Contents Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 2 Head Teacher’s Letter .......................................................................................................... 2 Chatelherault Primary’s Educational Aims ............................................................................ 3 School Information ............................................................................................................ 4-5 Community Education .......................................................................................................... 5 School Modernisation .......................................................................................................... 5 Parental Involvement …………………………………………………………………………………6 Home and School Links ………………………………………………………………………………6 School & Local Community Links ………………………………………………………………….. 7 The School ........................................................................................................................... 7 Early Years .......................................................................................................................... 7 The Learning Community ..................................................................................................... 7 Enrolment – How to register your child for school ................................................................ 8 School Hours ........................................................................................................................ 8 Equal Opportunities & Social Justice..................................................................................... 9 Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment ............................................................................ 9 Reporting of Racist Incidents ................................................................................................ 9 The Curriculum ............................................................................................................... 9-13 Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 13 Reporting ........................................................................................................................... 14 Homework .......................................................................................................................... 14 Additional Support for Learning Needs................................................................................ 15 School Improvement Plan ………………………………………………………………………….16 Child Protection Procedures .............................................................................................. 17 Composite Classes ............................................................................................................ 17 Attendance at School ......................................................................................................... 17 Information to Proposed Transfer of School ........................................................................ 18 Transition from Primary to Secondary School .................................................................... 18 Extra Curricular Activities .................................................................................................... 20 Promoting Positive Behaviour ............................................................................................ 21 Towards a Safer School ..................................................................................................... 22 School Uniform .................................................................................................................. 22 Insurance for Schools-Pupils’ Personal Effects .................................................................. 22 Meals .................................................................................................................................. 22 Transport ............................................................................................................................ 22 Medical and Health Care..................................................................................................... 24 Information in Emergencies ............................................................................................... 24 Music Tuition …………………………………………………………………………………………24 Enquiries & Concerns ………………………………………………………………………………25 Transferring Educational Data about Pupils ........................................................................ 25 Addresses .......................................................................................................................... 27 Data Protection Act 1988 .................................................................................................... 27 Freedom Of Information Act………………………………………………………………………...27 Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................... 27 1 Introduction Chatelherault Primary is one of 124 primary schools throughout South Lanarkshire Council. South Lanarkshire Council is the fifth largest authority in Scotland. It covers the following main areas; Clydesdale in the south which features extensive rural areas, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Blantyre and Uddingston to the north as well as the towns of East Kilbride and Hamilton. The Council’s Plan Connect sets out the Council’s vision which is, “to improve the quality of life for all within South Lanarkshire”. For Education Resources this means delivering services of the highest quality as well as striving to narrow the gap. It is about continually improving the services for everyone at the same time as giving priority to children, young people, families and communities in most need. The priorities for schools and services are set out in the Education Resources Plan which confirms the commitment to provide better learning opportunities and outcomes for children and young people. Head Teacher’s Letter Dear Parent/Carer, I hope that you will find our School Handbook both useful and informative. The handbook has been compiled to give you a flavour of the many experiences on offer in Chatelherault Primary. In addition to the mainstream school which caters for children from P1-7, we also have a nursery and an Autistic Spectrum Disorder Base. In Chatelherault Primary we pride ourselves on having a welcoming atmosphere. We, as a staff, look forward to working in partnership with you to provide your child with a rich and stimulating education. We make every effort to offer the highest standard of education in a safe, caring and interesting environment. Through a well balanced curriculum and development of a wide range of knowledge, skills and experiences we provide opportunities to allow each child to achieve his/her full potential. Should you wish further information please do not hesitate to contact the school. Yours sincerely Dianne Lynas Head Teacher 2 Chatelherault Primary Educational Aims 1. Curriculum We will provide a balanced curriculum, which builds on prior learning, taking account of national and local priorities. Pupils will be encouraged to develop the skills and attitudes for lifelong learning. Planning will be clearly linked to Curriculum for Excellence Guidelines and take into account the needs of all children. 2. Attainment We will strive for the highest quality of attainment for our pupils, taking into account their performance in course work, their performance judged against targets, the challenges are set and the learning needs identified by staff. By monitoring and evaluating pupils’ progress in learning, we will aim to ensure that pupils achieve their maximum potential. 