepupilshaveaprearrangedappointmentduringschoolhourse.g.,dentist,hospitaletc,theyshouldbringanoteorappointmentcardtoschoolbeforetheappointment.

All pupils returning to school after an absence must bring a note to explain the reasonfortheirabsence.


25

Musselburgh Grammar School has a Truancy Call system installed, whereby a call or text message is issued to the phone or mobile phone of the parent/guardian onthefirstdayofapupil’sunexplainedabsence,askingtheparent/guardiantocontacttheschoolwithanexplanationoftheabsence.Toavoidunnecessarycallsbeing made, please tell your child to sign in if they are late on arrival to school, andtobringanoteofexplanationafteranyperiodofabsence.Pupilsarrivinglateforschoolafter8.50amwillbegivena10minutelunchtimedetentionifthereisnonoteofexplanation.Pleasealsoensureallchangestotelephonenumbersareadvisedtotheschooloffice.

Parental Support

Parents are expected to support and encourage their child to attend school regularly and to conform to the rules and practicesoftheschool.Co-operationbetween home and school is in the best interestsofthechild.Inthecaseofthechild’s failure to conform to the rules and practices of the school, it is hoped that parents will offer support to the school in its effortstoremedythesituation.

INCLUSION STRATEGYThe council has implemented a Strategy for Inclusion to support children with Special Needs and additional staff have been allocated to the school for this purpose.Abehavioursupportbasehasbeensetupintheschool,isstaffedatalltimesandismanagedbyaPrincipalTeacher.

The Council has a policy of promoting the inclusion of pupils with special needs, includingpupilswithsignificantspecialneeds.Additionalsupportmaybegiventotheschooltoenableittosupporttheneedsofpupilswithlearningdifficulties.


26

SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

As a pupil at Musselburgh Grammar School you should always endeavour to attendregularly.Youmustattendschoolduringnormalschoolhours.

Monday to Thursday Friday

08.45 to 13.05 and 13.50 to 15.50 08.45 to 12.10

If you are unable to attend school you must, on return, bring a note of explanationfromyourparent/guardian.

Be Punctual

YouareallowedintheDiningRoomfrom8.20a.m.Youarenotallowedintotheotherpartsofthebuildinguntilthewarningbellat8.40a.m.YoumustalwaysbeintimeforRegistrationat8.45a.m.andforyourfirstafternoonclassat1.50p.m.Betweenperiodsyouareexpectedtogopromptlytoyournextclass.

Remain in School

You must remain in the school grounds during normal school hours, including interval,unlessyouhavepermissionfromateachertobeelsewhere.

Take Pride in Your School

Musselburgh Grammar is your school.Alwayslookafterthebuildings,furniture,andthematerialsyouuse.Whenmovingbetweenclassroomstaketheshortestroute,walkquietly,andkeeptotheleft.

Avoid Dangerous Practices (you owe it to yourself)

Smoking,useofsolvents,drugsandalcoholareforbidden.Fireworks, matches, lighters and knives are dangerous and are not allowed in school.

Shellsuitsarehighlyflammableandmustnotbeworninschool.

Respect the Community

Theschoolispartofthecommunityandwewantourpupilstoearnitsrespect.Youcandothisby:

• Behavingsensiblyonthewaytoandfromschoolincludingon the buses;• Showingconsiderationforourneighboursandtheirproperty;• Enteringandleavingbytheschoolgates;• Keepingoursurroundingscleanandlitterfree;• BehavingsensiblyinMusselburghTownCentreatlunchtimesanddisposingof alllitterproperly.


27

Take Pride in YourselfYou should want others to think highly of you and they will if you are polite and friendlyandshowconsiderationforothersatalltimes.Disruptivebehaviour,racistorsexistbehaviour,fightingorbullyingwillnotbetolerated.Cometoschoolsuitablydressedinschooluniform.Followtherulesofeachclassroomandeatordrinkonlyintheallowedareas.

Do Yourself JusticeAlwaysdoyourbestby:• Comingtoschoolproperlyequippedandpreparedforwork.• Payingattentionandworkinghardinclass.• Doingyourhomeworkandhandingitinontime.• Preparingfullyforallexaminations.

Respect your teachers and all other staff and follow the School Code of Conduct.


28

EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONSEducational Excursions are designed and organised in accordance with the East Lothian Council’s comprehensive Guidelines.

OUTDOOR EDUCATIONOutdoor Education is provided to the school through the East Lothian Outdoor Education Service based in Unit 3, Musselburgh Racecourse Complex, Balcarres Road, Goosegreen Road, Musselburgh,EastLothianEH217SR.Theaimoftheserviceistoprovidefirstclassexperiences of Outdoor Education for schools and other groups and to offer a supportandadviceserviceforoutdooractivityinEastLothian.

SCHOOL MEALS

The School Cafeteria is available to all pupils at break and lunch time (including Fridays).PupilspayfortheirfoodwiththeuseoftheirPurchaseCard,whichisissuedtothemduringtheirPrimary7visitinJune2014.TheCafeteriaprovidesdrinksandsnacksforpupilsatbreak.

PupilsmaybringpackedlunchestoschoolandeatthemintheDiningRoom.AhighstandardofbehaviourisexpectedfrompupilsintheDiningRoom.

Under the Council Committee for Education policy, children in attendance at schoolsunderthemanagementoftheCouncilareentitledtofreeschoolmeals.

SeeAppendix3forfurtherinformation.

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITYThe school building is a community facility and can offer dining facilities, classrooms,gymnasiumandalargeAssemblyHall.Aprogrammeofnightschoolcoursesisofferedannually.SchoolletscanbearrangedbycontactingFES,FM,duringnormalschoolhours.(Telephone number 01786-458888)


29

HEALTH AND SAFETY The Services for People Department has prepared statements of safety policy for all areas of its responsibility in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.Schoolstaffarefullyinstructedintheirresponsibilitiesinthisrespect,andsafetyregulationsapplytoallaspectsofschoollife,bothonandoffthepremises.

It is expected that pupils will behave responsibly and comply with all safety requirements.ThesupportofparentsinpromotinggoodpracticeinHealthandSafetymattersisofgreatimportancetotheschool.

All visitors to the school must sign in at Reception, and obtain a Visitor’s Pass beforeenteringthemainpartofthebuilding.TheschoolhasanexternalCCTVsystem and pupils are expected to stay inside the building when moving between classes.

The school also has a secure entry system in place whereby only authorized key holderscangainaccesstothebuildingwithouthavingtocontactreception.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

School Bus Passes are issued to those pupils attending the district school from within its catchment area who live more than two miles fromtheschool.ThisisagenerousallowancebyEastLothianCouncil,asitslegalfigureismorethan3miles.

Pupils living in Wallyford and Whitecraig are transportedtoandfromschoolbybus.Pupilstravelling to/from Wallyford will use public service vehicles while pupils travelling to/from Whitecraig will be transported by a private hired bus At present there is no suitable public transport provision to allow pupils from Wallyford and Whitecraig to go home for lunch.

Travelling expenses are also met in the case of any pupil whom the Council requires to attend a school other than the district school, if the pupil meets the distancequalification.

Consideration may also be given to requests for assistance with travelling in exceptionalcircumstances,e.g.wheretheCouncildeemstheroadbetweenhomeandschooldangerous,andwherethereisnopublictransportavailable.

Parents who choose to send their children to a school other than the district school willnotreceiveassistanceinrelationtotraveltoandfromschool.


30

MEDICAL CARE

The School Health Service

Throughout their years at primary and secondary school, all children will be seen from time to time by a team of specialist Health Service and Education Department stafftomakesurethattheybenefitasmuchaspossiblefromallthatschoolhastooffer,andtohelpthemprepareforlifeafterleavingschool.TheSchoolHealthService is part of the Community Child Health Service and has direct links with thosewhocarryouthealthchecksonchildrenbeforetheystartschool.

Manydifferentservicesareprovided.TheissueofmaintainingconfidentialityistakenseriouslybytheSchoolHealthTeamatalltimes.Thestaffinvolvedmakeevery effort to work closely with parents and with others who are caring for your child,bothatschoolandinotherbranchesoftheHealthService.Someoftheservices,e.g.testingforvision,hearingorspeech,areprovidedtoallchildrenonaroutinebasistodiscoverwhichchildrenmayneedfurthertestsortreatment.

