St. Ninian’s Primary School - LT Scotland · St Ninian’s Primary School is an integral part of...

St. Ninian’s Primary School

1


School Handbook

2016/17

West Lothian Council


2

The information contained within this section refers to the day-to-day running of our

school and is pertinent to St Ninian’s School and our pupils. It dovetails with the guidance provided by West Lothian Council, which can be found in the next section of the handbook.

CONTENTS

Welcome to our school 3 All about St Ninian’s 4 Contact Details 5 Our Vision and Values 6 School Hours 8 The Curriculum 9-13 Assessment and Reporting 14 Homework 14 Support for Pupils 15 Enrolment and Transition 16 Promoting Positive Behaviour 17 School Uniform and Clothing Grants 18 Attendance 19 Transport Arrangements 19 Breakfast Club and School Meals 20 General Information 21 Parent Council and Communication 22 School Improvement and Policies 23 Music Tuition 24-25


3

Welcome to St. Ninian’s Primary School, Livingston

Dear Parents, Thank you for choosing St Ninian’s Primary School for your child’s education. Pupils, parents/carers, staff, the parish and the wider community take a deep pride in the school. Our school learning community has very high expectations and we are committed to getting it right for every child. We share a common goal with you; we want your child to be happy at school and to enjoy being a valued member of this school community. It is our hope that, as you read through the pages, you will be assured that we share your commitment to ensure your child achieves their full potential within a safe, caring and positive learning environment. We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our school community, and working in partnership with you to enhance your child’s learning and achievements. Yours sincerely,

Lisamaria Purdie

Headteacher


4

ALL ABOUT ST NINIAN’S

St Ninian’s School opened on 1st February 1977. Its catchment area caters for Roman Catholic children living south of the River Almond and west of the dual

carriageway which runs through Livingston. However, children from other

parts of Livingston also attend our school.

St Ninian’s Primary School is denominational and provides for nursery children and stages P1-P7. The school does not provide teaching by means of the

Gaelic language as spoken in Scotland. A primary aged pupil whose parent wishes him/her to be taught by means of the Gaelic language will be educated

at Tollcross Primary School in Edinburgh. A secondary aged pupil whose parent wishes him/her to be taught by means

of the Gaelic language will be educated at James Gillespies High School in

Edinburgh. St Ninian’s Primary School admits pupils of both sexes.

Our accommodation consists of 12 classrooms, 1 Teaching and Learning

Centre, 1 Resource Room, a large PE Hall and a separate dining hall. We also have shared spaces, infant and upper playgrounds and large playing fields.

St Ninian’s Primary School is an integral part of the local community both

educationally and socially. There are active and effective Parish/ Community

links through St. Philip’s RC Church in Dedridge. Strong links also exist with St. Margaret’s Academy, Livingston and the cluster primary schools.


5

CONTACT DETAILS

St. Ninian’s Primary School Douglas Rise Dedridge Livingston West Lothian EH54 6JH Denomination: Roman Catholic Telephone Number: 01506 414612 Fax Number: 01506 400048 Web-site: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/ E-Mail : [email protected] Council webpage: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/schools/StNinians Present Roll: 267 Headteacher: Mrs Lisamaria Purdie ******************************************************************** St. Ninian’s Nursery Class Douglas Rise Dedridge Livingston EH54 6JH Telephone Number: 01506 414612 Fax Number: 01506 400048 Present Roll: 40 (AM) and 30 (PM)

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/mailto:[email protected]://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/schools/StNinians


6

OUR VISION AND VALUES

Our vision is to be a vibrant community of

faith and learning where together we learn to grow in the image and likeness of Christ.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

O

Everyone

has a voice

Friendship,

support and

teamwork

Being

the best

that we can be

Exciting learning and

teaching

Respect,

honesty and

equality

Our

Values

High Expectations

and pride


7

THE SCHOOL DAY

The school day is the same for all children.

Start at 8.40 am.

Break at 10.30 to 10.45 am

Lunch from 12.15 to 12.55 pm

Hometime at 3.00 pm

Friday finish at 12.15 pm

PRE-SCHOOL PROVISION – EARLY LEARNING & CHILDCARE

All three and four year olds in Scotland are entitled to 600 hours in a year of Local Authority funded nursery provision. Parents also have the option to use the extended sessions will include a healthy

breakfast in the morning and a healthy snack in the afternoon. These snacks are in addition to the usual nursery snack and are being funded by the council.