3. Learning and Teaching Children will be motivated through access to a full range of learning and teaching approaches appropriate to their needs. Parents/ carers will be fully and regularly updated on their child’s development. We will encourage the highest standards through positive feedback and praise with effective teacher/pupil dialogue. 4. Support for pupils Through effective caring support systems we will ensure that we meet the educational, emotional and social needs of each pupil in a sensitive way. All school staff, support agencies and parents/ carers will work together to meet any identified needs. 5. Ethos By continuing to maintain a sense of identity and pride in the school and by promoting a climate of achievement we aim to continue to build on the effective links with parents, carers and the wider community to maintain a safe, welcoming, stimulating and supportive environment which promotes high morale and expectations of everyone. We aim to ensure that all school users including pupils, parents/carers and staff feel valued and involved in the corporate life of the school. 6. Resources We will maximise the use of all resources to create a safe, stimulating and challenging learning environment, effectively utilising our devolved budget to support our development and ensure effective implementation of our shared aims. 7. Management, leadership and quality assurance Through strong leadership, our management team will work together to enhance quality, sharing a common vision, in all areas of school life. A climate of collaboration and communication will operate at all levels of development and decisions taken will be based on broadly gathered information and good judgement. 3 School Information Official Address: Chatelherault Primary School Silvertonhill Avenue Hamilton ML3 7NT Phone: 01698 282929 Fax: 01698 207482 Email: office@chatelherault-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk Website: www.chatelherault-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk Current roll: 294 (plus 45 in nursery) Stages provided for: Nursery (3-5 years) P1 - P7 Mainstream P1 - P7 Autistic Spectrum Base Chatelherault Primary is a non-denominational school and education is provided for female and male pupils. In the event of any concern, parents/carers should contact the Head Teacher in person, by phone or by emailing the school office to allow any issues to be addressed appropriately as soon as possible. School Staff Senior Management Team Head Teacher Depute Head Teacher Acting Depute Head Teacher Principal Teacher Acting Principal Teacher Mrs D. Lynas Miss K. McDonald Mrs L. Fleming Mrs V. Walker Mrs C. McFarlane Mainstream Teaching Staff Primary 1 Primary 1/2 Primary 2 Primary 3 Primary 3/4 Primary 4/5 Primary 5 Primary 6 Primary 6/7 Primary 7 Mrs A. Vaughan Mrs L. Stangoe Miss J. Kellachan/Mrs L. McIntyre Mrs R. Nelson Miss L. Simpson Mrs. J. McDonald/Mrs K. Stewart Mrs V. Walker Mrs M.C. Corns Mrs J. Maclean/Mrs F. Lamont Mrs D. Bear Nursery Class Early Years Team Leader Early Years Teacher Early Years Worker Early Years Worker Early Years Worker Mrs S. Nicholson Mrs E. Burns Mrs C. Lawson Mrs M. Robinson Mrs P. Smeaton 4 Autistic Spectrum Base Room 4 Teaching Staff Miss P. McGowan Room 5 Miss C McFarlane/Mrs J. Strang Room 6 Room 7 Mrs S. Stevenson Mrs A. Mackie Room 8 Room 10 Room 11 Miss S. Healy Miss C. Watson Mr S. Savilaakso Speech & Language Therapists Mrs A. Shaw Mrs L. McMillan Inclusion Teacher Mrs R. Cuthbert Class Contact Cover Teacher Miss M. McCabe Support Staff Mrs P. Smith Mrs C. Chiesa Mrs J. Garrity Mrs M. Livingston Mrs K. Brown Mrs S. Davis Mrs S. Elder Mrs M. Weir Mrs L. Muncie Mrs S. Daly Mrs J. Cowan Mrs O. Baker Mrs L. McGhee Mrs K. Conquer Mrs R. Marcuccilli Facilities Staff Mr D. Sinclair Mrs K. Anderson Mrs F. Haggarty Team Leader Office Office Office Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Music Tutors Mrs R. Chalmers – Cello Mr P. Michael - Brass Mr M. Phillips - Woodwind Library Mrs F. Widdicombe (Volunteer) Janitor Catering Manager Cleaning Supervisor Community Education The school accommodation can be made available as far as possible outwith school hours for use by the community and will be in accordance with approved letting procedures. Requests should be made in advance to: Facilities Management, 13th Floor, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA Phone: 01698 455730 Fax: 01698 455659 5 School Modernisation As part of South Lanarkshire Council’s investment in improving school buildings, our new school opened for pupils in August 2006. Parental Involvement South Lanarkshire Council recognises the importance of parents as partners in the education of their child and has published a strategy entitled, ‘Making a difference – working together to support children’s learning’. This is available from the Council’s website: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Parents, carers and family members are by far the most important influences on children’s lives. Children between the ages of 5 and 16 children spend only 15% of their time in school! Research shows that when parents are involved in their child’s learning, children do better at school and throughout life. Parental involvement can take different forms but we hope you share the same aims and agree that by working together we can be partners in supporting children’s learning. As a parent/carer we want you to be: Welcomed and given an opportunity to be involved in the life of the school; Fully informed about your child’s learning; Encouraged to make an active contribution to your child’s learning; Able to support learning at home; Encouraged to express your views and involved in forums and discussions on education related issues. To find out more on how to be a parent helper, or a member of the Parent Council and/or the Parent Teacher Association just contact the school or visit our website. Some useful information contacts for parents to find out more on education are as follows: Parentzone – www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk Engage Parent Forum – www.engageforeducation.org National Parent Forum for Scotland – www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone South Lanarkshire Council – www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Home and School Links In Chatelherault Primary, we aim to build positive relationships with all parents and we actively encourage parents to come to the school to discuss any matter relating to their child’s welfare with the Head Teacher and/or class teacher as appropriate. Parents are kept informed of school events through regular newsletters and a useful, informative website. The website address is: www.chatelherault-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk There are many opportunities for parents to become involved in school activities. We have a Parent Helper Programme in place and parents’ talents are well utilised both in classes and at lunch breaks. In addition to the Parent Helper Programme, parents also become involved in a variety of school activities including educational activities and sporting activities. We have a Parent Council to help to take forward Parental Involvement in addition to providing a range of social activities and fundraising on behalf of the Parent Forum. 