Welcome
To
Edinbarnet Primary School
School Handbook
December 2015
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
2
Contents Page Number
WDC Statement of Commitment 3
Online Handbook 4
Head Teacher Introduction 5
Educational Aims of Edinbarnet Primary School 6
About Edinbarnet Primary School 7
Staff 8
School Hours 9
School Holidays 10
Enrolment 12
The Curriculum 13
Assessment & Reporting 19
Homework 20
Additional Support Needs 20
Attendance at School 23
Extra Curricular Activities 24
School Discipline 25
Supervision of Playgrounds 26
School Uniform 26
School Meals 28
Medical & Health Care 28
Information in Emergencies 29
Parents in School 29
Transfer from Primary to Secondary 31
Data Protection Act 1984 31
Useful Addresses 32
Your Questions Answered 33
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
3
Department of Educational Services
Learning for Life
We will work together to ensure that everyone in our
community is valued and has the opportunity to learn for
life and to achieve their potential
Vision:
To enable everyone in West Dunbartonshire to become
• Successful learners
• Confident individuals
• Responsible Citizens
• Effective Contributors
To achieve our vision, we will: • Create and deliver courses, activities and events which will motivate and
excite learners
• Develop innovative ways to support learning
• Value diversity, promote equal opportunities and foster inclusion
• Promote partnership and community participation
• Value achievement and celebrate success
• Continually reflect on and aim to improve the quality of our services
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
4
All local authority schools are required by law to issue a copy of the school
handbook to certain parents in December each year for their use as
appropriate. A copy of our school handbook is also available online at
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/school-
search/edinbarnet-primary-school/
All educational establishments within West Dunbartonshire Council are
members of a Local Learning Community (LLC). These LLCs are made up of one
secondary school and its associated primary schools and include a number of
Early Education and Childcare Centres and Partnership Nurseries. Edinbarnet
Primary School is a member of the Clydebank High Local Learning Community.
The five Learning Communities in West Dunbartonshire have been established
as part of West Dunbartonshire’s educational improvement strategy. This
strategy has a clear focus to raise educational aspirations, achievement and
attainment of all pupils while improving the skills and knowledge of all staff
involved in the education of children and young people.
Mrs McCormick represents Edinbarnet Primary School on the Clydebank High
LLC; however other members of staff may attend meetings in support of
improvement work. The Clydebank High LLC is led by Matthew Boyle,
Educational Services Manager who is assisted by Susan Gray, the school’s
Quality Improvement Officer.
Updates on the work of the LLCs will be made available through parent council
meetings and through Standards and Quality reporting.
Edinbarnet Primary School
Faifley Road
Faifley
G81 5BQ
Tel: 01389 872093
Email: [email protected]
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
5
Message from the Head Teacher
On behalf of the children and staff at Edinbarnet Primary School I
would like to welcome your child to our school. Starting primary
school is an important milestone in a child’s life and parents want to
be fully informed about the education provided for their child. The
information in this handbook is intended as a guide to all parents of
new pupils in session 2016-17.
Edinbarnet pupils can expect to learn and play in a safe, happy and
calm environment, where they are supported to achieve to the best
of their ability. The achievements of our pupils are celebrated
through school assemblies, displays, features in the local media and
our monthly newsletter. As a parent/carer, we welcome your
involvement in all aspects of school life and aim to nurture positive
and productive partnerships between home and school.
In the following pages you will find that many aspects of life and
work at Edinbarnet are covered. However, if you feel that there is
anything further you would like to know, or there is something you
would like to discuss, please feel free to call at the school and see
me or phone the school office (01389 872093)
Laura McCormick
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
6
Headteacher
Aims of Edinbarnet Primary School
We aim:
To provide a broad, balanced, differentiated
curriculum in a secure, safe, just and happy
environment in which every person is valued
To ensure that learning experiences are
challenging, stimulating, of a high quality and
promote an awareness of social responsibility
To promote and extend partnerships with parents,
other establishments particularly our cluster
colleagues, other agencies and the wider
community
To monitor through Improvement Planning and
other evaluation strategies the corporate life of
the school to ensure best value
To do all we can to care for our world by reducing,
reusing and recycling
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
7
School Information
School Address: Edinbarnet Primary School
Faifley Road
Faifley, CLYDEBANK. G81 5BQ
Telephone Number : (01389) 872093
Fax number: (01389) 879394
E-mail Address: [email protected]
The present building was originally designed as a secondary building in 1958 and
has been used as a primary school since 1972. In 1993, the school was
completely re-designed specifically as a primary education facility. The school
has:
a computer suite
An upper school reference and fiction library
a multi purpose room
open activity areas on the middle and top floors of the school
a lower school reference and fiction library
nurture room (the Sunshine Room)
staff resource rooms (3)
a parents’ room
a large assembly hall with a stage
a gym hall
large open grounds leading to Auchnacraig Country Park
a spacious, separate dining hall with its own kitchen.
The present roll of Edinbarnet Primary is 242 pupils. Parents should note that
the working capacity of the school may vary dependent upon the number of
pupils at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised.