To provide flexibility for children and families, parents can start the children later or

collect them earlier to suit their own family circumstance, however there will be a

core time when all children should be present.

Core nursery hours for all children are as follows:

AM Session 8.40 – 11.10am Mon - Fri

PM Session 12.00-3.07pm Monday-Thursday (no Friday session)

Extended sessions:

AM Session 8.05-8.40am and 11.10-11.33am Mon - Fri

PM Session 3.07 – 3.57pm Mon - Thurs

School term dates and holidays can be accessed online at: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/education/schoolrelateditems/893/860

These are also available on our school blog.

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/education/schoolrelateditems/893/860


8

THE CURRICULUM

The Curriculum is, in short, all the learning experiences which your child will

encounter during his/her time at school. Curriculum for Excellence strives to transform education in Scotland by providing an improved, more flexible and enriched curriculum for all young people aged 3-18.

We strive to provide a broad, coherent and relevant curriculum which enables our pupils to become:

successful learners

confident individuals

effective contributors

responsible citizens

We offer pupils active learning experiences across the curriculum areas:

Languages

Mathematics (Numeracy)

Health and well being

Expressive Arts

Sciences

Social studies

Technologies

Religious Education

Learning is divided into levels. The Curriculum for Excellence levels are as follows:

EARLY LEVEL the pre-school years and P1 or later for some

FIRST LEVEL to the end of P4 but earlier or later for some

SECOND LEVEL to the end of P7, but earlier or later for some

THIRD AND FOURTH S1-S3, but earlier for some


9

LITERACY AND LANGUAGES

The Literacy and English framework in St Ninian’s promotes the development of

critical and creative thinking as well as competence in listening and talking, reading, writing and the personal, interpersonal and team-working skills which are so important in life and in the world of work. The development of each child’s language is pursued through an integrated

programme of language work involving talking, listening, reading and writing. Early reading material is based on the child’s own natural language, progressing thereafter, through a graded reading programme. As the child pursues their reading through appropriate fiction and non-fiction material, they also learn skills of comprehension and reference to help them understand more of what they read and to assist them in

looking for information. Alongside this they will develop the necessary skills of spelling, punctuation, language structure and handwriting, each at a level appropriate to the child’s needs. Writing will form an important part of this development and the child will start with simple stories and go on to different forms and genres of writing activities. Much emphasis will be laid on speaking and

discussion.

MODERN LANGUAGES IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Within our cluster we have adopted the 1+2 approach to language learning where children learn a language from nursery/Primary 1 and a second language from P5.

In St Ninian’s Spanish will be taught from nursery – P7 (L2) with French being introduced from P4 as a second language (L3). At early and at first levels, children will develop generic skills in their first language. These include taking part in conversations, developing listening, reading and writing

skills and knowledge about language. All of these are relevant to learning other languages. Activities include playing games, singing songs, carrying out simple instructions, and playing with simple poetry and rhyme. In this way the children begin to be enthusiastic, confident language learners from the outset.

By the end of Primary 7, the majority of children will have learned the skills necessary to:

give a short presentation about themselves

take part in simple conversations and transactions

understand classroom instructions and personal information

enjoy listening to a story, song or poem

read aloud a simple text

read and understand a short text

write a few sentences about themselves and others.


10

NUMERACY AND MATHEMATICS

The experiences and outcomes of A Curriculum for Excellence encourage learning and teaching approaches that challenge and stimulate children and young people and

promote their enjoyment of mathematics. To achieve this, teachers in St Ninian’s will use a skilful mix of approaches, including:

planned, active learning which provides opportunities to observe, explore,

investigate, experiment, play, discuss and reflect

modelling and scaffolding the development of mathematical thinking skills

learning collaboratively and independently

opportunities for discussion, communication and explanation of thinking

developing mental agility

using relevant contexts and experiences, familiar to young people

making links across the curriculum to show how mathematical concepts are

applied in a wide range of contexts, such as those provided by science and social studies

using technology in appropriate and effective ways

building on the principles of Assessment is for Learning, ensuring that young people understand the purpose and relevance of what they are learning

developing problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking skills.