Since August 2000 there has been a change in the School Nurse programme for visionScreeningcarriedoutinSecondarySchools.TheLothianHospitalNHSTrustchangeaffectedroutinevisionscreeningofallpupilsatS3level.Thisdecisionwasmade by the Vision Link Group at Community Child Health following a Study of S3 vision screening which showed that very few cases of vision defects were picked up on screening and most of those were of a minor nature which did not affect theirvision.

The School Nurse offers vision screening to S3 pupils where there are concerns abouttheirvision,andthosewhomeettheselectioncriteria.Parentsarenotnotifiedofthesescreeningtests,andanyparentwhodoesnotwantachildtobeincludedshouldnotifytheschoolatthebeginningofthesession.

Naturally, if treatment is thought to be required, the child’s parents will be informedandconsentrequested.

Some of the Staff concerned and the parts they play are as follows:

The School Nurse is involved with health promotion and education, prevention of ill health, immunisation, healthsurveillanceandscreening.Theattentionofthe School Doctor is drawn to any possible problems and parents and the family doctor are informed if any furtheractionisconsiderednecessary.


31

The School Nurse may be helped by a Health Assistant.TheSchoolNurseactsasanimportantlinkbetweenhomeandschool.Shevisitstheschoolregularlyandliaiseswithteacherstofindoutwhetheranypupilshaveahealthneedthatrequirestobeaddressed.TheSchoolNursecanlinkwithothermembersofthehealthteam,inthecommunityorinhospital,concernedwithachild’shealth.

The School Nurse reviews the notes of all children in Primaries 1, 4, 7 and S3 as wellasthoseofallnewentrants.

Parents are also asked to complete a health questionnaire about their child at Primary 1, 7 and S3 and asked if they would like their child to have a medical consultationwiththeSchoolDoctor.The School Doctor is trained in community paediatrics and is part of a team of doctors, including a consultant community paediatrician,foryourarea.Inaddition,thedoctormayaskforyourconsentto examine your child if his/her medical records are incomplete or if the doctor particularlywishestocheckonhis/herprogress.Youwillbeinvitedtobepresentat any medical examination and will be kept informed if the school doctor wishes to see your child again or thinks that your family doctor or a specialist in paediatricsshouldseeyourchild.Youcan,ifyouwish,arrangeforyourfamilydoctor to undertake the examinations instead of the school doctor but you may bechargedafeeforthis.TheschooldoctormayconsiderwhetheranyspecialinformationshouldbeprovidedfortheCareersService,ifappropriate.

The school doctor will be pleased to see you and your child at a mutually convenient time if you are concerned about his/her health or general progress at school.

With your consent, the school doctor also carries out immunisations to protect againstvariousdiseases:

Age14–15Boosterimmunisationagainstdiphtheria,tetanusandpolio.

The Audiometric Team, who check children’s hearing, will not visit the school to checkpupilshearing.Insteadtheywillprovidealocal,clinicbasedappointment-onlyserviceforallschoolagedchildrenrequiringahearingassessment.Theseinclude:


32

• Allchildrenwhoareduetohavearoutinere-testasaresultofbeingfound tohaveahearinglossataprevioustestinschoolorasapre-schoolchild.• Allschoolagechildrennewlyreferredforassessment,either Primary1orotheryears.• Theschoolmedicalofficerwillinformschoolsoftheresultofany assessment.

The speech and language therapist can provide assessment and, if necessary treatment, if you, a teacher, your GP or the school doctor feels that your child may haveaspeechorlanguageproblem.

We hope that the School Health Service can, together with yourselves, contribute toyourchild’soverallwell-beinganddevelopment.Pleasedonothesitatetoarrange, through the Head Teacher, to see the school doctor or school nurse if you wantmoreinformation.


33

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Allmembersofstaffwhohaveagreedtobetrainedintheadministrationofspecificdrugs to pupils, pupils suffering from an epileptic seizure, or a severe allergic reactionandwhoarerequiredtoapplyspecificdrugstothosepupilswillbecoveredbyEastLothianCouncil’sPublicLiabilityPolicy.

OCCASIONAL AND EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTSInallcasesofaccidentoremergencytheSchoolAuxiliarylooksafterthepupil.ADoctororAmbulancemaybesummoned.Stepswillbetakentoensurethatparentsarecontactedandinformedoftheseincidents.

Where early closures are planned, parents will normally be informed beforehand andappropriatearrangementswillbemadeformealsandtransport.Theschoolhasa“CallParents”facilitywhichtextsallparents/guardiansontheirmobilephones.

In the event of emergency closures care will be taken that someone is at home to receivethechildorthatalternativearrangementshavebeenmadebytheparent.Where there is no assurance of this, arrangements will be made to supervise pupils untilschoolnormalclosingtime.Parents/guardiansshouldbeassuredtheschoolwilltreatthecareofyourchildasanutterpriority.


34

PARENT FORUM AND PARENT COUNCIL

The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 encourages and supports moreparents/carerstobecomeinvolvedintheirchildren’seducation.

ThemainaimsoftheActareto:• Helpparentsbecomemoreinvolvedwiththeirchild’seducationand

learning• Welcomeparentsasactiveparticipantsinthelifeoftheschool• Provideeasierwaysforparentstoexpresstheirviewsandwishes

To help achieve these aims, all parents will automatically be members of the ParentForum at their child’s school and will be entitled to have a say in what happens at theschool.AsamemberoftheParentForumparentswillhaveasayinselectingthe Parent Council (the representative body) to work on behalf of all parents at the school.

TheroleoftheParentCouncilisto:• Supporttheschoolinitsworkwithpupils• Representtheviewsofallparents• Encouragelinksbetweentheschool,parents,pupils,pre-schoolgroupsand

the wider community• ConsultwithandreportbacktotheParentForum

The new Parent Council was recognised in law from August 2007 and we have always had an active and committee Parent Council- it’s Constitution allows for up to 30 members plus the opportunity to co-opt parents into special Interest Groups.ItisdelightedtowelcomenewparentsattheAnnualGeneralMeetinginSeptember2014andatothertimesoftheyear.FormoreinformationontheParentalInvolvementActortofindoutaboutparentsaspartnersintheirchildren’slearning please contact the school or Val MacIntyre at the Department of Services for People on 01620 827228 or [email protected] or visit the Parentzone website on www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk or East Lothian Council Website on www.eastlothian.gov.uk

Names of Parent Members:

• Co-Chairs : GaynorAllen Sean Elliot• Treasurer : SharleneMillar• Clerk : SusanDurham


35

Teacher Members

JanePark.

Pupil MembersRepresentativesfromPupilCouncil-HeadBoyandHeadGirl.

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS –

Information from Scottish Parent Teacher Council

The Scottish Parent Teacher Council is the national organisation for the PTA in Scotlandandrunsanindependenthelplineserviceforallparents.Youcancontactthe Scottish Parent Teacher Council by phone on 0131 474 6199, by e-mail on [email protected],MansfieldTraquairCentre,15MansfieldPlace,Edinburgh,EH36BB.


36

HOW TO MAKE A COMMENT, A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAIN ABOUT A COUNCIL SERVICE

Mostcomplaintscanandshouldberesolvedatschoollevel.Ifyouhavecauseforconcern,thefirstpersontoapproachwillnormallybetheHeadTeacher.Ifameeting is required with the Class or Guidance Teacher, Head Teacher or another seniormemberofstaffthenthisshouldbearrangedasquicklyaspossible.Ifyoustillremaindissatisfiedthentheprocedurescontainedwithin“Howtomakeacomment,complimentorcomplaintaboutaCouncilservice”shouldbefollowed.