Stages covered are from Primary 1 to Primary 7 - this caters for pupils aged
from four and a half years to twelve and a half years. Edinbarnet Primary is a
non-denominational school for both boys and girls.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
8
Staffing Head Teacher Mrs Laura McCormick
Depute Head Teacher Miss Natalie Ward
Principal Teacher Miss Linda McGregor
P1a Class Teacher Miss Sinead Connolly
P1b Class Teacher Mrs Laura Radcliffe
P2 Class Teacher Mrs Ailie Haouchine
P2 Class Teacher Miss Lauren McKelvie
P3 Class Teacher Miss Lucy Ellis/Miss Linda McGregor
P4 Class Teacher Mr John Paton
P5/4 Class Teacher Miss Krissa McFarlane
P5 Class Teacher Miss Lindsay Walsh/Mrs Liz Johnstone
P6 Class Teacher Mrs Caroline Yates
P7/6 Class Teacher Miss Rebecca Hampson
P7 Class Teacher Mr Ross Hunter
Nurture Teacher (0.5) Mrs Laura McIntosh
McCrone Cover Mrs L Johnstone/Mrs J Bowman
Area Network Support (0.3) Mrs Liz Alderson
Teacher of Gaelic Mrs Catriona Morrison
Brass Instructor Mr Chris Mitchell
Senior Clerical Assistant Mrs Lynn McLafferty
Clerical Assistant Mrs Gillian Graham
Clerical Assistant Mrs Jacqueline Smith
Learning Assistant Mrs Geraldine Green
Learning Assistant Mrs Eleanor Sharman
Learning Assistant Mrs Alexis Lyons
Learning Assistant Mrs Muriel Watt
Learning Assistant Mr Thomas Nisbet
Learning Assistant Mrs Elaine McCabe
Learning Assistant (0.5) Mrs Caroline Baird
School Chaplain Mr Gregor McIntyre
Facilities Assistant Mr Scott Murdoch
Kitchen Supervisor Mrs Susan Smith
Facilities Assistant Mrs Jacqueline Paterson
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
9
School Hours
School begins: 9.00 am
Morning interval: 10.30 - 10.45 am
Lunch: 12.15 - 1.00 pm
End of school day: 3.00 pm
Please note that P1 pupils will be in school until 12.15 until they start
full time on Monday 29th August 2016
At the Christmas and Easter holidays, school will normally close at
2:30pm on the last day of term.
At the end of the Summer term, school will normally dismiss at
1:00pm.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
10
School Holidays
Dates for the second half of session 2015 –2016 are
Term 3 begins Tuesday 5 January 2015
School closes Thursday 4 February 2016 at 3pm
School opens Wednesday 10 February 2015
School closes Thursday 24 March 2016 at 3pm
School opens Tuesday 29 March 2016
School closes Friday 1 April 2016 at 2.30pm
School opens Monday 18 April 2016
Local Holiday Monday 2 May 2016
School closes (May weekend) Thursday 26 May 2016 at 3pm
School opens Tuesday 31 May 2016
School closes Wednesday 29 June 2016 at 1:00pm
(In service days – Friday 5 Feb 2016 and Thursday 5 May 2016)
Dates for session 2016 –2017 are
Return Date for Teachers Wednesday 17 August 2016
Return Date for Pupils Friday 19 August 2016
September Weekend Friday 23 September and Monday 26
September 2016
First Mid-Term Monday 17 to Friday 21 October 2016
Christmas/New Year Monday 26 December 2016 to Friday 6
January 2017
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
11
2017
Return to school Monday 9 January 2017
Second Mid-Term Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 February 2017
Spring Holiday Monday 3 April to Monday 17 April 2017
May Day Monday 1 May 2017
May Weekend Friday 26 and Monday 29 May 2017
Schools Close Friday 30 June 2017
In-Service Days
Day 1 Wednesday 17 August 2016
Day 2 Thursday 18 August 2016
Day 3 Friday 14 October 2016
Day 4 Friday 3 February 2017
Day 5 Thursday 4 May 2017
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
12
Enrolment
All children who live in the catchment area of Edinbarnet Primary
School and born between 1 March 2011 and 28 February 2012 must
register for education at this school. (A placing request can be made
to another school if desired.) The date for registration is week
beginning Monday 11th January 2016.
Children who will be attending Edinbarent have already had several
visits to the school. After enrolment, further arrangements are
made for our new P1 entrants and their parents to visit the school
on several occasions before the end of the session. The children will
meet their personal senior school buddy and parents have an
opportunity to speak with Mrs McCormick, Head Teacher and other
staff.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
13
Curriculum
At the heart of Curriculum for Excellence lies the aspiration that all children
should develop their capacities as successful learners, confident individuals,
responsible citizens and effective contributors. West Dunbartonshire Council’s
priority for Curriculum for Excellence is to ensure effective teaching and
learning. Curriculum for Excellence challenges us to look at innovative and
exciting ways to deliver the curriculum to our children. While there are
specific programmes for each area of the curriculum much of it can now be
delivered through cross-cutting themes and interdisciplinary studies and
projects. Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach in a creative
way, to work together, plan together and to create shared learning experiences.