When planning lessons the staff will use a variety of resources rather than focusing on a published scheme. In the Infant Stages work is clearly structured and concentrates on the development of number through practical activities. It includes work on money, time, measure and shape. As the child progresses through school the work continues to be structured with a strong emphasis on basic number skills

while integrating measure, shape, position and movement and information handling as appropriate.

MENTAL AGILITY

In St Ninian’s we use “Big Maths” as a teaching method for mental agility. Every day Monday – Thursday all classes participate in a “CLIC” session. They spend a short

time (around 5-10 minutes) working on each section of the Big Maths framework of:

Counting

Learn Its

It’s Nothing New

Calculations

Children then complete two assessment every Friday based on the teaching of the week.


11

SOCIAL STUDIES

Through Social Studies our pupils will develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances; they will also develop their understanding of their environment and of how it has been shaped. Our Social Studies programme is divided into three main areas:

People, past events and societies

People, place and environment

People in society

At St Ninian’s, our Social Studies topics are taught through an interdisciplinary approach helping pupils make connections between subjects. Visits to places of local interest and field studies are actively encouraged, carefully planned and thoroughly

vetted as to their educational potential. Included in our P.7 Social Studies programme is our Primary 7 pupils’ annual visit to an outdoor residential centre.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Every class has regular Religious Education. However religion is not merely learned in class but is a way of life. Education in Christian living is an integral part of school life. Christian, Catholic values are constantly re-inforced in a multitude of ways

through morning and afternoon prayers, assemblies and Masses. All pupils enrolled are taught the devotion of prayers of the Catholic Church, including Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and the Sign of the Cross. Prayers are said in class when children arrive in school and before lunch, after lunch and end of school day.

In addition, large imaginative efforts are made to raise funds for others and each child is encouraged to make his/her own personal or collective effort. Pupils take part in the celebration of the Catholic Mass both at Saint Philip’s in Dedridge and in school. The school year observes the Catholic calendar of seasons

and feasts including, Advent, Christmas, Lent, which incorporates receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, Easter and Holy Days of Obligation. The Catholic Priest is a spiritual chaplain of the school and unless parents advise our Head Teacher to the contrary, all pupils will be expected to take part in the religious

observance of the school.


12

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

As a health promoting school and within a progressive framework, children are provided with opportunities to explore their feelings and emotions, to understand

physical factors in relation to their health and to develop a sense of social responsibility. Promoting health at school is embedded in the variety of activities offered during the school day and in extra-curricular activities. Health Week and Sports day are also annual events in St Ninian’s. The school has achieved its third green eco school award and recommended for first level accreditation for Rights

Respecting Schools. All children from P1-7 are members of active Pupil Committees which meet regularly to carry out an aspect of school improvement.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Learning in the Expressive Arts enables children to develop important skills within art, music, drama and dance. Children learn to be creative and express themselves in different ways, whilst building their confidence and self esteem. At St Ninian’s, pupils have many opportunities to be involved in a range of activities and performances

through assemblies, concerts, festivals, choir performances, art competitions and much more.

SCIENCES

Through learning in the sciences our children will develop their interest in and understanding of the living, material and physical world. Our science programme will allow the children to develop a curiosity and understanding of their environment, develop skills of enquiry and investigation using practical techniques and recognise

the impact the sciences make on their lives, the lives of others, the environment and on society.

TECHNOLOGIES

Learning in Technologies enables our children to be informed, skilled, thoughtful, adaptable and enterprising citizens. Using ICT across the curriculum, pupils gain the

skills and confidence to embrace and use a range of technologies – an important life skill.

For further information regarding the curriculum at national level visit: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/


13

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING Teachers assess what pupils make, say, write and do across the different curriculum

areas. They will also observe children, listen to them, talk with them and analyse their daily class work. Staff will gather, reflect on and evaluate evidence of learning in order to track the progress and attainment of each pupil. Your child’s progress will be reported to you regularly you so that you know how

well your child is doing. We hold two Parents’ Evenings each year for discussion with your child’s teacher. These are held in October and May. In addition, we will issue a written report in May detailing progress throughout the session. Each pupil will maintain a Learning Profile in their time at St Ninian’s. The profile will

involve children reviewing their learning and recording their personal achievements. Profiles will be sent home each term for parents to comment on. We welcome parents into the school at anytime to discuss progress with their child’s teacher or the Headteacher.