Furtherinformationcanbeobtainedat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/complaints


37

APPENDIX 1


38

APPENDIX 1A


39

APPENDIX 1B


40

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41

APPENDIX 3

EAST LOTHIAN COUNCIL

Resources and People Services

John Muir House Handbook

(Appendix to School Handbook)

November 2013


42

CONTENTSPage 44 Communication

- School Communication with Parents- Divorced/Separated Parents- Complaints Procedures

Page 45 School Ethos- Creating a Positive Ethos- Anti-bullying Policy- Anti-bullyingEastLothian(A.B.E.L)

Page 46 Parental Involvement- Parent Forum and Parent Council- Parent Staff Association- Scottish Parent Teacher Council

Page 47-48 The Curriculum- Curriculum for Excellence- Community Life and Leisure- Outdoor Education- Religious Observance

Page 48-51 Assessment and Reporting- What is meant by Assessment- How do teachers report on your child’s progress- WherecanIfindoutmoreinformationaboutassessment

and reporting?

Page 51-52 Transition- Enrolment- Pupil Placement- Reserved Places/Roll Capping in schools- School Catchment - More Choices More Chances

Page 53-56 Support for Pupils- Pupils who have additional support needs- The Education (Additional Support for Learning Act)

(Scotland) 2004 (amended) 2009- Enhanced Transition for pupils with Additional Support

Needs- East Lothian Educational Psychology Service- Professionals visiting schools/information sharing and confidentiality

- Exceptional circumstances in which information may be disclosed without consent

- Child Protection - Children and Young People who are looked after- Teach Team


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Page 57 School Improvement- TheroleofQualityImprovementOfficers

Page 58-65 Local Authority Policies and practical information- Composite Classes- Absence and Attendance- Transferring Educational Data about Pupils- Consulting with pupils- Exclusion of pupils- Assistance with provision of school clothing- Free school meals- Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA)- Employment of Children- Home Education- Transport:PolicyoftheCouncilandLocalArrangements

- Road Safety- Health and Safety- Medical care- Administration of Medical Procedures- Emergency closure of schools- Unacceptable Behaviour- Schools within East Lothian- Useful telephone numbers- School session dates 2014/15- Scottish Government Education Department


44

Communication

School Communication with ParentsTheChildren(Scotland)Act1995amendedthedefinitionof“parent”intheEducation(Scotland)Act1980to“Parentincludesguardianandanypersonwhois liable to maintain or has parental responsibilities in relation to, or has care of, achildoryoungperson”.Communicationwithparentscantakemanyformsandhavemanypurposes.SchoolsaresupportedbyEastLothianCounciltousea range of ways to ensure that all parents have the information that they need to support their own child’s learning and to help them become involved in the life of theschool.

Divorced/Separated Parents – Information Effectivecommunicationbetweentheschoolandparentsisvital.Thiscansometimesbedifficultwhenparentsseparateordivorce.Ifparentsareseparatedor a divorce was granted after November 1996 both parents will retain parental responsibilities,unlessthecourthasspecificallyremovedthoseresponsibilities.In relation to placing requests, appeals against certain educational decisions and accesstopupils’recordsbothparentswillnormallyhaveequalrights.Evenifa divorce was granted prior to November 1996 the parent without custody may nothavelostallrightstoinformationandtobeinvolvedindecision-making.Theabovedefinitionmayalsogiveothersrights.

Schools will therefore request the names and addresses of both parents at the time ofenrolmentandattheannualupdateofdata.Theparent/swithwhomthepupilresideswillautomaticallyreceiveallcommunicationsfromtheschool.Ifaparentlivesawayfromthefamilyhometheywill,whentheschoolisfirstinformedoftheir address, receive a Recorded Delivery letter enquiring whether or not they wishtoreceiveinformationabouttheirchild’seducation.Ifnoreplyisreceiveditwill be assumed they do not wish to be kept informed and there will be no further communicationunlessarequestforinformationissubsequentlyreceived.Iftheywish to be kept informed they will receive copies of all communications regarding thepupilincludingcopiesofreportsandnotificationofParents’Meetings.Theparentwithwhomthepupilresideswillbeinformedthatthisishappening.

The school is dependent on the parent with whom the pupil resides supplying the appropriateinformationi.e.theaddressoftheparentnotlivinginthefamilyhome,details of Court proceedings prohibiting that parent’s involvement in the child’s educationoranyotherrelevantdocumentation.Parents/Carersshouldnotethatchildren can only be collected from school by the parent with whom they reside unlesstheparent/carershaveauthorisedanalternativearrangement.Ifsomeoneelseistocollectthepupiltheschoolshouldbeinformedinadvance.


45

Complaints ProceduresMostcomplaintscanandshouldberesolvedatschoollevel.Ifyouhavecauseforconcern,thefirstpersontoapproachwillnormallybetheHeadTeacher.Ifameeting is required with the Class or Guidance Teacher, Head Teacher or another seniormemberofstaffthenthisshouldbearrangedasquicklyaspossible.Ifyoustillremaindissatisfiedthentheprocedurescontainedwithin“Howtomakeacomment,complimentorcomplaintaboutaCouncilservice”shouldbefollowed.

Furtherinformationcanbeobtainedat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/complaints

School Ethos

Creating a Positive EthosEast Lothian Council schools endeavour to create a positive learning ethos in avarietyofways.SomeschoolshavetakenoninitiativessuchasUNICEF’saccredited scheme which promotes the learning of the UN’s Convention of Rights fortheChild.Someschoolshavetakenonapproachestopromotingpositivebehavioursuchasrestorativepracticeand/ortheNurturingClassroom/School.Being Cool in School is an Authority-wide initiative in schools which encourages pupilstoassertthemselvesappropriatelyastheyfaceeverydaysituations.ThesearejustsomeexamplesofgoodpracticeinEastLothian.

More information can be found from the Scottish Government’s website on “Improving relationships and promoting positive behaviour in Scotland’s schools” at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/15100117/1

Anti-Bullying Policy All schools have an Anti-Bullying Policy as part of East Lothian Council’s Anti-bullying Policy and incidents of bullying in schools are recorded as part of the Policy.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/antibullying

Anti-bullying East Lothian (A.B.E.L)Anti-bullyingEastLothian(A.B.E.L)islocatedattheBruntonHall,Musselburgh.A.B.E.Lisavoluntaryorganisationthataroseoutofthestrongdesireofparentstodo something for themselves to overcome the devastating effect that bullying can haveonchildren,theirfamiliesandtheircommunity.A.B.E.Loffersinformationand support to the young person being bullied and their family and the young persondisplayingthebullyingbehaviourandtheirfamily.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://antibullyingeastlothian.org.uk


46

Parental Involvement

Parent Forum and Parent Council The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 encourages and supports moreparents/carerstobecomeinvolvedintheirchildren’seducation.ThemainaimsoftheActareto:

• Help parents/carers become more involved with their child’s education and learning.

• Welcomeparents/carersasactiveparticipantsinthelifeoftheschool.• Provideeasierwaysforparents/carerstoexpresstheirviewsandwishes.

To help achieve these aims, all parents/carers will automatically be members of the Parent Forum at their child’s school and will be entitled to have their views represented to the school, education authority and others, through a representative ParentCouncilfortheschool.AsamemberoftheParentForum,parents/carerswillhave a say in selecting their Parent Council (the representative body) to work on behalfofallparents/carersattheschool.

TheroleoftheParentCouncilisto:• Support the school in its work with pupils• Represent the views of all parents/carers• Encourage links between the school, parents/carers, providers of nursery

education and the community• ConsultwithandreportbacktotheParentForum.

TheParentCouncilarrangementscameintoeffectinAugust2007.FormoreinformationontheParentalInvolvementActortofindoutaboutparentsaspartners in their children’s learning contact the school or Val McIntyre, Principal Officer,ResourcesandPeopleServices,telephonenumber01620-827228orbye-mailing [email protected] or the Parentzone website http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone

Head Teachers now have a legal obligation to consult with their Parent Council to establish what they would like included in the School Handbook and ensure it is incorporated.DiscussionsshouldtakeplaceatParentCouncilmeetingsandanydecisionstakenmustbereflectedintheschoolhandbook.Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/parentcouncils

Parent Staff AssociationsWhere a Parent Staff Association exists at a school information on the Parent Staff Associationwillbeprovidedbytheschool.