6 School and Local Community Links In Chatelherault Primary we develop opportunities to maintain a high and positive profile within our community. Every effort is made to encourage the pupils to take care of the local environment. We participate in many sporting events within the community and we have fostered a positive link with Weaver’s Court, Sheltered Housing residents in addition to building links with local educational establishments and businesses to extend learning opportunities. The School Chatelherault Primary is situated in the Silvertonhill area of Hamilton. In addition to the mainstream school, Chatelherault Primary has a nursery and 7 Autistic Spectrum base classes. The present building was opened in August 2006. It is built on 2 levels. The administration areas are on the ground level along with the nursery, gym hall and head teacher’s office. The mainstream class bases are on the first floor along with Autistic Spectrum Base classes. There are 3 breakout areas within the school where children can work in small groups. The school has a well organised, well stocked library. The school’s dining hall provides a real feature point with views across Hamilton. The school has a lift. There are facilities in place to support anyone with mobility needs. Special Notes No pupil will be allowed to leave the school during the day unless a responsible person collects him/her. With the exception of Blue badge holders, the car park is for staff use only. Early Years The school has a nursery which provides a purpose built learning environment for young children. Parents from any area may apply to attend the nursery class. To find out more about the nursery please contact the school. However, it should be noted that if you register your child for a nursery in a school this does not mean that they will automatically be enrolled at this school when they are ready to start primary school. All children who move from early years to primary education must register separately for school in the month of January. The Learning Community A learning community is made up of local education establishments including a secondary school, the local primary schools, early years establishments, early years partners and schools and bases which provide specialist additional learning services. Each Learning Community is managed by a Head of Education (Area). The Head of Area for Hamilton Grammar and its associated establishments is Mrs. Isobel McDougall. The Learning Community develops ways of working between establishments and with other agencies and organisations to help to ensure services are responsive, accessible and are delivered as effectively as possible. Integrated Children’s Services Education Resources is a key partner in developing an approach which promotes the delivery of better integrated services to children, young people and their families. Our vision for children and young people in South Lanarkshire is to ensure that they live in a community where they feel safe, included, nurtured and respected. They should be part of a 7 society where they have the opportunity to maximise their full potential and have access to good quality health, education and leisure services and to have co-ordinated support for the most vulnerable. Learning communities will strengthen the integration agenda at both strategic and local levels to enable a more collaborative approach in delivering services to all children. A support team for Integrating Children’s Services works across four education areas, and within the Council, enabling all services to children and families to plan and work together, to achieve our vision. Enrolment – how to register your child for school Prospective parents may, at any time, contact the Head Teacher should they wish to visit the school. If your child is starting school for the first time you must enroll your child at their catchment school in January. If parents want their child to go to another school, they must enroll in the first instance with their catchment school and ask for an information leaflet that provides details on how to make a placing request. Forms are available from the SLC website – www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk, schools, Q and A offices or by contacting Education Resources, Almada Street, Hamilton, Phone 01698 454102. Completed forms should be returned as soon as possible to Education Resources, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AE. When enrolling, a parent should provide the child’s full birth certificate and two pieces of documentation to confirm residence. For new P1 pupils who will start school in August 2015, enrolment will take place in week beginning 12 January 2015. New P.1 Pupil Visits: During the summer term, children who have been allocated a place in P1 for August 2015 will have the opportunity to participate in visits to the school. The visits will take place in May and provide an opportunity for you to work alongside your child on a range of activities, meet the current primary one teacher and also attend a Help Your Child Succeed session taken by the Head Teacher. This will also provide an opportunity to meet other parents. Enrolments during the Session: If you wish to enroll your child during the session you should contact the Head Teacher as soon as possible so that you may visit the school and be given further information. School Hours The school hours are as follows: 09.00am - 10.40 am 10.40am - 10.55 am Interval 10.55am - 12.35 pm 12.35 pm - 1.20 pm Lunch 1.20 pm - 3.00 pm The nursery hours are as follows: Morning Session: 8.45am to 11.55am Afternoon Session: 1.00pm to 4.10pm 8 Equal Opportunities & Social Justice (Impact Assessment) In Chatelherault Primary we aim to promote equality of opportunity and social justice by treating people as having equal value and by responding sensitively to their individual differences. Within the school, pupils will have access to a full curriculum, encouraging equal opportunities for all and avoiding stereotyping. Further information and advice regarding Equal Opportunities and Social Justice within Chatelherault Primary can be obtained from the Head Teacher. Equal Opportunities Contact Statement If you need this information in another language or format, please contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs. Phone: 01698 282929 Email: office@chatelherault-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment Schools and education establishments have a legislative duty to undertake an assessment of equality and diversity. This is the process of systematically assessing and consulting on the effects that a policy, process or strategy is likely to have on different groups in the community who might experience disadvantage/barriers in accessing services. The process includes monitoring the actual effects of the policy once it is put into practice. Policies do not affect everyone in the same way. By assessing in the early stages, any adverse impact can be identified and minimised. Reporting of Racist Incidents Schools take seriously any reported racist incidents. Within the school’s approach to promoting positive discipline, a record of all racist incidents is maintained and each incident fully investigated. Schools are required to notify the local authority of any racist incidents. The Curriculum Curriculum for Excellence is the name given to the new curriculum in Scotland for all children and young people aged 3-18. It is a forward looking, coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum that provides young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes they will need if they are to flourish in life, learning and work, now and in the future. The curriculum includes all of the experiences that are planned for children and young