HOMEWORK

Homework is the link between home and school and enables parents to see what can be achieved independently by their child as well as strengthening their partnership

with the school. It provides the child with practice in skills already learned in school. Work sent home should already have been taught and should not prove too difficult to complete. Our Homework policy can be accessed on school website for further information.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

We aim to provide different extra-curricular activities throughout the session, ranging from sports clubs to maths clubs. Clubs are offered to different stages and pupils are given details when appropriate.


14

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS

Delivering appropriate provision for pupils with additional learning needs is central to the national commitment to inclusion and is underpinned by legislation. West Lothian Council believes that all children and young people are entitled to learn

together. This will help develop a culture of acceptance within which all children have a presumptive entitlement to mainstream education and services provided to facilitate this goal. Focus on Inclusion is designed to help schools in partnership with parents/carers,

pupils and partner agencies to evaluate effectiveness of provision in improving educational outcomes and opportunities for pupils with additional learning needs. The policy can be accessed online at: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/focusoninclusion

If you feel that your child needs additional support, information and advice is available from your school in the first instance. The Parents' Guide to Additional Support for Learning is now available to download at http://enquire.org.uk/publications/parents-guide

St Ninian’s is committed to Getting it Right for every Child. We recognise that all children need support in their learning at some stage. Some children need more support than others and this support comes from many sources. These can include,

for instance, extra Teacher-help, Head-Teacher in-put, the use of a Visiting Specialist and, with parental knowledge, advice from the Educational Psychologist or health professionals. We also have a Support for Learning teacher whose role is to support any child, or

groups of children, who may need assistance. This may be in reading, number work or any other aspect of the curriculum. It may be for a short period or more long-term, and will usually take place in the child's classroom. We have a flexible approach to supporting our pupils, including a Nurture Group and

Life Skills Groups which are also used to address pupils’ behaviour or social skills needs. At St Ninian’s, we also aim to support our more able pupils by providing additional challenge in their learning,

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/focusoninclusionhttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/focusoninclusionhttp://enquire.org.uk/publications/parents-guide


15

ENROLMENT AND TRANSITION

West Lothian is divided into catchment areas for primary and secondary schools. Each home address has a catchment denominational school and a catchment non-denominational school, for both primary and secondary education. Although the

Council aims to provide enough places for all children in the catchment area at a catchment school, living within a catchment area does not guarantee a child a place at a catchment school. Parents can request a school other than one of their catchment schools. This is known as a ‘placing request’. Parents can request that their child go to any primary school in West Lothian regardless of their religion. The

council must grant these requests unless there is a legal reason not to.

Nursery/P1

Pupils attending their pre-school year in nursery will be involved in an early years transition programme with opportunities to become more involved in school life and meet some of the school staff in the infant department. In addition to this there is a 2 day transition for the whole school in June allowing staff and pupils to become familiar with the next session’s class.

Pre-School Admission Policy: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/presc

hooladmission

Primary School Admission Policy: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/pupil

placementadmissionprimary

Primary 7

St Ninian’s Primary School is part of the St. Margaret’s Academy Cluster. The P7 transition programme begins early in the session to ensure a smooth transition to Secondary.

St Margaret’s Academy contact details: Headteacher: Mrs S McGarty, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6AT Tel: 01506 497104 Fax: 01506 497103

Email: [email protected]

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/preschooladmissionhttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/preschooladmissionhttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/pupilplacementadmissionprimaryhttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/pupilplacementadmissionprimarymailto:[email protected]


16

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR St Ninian’s has an exemplary ethos. Our welcoming and inclusive atmosphere

promotes a climate of mutual respect and trust based on shared values and positive, supportive relationships. High expectations of behaviour are clear throughout the school. Visitors to our school are always impressed by our pupils’ behaviour and manners.

Children enjoy and need a safe, structured and happy environment in which to grow and learn. To establish such a learning environment, a fair and consistent discipline framework is necessary. Our positive behaviour policy clearly outlines the expectations for pupils, parents and staff in maintaining high standards at St Ninian’s. A copy of this is available on the school blog.

Where possible, we try to encourage children by appropriate praise, the use of Class Dojo, stickers and certificates. Occasionally, sanctions are required for instances of inappropriate behaviour. These will include loss of privileges, extra home exercises, detention during intervals and withdrawal from some class activities.