It balances the importance of knowledge and skills. It ensures that pupils have
opportunities for choice and that they are active participants in their own
learning.
Teaching in Teams for Mathematics (Primary 4 to 7 only)
Mathematics and numeracy activities are taught in groups to children with
similar ability with the teachers working in teams.
This system is called “SETTING” and means that pupils could well have a
different teacher for Mathematics rather than their own class teacher.
This system allows for closer focus and a more intense pace of learning because
within each group are children of similar ability. It also caters more for the
needs of individual children.
CURRICULAR AREAS
Reading
As well as enabling children to read with ease and enjoyment, or to find
information, the school aims to involve children in reflecting on what they have
read and understanding as completely as possible the ideas contained. Reading
study skills are an essential part of our programme and pupils are encouraged to
use these skills in all areas of the curriculum.
In Primary 1 – 3, a reading scheme called “The Oxford Reading Tree” is used.
This scheme has a strong phonics programme supplemented by worksheets and
games.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
14
In Primary 4 – 7, we use a variety of resources to develop reading skills. This
includes Literacy World, ORT and novel studies.
Talking and Listening
Pupils are encouraged to talk, to express their own ideas to offer opinions, to
debate and discuss and to draw upon their imagination in an intelligible and
acceptable form. In the Early Stages, structured play provides enormous
opportunities for Spoken Language. Drama too, provides further opportunities
for this.
The West Dunbartonshire Council file “Hearsay” is now being used extensively
throughout the school to develop talking and listening in the classroom.
Circle Time and PATHS are both used in school to help to promote the social
and emotional development of our pupils through talking and listening.
Good listening is an important aspect of the language development of our pupils
and is a skill that we try to develop across the curriculum.
Writing
Being able to communicate clearly in writing is an important part of our language
programme and our pupils are taught the skills of personal, imaginative and
functional writing. They learn to express themselves creatively through
personal and imaginative writing and through functional writing to convey
information.
Peer and self assessment is encouraged to enable our pupils to plan the next
steps in their learning.
Handwriting
The school aims to develop a style of handwriting which gives the child the
ability to write early, quickly and legibly. Linked script is the form of
handwriting used in the school. Handwriting is practised regularly by all classes
throughout the school.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
15
Mathematics & Numeracy
Through the study of mathematics children develop essential numeracy and
mathematical skills which they can apply in different contexts and in the world
of work. Mathematics is a key element in engineering, science, technology and
business.
We use Scottish Heinemann Maths and TeeJay as our core maths schemes for
P1-7. However other resources and approaches are used depending on the
individual needs of each child. We try to ensure that maths lessons have an
appropriate balance of oral maths, practical/active experiences, consolidation
and practice. Great emphasis is placed on interactive and active learning.
Based on gathered assessment data, a focus element of mathematics and
numeracy eg Money is taught one day per week by every class for a term.
Every class has a Smartboard and these are used extensively to support the
curriculum using a variety of software and internal sales.
Social Studies
Engaging in social studies allows children to develop an understanding of their
world by learning about other people, their values and cultures, in different
times, places and circumstances and how their environment has been shaped.
(People in place, people in the past and people in society).
Children learn about human achievements, conflicts and environmental issues,
both in a local and global context.
Expressive Arts
Expressive arts include art & design, drama, dance & music. Through the
expressive arts curriculum children are given a variety of opportunities to enjoy
creative and imaginative activities and to express themselves in different ways.
Expressive arts can also be a forum for children to bring enjoyment and
entertainment to others through shows, concerts and assemblies.
Throughout the year the children are given opportunities to perform before
their peers, parents and the local community.
In December the whole school take part in the Nativity concert and in March
children from P5-7 take part in the annual school show.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
16
In December we also hold our annual T-Dance for the retired ladies and
gentlemen of Faifley.
Religious and Moral Education
(including personal and social development with health education)
All pupils should develop some understanding of religious and moral education
and for the majority of our pupils this will be achieved through a curriculum
that is based on Christianity.
At Edinbarnet Primary School a curriculum is also provided which allows our
pupils to develop an understanding and respect for people of other faiths.
Moral Education is implicit here in Edinbarnet Primary School. The
establishment of a caring atmosphere and an emphasis on good personal
relationships plays an important part in developing appropriate moral values and
a sense of individual and collective responsibility. Activities are included in this
curricular area to enable pupils to appreciate values such a honesty, fairness
and respect for others and also to develop a personal code of behaviour.
Personal and Social Development and Health Education
At Edinbarnet Primary School a programme of study has been established to
enable our pupils to take on responsibility for their own personal and social
development and health and that of others.
This programme gives our pupils the opportunity to increase their knowledge
and understanding about a wide range of health issues and life styles that are
relevant to them.