people to support the development of their skills, wherever they are being educated, for example in the family and community, pre-school centre, nursery and school. This broad, general education will allow them to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to life in the 21st century. In taking this forward our school will work closely with South Lanarkshire Education Resources and other services to enable Curriculum for Excellence to be fully embedded, ensuring the best possible education for all children and young people. We wish you to feel confident that your child is encouraged and supported to develop their literacy, numeracy and other skills whilst they attend our school. The curriculum areas are as follows: Expressive arts Languages and literacy Health and wellbeing Mathematics and numeracy Religious and moral education Science Social studies Technologies 9 If you want to know more about Curriculum for Excellence, please visit website www.curriculumforexcellence.gov.uk or www.parentzonescotland.gsi.gov.uk Our learning and teaching activities are based on the outcomes and experiences in the guidelines that all schools have for Curriculum for Excellence. Level Early First Second Stage The pre-school years and Primary 1 or later for some. To the end of Primary 4, but earlier or later for some. To the end of Primary 7, but earlier or later for some. Languages and Literacy Through a balanced, structured programme in language we aim to achieve the following: Reading: to provide pupils with skills to allow them to read thoughtfully and critically for information and pleasure in order to form lasting reading habits. Talking: to enable pupils to communicate thoughts and to express ideas clearly, confidently and accurately. Listening : to listen for pleasure, information and instruction and to enable pupils to participate in discussion Writing: to present functional, personal and imaginative writing accurately and clearly. Our main programme in reading/language related activities focuses on the development of skills through the implementation of Oxford Reading Tree and Fireflies in the early stages and develops on to Literacy World and novels. We also have a strong focus on developing writing skills using ‘Big Books’ in the early stages and ‘Big Writing’ at all stages. These resources are used to support our Curriculum for Excellence developments along with selective use of a variety of resources including a whole school writing programme, Nelson Spelling, Jolly Phonics, punctuation/ grammar development as well as fiction/non-fiction library books, targeted use of a range of skills using the computer and other relevant technology. By providing the children with opportunities to develop and practice a range of appropriate skills in Listening, Talking, Reading and Writing, each child will become increasingly confident and competent in each of these areas. French P6 and P7 are taught French. For P.6 pupils this is experienced in one main teaching block per week. P.7 pupils have opportunities to develop French in focused sessions and incidentally throughout the week, as appropriate. Mathematics and Numeracy In mathematics we aim to: Develop a full range of mathematical skills and concepts based on the attainment outcomes outlined in the Curriculum for Excellence Guidelines, i.e. number, money and measurement problem solving shape, position and movement information handling 10 We work to: Foster a positive, enthusiastic, enquiring attitude towards the maths curriculum. Place, wherever possible, maths tasks in a meaningful, appropriate context. Enable children to use their maths knowledge in real life situations. Develop confidence in working mathematically, learning to enjoy the intellectual challenges and aesthetic satisfaction of mathematics. Active, contextualized learning is encouraged at all stages to develop an understanding of maths processes. In mathematics we are currently using Scottish Heinemann Maths supplemented by Teejay Maths to support the implementation of the key targets within Curriculum for Excellence. Scottish Heinemann Maths and Teejay Maths are focused programmes which develop the key areas of maths outlined above. Separate programmes are in place to support the development of Curriculum for Excellence Mental Maths and Problem Solving and Enquiry skills. Social Studies Our Social Studies programme reflects National Guidelines within Curriculum for Excellence in this area. In Social Studies we aim to: allow pupils to gain knowledge, skills and understanding of the environment develop informed attitudes and values relating to the care and conservation of the environment develop in pupils skills, knowledge and understanding to help them to develop a healthy lifestyle Our Social Studies is developed, mainly, through interdisciplinary topics, developing a range of skills, knowledge and understanding through practical, active learning, wherever possible. Where possible, first hand experiences are encouraged, e.g. through investigative activities, through educational visits and exploring the local environment. Use of appropriate computer software is used selectively to extend and enrich the children’s experiences. Sciences Our Sciences programme has recently been updated to reflect Curriculum for Excellence and more active approaches. Our Sciences programme is developed, mainly, through focused topics, developing a range of skills, knowledge and understanding through practical, active learning, wherever possible. Technologies Our Technologies programme has recently been updated within ICT to reflect guidelines within Curriculum for Excellence. Our Technologies programme is developed, mainly, through focused ICT activities, developing a range of skills, knowledge and understanding through practical, active learning, wherever possible. 11 Expressive Arts Expressive Arts is the term used to include Art/Design, Music, Physical Education and Drama. We aim to provide our pupils with opportunities to enjoy and appreciate Expressive Arts as well as progressively developing the children’s skills and knowledge in each area. Our Expressive Arts curriculum develops a range of activities to develop key skills as identified within Curriculum for Excellence. This area of the curriculum has been identified by school staff through self evaluation as an area for focused development to support Curriculum for Excellence implementation. Aspects of Expressive Arts are currently developed through our Interdisciplinary topics. In Art and Design the pupils have opportunities within our whole school programme, based on ‘SLC’s Smart Art Pack’, to use a variety of materials and develop a range of techniques and skills, encouraging self expression and creativity. The children also build up knowledge about a range of artists. In Music we encourage our pupils to take an active part in music making, experiencing the fun of music whilst gaining a sense of achievement through the development of skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of music. Our core music is developed through “Sounds of Music” - a progressive programme used throughout the school. In Drama our pupils currently follow a structured whole school programme based on SLC’s programme. Pupils have regular opportunities to develop their skills and explore a range of drama experiences. In addition we have opportunities for participation in class and whole school drama performances. Spiritual, social, moral and cultural values Religious Observance Rights of Parents / Carers Scottish Government Ministers consider that religious observance complements religious education and is an important contribution to pupils’ development. It should also have a role in promoting the ethos of a school by bringing pupils together and creating a sense of community. There is a statutory provision for parents to withdraw children from participation in religious observance. This right of parents’ wishes will be respected. Where a child is withdrawn from religious observance we will make suitable arrangements for the child to participate in a worthwhile alternative activity. Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Advance notice should be provided to the school when children will be absent. Appropriate requests will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register. Our Religious and Moral Education Programme is in line with National Guidelines, The Education (Scotland) Act, 1980, Scottish Office Circular 6/91 and South Lanarkshire Policy. Within our Religious Education Programme, our focus for development is Christianity, Islam and Judaism concentrating on practices and customs. There are regular Assemblies which are open to all pupils. When the pupils are taking an assembly, parents and friends are invited. Our school chaplain is Reverend John Carwell, based at Cadzow Parish Church. The school chaplain visits the school and works with pupils and staff to support Religious Education topics 12 when appropriate. The chaplain is involved in leading assemblies on specific themes. They offer pastoral care to all associated with the school. Education Resources has produced guidelines on Religious Observance Policies and these are available in all establishments. In line with national advice set out in SEED Circular 1/2005 and the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, parents may withdraw their child from Religious Education and Religious Observance. Such requests must be made in writing. Equalities Integral to our guidance on Religious Education and Religious Observance is the principle of mutual respect. We promote the diversity of belief and tradition to provide an ideal context in which pupils can learn about, and so learn from, what is important in the lives of themselves and others. South Lanarkshire’s guidance recognises and welcomes diversity and promotes respectful understanding. Personal & Social Development We have a Personal and Social Development Programme which is in line with National Guidelines. It develops pupils’ life skills through building of self-awareness, self esteem, inter-personal relationships, independence and inter-dependence. Health and Wellbeing We have a Health Programme which reflects Curriculum for Excellence guidance. Our Health Programme is developed mainly through focused topics, developing a range of skills, knowledge and understanding. Our Programme includes Drugs Education topics and some Sexual Health and Relationships topics at appropriate stages. Our Physical Education programme develops functional and expressive movement as well as an appreciation of the benefits of healthy living and fitness. Children follow a full, structured programme for P.E. with a focus on National recommendations of 2 hours of P.E weekly. Pupils in Primary 5 participate in swimming lessons for one term. In addition, classes have opportunities to participate in a range of sports through our Active Schools Coordinator. Assessment Our starting point for assessment is our daily curriculum. Children will be encouraged and supported in order to attain standards set within our school guidelines. There is on-going assessment by the class teacher. This involves the teacher in setting clear expectations of what is to be learned and choosing tasks and activities which will allow each child to achieve the aims. The teacher will assess the pupils’ development in a variety of ways, e.g. observation, discussion, focus on completed work. Pupils are given opportunities to be involved in self assessment, commenting on / assessing their own work. The levels of development within Curriculum for Excellence are: Early: Nursery –Primary 1 First: Primary 2-4 Second: Primary 5-7 13 These are general guides. Some children may work on these levels earlier or later depending on their individual stage of development. In addition to a range of ongoing continuous assessment of pupils’ development on a daily basis, we implement targeted Curriculum for Excellence assessments in reading and mathematics in addition to standardised assessments in reading and maths at particular times in the school and at specific stages to help to track pupils’ progress and to identify areas for further development. In writing we assess regularly throughout the session using ‘Big Writing’ assessments. All assessment information is used to target next steps in children’s learning to help to ensure that each child is appropriately challenged/supported. Reporting Reporting will be ongoing and comprise of a range of activities which can include children presenting their learning, newsletters, and ongoing oral discussions. We will provide parents with reports so that you can see what your child is doing and how they are progressing. In addition, there will be parents’ meetings which offer you the opportunity to discuss how your child’s progressing and how you can contact the school if you wish further information. The school will offer you an appointment time so that you can visit in person to discuss your child’s education. Our ‘pupil reports’ will help you to get to know more about the curriculum which each child follows and will describe their strengths, achievements and areas for development so you know what encouragement and support you can give. We welcome any comments or additional information from parents to help us provide the best possible education for your child. Homework Following significant consultation and involvement of parents/ carers, we have updated, focused homework guidelines. Our children have opportunities to be involved in home learning activities on a regular basis. Our aims in home learning are: To allow practice in tasks covered in class. To place value on private study and research. To offer the opportunity for children to further develop practical tasks covered in school. To develop good liaison between home and school - allow parents to be aware of their child’s learning experiences. Parents and children can be involved in home learning. A variety of activities will be given, covering a range of curricular areas. All children have a homework diary to provide a two way link between home and school. Support for Pupils - Getting it right for Every Child (GIRFEC) Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) was promoted and endorsed by the Scottish Government at the Children’s Summit in 2010. There is a commitment to ensure that your child has the best possible start in life and to improve outcomes for children and families based on a shared understanding of their wellbeing. Most children make their journey from birth to the world of work supported by family and the universal services of Health and Education. The Named Person in education helps to make sure that the child’s wellbeing is developing. The school will let you know 14 the named person for your child. This is likely to be the head teacher in a primary school and the pupil support teacher in a secondary. If you have any concerns you should speak to the Named Person who will work with you to address any issues and to ensure that your child gets any help needed at the right time. Getting it right for every child, (GIRFEC) is a national policy and programme