Scottish Parent Teacher Council (SPTC)The Scottish Parent Teacher Council is the national organisation for Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Parent Associations (PAs) in Scotland and runs anindependenthelplineserviceforallparents.YoucancontacttheScottishParent Teacher Council by telephone 0131-474-6199, by e-mail [email protected], the website http://www.sptc.info or write to Scottish Parent Teacher Council, 15 MansfieldPlace,Edinburgh,EH36BB.


47

The Curriculum

Curriculum for ExcellenceSchoolsfollowtheprinciplesandpracticeofCurriculumforExcellence.This3-18curriculumaimstoensurethatallpupilswillbesuccessfullearners,confidentindividuals,responsiblecitizensandeffectivecontributors.ThesefourmainaimsarereferredtoastheFourCapacitiesandunderpintheworkthatschoolsdo.CurriculumforExcellencecomprises8curricularareasconsistingof:ExpressiveArts, Health and Wellbeing, Languages (including English, Gaelic, Classic and Modern Languages), Mathematics, Religious and Moral Education, Sciences, Social StudiesandTechnologies.

Thecurriculumisexpressedinlearningexperiencesandoutcomesforlearners.Theprinciplesofchallengeandenjoyment,breadth,progression,depth,personalisation and choice, coherence and relevance inform the learning of all pupils All pupils will be encouraged at all stages to think about why they are learning a particular topic and how associated skills can be used in real life and inotherareasacrossthecurriculum.Allpupilsareengagedwithteachersinplanning and assessing aspects of learning and often have the choice of topics and waystopresenttheirlearning.Whilstthereareeightsubjectareaslearningwilloftenbelinkedacrosssubjectareastohelpchildrenapplytheirknowledgeandskillsinnewanddifferentsituations.

FurtherinformationonCurriculumforExcellencecanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/curriculumforexcellencehttp://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculumhttp://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/whatcanlearnersexpect/skillsforlearning.asp

Other areas which can facilitate enhanced learning opportunities for pupils include:

• Instrumental Music Tuition• Drama provision/Theatre• Educationalvisitsinmuseums/projects.• Study Support and After School Activities• Sport• School Library Service

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure

Outdoor EducationOutdoor Education is provided to schools through the East Lothian Outdoor LearningServicebasedinMusselburgh.TheOutdoorLearningServiceprovideshighquality,safeandsustainableoutdoorlearningopportunities.Theservicepromotesprogressiveexperientiallearningandthebenefitsofhealthylifestyles.Itresponds to the needs of East Lothian schools and the wider community, delivering outdoorlearninginaneffective,inspirationalandmotivatingmanner.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/outdoorlearning


48

Educational ExcursionsEducational Excursions are designed and planned in accordance with the East LothianCouncil’scomprehensiveGuidelines.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/educationalexcursions

Religious ObservanceReligious observance should provide opportunities for the school community to reflect on, and develop, a deeper understanding of the dignity and worth of eachindividualandtheircontributiontotheschoolandwidercommunities.Inrecognition of Scotland’s Christian heritage, schools are encouraged to use the richresourcesofthistraditionwhenplanningreligiousobservance.Manyschoolcommunities contain pupils and staff from faiths other than Christianity or with no faithcommitment.Thisshouldbetakenfullyintoaccountinsupportingspiritualdevelopment.Itisofcentralimportancethatallpupilsandstaffcanparticipatewith integrity in forms of religious observance without compromise to their personalfaithstances.

At present school assemblies are the most common vehicle for delivering religious observance.Thereshouldbeacleardistinctionbetweenassembliesdevisedfor the purpose of religious observance and assemblies for other purposes such ascelebratingsuccess.Religiousobservancemightincludeopportunitiesforclass, year, stage or whole school observance as well as involvement by pupils andothers,includingschoolchaplains,inplanningandpresentation.Thereisastatutory provision for parents to withdraw children from participation in religious observance.Thisrightshouldalwaysbemadeknowntoparentsandtheirwishesrespected.Parentsshouldbeprovidedwithsufficientinformationonwhichtobaseadecision.

Where a child is withdrawn from religious observance, schools should make suitable arrangements for the child to participate in a worthwhile alternative activity.Innocircumstancesshouldachildbedisadvantagedasaresultofwithdrawingfromreligiousobservance.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:www.eastlothian.gov.uk/religioninschools

Assessment and Reporting

What is meant by assessment? Assessment tells us what children and young people know, understand and are abletodo.Assessmentisaprocesswhichsupportsyourchild’slearningfromNurserythroughtoS3andnotaseriesofevents“donetothem.”Byinvolvingyour child in the whole process of learning and assessment and allowing them to take responsibility for their own learning, it raises their standards of achievement anddevelopstheirskillsforlearning,lifeandwork.Progressthereforebecomesa measure of your child’s success in setting high expectations and successfully achievingthem.


49

What is assessed? CurriculumforExcellencecomprises8curricularareasconsistingof:ExpressiveArts, Health and Wellbeing, Languages (including English, Gaelic, Classic and Modern Languages), Mathematics, Religious and Moral Education, Sciences, SocialStudiesandTechnologies.Therearealso3keyareaswhichallteachersareresponsible for teaching Literacy across learning, Numeracy across learning and HealthandWellbeingacrosslearning. Assessment and Reporting across East Lothian Schools Eachcurriculumareaisbrokendownintoasetofexperiencesandoutcomes.These experiences and outcomes in each area are then grouped as Early Level (Nursery—P1); First Level (P2-P4); Second Level (P5-P7); Third and Fourth Levels (S1-S3).TheExperiencedescribesthelearningwhilsttheOutcomerepresentswhatthelearningwillachieve.Thisisoftenexplainedfromthepupil’sperspectiveasan‘Ican....’statement.

What’s in an “outcome”? • The learning within each outcome is given to your child as a series of learningintentions.

• Each learning intention is supported by success criteria which are your child’sstepstoachievingsuccessinlearning.

• As each pupil achieves the success criteria, teachers and your child can both see the progress in learning which is being made across outcomes withineachcurriculararea.

How are we assessing? Teachers look at a range of evidence of learning which your child has produced beforesumminguphis/herprogressatthatpointintime.Someconcreteexamplesofevidencemightbe:

• Self-assessment of a written story focusing on paragraphing, use of descriptivelanguageandacoherentplot.

• Amaths“check-up”worksheetonequivalentfractions.• A PowerPoint presentation on a country’s climate, land composition and geographicallandmarks.

• Ateacher’sobservationofballcontrolinP.E.

Evidence of children and young people’s progress and achievements will come fromday-to-daylearningandthroughthethingstheymaywrite,say,makeordo.

How do teachers report on your child’s progress? Progressisnowdefinedas“howmuch”and“howwell”yourchildislearning,andnotsolelyon“howfast”althoughpaceisstillimportant.Thenewcurriculumis designed to enable your child to achieve greater breadth and depth of learning whilstalsosecuringthedevelopmentofskillsandknowledge.Thereforereporting must now include information on progress which is either developing, consolidating or secure depending on how well your child has developed a breadth of learning, in challenging aspects and applied this learning in other curricularareasorcontexts.


50

If your child has had opportunities to show breadth, challenge and application in the different curricular areas, but has not evidenced each through their learning andacrossalevel,theteachermayreportthatyourchildis“developing.”

If your child demonstrates a range of evidence, where he/she has met challenges anddeepenedhis/herlearning,thenyourchildwillbe“consolidating”theirprogress.

If your child has demonstrated that they have knowledge and understanding and skills across a breadth of learning, whilst meeting challenges across this breadth to deepen their learning and applied all of this in another context or curricular area consistently,thentheteacherwillreportthatyourchildis“secure.”

Thereisarangeofwaysinwhichyourchild’steacherreportsonhis/herprogress.Hereareafewexamples:

• “LearningStories”areusedtobuildapictureofprogressionforyourchildineachcurriculararea.

• Pupil reports are used to sum up your child’s progress in learning across the curriculum.

• E-portfoliosareusedtoprovideongoingevidenceofyourchild’sprogress.

Alllearningisajourneyofprogress,whichisrarelylinearandtakesmanyroutesandpathways.Yourchildmaytakelongertoprogressinsomeareasinordertoensurethesecuritythatwillenablethemtomakeprogressconfidently.

Teachers will report also on your child’s effort and also on the level of support given.