It also allows them to develop their self-awareness and self-esteem and to
develop personal and interpersonal skills. These include issues to do with
building relationships, personal protection and bullying.
Spiritual, Social, Moral & Cultural Values
Throughout the school, the ethical and moral aspects of Religious Education
have much emphasis placed upon it.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
17
As a school our children attend Faifley Parish Church and festivals such as the
Easter and Christmas are celebrated there.
It is recognised that the Education Act allows parents to withdraw their
children from any instruction in religious subjects and from any religious
observance, and any such pupil will not be placed at any disadvantage with
respect to secular instruction.
Parents who wish to withdraw pupils should contact the Head Teacher.
Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their
children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate
recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed
arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on
not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted
as an authorised absentee in the register.
Technologies
There is a well appointed computer suite in the school which is timetabled for
regular use by all the classes.
I.C.T. is integrated across all areas of the curriculum and the pupils use their
skills to create and present their work using word processing and graphics and
to support personal research. The school is connected to the internet which
enables our pupils to browse sites for information for research topics.
Each class has a Smartboard which is used to extensively support all curricular
areas.
We are very fortunate to have a STEM hub within the school which allows for
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to be taught in an integrated way
enabling a practical approach to collaborative study of these subjects.
Physical Education
In line with guidance from the Scottish Government, each child gets two hours
of physical education per week.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
18
The physical education curriculum includes games skills, inventive movement,
expressive movement and dance and is based on materials published by Glasgow
City Council.
Swimming lessons held weekly at Clydebank Playdrome are currently available to
the children of Primary 7.
Various clubs including Football, Netball and Street Dance are offered to the
children after school. These clubs are available to children at different stages
in the school.
Throughout the year Sports Development Officers come into the school to
work with our children in a wide variety of sports including Hockey, Athletics,
Football, Tai Kwan Do and Judo.
Each year the children of Primary 7 are given the opportunity to take part in an
Outward Bound Residential Activity Course.
Activity courses may vary depending on the time of year but cover a wider
range of outdoor activities including abseiling, hill walking, canoeing and
orienteering.
Gaelic
The original three year pilot project funded by the Scottish Government has
been expanded for at least another year whereby Gaelic is taught to identified
classes in the middle and upper stages of the school. The children in these
classes also learn about the culture and history of the Gaelic speaking
communities.
Edinbarnet Primary School is the only school on West Dunbartonshire Council
that offers Gaelic to its pupils.
French
The pupils in Primary 6 and 7 receive lessons in elementary French once per
week with Mrs Caroline Yates.
Spanish
Spanish is taught across the school from P1-7.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
19
Assessment and Reporting
Pupil progress is continually monitored by the class teacher and Head Teacher
using a wide variety of methods. Evidence is collected through pupil’s written
work, group tests, teacher observation, pupil’s self and peer assessment and
display work. Samples of the children’s work chosen by both teacher and pupil
are added to each child’s profile. Two Parents’ Evenings are held during the
year (October and May) at which parents, pupil and teacher can discuss the
child’s progress and have a look at his/ her work. Your child’s end of year
report will be issued in May. It will include information and teacher comments
about:
the breadth of learning your child has experienced within curricular areas
the level of challenge planned for your child to ensure he/she is achieving
his/her full potential and being supported appropriately
how well your child can apply learning in new and unfamiliar contexts.
Level Stage Early The pre-school years and P1, or
later for some. First To the end of P4, but earlier or later
for some. Second To the end of P7, but earlier or later
for some. Third and Fourth S1 to S3, but earlier for some. The
fourth level broadly equates to Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 4. The fourth level experiences and outcomes are intended to provide possibilities for choice and young people's programmes will not include all of the fourth level outcomes.
Senior phase S4 to S6, and college or other means of study
Please note that parents are welcome into school at any time throughout the
session to discuss their child’s progress, either with the Head Teacher or the
class teacher. If you wish to do so, please telephone the school to make an
appointment or drop in next time you are passing.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
20
Homework
Children will be encouraged to extend the skills taught in school through
further practice and research at home. The time spent in this should vary
according to the age of the children.
Activities set might include:
phonics, spelling
practice in mathematical processes
home reading
research/information collection
As homework is for the benefit of your child you are asked to ensure that the
homework is completed.
Additional Support Needs
Schools are required by law to ensure they are providing for children and young
people who require additional help with their learning. The Additional Support
for Learning Act (ASL) 2009 requires that from 14 November 2010 schools
improve on how we communicate with parents/carers on all aspects of the ASL
Act. Detailed information on the changes resulting from the legislation is
available to all parents and recent publications on supporting learning needs are
available in the school foyer.
Supporting learners requiring additional support
Staff monitor the progress of children requiring support and provide learning
materials suitable to their level of development. All schools in West
Dunbartonshire have a staged intervention process for identifying pupils with
support needs. Some pupils have support plans to help them with particular
aspects of their learning. Parents will always be informed about this and will be
invited to discuss support needs and plans with the head or depute head teacher
at key times during the year.