which is implemented in South Lanarkshire. The Scottish Government introduced GIRFEC as a long term programme; it is relevant to each and every child in Scotland, and reaches across children’s and adults’ services in the public and voluntary sectors to ensure there is firm commitment and drive towards achieving better futures for all of our children and young people. GIRFEC promotes key values in working with children and their families across all agencies and is based on core components which will help bring these values about. The programme calls for all workers in health centres and hospitals, nurseries, schools and leisure centres, family centres, social work services and housing offices, and in the community to work together towards changes in culture, systems and practice that will help all children and young people to grow, develop and reach their full potential. Where your child’s needs require a coordinated approach, The Named Person in education helps to make sure that the child’s wellbeing is developing. The school will let you know the named person for your child. In Chatelherault Primary this will be a member of the Senior Management Team – the head teacher or one of the Depute Head Teachers. More information can be found on: www.girfecinlanarkshire.co.uk www.scotland.gov.uk/gettingitright Support for All (Additional Support Needs) Within Chatelherault primary we aim to ensure that each pupil reaches his/her full potential, to challenge and support all children appropriately. Our Support for Learning Coordinator is Mrs. Fleming, Acting Depute Head Teacher, who is responsible for overseeing the needs of pupils with Additional Support Needs and coordinating Chatelherault Primary’s Support for Learning programme. A member of staff from Specialist Support Services visits weekly to offer advice, support and resources for pupils who require support. Stages in Additional Support When a teacher identifies that a pupil has difficulty he/she contacts the Support for Learning Coordinator who will discuss the concerns and suggest strategies/resources for support. The Support for Learning Coordinator may provide direct teaching support when appropriate. Should there continue to be areas of concern the Specialist Support Teacher will become involved to give expertise and offer support to the teacher and pupil. Programmes of Support will be drawn up, focusing on targets to suit individual pupil needs and ability. Targeted plans will be developed in consultation with staff, parents/carers and pupils to allow children to progress at their own rate by ensuring that the content, method, pacing and organisation are appropriate for the child. Parents will be kept informed and involved at all stages of development. If it is felt that it is necessary, following parental consultation, specialist help may be sought from other support 15 agencies such as Psychological Services. The school’s allocated educational psychologist is Mrs Julie Kiddie. Everything possible will be done to help the child. An Additional Education Plan (ASP) may be drawn up where a pupil has ongoing additional needs. In some cases a Coordinated Support Plan will be opened which defines the pupil’s needs. These are reviewed regularly to ensure that targets are being addressed. South Lanarkshire Education Resources have published a series of leaflets available which cover information for parents and carers about the Additional Support for Learning Acts. These are available through the school or on the South Lanarkshire Council website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk. School Improvement Plan Our school Improvement Plan helps us to ensure that we are continually moving forward and evaluating to ensure effective practice. In 2012/2013, our key developments focused on continuing to update our programmes within Health & Wellbeing (Relationships and Sexual Health and Substance Misuse) and in Science to reflect Curriculum for Excellence. In addition we devised more focused planners and have continued to focus on implementing more active, relevant approaches to teaching and learning. We also implemented approaches to highlight achievements and attainment for individual pupils through development of Achievement Folders and Snapshot Jotters. In 2014-2015 our key focus areas were as follows: Extend implementation of SLC’s development of ‘Sustaining Teacher Learning Community’ to support effective learning and teaching, providing children with greater ownership and understanding of their learning Extend implementation of a variety of approaches to highlight achievements and attainment for individual pupils Continue to develop and implement strategies within planning, assessment, tracking and moderation across the curriculum. Maths/Numeracy: Extend and embed current developments within planning, implementation, assessment and moderation within CfE. Language: Reading and Writing - Extend and embed current developments of within planning, implementation, assessment and moderation within CfE Health & Wellbeing: Extend current development of programme within planning, implementation, assessment within CfE Sustainable development: Extend opportunities for sustainable development through extension of ECO, Health and Fairtrade initiatives Continued development and implementation of ‘Getting it Right for Every Child’ training and procedures including implementation of revised Additional Support for Learning Act(2009) Continue development within key themes of self evaluation and leadership. Regular updates will be provided throughout the session on our progress in achieving our planned targets. This will be done through our monthly newsletters and Parent Council meetings. More detailed information on plans and progress can be accessed via the school website where a copy of the most recent Improvement Plans can be found. Alternatively, a paper copy can be accessed from the school office. Child Protection Procedures All staff in educational establishments in South Lanarkshire Council are required to follow the advice and guidance contained in “South Lanarkshire Child Protection Interagency Guidance and Education Procedures”. 16 The shared vision for Lanarkshire’s children is: “all children and young people in Lanarkshire have the right to be cared for and protected from abuse and harm in a safe environment in which their rights are respected.” All agencies will work together in a collaborative way to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Lanarkshire. The Chief Officers and Child Protection Committees of North and South Lanarkshire Council’s are the driving force for ensuring that agencies individually and collectively work to protect children and young people as effectively as possible. The Council has a duty in law to report suspicions that a child has been abused or is at risk of harm, in terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. Therefore, Council staff have a professional and contractual obligation to report concerns to the head of establishment or the child protection coordinator immediately. Education Resources staff and visitors from other agencies and services are required to follow these Child Protection Procedures to protect and support children and to fulfill their professional obligations to report all allegations or suspicions of child abuse. For more information, or if you have a concern of a child protection nature, please contact the head of the educational establishment which your child attends. Keeping Safe Online: The Council has produced an information leaflet – ‘stay safe’ for