In the event that it becomes obvious that the child is not responding positively to our school discipline standards, parents will be asked to discuss their child’s behaviour and to give their support to the school, in order to avoid more serious action.

PARENTAL SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES IS CRUCIAL.


17

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Girls Boys

Gold shirt/blouse Gold shirt School tie School tie Green/Grey skirt/pinafore/trousers Green/grey trousers Green v-neck jumper or cardigan Green v-neck jumper

Black school shoes or black trainers

Summer option includes:

Green/white checked dress

The school’s dress code is based on The Dress Code for Schools Policy: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/dresscodeforschools

Clothing Grants:

Families in receipt of Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers' Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance - Income Related or Working Tax Credit (WTC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) (with an annual income of £15,860 or less) who submit a completed application form automatically receive a clothing grant for each pupil of school age. The current grants are £94 for each primary school aged pupil.

Families not in receipt of these specific benefits but in financial hardship may also be assisted depending upon their situation. On receipt of an application in such cases, a report is called for from the Children and Young People Team regarding the families' circumstances. Alternatively, pupils will have the opportunity to be appropriately clothed by being able to access school and sports clothing through a school clothing

store. For further information please refer to the School Clothing Grants Policy:

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/s

chclothgrtpol

PE Kit

Yellow t-shirt

Dark shorts/ bottoms

No football colours

No jewellery

Senior Uniform – Primary 7 pupils

P7 pupils will be invited to wear a senior

uniform consisting of gold shirt, school

tie, black trousers/skirt, black v-neck

jumper or cardigan and black school

shoes.

This option is only for P7 pupils.

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/dresscodeforschoolshttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/dresscodeforschoolshttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/schclothgrtpolhttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/schclothgrtpol


18

ATTENDANCE

In the event of illness please contact the school by telephone on the first day of absence. If the absence is planned, as in the event of a family holiday, a letter of explanation should be sent prior to departure. Please ensure that your child is punctual for school in the morning. Where children have a series of unexplained absences or latecomings, this information

will be passed to the Children and Young People’s team for investigation. Please refer to the Attendance at School Policy for further information: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/AttendanceatSchoolwithGuidelines

TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

West Lothian will pay travelling expenses of those pupils who live more than two miles from the school. Bus passes are issued where public transport exists, and contract transport is

arranged where there is no suitable public transport. Where there are vacant seats on contract buses, these may be made available to pupils who are not normally entitled to free transport.

Travelling expenses are also met in the case of any pupil whom the Authority

requires to attend a school other than the district school, if that pupil meets the distance qualification. Where appropriate, free travel is provided for pupils receiving special education. Consideration may also be given to requests for assistance with travel in exceptional circumstances eg where the road between home and school is deemed dangerous by the Authority, and where there is no public transport

available.

Parents who choose to send their children to a school other than the catchment school will not receive assistance in relation to travel to and from school. However, the Education Committee has agreed a number of exceptions to the rule and further

details are available from the Transport Section, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, LIVINGSTON, EH54 6FF

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/AttendanceatSchoolwithGuidelineshttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/AttendanceatSchoolwithGuidelines


19

BREAKFAST CLUBS The Breakfast Club provides pupils with a healthy breakfast and offers the

opportunity for them to sample and develop preferences for health options. The Club aims to establish positive relationships at the start of the school day, helping to reduce lateness or poor attendance and improve attitude, behaviour and motivation to learn. Pupils also benefit from physical activities and time to do homework. All pupils are entitled to free breakfast and children should arrive promptly at

8.15am.

SCHOOL MEALS

Pupils in Primary schools are offered a two course meal with a choice of main course, supplemented by salads and bread, and which meet the new Scottish Nutrient Guidelines for School Meals. Children will be issued with a copy of the menu termly. Primary 1- 3 pupils are entitled to a free school meal. P4-7 pupils pay £1.90 daily.

Special dietary requirements will be catered for. Please contact the school on 01506 414612 or local kitchen supervisor Maureen Kerr,01506 414613, to discuss your child’s requirements.

Please also advise the school immediately should your child have any allergies.