Any parent/carer concerned about their child’s learning is welcome to visit the
school to discuss their concerns. Information is available about additional
support on the council website and is also available in the school reception area.
Schools also have the support of Psychological Services. The role of the
educational psychologist is to lend support by interviewing, testing and
suggesting suitable work and materials for children whose learning or behaviour
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
21
is causing concern. Parents will always be consulted if a referral to the
psychologist is being considered.
At Edinbarnet every strategy is employed to enable individual children to
achieve their full potential in all aspects of school life.
Pupil Support Structure
All staff in the school are required to be aware of child protection issues and
are provided with regular information on child protection policy and procedures.
The school maintains close working relationships with all other relevant agencies
to ensure appropriate information is shared and that professionals from various
agencies work collaboratively for the wellbeing of the children and young people.
All staff have a responsibility to report concerns regarding the welfare or
safety of a child or young person to the head teacher. If the head teacher or
the depute head is of the view that there may be grounds for concern they will
immediately contact the duty senior social worker and advise them of the
circumstances. In Edinbarnet Primary we aim to get it right for every child
(GIRFEC). Our policy is to support pupils with all aspects of their learning and
to ensure that parents and pupils access support from different agencies out
with education such as health, social work and the wider community groups
associated with education such as health, social work and the wider community
groups associated with supporting vulnerable pupils. We try to ensure that our
pupils are safe, healthy, achieving, attaining, nurtured, included and fulfilling
their potential. We work in partnership with parents and carers and ensure
that our pupils have an identified person that they can speak to, relate to and
be supported by. We try to remove barriers to learning and at all times
consider how we can best include and support individual pupils so that they
continue to achieve.
Nurture Class
Most of our children start life in primary school with confidence and
enthusiasm. However for a variety of different reasons a few children do not
settle easily into the routine and require help with their self esteem,
confidence and social skills, including acceptance of rules and limits.
Edinbarnet Primary School has a very successful nurture group that has two
members of staff. Mrs Laura McIntosh (teacher) and Mrs Geraldine Green
(learning assistant).
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
22
It is important to stress that the children are still very much part of their own
class but will spend an allocated time each week working with the nurture
teacher and learning assistant within a small group of six children.
This takes place in a dedicated classroom – ‘The Sunshine Room’ which combines
features of both home and school.
Each child will still follow the school curriculum but at their own pace and with
strong emphasis on:
Meeting personal targets
Completing tasks and activities
Be assured that the class teacher and the Nurture Class teacher will work
closely together to ensure maximum benefit and continuity for your child.
Equal Opportunities and Social Justice
All members of the School Community are treated equally and given equal
opportunity to access teaching and learning to each person’s potential.
All staff have a responsibility to ensure the council’s Equal Opportunities Policy
is adhered to.
Rights Respecting Schools
Rights Respecting Schools recognise achievement in putting the rights of the
child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos. A rights-
respecting school not only teaches about children’s rights but also models rights
and respect in all relationships between teachers/adults and pupils, between
adults and between pupils. This provides a clear link for pupils between building
up their rights-respecting school, understanding their rights and the need for
the children’s rights to be realised everywhere. Children and young people in
rights-respecting schools develop a stronger sense of the need to act for global
justice.
Edinbarnet Primary School is a Rights Respecting School and we have been
awarded Level 1 Rights Respecting School status. We are now working towards
Level 2.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
23
Attendance at School
Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act places a duty on every parent of a child
of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly.
Parents are requested to let us know if their child is going to be absent from
school and to give them a note explaining the reason for the absence when they
return to school. If a child is to be absent for a long time we would be grateful
if you would let us know as soon as possible.
The Policies for Parents document “Achievement Through Attendance”, available
to all parents from the school, and from the council website, outlines the
importance of good attendance. If your child does not arrive at school in the
morning and we have not heard from you, we will make every effort to get in
touch. If we are unable to make contact, we may ask our pupil and family
support worker to visit your home. Please understand our responsibility for the
welfare of our pupils requires us to do this.
If a medical or dental appointment is necessary within school hours parents are
requested to call at the school to collect their child. Children are not allowed to
leave the school premises unless accompanied by an adult.
Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this
disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. Parents should inform
the school by letter before going on holiday of the dates. The Scottish
Government has issued guidance to schools that family holidays taken during
term time should be categorised as an ‘unauthorised absence’.
Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school
to make an extended visit to relatives. Only written requests detailing the
destination, the duration and the provision that will be made for their
continuing education will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised
absence in register. Clearly with no explanation from the parent, the absence is
unauthorised
Breakfast Club
A Breakfast Club is held here in the school dining hall and is available to all
pupils including those who have just started in primary one.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
24
The Club starts at 8.15 a.m. and the cost of the breakfast is 30p per pupil and
consists of toast, cereal, porridge and fruit juice. If a pupil is eligible for free
school meals, the cost is 15p per pupil.
Please note that the Breakfast Club is there to be used as and when required
and not necessarily on a daily basis. The children are also supervised by two of
the learning assistants, Mrs Jenny Green and Mr Tommy Nisbet.