parents/carers on how to help ensure their child is safe when using the internet and mobile devices. Copies are available from the school or the web: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Composite Classes Composite classes are made up of pupils of more than one year group. When composite classes are formed the class teachers and Senior Management Team consider each child’s needs. Compatible working groups are arranged to take account of children’s aptitudes and abilities. In all classes, the children follow a programme designed to meet their specific needs and rate of development. South Lanarkshire have produced leaflets which provide information on composite classes. These can be accessed via the school or from the Council website: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Attendance at School Every effort should be made to ensure that your child attends school during term time. Please contact the school as soon as possible if your child is unable to attend school. It is important for the school to work with parents in encouraging all children to attend school. All absences from school are required by law to be recorded. Absences will normally fall under two categories – authorised or unauthorised absence. In cases where your child is unable to attend school parents are asked to: If you know in advance of any reason why your child is likely to be absent from school, please tell someone at the school, telephone us or let us know in writing. Please also give your child a note on his/her return to school, telling of the reason for absence; Notify the school first thing in the morning when your child is going to be absent. Let the school know the likely date of return and keep them informed if the date changes; 17 Inform the school of any change to the following :Home Phone number Mobile number Emergency contact details Requests for your child to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives must be made in writing to the head teacher, detailing the reason, destination and duration of absence and arrangements for their continuing education. On these occasions the pupil will be marked as an authorised absentee in the register. Family holidays during term time: Family holidays should be avoided during term time as this both disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. If holidays are taken during times when the school is open parents should inform the school in advance by letter. If your child is taken on a family holiday during term time then in line with the Scottish Government advice this will be classified as an unauthorised absence. However, in exceptional circumstances schools may register a family holiday during term time as an authorised absence when for example, parents are unable to obtain leave during the school holiday period. Clearly, absence with no explanation from parents will mean that the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Every effort should be made to ensure that your child attends school during term time. Please contact the school should your child be unable to attend school. In our approach to raising achievement it is recognised that attendance at school is something that should be continuously encouraged. Parents/carers, children and the school all have a part to play in encouraging and stressing the importance of attendance at school. The school holiday dates and In-service dates are available from the SLC website, www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk, in addition to being included within our School Handbook. Information on Proposed Transfer of School Children and young people may transfer school for a number of reasons such as families moving house, parental choice etc. If you are proposing a change of school for your child please provide as many contact details as possible in relation to the new school so that we can ensure a smooth transfer of information relating to your child. This will help us all to ensure the continued wellbeing of your child. Transition from Primary to Secondary School Pupils normally transfer from primary to secondary school between the ages of 11½ and 12½, so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of secondary education. Arrangements are made by the school to transfer children to the associated secondary school as determined by their home address. Parents of P7 children will be informed of the transfer arrangements made for their child to attend secondary school. We will also provide you with information at this time and on events designed to let P7 children visit the secondary school, meet up with other P7 children from other schools so that the transition period is as smooth as possible. 18 Normally children attend the school in their catchment area. However, there are times when parents may wish their children to go to other schools. If you wish your child to go to another school then you may make what is known as a ‘placing request’. If you live in South Lanarkshire and decide to submit a ‘placing request’, we are unable to reserve a place in your catchment school until the Council have made a decision on the ‘placing request’. Please note if your ‘placing request’ application is unsuccessful and all places at your catchment school are filled you will be offered a place at the next nearest appropriate South Lanarkshire School. Please note that if an application for a ‘placing request’ is successful then school transport is not provided. If you move outwith your catchment primary school a ‘request to remain form’ must be completed. If you move outwith your catchment primary, this may affect your right to transfer to the associated Secondary School. Please note the secondary school is determined by the pupil’s permanent home address and chosen denomination. If you require further information, please contact Education Support Services on 01698 454102. Extra Curricular Activities Pupils have opportunities to participate in a variety of activities. We are fortunate that Mrs. Walker works effectively with Claire Murphy, Active Schools Coordinator, to arrange a variety of sports for children to try throughout the year. Staff and parental help are greatly appreciated. All classes take part in educational visits throughout the year to support and enrich their class topics. P7 pupils have an opportunity to participate in a 5 day residential visit. In September 2015 we plan to visit Lockerbie Manor to participate in a range of independent and team building skills. Promoting Positive Behaviour In Chatelherault Primary we aim to establish a relationship with pupils, built on mutual trust and respect. We encourage good behaviour of a positive nature. Throughout their time at Chatelherault we would aim to develop the following in our pupils: An awareness of their role in the school and the wider community. An appreciation of the need to co-operate and share with others An awareness of dependence, independence, responsibility and trust An appreciation of others, both in and out of school An appreciation of the qualities necessary for good social relationships - trust, kindness, consideration, honesty, forgiveness, loyalty and sensitivity. An ability to communicate in a socially acceptable manner. We have school rules, aimed to develop in our pupils socially acceptable skills and other rules to help to ensure the children’s safety and well-being. We have devised an updated system designed to encourage good effort and behaviour. We are always keen to work positively with parents/carers and children as early as possible. Persistent indiscipline or serious indiscipline could lead to a pupil being excluded. Appropriate staff in South Lanarkshire Council Education Resources would be informed. 