When do schools assess? Assessment takes place as part of everyday learning and teaching, periodically and atkeytransitions.Aspartofeverydaylearning,teachersarecontinuouslyassessingtheir pupils’ progress using learning intentions and success criteria as measures ofpupils’success.Fromtimetotime,teacherswilluseteststoassesschildrenand young people’s progress and achievements in order to be able to plan ahead, recordandreportonprogressandsupportlearners.

Transitions are the moves children and young people make, from home to nursery, from stage to stage, from primary to secondary, to further education and employment.Informationaboutalearner’sprogressandachievementswillbepassed on to make sure that their broad general education continues at the correct levelandatanappropriatepaceforthem.

Where can I find out more information about assessment and reporting? Your child’s school will be able to provide you with more information on how they carryoutspecificassessmentsandhowtheyreportonyourchild’sprogress.


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Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learningteachingandassessment/assessment/index.asp http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzonehttp://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/howisprogressassessed/stages/index.asp

Transitions

Enrolment If you want your child to go to their catchment school, you should register yourchilddirectlywiththatschool.Youwillneedtoprovideyourchild’sbirthcertificateandtwopiecesofproofofresidenceshowingyourcurrentaddress(oneof which must be your most recent council tax assessment letter or book and a recentutilitiesbilldatedwithinthelastsixmonths).Youmustshowtheseattheschool by the beginning of December (please contact your catchment school to checkenrolmentdays).ThisallowstheBusinessUnitwithinResourcesandPeopleServices to give your child, as a resident in the school’s catchment, priority for aplace.Furtherinformationcanbeobtainedbye-mailingschoolplacements@eastlothian.gov.uk

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/enrollingyourchild

Pupil PlacementThe law allows parents to express a preference for a different school (such a school is often referred to as a non-catchment school) rather than placing their child in theirlocalschool.TheCouncilisobligedtograntaplacingrequestwhereverpossible.Whilemostrequestsaregrantedinsomecasesthisisnotpossible.TheCouncil can only refuse a placing request if any of the criteria as per Section 28A (3)Education(Scotland)Act1980ismet.Ifaplacingrequestisrefusedtheparenthastherighttoappealthisdecision.Anappealspanelwillheartheappealandifthey come to the conclusion that they do not think the grounds of refusal quoted stand or that even though the grounds of refusal stand it is still inappropriate to refuse the place, they can overturn the decision and the child would be allocated a placeinthatschool.

Pupil placement process must meet set timescales, all requests received by 15 Marchmustbeconsideredatthesametime.ParentsmustreceivetheoutcomeoftheirrequestbeforetheendofApril.Ifaschoolisoversubscribeddetailedreports outlining all the placing requests for that school are presented to the Pupil PlacementSubCommitteeforapproval.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/choosingaschoolFurtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/PlacingRequests


52

Reserved Places/Roll Capping in SchoolsResources and People Services obtains information on the migration of pupils from certainschoolswherewemayneedtoreserveplacesforincomingdistrictpupils.Reserving places is crucial in areas where there are high levels of house build or highmigrationintocatchment.Thisalsoinformswhetheritwillbenecessarytorollcapcertainstageswithinaschoolorthewholeschooltomaximumnumber.

By the end of December we have received class organisation returns from primary andsecondaryschoolsforthenextschoolyear.Thisinformationisvitalasitinforms the Services of how many district pupils have enrolled and the number ofnon-districtplacesthatcanbegranted.Itisalsoanearlywarningforanyproblemsi.e.overschoolcapacityorlargeincreasesinpupils’numbersbecauseofhousebuild.Detailedreportsrequestingrollcappingofschoolsorretainingplacesfor pupils moving into the catchment area are always presented to Education Committeeforapproval.

School CatchmentEveryschoolhasacatchmentarea;eachcatchmentareahasclearboundaries.Childrenlivinginthecatchmentareaaregivenpriorityforplacesinthisschool.Entitlement to a place in a school is based on home address and not on attendance atanassociatedschoolornurseryclass.InsomeareasthereareseparateCatholicschools available for parents wishing their child to be educated in this type of school.ChildrenlivinginthecatchmentareaandbaptisedintheCatholicfaitharegivenpriorityforplacesinthisschool.

Each primary school in East Lothian feeds into a corresponding secondary school (clickonthelinktoviewdetails).Theboundarylinesforeachprimaryandsecondary school catchment area in East Lothian for the most remain so since circa 1980’s, and were originally recorded on printed copies of A-Z street maps andOrdnanceSurveyMaps.Toimproveaccessibilityofinformation,eachschoolcatchment area map was re-digitised for public use on the East Lothian Council’s website,asapprovedbyEducationCommitteeinMay2011.

Thecatchmentboundarylinesareavailabletoviewvia:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?downloadID=1588

For an overview map of all the catchments, download the following map from the East LothianCouncilwebsite.Therearenocatchmentboundariesfornurseryprovision.

More Choices More ChancesMore Choices More Chances is Scottish Government’s broad strategic framework for improving outcomes for young people aged 16-19 yrs old by reducing the number whoarenot ineducation,employmentor training. Whilstatschool, thereareanumber of interventions offered to school age young people to better prepare them forlifebeyondschoolincluding:extendedworkexperienceplacements,vocationalcourses (some ofwhich are certificated) and business coaching. In addition tothese opportunities, post school options include Activity Agreements and a variety ofEmployabilityFundprogrammesofferedatstages2-4.TheMoreChoicesMoreChances partnership includes a range of partners including Edinburgh College and otherlearning/trainingproviders.


53

Support for Pupils

Pupils Who Have Additional Support NeedsAll East Lothian schools offer a range of support for children and young people withadditionalsupportneeds.Thereareanumberofadditionalservicesbothwithin the Authority and from external agencies that offer enhanced support to pupilswithadditionalsupportneeds.

Provision and resources are accessed through the local authority’s processes of resource allocation and Staged Assessment and Intervention, in consultation with professionals,thechildoryoungpersonandtheirfamily.

TheCouncil’sPolicydocument“FrameworkforMeetingAdditionalSupportNeeds”providesaframeworkforfullandeffectiveinclusionofpupilswhohaveadditionalsupportneeds.TheAuthorityhasanAccessibilityStrategyforschoolswhich enables access to Communication, Environment and the Curriculum for all pupils.SchoolsalsotakeaccountoftheEqualitiesAct2010.

The Education (Additional Support for Learning Act) (Scotland) 2004 (amended 2009) The Education (Additional Support for Learning Act) (Scotland) 2004 (amended 2009) statesthat:-

• A child or young person who has additional support needs, and also his/herparentsorcarers,shouldbeinvolvedinanydecisions-making.Theycan have a supporter with them at meetings or have an advocate present topresenttheircaseforthem.Ayoungperson’sviewsmustbetakenintoaccountforpost-schooltransitions.

• Young people and parents/carers should be provided with information and adviceabouttheirown,ortheirchild’sadditionalsupportneeds.Theycan also request, at any time, an assessment to establish additional support needs or if a Co-ordinated Support Plan is required, or for a Co-ordinated SupportPlantobereviewed.

• A young person who has additional support needs or his/her parent or carer can make a placing request to another education authority or an independentschool.

• Thelocalauthorityisrequiredtoprovideafreemediation.CommonGroundMediationisEastLothianCouncil’sprovider.Itpromotescollaborationbetweenparents,children,schoolandeducationservices.Anyoneinvolvedinadisagreementcanaccessthisservice.

• Young people and parents or carers can make an application to use the free,nationalDisputeResolutionprocesstoresolvecertaintypesofdispute.

• Young people and parents or carers can appeal to the national Additional Support Needs Tribunal to challenge a decision about a Co-ordinated SupportPlanandcertainothermattersrelatingtoadditionalsupportneeds.Freeadvocacycanbeprovidedforthis.

Information is available from Resources and People Services, Business Unit, John MuirHouse,Haddington,EastLothian,EH413HA.