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Pupils with parents in receipt of either: Income Support Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance Any Income Related element of Employment & Support Allowance Child Tax Credit (with no working tax credit) and

whose annual income is £15,860 or less Working Tax Credit and whose annual income is £6,420 or less are entitled to a free mid-day meal. Free school milk: All pupils of nursery schools and classes, all P1-7 pupils whose parents are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, are entitled to 0.25 litre of milk daily

free of charge. For further information please refer to the School Meals and Milk Policy: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/schmealsmilkpol

or by contacting Stuart Isbister, Pupil/Student Benefits Officer either by phone on 01506 281952 or by emailing [email protected]. Your child will receive a letter with all the relevant information including costing and payment options at the beginning of each term.

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/schmealsmilkpolhttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/schmealsmilkpol


20

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION When pupils are at school, the responsibility for their safety rests with the Authority,

and the Head Teacher and staff undertake this responsibility on behalf of the Authority. This means that reasonable steps should be taken to prevent any pupils suffering injury and to ensure that accidents or difficulties can be reported to a responsible adult and appropriate action taken.

From 8.20am and at morning break and at lunchtime, playgrounds at both ends of the school will be supervised. If a child needs attention and cannot find a playground supervisor quickly, then he/she should come at once to the school front door where he/she will be attended

to.

In the event of a rainy playtime children will be kept in school under these circumstances. Areas will be patrolled to ensure that children are behaving

responsibly. On occasions when it is raining in the morning before school starts all children are supervised in the gym hall until the bell rings

SCHOOL RECORDS

Significant information on each child is kept on computer and is sent home annually for parents to update and confirm accuracy. Children’s attendance and absences are also recorded on computer. In addition, a file known as Pupil’s Personal record (PPR)

is kept in the school office and contains enrolment details, copies of all annual reports and any other significant information. When children transfer to another school or Secondary School, their PPR is sent to that school.

EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS Parents are reminded of their responsibility to provide the school with UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON PERSONS TO BE CONTACTED IN EMERGENCIES.

In the event of an early closure which is unplanned (e.g. school closure due to heating failure or severe weather) children will be sent home if parents are known to be at home. Otherwise they will be sent to the 'Emergency Contact.' The school uses a Group Call system to contact parents in such events.

SECURITY

The school has a security system which allows all doors to be locked once the children are in school. All visitors should report to the school office via the main entrance, sign in and collect a visitor’s badge. It is extremely important for school security that no adult is on the premises unless they have signed in at the school office.


21

PARENT COUNCIL All parents will automatically be members of the Parent Forum and will be entitled to have a say in what happens at the school. We have an active and supportive Parent Council and all parents are welcome to attend any of the meetings which are held bi-monthly on the first Monday of each month

The role of a Parent Council is to:

support the school in its work with pupils

represent the views of all parents

encourage links between the school, parents, pupils, pre-school groups and

their wider community

report back to the parent forum.

Parent council email address: [email protected]

Parent council website: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/ St Ninian’s Primary school also welcomes parent helpers and at the beginning of each session a meeting is held in the school to organize a weekly timetable. If you wish to become involved in this you will need to obtain a disclosure certificate through the

PVG scheme. In the event of a complaint please contact the school directly using the contact information provided. For further advice please refer to the Comments and Complaints Procedure for

Education: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/ComplaintsEducationPolicy

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

We operate an open, honest and responsive policy with regards to questions raised by parents. Should you have any complaints or concerns, please raise these with the

Headteacher in the first instance. Weekly updates and Newsletters are issued regularly and aim to provide parents with information about the school’s progress and pupil achievements. The school also has an interactive School Blog which is updated frequently by staff and pupils. The

blog address is:- https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/ School events and reminders are also advertised on the school’s Facebook page and Twitter feed. The school provides a selection events and opportunities for parents/carers and families to be part of the school community and to find out key information about

learning.

mailto:[email protected]://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/ComplaintsEducationPolicyhttp://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/ComplaintsEducationPolicyhttps://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/


22

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

The main achievements of the school can be found in the Standards and Quality Report at http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/education/schoolrelateditems/SchoolPerformanceData1 The plans for future improvement of the school’s performance over the next 3 years

including the school’s plans to involve parents in that future improvement can be found in the School Improvement Plan at http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scottishschoolsonline/ http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/inspectionandreview/reports/school/index.asp

SCHOOL POLICIES

St Ninian’s Primary School currently has 8 policies listed below:

Positive Behaviour

Anti-Bullying

Learning and Teaching

Pupil Council

Classroom Organisation

Improvement Feedback

Structured Play

Homework

Please take time to familiarise yourself with these documents. Copies can be accessed on the school blog: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/

Education Services policies can be accessed online at: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/?key=1778580 Hard copies of council policies are available from the school, West Lothian libraries

and from the Civic Centre upon request.