If however you have any questions or concerns, please telephone me here at the
school or drop in next time that you are passing.
Extra Curricular Activities
A wide and varied range of extra curricular activities are available to our pupils
after school.
These clubs which are listed below are available to all our children from Primary
2 - 7 and are held in various parts of the school nearly every day of the week.
These clubs are staffed by teaching staff and who give of their time voluntarily
and enthusiastically.
Football Basketball Drama
Netball Athletics Street Dance
School Discipline
If our pupils are to get the full benefit from their time at school it is
extremely important that a high standard of acceptable behaviour is achieved.
The school promotes a POSITIVE discipline policy – Traffic Light System which
rewards good behaviour as well as dealing with the unacceptable. We know that
children respond to praise and encouragement no matter what year they are in.
At the beginning of each session staff and pupils discuss the school rules and
amendments are made if the consensus of the class feel it necessary. It is
important that the children understand and agree to the rules and the need for
them.
From time to time, some children may have difficulty regulating their behaviour.
At these times, children may be placed on a behaviour monitoring sheet which
goes home at the end of each day to let you see how your child is behaving and
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
25
to give you the opportunity to talk to them about their behaviour. Again, you will
be informed of this if the need arises.
Any issues on school discipline can be raised with Mrs McCormick, Head
Teacher.
Pupil Council
The school has a Pupil Council. Council is made up of one elected representative
from each class from Primary 1-7 who meet on a regular basis.
These issues may be whole-school or specific to individual classes and if
necessary guest speakers are invited along to Council.
All the children are encouraged to take part in Council and meetings are
minuted, and after each meeting individual members report back to their own
class. A selected member also gives a report to the whole school at assembly.
In this way it is hoped that all the children will feel a sense of responsibility for
their school and that their views and contributions are valued.
Supervision of Playgrounds
An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at breaktimes in terms of the
Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations, 1990.
Parents are asked to send or bring pupils to school as near entry time as
possible and not before 8.50 a.m. particularly during wet weather as shelter is
extremely limited.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
26
Clothing and Uniform
Pupil attending schools within West Dunbartonshire Council are strongly
encouraged to wear a school uniform. Our contact with parents in recent years
has also made us aware that the vast majority is in favour of uniform. The
wearing of school uniform helps promote the identify of the school in the local
community and helps create an ethos of sharing and pride in the school.
Most people tend to form opinions about a school by the appearance and
behaviour of its pupils. West Dunbartonshire Council supports the wearing of
the uniform in all of its schools because it:
improves school security by making it easier to identify intruders
builds a sense of identify and belonging to the school
gives pupils an equality of appearance thereby discouraging competition
is cheaper to buy than other clothing which pupils may wish to wear
encourages school discipline and a work ethic amongst pupils.
The forms of dress which are unacceptable in school are items of clothing
which:
Potentially encourage faction (such as football colours)
Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
Could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing,
dangling earring, sportswear made of flammable material
Could cause damage to flooring
Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco
Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or to be used by others to do
so
Are valuable or expensive items of clothing or jewellery, which presents a
security issue for the school.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
27
Edinbarnet Primary School Uniform
The agreed uniform for boys and girls at Edinbarnet Primary School is as
follows:
Formal Informal
White shirt or blouse and tie Pale blue or white polo shirt
Navy/black jumper or cardigan
Black trousers or culottes Blue sweatshirt with school logo
Navy kimono or skirt
Blue sweatshirts with the Edinbarnet Primary School logo can be purchased at
the school office. School ties are also available.
A list of sizes and costs is given below for your information.
SWEATSHIRTS (Royal Blue with logo) POLO-SHIRTS (Pale Blue with
logo)
Size: Price: Size: Price:
22 - 24 (3-4 years) £8.00 22 - 24 (3-4 years) £8.00
26 - 28 (5-6 years) £8.00 26 - 28 (5-6 years) £8.00
30 (7-8 years) £8.00 30 (7-8 years) £8.00
32 (9-10 years) £8.00 32 (9-10 years) £8.00
34 (11-12 years) £9.00 34 (11-12 years) £9.00
Small Adult £10.00 Small Adult £10.00
School Tie £3.50
The following items, with logo are also available:
Hooded Top £10/£12
Fleece £13.00
Reversible Jacket £20.00
Woolly Hat £4.00
School bag £7.50
All clothing, including shoes, outer jackets and coats should be clearly named.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
28
School Meals
We are a ‘Healthy Choices’ school and the 4 week rolling menu reflects this,
offering a range of nutritious main meals, homemade soup, fresh fruit and
salads on a daily basis. All meals are cooked on the premises and copies of the
menu will be sent home. Parents are most welcome to come into school and see
the choices available. Each session we invite parents of our new P1 pupils to join
us for lunch. The response and comments received show that parents are most
impressed with the quality and choice.
Parents of children who need a special diet should contact the Head Teacher.