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Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/additionalsupportneeds

Enhanced Transition for pupils with Additional Support Needs All children and young people go through a number of transition stages in their schooleducationwhentheymovefromonesettingtoanother.Childrenandyoung people with additional support needs will need different levels and types ofsupport.InEastLothian,wemanagethisthroughtheStagedAssessmentandInterventionFramework.Theteamworkingwiththechildoryoungperson,thechild or young person themselves and their parents are best placed to decide on thelevelofplanningandthenatureofinterventionneeded.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/transition

East Lothian Educational Psychology ServiceEducationalPsychologistsarepartofResourcesandPeopleServices.EducationalPsychologistsmakeregularvisitstoallnursery,primaryandsecondaryschools.

What do Educational Psychologists do? Educational Psychologists work collaboratively with other professionals, parents and carers, to help children and youngpeopleovercomebarrierstolearning.Theysupportschoolstafftoenhancelearning environments, to ensure they are effective for all children and young people,whatevertheirlearningneeds.

How does an Educational Psychologist become involved with my child? If you haveanyconcernsabouthowyourchildisgettingonatschool,thefirstthingtodoissharethemwithschoolstaff.IfstafffeelthatanEducationalPsychologistmay be able to help, they will contact their link Educational Psychologist for aconsultationorinvitethemtoastagedassessmentmeetinginschool.IftheEducational Psychologist is going to become formally involved with your child, thenparentalpermissionforthiswillalwaysbesought.YouarealsowelcometocontacttheEducationalPsychologyServicedirectlyifyouwouldprefer.

You can contact the Educational Psychology Service , Telephone number 01620- 827827 or write to East Lothian Council, Educational Psychology Service, John MuirHouse,Haddington,EastLothian,EH413HA.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/educationalpsychology

Professionals visiting schools/information sharing and confidentialitySchools can call on professionals from a number of different agencies/services forhelpandadvice.TheseincludeEducationalPsychologists,officerswiththeEducational Services, School Doctor, School Nurse, Careers Advisor, Social Worker,FamilySupportWorkeretc.Formalreferraltoanyoftheseagencies/serviceswouldonlytakeplacewiththeconsentofparents/carers.Therewillhowever be occasions when issues may be discussed in confidence without formal referralandthereforewithoutsuchconsent.Ifparentsareconcernedaboutthistheyshouldcontacttheschoolforfurtherinformation.


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Exceptional circumstances in which information may be disclosed without consentDisclosureofpersonalinformationwithoutconsentmaybejustifiedwherefailuretodosomayexposetheservice-userorotherstoriskofseriousharm.Staffshouldalways make every effort to gain consent but the health and safety of the individual hasprimacyovertherighttoconfidentiality.Exceptionalcircumstancesmayinclude:

• ChildProtection:staffshouldadheretotheEdinburghandLothiansInter-agencyChildProtectionProcedures.

• Protecting vulnerable adults• Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003• Life threatening or dangerous situations, for example, where a young person:shows signs of physical, emotional or sexual damageisatriskofsignificantharmorthreateningsuicide.

Child ProtectionThe East and Midlothian Child Protection Committee (EMCPC) is the key group dealingwithchildprotectionworkinEastLothianandMidlothian.Childabusecanhappentoanychildandinanyfamilybackground.Weallhaveadutytoprotectchildren,whetherweareprofessionalsorprivateindividuals.

If you think a child is being abused or neglected, speak to a member staff at the child’s school, the Children’s Services duty social worker by calling 01875 824 090 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm and Fri 9am-4pm), the Emergency Social Work Service by calling(freephone)08007316969atanytimeoutsidenormalofficehours.Thecontactdetailsare:-

Children’s Wellbeing Randall House Macmerry, EH33 1RW Telephone:01875824309(Email:[email protected])

The Procedures promote a high level of inter-agency co-operation when working withchildrenwhomaybeinneedofprotection.TrainingisavailableforallstaffinEast Lothian Council to ensure that their skill and commitment is used effectively in identifying and protecting children who have been abused or may be at risk of abuse.

The Procedures will further encourage the partnership that exists between the Resources and People Services, Health and the Police in East Lothian and will help towards building a partnership with parents in carrying out our duties and responsibilitiestoEastLothianchildrenandyoungpeople.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/childprotection

Children and Young People who are looked after There are some children and young people who are looked after or looked after and accommodated (LAC) and who may have additional support needs as directed by the Education (Additional Support for Learning Act) (Scotland) 2004 (amended


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2009). Schools are very aware of who their LAC pupils are and the supports and strategieswhichmayberequiredtomeettheirdiverseneeds.TheEducationalPsychology Service works closely with schools and staff from Children’s Wellbeing tosupporttheseoftenvulnerableyoungpeople.

Team TeachWe pride ourselves in East Lothian on providing a safe learning environment for ourpupils.Inexceptionalsituations,someofourchildrenmaygetanxiousoragitated, and we will do our best to help pupils through using communication skills,distractiontechniquesandremovingtriggerswherepossible. There may be times when children need more help; this may require staff’s positive physical support to ensure; the pupil’s own safety; the safety of other pupils and staff;thatpropertyisnotseriouslydamaged.InEastLothian,wehaveadoptedthe‘TeamTeach’approachtomanagethislevelofbehaviouronthefewoccasionsitoccurs,andstaffaretrainedandaccreditedtousearangeof‘TeamTeach’techniques. Intheseinstancesallincidentsarerecordedinschool.Parentsareinformedasamatterofcourse.ChildrenwhoarelikelytoneedhelpinthiswaywillhaveaPositive Handling Plan that will be discussed with you, and routinely followed by allschoolstaff.Ifrequiredwewillaskparentstosharerelevantinformationwithotherpeople/agenciessupportingpupils,e.g.transport,respite,linkfamily,etc,tomaintainaconsistentapproachforchildrenandyoungpeople.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsabouthowwemanagebehaviouratschool,oraboutthe‘TeamTeach’approachpleasecontacttheHeadTeacher.


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School Improvement

The Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act (2000) requires that every local authority aims to secure improvement in the quality of school education which is provided intheschoolsmanagedbythem.AspartofEastLothianCouncil’slegislativedutyto ensure that schools are supported in improving standards for pupils each year, evaluationvisitsarecarriedoutineveryschooltwiceduringeachschoolsession.By focusing on improvements in performance during these visits, schools are supportedinensuringhighstandardsareachievedandmaintained.

The Role of Quality Improvement OfficersThereare3QualityImprovementOfficerswhohaveresponsibilityforsupportandchallengeacrossallEastLothianschools.Responsibilitiestoindividualschoolsincludethefollowing:-

• Provide support pre, during and post Education Scotland Inspection• Support and monitor development planning ensuring links to How Good

Is Our School? Child at the Centre and Service Improvement Framework outcomes

• Provideadviceonstaffing/finance/resourcesissues• Support development/progression of Curriculum for Excellence• Analyse and use data to challenge schools to raise attainment and

achievement• Participate in the appointment of senior members of school based staff• Provide support in the resolution of disciplinary matters; complaints; and

other school based issues• Devise and promote strategies to address areas where performance should

be improved; monitor and report on progress• Undertake evaluation visits to all schools and provide reports as appropriate.

The3QualityImprovementOfficerseachhavetwoclustersofschoolswithintheirremits:

1) Dunbar&Tranent2) Haddington&Prestonpans3) Musselburgh&NorthBerwick

OtherimportantelementswithintheQualityImprovementOfficerroleinclude:• Monitoring of children who are home educated• Parental complaints and Freedom of Information Requests• Chairing cluster moderation meetings for Exceptional Needs resource

allocation • ReportingtoScottishGovernment,EducationScotland,e.g.onCurriculum

for Excellence implementation• ManagingLocalAuthorityeducationaldevelopments,e.g.LeadershipDevelopment,Assessment&Moderation

• Involved in the recruitment process of Head Teachers and Depute Head Teachers.