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/education/schoolrelateditems/SchoolPerformanceData1http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/education/schoolrelateditems/SchoolPerformanceData1http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scottishschoolsonline/http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/inspectionandreview/reports/school/index.asphttps://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/stniniansps/http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/?key=1778580http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpolicy/?key=1778580


23

West Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service

West Lothian Council’s Instrumental Music Service provides free instrumental music lessons to primary and secondary school pupils and opportunities for these pupils to play in one of the many bands and ensembles that perform regularly at a range of venues and events locally, nationally and internationally. The Service is delivered in schools by professional instrumental music teachers who provide a structured and progressive music curriculum which is encapsulated in the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence - to enable each child or young person to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor. The Instrumental Music Service is managed by a Principal Officer who is based within Education Services.

How will learning to play a musical instrument help my child?

As well as musical development, the many general benefits gained from learning to play a musical instrument include: enhanced listening and concentration, discipline, co-ordination, language development, memory and social skills. It helps your child to become part of a team and to respect other team members whilst increasing your child’s confidence and participation in the wider school and community.

How much will it cost?

Lessons are free, but you will be asked to buy music and some pieces of equipment, reeds, strings etc. For a more accurate estimate, please contact your child’s instrumental teacher. How can my child become part of this?

We aim, within the available resources, to provide opportunities for pupils to learn to play a musical instrument in all primary and secondary schools. Instrumental music teachers provide instruction in a range of instruments including strings, brass, woodwind, guitar, bagpipes and percussion. Availability of specific instruments varies in different cluster areas. Demand usually exceeds availability so children are selected using established musical selection procedures. Your child’s instrumental music teacher will recommend the most appropriate instrument. Depending on resources, an instrument may be provided on loan without charge for an initial period of tuition, but it is also possible to purchase an instrument through your child’s school using (AIPS) - the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme. AIPS Enables you to buy a musical instrument without paying VAT.

When are the lessons and how do I check on progress?

Lessons are once a week during the school day but are, wherever possible, provided on a rotational basis so that no particular curriculum subject is affected. The length of the lesson can vary. Individual learning plans/targets are agreed with pupils, their progress is checked weekly and a written report is issued each year. Children are also encouraged to take part in nationally recognised music exams such as Music Medals to boost their sense of achievement.

Is there anything I can do to help?

Your role in supporting your child is an important one. • Encourage regular practice in a quiet place and listen to them playing from time to time. • Be positive, especially in the early stages. • Encourage your child to attend lessons regularly. • Be prepared to buy music and accessories. • Don’t hesitate to contact your child’s instrumental teacher if you need advice • Encourage your child to take up opportunities to perform solo and in groups

What happens as my child progresses?

All the way through instrumental music teaching, your child will be encouraged to assess themselves, first with Music Medals, then by sitting SQA and external examinations. Music


24

exams passed at grades 6, 7 or 8 also score valuable points on University and College application forms (UCAS). There are bands and ensembles in most schools that usually play weekly after school hours. There are also Area Ensembles playing all kinds of music from popular to jazz to classical. These bring young musicians from different schools together to perform, often with professional musicians at prestigious venues around the world.

Where can I get more information?

The Instrumental Music Service team from Education Services will be happy to talk to you about any questions you may have

Juliet Hosie

Principal Officer of Instrumental Music

01506 281995

[email protected]

Steven Gray

Co-ordinator of Instrumental Music

01506 281996

[email protected]

Derek Rae

Music Development Officer

01506 281144

[email protected]

Hugh Foster

Instrumental Music Service Support Officer

01506 281145

[email protected]

Alternatively you can contact the instrumental music teacher at your child’s school.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Date post:	29-Jan-2021
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	2 times
Download:	0 times

St. Ninian’s Primary School - LT Scotland · St Ninian’s Primary School is an integral part of...

Documents