Pupils may also bring a packed lunch. Instead of a hot meal, children may choose
a snack lunch: sandwiches, paninis, wraps, fresh fruit, yoghurt etc. We ask
parents to support us in encouraging pupils to eat a healthy diet and ask that
you do not give your children fizzy drinks and sugary snacks to bring to school.
Our catering staff also provide a healthy tuck shop at morning interval.
Some children may be entitled to free school meals and parents can ask at the
office for more information.
Medical and Health Care
West Dunbartonshire Council has strict guidelines and policy on administration
of medicines. Consent/information must be given if medicine is to be
administered in school. In our school we have a member of staff who is
qualified to administer first aid to assist with minor injuries and accidents.
Parents are asked to inform the school of any medical requirements of their
child.
While the school provides minor first aid treatment, parents should provide the
school with an emergency contact so that children can be taken home if illness
occurs. The school should be notified immediately if the emergency contact
changes.
Minor accidents will be dealt with in school by staff members. In the event of a
serious accident the child will be taken directly to the nearest Childrens’
Hospital. Parents will be notified immediately. Minor injuries will be noted in
our accident log book and a note of this will be given to the child to take home.
In the event of more serious injuries and all head injuries, parents will be
contacted by telephone.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
29
The school nurse is involved with all aspects of health screening and health
education. Hearing, vision and dental checks are also carried out throughout
the year. Primaries 1 and 2 take part in a tooth-brushing project. Pupils in P1-
P4 engage in the fluoride varnish project. The school nurse who is Mrs Rosie
Montgomery is also available to help, advise and guide parents/carers with
individual concerns over pupils health and wellbeing. Please contact the head
teacher if you would like to have an appointment with the school nurse.
Information in Emergencies
We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some
occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be
affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport,
power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can
to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you in
touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres,
announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local
radio. You will also be able to access up to date information from the West
Dunbartonshire Council website. This can be located at www.west-
dunbarton.gov.uk.
It is normal practice within West Dunbartonshire Council to operate a helpline
when emergencies arise. Details will be made available when an occasion arises.
Parents in School
From the earliest opportunity, parents are encouraged to become involved in the
daily life of the school. Apart from pre-school visits, there are many events during
the school year to which parents are invited e.g. sports events, concerts, services
etc. Newsletters are sent home regularly to keep parents up to date with the busy
life of the school. Parents’ evenings to discuss the progress of individual children
are held twice a year and are always well attended. Our Pupil and Family Support
worker who is based in Clydebank High also supports our home/school partnership.
Parental help is always needed to help with outings and help is always welcome
during Book Fairs and fund raising events. We are very grateful for this help and
welcome new faces. A series of meetings for parents of new P1 pupils is held in the
summer term prior to the children starting school and also during the autumn term.
Our Parent Council also serves to strengthen the partnership with parents. They
are very friendly and any parent is welcome to come along to meetings. Details of
who to contact are on our address page at the back the school handbook. An
excellent website for parents is: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Parentzone
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
30
Parents are welcome to call at the school at any time if there is a problem
or concern that we can help with.
The Parent Council
Edinbarnet Primary has an active Parent Council which is committed to
supporting the life and work of the school. As a new parent you will be invited
to join the Parent Council or take part in fundraising initiatives during the
school year. See contact details for further information on parental
involvement.
Our parent council members give generously of their time for a meeting each
term to discuss how they can best support the school with different projects.
They plan and organise a variety of fund raising projects including an annual
plant sale, Christmas raffle and disco.
Parents on the parent council represent the wider parent group and often
represent viewpoints leading to changes in procedures and routines in the
school. New members are very welcome.
The office bearers and committee members are listed below:
Chairperson Mr G Reid
Vice-Chairperson Ms C Nelson
Treasurer Mrs L Kearns
Secretary Mrs C Fairbairn/Ms L Kerr
Staff Members Miss Natalie Ward,
Mr John Paton
The Head Teacher also attends these meetings which are held on a regular
basis throughout the year.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
31
Transfer from Primary School to
Secondary School Pupils are normally transferred between the ages of eleven and a
half and twelve years so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least
four years of secondary education. Parents will be informed of the
arrangements by December of the year preceding the date of transfer.
The school to which our pupils normally transfer is:
Clydebank High School Janetta Street
Clydebank
Telephone Number: 0141 533 3000
P7 pupils attend Clydebank High for Induction visits in Term 2 and 4. Secondary
staff also visit and work with the P7 pupils, getting to know the children in
advance. Examples of work are also exchanged enabling P7 staff to check the
children’s progress and to alert secondary staff to changes in pupil
performance. Positive, constructive liaison between the cluster schools is a
major strength.
Data Protection Act 1984
Information on parents and guardians is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching,
registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The information is protected by the Data
Protection Act 1984 and may only be disclosed in accordance with the Codes of Practice. For
further information please contact the school.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
32
Important Addresses
Important addresses regarding the school are:
Mr T Lanagan Clydebank Area Office
Executive Director of Educational Services (School Meals, Clothing Grant Forms)
West Dunbartonshire Council Rosebery Place
Garshake Road Clydebank.