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Local Authority Policies and Practical Information

Composite ClassesTherearecompositeclassesinmostschoolsacrossEastLothian.Theyhelpustodelivereffectivelywithintheschool’sbudgetandarebasedonpupilage.Allclasses whether composite or not, contain pupils of different abilities and levels ofdevelopment.Teachersareexpertinhowtostructurelearningforpupilsof differing abilities and composite classes do not pose any greater challenge thansingle-yearclasses.Weknowthatfriendshipgroupsareimportantandweencourage children to mix with their friends at break, through whole-school or stageevents.Parentsshouldalsocreateopportunitiestomaintainfriendshipsandencouragenewones.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/compositeclassesAbsence and AttendanceParents are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly and where an absence should occur, informing the school as to the nature of non-attendanceandpossiblelength.Incasesofunsatisfactoryattendance,theHeadTeacherwillcallontheChild&FamilySupportWorker(Attendance)tovisitthehomeanddiscusstheproblemwiththeparents.IfsuchunsatisfactoryattendancecontinuestheHeadTeacher,followingdiscussionswiththeChild&FamilySupportWorker (Attendance) and other agencies will decide whether the case should bereferredtothelocalAreaAttendanceAdvisoryGroup.Parentsshouldbeencouragedtotakeholidayswhereverpossibleoutwithtermtimes.Whereparentswish to keep their child off school for some reasonable purpose, they are asked to writetotheschoolbeforedoingso.Wherepupilshavearearrangedappointmentduringschoolhourse.g.dentist,hospitalthepupilshouldbringanoteorappointmentcardtoschoolbeforetheappointment.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/attendance

Transferring Educational Data about PupilsThe Scottish Government and its partners collect and use information about pupils through the Pupil CensustohelptoimproveeducationacrossScotland.Belowexplains why we need this information, how we use it and what we do to protect theinformationsuppliedtous.

Why do we need your data? In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, Scottish Government, education authorities and otherpartnerssuchastheSQAandSkillsDevelopmentScotlandneedaccurate,up-to-datedataaboutourpupils.Wearekeentohelpallourpupilsdowellinallaspectsofschoollifeandachievebetterexaminationresults.Accurateandup-to-datedataallowsusto:plananddeliverbetterpoliciesforthebenefitofallpupilsplananddeliverbetterpoliciesforthebenefitofspecificgroupsofpupilsbetter understand some of the factors which influence pupil attainment and

achievement


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share good practicetarget resources betterenhance the quality of research to improve the lives of young people in

Scotland

Data policy - Information about pupils’ education is collected through our statistical surveys in partnership between the Scottish Government and Local Authorities through the ScotXed Programme which aims to help schools and Local Authoritiesbysupportingefficientcollection,processinganddisseminationofstatisticalinformation.TheScottishGovernmentthenprovidesanalysisofthedatato support research, planning, management and monitoring of education services aswellastoproduceNationalStatisticspublications.

Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systemsandisexploitedasavaluablecorporateresource,subjecttoconfidentialityrestraints.Aspartofitsdatapolicy,ScottishGovernmentwillnotpublishormakepubliclyavailableanyinformationthatallowsindividualpupilstobeidentified,nor will data be used by Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals.DataisheldsecurelyandnoinformationonindividualpupilscanorwouldbemadepubliclyavailablebyScottishGovernment.

The individual data collected by Scottish Government through the Pupil Census is usedforstatisticalandresearchpurposesonly.

Your data protection rights The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXeddataisdoneinaccordancewiththeDataProtectionAct(1998).Wealso comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislationrelatedtosafeguardingtheconfidentialityofdata.TheDataProtectionActgivesyoutherighttoknowhowwewilluseyourdata.Thisnotecangiveonlyabriefdescriptionofhowweusedata.FullerdetailsofeachindividualScotXedsurvey, including the purpose of each and the published data, can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net).

Scottish Government works with a range of partners including Education Scotland, SkillsDevelopmentScotlandandtheScottishQualificationAuthority.Onoccasion, in order to help meet our aim of improving the life of young people in Scotland, we may make individual data available to partners such as the National Registers of Scotland to carry out research relating to the national population census and also academic institutions and organisations to carry out additional researchandstatisticalanalysistomeettheirownofficialresponsibilities.Anysharing of data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, and willbeconsistentwithourdatapolicy.Thiswillensurethatnoindividualleveldata will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that these data will not beusedtotakeanyactionsinrespectofanindividual.Decisionsonthesharingof data will be taken in consultation with relevant colleagues and individuals withinandoutwithScottishGovernment.At all times pupils’ rights under the Data ProtectionActandotherrelevantlegislationwillbeensured.


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ConcernsIf you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Head of Schools Analysis, Mick Wilson, [email protected] or write toTheScotXedSupportOffice,Area2D,VictoriaQuay,Leith,EH66QQ.

Consulting with pupilsUnder the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 the views of children should be taken intoaccountwhenmajordecisionsarebeingmadewhichwillaffecttheirlives.Generally children over 12 are presumed in law to have a view but younger children may also be mature enough to have a view and should be given the opportunitytoexpressit.WhiletheLocalAuthorityandschoolsmaynotbebound by this they do consult with pupils and the methods used will be included intheSchool’shandbook.ThiscouldincludeformalconsultationthroughPupilCouncils, pupils co-opted to Parent Councils, questionnaires, suggestion boxes, review and planning meetings, as well as arrangements to consult with individual pupilsatappropriatetimes(subjectchoice,exclusionsetc.).

Exclusions of pupilsExclusion from school is used on occasions when the safety of the pupil concerned orothersisatriskifthepupilremainsinschool.Theperiodofexclusionshouldbeasshortaspossibleandusedasa“breathingspace”toenabletheschool/family/other agencies to work together to support the child/young person to return toschoolsuccessfully.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/exclusion

Assistance with Provision of School ClothingEast Lothian Council operates a scheme of provision to ensure that a pupil is sufficientlyandsuitablycladtotakefulladvantageoftheeducationprovided.Families in receipt of Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support and Income Related Employment and Support Allowance will qualify for such ascheme.Othercasesmaybeconsideredinthecaseofexceptionalpersonalcircumstances.Parentswhowishtoapplyfortheschemeshouldcompleteanapplication form which is available from Resources and People Services, Business Unit,JohnMuirHouse,Haddington,EH413HA.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/schoolclothingandfreeschoolmeals


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Free School MealsUnder the Education Committee policy, children in attendance at schools under the management of the Council are entitled to free school meals if their parents are in receipt of Income Support or Income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Income Related Employment and Support Allowance or Child Tax Credit but NOT Working Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £15,910 or Child Tax Credit andWorkingTaxCreditwithandannualincomeoflessthan£6,420.Nootherchildrenareeligibleforfreemeals.Furtherinformationcanbeobtainedfrom Resources and People Services, Business Unit, John Muir House, Haddington, EH413HA.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/schoolclothingandfreeschoolmeals

Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs)Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) have been available since August 2004 foryoungpeopleaged16planningtocontinuetheireducationinschool.Itisaweeklypaymentof£30.00paiddirectlytopupilsfromlow-incomefamilieswhostayonaftertheendoftheircompulsoryschooling.ApplicationFormsandfurtherinformation is available from Resources and People Services, Business Unit, John MuirHouse,Haddington,EH413HA.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/emas

Employment of Children Children under the statutory school leaving age can only be employed within theirtermofthebye-lawsontheEmploymentofChildren.Theseregulationsdonot permit the employment of children under 13 years of age, and for those over theagetherearelimitsonthehoursandtypeofemploymentwhichareallowed.Parents and employers must both complete an application form for an employment permitbeforetheemploymentbegins.Formsandinformationareavailablefromtheschooloffice.FurtherdetailscanbeobtainedfromResourcesandPeopleServices,BusinessUnit,JohnMuirHouse,Haddington,EH413HA.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/employmentofchildren

Home Education If parents wish to remove their child from mainstream education and home educatetheirchild,theymustwritetotheHeadofEducationinthefirstinstancestatingreasonsforthiswithdrawalandaskforpermission.

Families are contacted by a member of staff within Resources and People Services annuallyandofferedtheopportunitytomeetaQualityImprovementOfficeranddiscusstheeducationprovisionforthechild/children.Ifafamilydeclinesameeting, they must submit information, in writing, about how they are meeting the educationalneedsoftheirchild/children.


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All enquiries made about home education are recorded in the department and a letterissenttothefamily.Includedwiththeletterisaleafletforparents/carersgivingdetailsofwebsitesofferingadviceandsupport.

Forinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/homeeducation

Transport: Policy of the Council and Local ArrangementsThe Council’s current policy is to provide home to school transport for those pupils attendingthecatchmentschoolwholivemorethantwomilesfromthatschool.Bus passes are issued where public transport exists and contract transport is arrangedwherethereisnosuitablepublictransport.Wheretherearevacantseatson contract buses, these may be made available to pupils who are not normally entitledtofreetransportona“graceandfavourbasis”butmustbeappliedforeachsession.Thesecanbewithdrawnshouldtheseatberequiredforpupilswhoqualifyforthisprovision.Travelling expenses are also met in the case of any pupil whom the Council requires to attend a school other than the district school, if the pupil meets the distancequalificationandwhereappropriate,freetravelisprovidedforpupilsreceivingspecialeducation.Parentswhochoosetosendtheirchildrentoaschoolother than the district school will not receive assistance in relation to travel to and fromschool.

Further information and an application form can be obtained from Resources and PeopleServices,BusinessUnit,JohnMuirHouse,Haddington,EH413HA.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/schooltransport

Road Safety

East Lothian Council working with Lothian and Borders Police and other agencies arecommittedtoreducingthenumbersandseverityofroadcasualties.Theyhaveidentifiedanumberofimportantinitiativestohelpreducethenumberofroadcasualties.Thesewillrequireanotablechangeofbehaviourbyeverybody,particularlyfromdriversinbuilt-upareas.

Theseinitiativesaimtoreducethenumberofcarjourneystoandfromschoolbypupils,parentsandstaffto:

• Encourage children to walk or cycle to school, thereby improving the safety forthepupilonthejourneytoschool

• Provide pupils and parents with appropriate training to allow them and theirchildrentojourneytoandfromschoolsafely

• Improve pedestrian safety in and around school• Raise awareness amongst pupils, parents, and staff of the wider health and

environmental problems associated with increase car use• Improve the local environment for everyone by reducing pollution, congestionandaddressingsafetyissuesaroundtheschool.


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Parents should always be reviewing their current or intended mode of travel to and fromschoolandconsiderwhetherornotitshouldbechangedormodifiedtohelptheschool,pupils,staffandotherparentstoreducethenumberofchildcasualties.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/roadsafety

Health and SafetyResources and People Services have prepared statements of safety policy for all areas of its responsibility in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.Schoolstaffarefullyinstructedintheirresponsibilitiesinthisrespect,andsafetyregulationsapplytoaspectsofschoollife,bothonandoffthepremises.It is expected that pupils will behave responsibly and comply with all safety requirements.Thesupportofparentsinpromotinggoodpracticeinhealthandsafetymattersisofgreatimportancetotheschool.Medical Care Throughout their years at primary and secondary school, all pupils will be seen from time to time by a team of specialists, Health Service and Resources and PeopleServicesstafftomakesuretheybenefitasmuchaspossiblefromallthatschoolhastooffer,andtohelpthemprepareforlifeafterleavingschool.TheSchool Health Service is part of the Community Child Health Service and has direct links with those who carry out health checks on children before they start school.

Administration of Medical ProceduresAllmembersofstaffwhohaveagreedtobetrainedintheadministrationofspecificdrugs to pupils suffering from all epileptic seizure or a severe allergic reaction and whoarerequiredtoapplyspecificdrugstothosepupilswillbecoveredbyEastLothianCouncil’sPublicLiabilityPolicy.

Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/adminofmedication

Emergency Closure of SchoolsThefirstpriorityoftheHeadTeachermustbetokeeptheschoolopenifatallpossible.However,theearlyclosure(orpartclosure)ofaschoolinanemergencymayberequiredbecauseoffire,flood,lossofbuildingservices,extremeweatherconditionsorsomeotherevent.Whenchildrenhavetoreturnfromschoolata time earlier than normal, parents may not be able to arrange for them to be receivedathomebythemselvesorbyanadultwhowilllookafterthem.HeadTeachersmustbereasonablysatisfiedthattherewillbearesponsibleadultavailable to receive the child, and must be prepared to make arrangements for the supervision of certain children in school, until the normal closing time of the school.

In these circumstances, the Head Teacher should consult with the Head of Education.TheHeadofEducationwillusealloftheinformationavailablebothcentrally and locally to decide whether the school should be closed and whether thiswouldbeforpupilsonlyorforthewholeschoolcommunity.ItshouldbenotedthatclosecontactwillbemaintainedwiththeSchoolTransportOfficeratEastLothianCouncil.


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The Head Teacher will prepare and send to the Head of Education the relevant information for notifying the media, through the Corporate Communications TeamofEastLothianCouncil.Thisinformationshouldincludethenameoftheschoolwhichisclosing,whetheritisapartialorwholeschoolclosure,i.e.topupils; pupils and staff; community groups and the reason why the school is closing.Informationwillalsoberequiredonhowlongtheclosurewillbeandhow the media, parents, carers and pupils will be informed when the school will bereopening.Onceapprovalhasbeengrantedtocloseaschool,ResourcesandPeople Services will notify the Corporate Communications Team to ask them to inform the media and upload messages to the Council’s communications channels, such as its Twitter feed, intranet and the Council’s website http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk.Wheneverpossible,schoolswillupdatetheirownschoolwebsitewiththisinformation.

Unacceptable BehaviourEastLothianCouncildoesnottoleratephysicalorverbalabusetowardsstaff.Suchabuseisacriminaloffenceandmayleadtoprosecution.

Schools within East LothianAlistofallnursery,primaryandsecondaryschoolscanbefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/educationandlearning

Furtherinformationcanalsobefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/educationandlearning

Useful Telephone NumbersThe undernoted staff are based within Resources and People Services, John Muir House,Haddington,EH413HA.

Depute Chief Executive Alex McCrorie 01620-827633Head of Education Darrin Nightingale 01620-827633Head of Children’s Well-being Sharon Saunders 01620-827881Acting Principal Educational Psychologist Anita Harrison/Gill

Davies01620-827587

Business Manager Richard Parker 01620-827494PrincipalInclusion&EqualityOfficer Fraser Parkinson 01620-827961Parental Involvement Act (Parent Forums/Councils)

Val McIntyre 01620-827228

Free School Meals, Clothing Grants, Education Maintenance Allowance, Pupil Placement and Home to School Transport Policy

Fiona Brown 01620 827415

Primary School Lets 01620-827811

The undernoted staff are based at Randall House, MacmerryService Manager (Children’s Services) Marion Wood 01620-827881

Integration Team Raymy Boyle 01620-829909

Area Resources Manager, Children’s Services

Celia Borland 01620 827930


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School Session DatesBelow are the school session dates for 2014/15

SchoolSessiondatescanalsobefoundat:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/sessiondates

TERM 1

Staff In-service Day 1

Staff In-service Day 2

Monday

Tuesday

18

19

August

August

2014

2014Pupils Resume Wednesday 20 August 2014

Autumn Holiday (Schools closed)

Friday 12 September 2014

Schools closed Monday 15 September 2014All Return Tuesday 16 September 2014

All Break Friday 10 October 2014Staff In service Day 3 Monday 20 October 2014

Pupils Resume Tuesday 21 October 2014Term Ends Friday 19 December 2014

TERM 2

All Resume Tuesday 6 January 2015

All Break Friday 13 February 2015All Resume Monday 23 February 2015Pupils Break Wednesday 1 April 2015

Staff In service Day 4 Thursday 2 April 2015TERM

3All Resume (Staff and Pupils) Monday 20 April 2015

May Day (Schools closed) Monday 4 May 2015All Resume Tuesday 5 May 2015

Staff In-service Day 5 Monday 18 May 2015Pupils Resume Tuesday 19 May 2015

Term Ends Friday 3 July 2015Provisional 2015/16

Staff Resume Monday 17 August 2015

Dates approved by Education Committee on 24 September 2013

TheScottishGovernmentcanbecontactedat:

Scottish Government Education DepartmentVictoriaQuayEDINBURGH,EH66QQTelephone Number 0131-556-8400

http://home.scotland.gov.uk

Accuracy of InformationTheinformationcontainedinthisbookletwasaccurateasatNovember2013.November2013.


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Musselburgh Grammar School Handbook 2014/2015

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