Dumbarton
Tel. No: 01389 - 737000 Tel. No: 01389 - 738770
Social Work Psychological Services
Rosebery Place Careith Primary School
Clydebank Stark Avenue
Tel No: 0141 562 8800 Duntocher G81 6EF
Tel. No: 01389 – 875632
Photographs
Policy on taking of photographs on Council premises.
West Dunbartonshire Council has a policy dealing with photographs taken
of individuals on premises occupied or managed by the Council or at
events organised by the Council:
photographs should not be taken of school pupils on occasions and in
locations where there is a reasonable expectation or privacy: normally for
example, young people would not expect to be photographed in the
classroom, playground, or other areas of the school or during lessons on
the sports field or at the swimming pool, except by arrangement;
sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and other
similar occasions, will be considered to be public event and photography
will be permitted;
where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, permission to take
photographs should not be assumed, in the case of young people under 16
years or age, without the written consent of their parent or guardian; in
the case of young people aged over the age of 16 this would refer to the
young people themselves.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
33
parents and young persons over 16 years of age should understand that
sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and the
like, where there is an audience, are public events and it is likely that
photographers will be taken
.
Questions Answered
What time will my child spend at school? If your child is beginning Primary 1, he/she will come to school at 9.30 a.m. on the first day. After this,
school begins at 9.00 a.m. Your child will finish at 12.15 for the first week.
For all other children (P2 - P7) school begins at 9.00 a.m. and finishes at 3.00 p.m.
When will my child in Primary 1 be in school in the afternoon? From Monday 29th August 2016, your child will begin school at 9.00 a.m. and finish
at 3.00pm.
When can my child begin to stay for lunches? Although your child can begin having lunch in school immediately, we do not recommend this for the first
week. Very young children find the dinner hall busy, noisy and confusing at first and need to feel
secure in the school situation before they begin to stay for lunch. If however it is essential that your child
starts to stay for dinner earlier, we will ensure that they are well looked after.
At the outset, the children of Primary 1 will always go into lunch slightly earlier than the rest of the school.
Thereafter once they are into the routine, the children will go into lunch first promptly at 12.15pm.
What happens if my child takes ill at school? When your child starts school, you will be asked to fill in a form with your name, address and telephone
number (if available). This form asks for a contact who should be a relative or friend who would be able to
look after your child in case of emergency.
If your child is ill, we will contact you. If we cannot get you, your emergency number will be contacted.
Failing that, your child will be supervised until he/she can be collected.
If your child has a serious accident, he/she may be taken to hospital. Again, every effort will be made to
contact you.
It is essential that you inform the school of any change of address or telephone as vital time could
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
34
be wasted because of incorrect information.
My child has a Doctors (Hospital, Dentist) appointment. What do I
do? Please let the class teacher know before the appointment. NO CHILD is allowed out of school unless they
are collected by an adult.
All children leaving school during the school day must have a signed Absence Pass. These can be
collected from the office and should be handed back when your child returns to school.
Always let the Class Teacher, Headteacher or Office know if you are taking your child away from school.
Please do not ever take your child away without informing the school. eg. at the interval or lunch-
time.
My child has Asthma, what do I do? If your child has tablets or inhalers which MUST be taken in school time, please inform the Head teacher.
Before any medication is administered, parents must complete a permission slip which will indicate
times and dosage.
What should I do if my child is off school? Please write a note to the Class Teacher when your child returns to school.
If you know that your child will be absent for any reason, please telephone the school.
What should my child wear for gym? Shorts and T-shirt with slip-on gym shoes are best. Outdoor shoes are not allowed in the gym. For
younger children, we would prefer if your child could wear shorts and T-shirt under his/her outdoor
clothes on gym days as it is easier to get dressed and undressed.
Please note that for reasons of Health and Safety, no jewellery of any description should be worn.
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
35
Parents please note that although the information contained in
this handbook is correct at time of printing, there could be
changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the
document:-
(a) before the commencement or during the course of the
school year in question:
(b) in relation to subsequent school years.
Please also note that a summary of this document is also
available in other languages, large print and audio format on
request.
Edinbarnet Primary School –
Our Service Standards The following Standards of Service are also in place in Edinbarnet
Primary School:
Monitor your child’s performance and report to you annually
Hold two parent’s meetings annually
Offer additional meetings with staff if necessary and
appropriate
All primary 1 classes will have no more than 25 pupils
All primary 2 and 3 classes will have no more than 30 pupils
Composite classes will have a maximum of 25 pupils
Newsletters to be sent home regularly
Parents will have access to the school handbook
Parents will be sent home a summary account of the Standards
& Quality Report every September
If there is a serious problem with your child we will contact
you immediately
If your child is unwell we will contact you immediately
All school staff will be polite and courteous at all times
School staff will wear a name badge
All complaints will be dealt with in line with complaints
procedures
West Dunbartonshire – from the banks of Loch Lomond to the shores of the Clyde Opportunity Through Learning
36