19 Pupils travelling in transport provided by South Lanarkshire Council are reminded that unacceptable behaviour may lead to the withdrawal of transport. We are keen to provide as safe a school as possible for our pupils through the promotion of positive behaviour, where, with the support of parents, everyone is working together to achieve a safe and caring environment. Better Behaviour - Better Learning is the key theme. It is the responsibility of staff within the school to ensure that staff, Parent Council members, parents and pupils are involved in the creation of a positive school ethos that encourages good behaviour. Equally, the school whilst trying to promote positive behaviour must support young people should incidents or bullying occur. Parents have a significant role to play in working with the school so that teachers, parents and pupils know what is expected of them in trying to change the behaviour and attitudes that contribute to bullying behaviour. Our approach is to create an environment where better behaviour will encourage better learning. The school, along with the support of parents, can work together to create a learning environment which young people can enjoy and feel safe. Incidents of bullying should be reported to the school immediately so that each alleged incident can be looked at. Together we can work towards creating a safer school for our children and staff. In addition, a guideline (Management of Challenging Behaviour) has been produced to support all teaching and support staff and inform them of their roles and responsibilities in respect of dealing with the small number of children and young people who display challenging behaviour. Early identification is crucial so that intervention can be provided to support children and young people to help them address their issues and concerns. Staff training is provided to help develop the skills needed to respond to and manage challenging behaviour. A wide range of appropriate staff development opportunities has been developed for this purpose. Towards a safer School Chatelherault Primary places a strong emphasis on pupil safety and parents may wish to know that an adult presence is provided in the playground at break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulation 1990. A member of school staff will be in the playground at the following times: 8.45am – 9.00am 10.40am - 10.55am 12.35pm - 1.20pm 3.00pm - 3.10pm. In addition, support staff are involved in playground supervision at break times. School Uniform We ask all parents/carers to support the school by encouraging your child(ren) to adhere to the agreed dress code and the wearing of our school uniform. The wearing of a school uniform helps promote the identity of the school in the local community and helps create an ethos of sharing and pride in the school. In addition, the wearing of a uniform helps towards increasing the protection of all pupils in light of the need to be more security conscious in all of our schools. The wearing of a uniform helps staff and the pupils to distinguish between who belongs to the school and those who may be visitors. This enables staff to approach and identify visitors more readily and helps in trying to offer a safer environment for pupils and teachers alike. Equality of opportunity is an important aspect of the life of the school. Any proposals on the dress code and on what constitutes the school uniform will be the subject of discussion with the Parent Council and where appropriate consultation with parents, pupils and staff. 20 There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in all schools such as; The wearing of football colours clothing with slogans that may cause offence (anti-religious, symbolism or political slogans) clothing which advertises alcohol, tobacco or drugs clothing which can be deemed unsuitable in terms of health and safety grounds such as shell suits, combat style clothing, dangling earrings, loose fitting clothes particularly in practical classes articles of clothing that could be deemed to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so footwear that may damage flooring. The Chatelherault Primary uniform consists of: Pale blue polo shirts (with the school logo) Black, navy or grey plain trousers or skirt/pinafore Navy blue sweatshirt, crew or v-neck (with school logo) OR Pale blue shirt or blouse with school tie Black, navy or grey plain trousers or skirt/pinafore Navy blue sweatshirt, crew or v-neck (with school logo) P.E. Pupils should have suitable footwear and are encouraged to wear shorts and a T-shirt. Alstons, Quarry Street, Hamilton, stock a full range of Chatelherault Primary school uniform. Support for parent/carers Clothing Grant In certain circumstances the Council provides support to parents/carers for the purchase of school wear. We would encourage families if they are eligible to apply for these benefits. Application forms for clothing grant are available from the Council’s website: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk or from Q&A Offices, Audit and Development 01698 453504/ 453505/453213, the school or Education Resources, Almada Street, Hamilton, Phone 01698 454545. Insurance for Schools – Pupils’ Personal Effects South Lanarkshire Council is concerned at the level of claims being received for the loss or damage to pupils clothing or personal effects. Parents are asked to note the Council’s position in terms of insurance for pupils’ personal effects: Theft/Loss of Personal Effects The Council is not liable for the loss or theft of pupils’ clothing or personal effects and any items are therefore brought into school at the pupil/parents’ own risk. Parents can assist by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items are not brought to school. Teachers and other staff have been advised not to accept custody of any such items. The same principle applies to musical instruments and other musical equipment used for activities within the school, which belong to the pupil, but are brought into the school. Parents should be aware that if such equipment is left in school, it is done at the pupil/parents’ own risk. 21 In the case of valuable items such as musical instruments, parents should ensure that these items are covered by their own household insurance. Damage to Clothing The Council is only liable for damage caused to pupils’ clothing where the damage has resulted from the negligence of the Council or one of its employees. Claims arising otherwise will not be accepted by the Council’s insurers. Meals Free School Meals Healthy eating is something that the school supports and a range of meals are available at lunchtimes that meet the nutrient standards of the food and nutrition in schools (Scotland) Act 2008. From 5th January 2015, all pupils in Primary 1 - 3 will receive a free school lunch. The charge to pupils in Primary 4 - 7 will be £1.50 A three week rota operates. School meals generally consist of three choices – two main meals and a packed lunch option. A drink is included. Additional drinks may be purchased. Lunches are ordered at the beginning of the school day. A swipe card system is in operation for payment. Pupils may top up their cards using cash. Cards may also be topped up via cheque (payable to South Lanarkshire Council) All pupils having a school meal or packed lunch are supervised while having their lunch. Parents must notify the school of special diets. Children of parents who receive the following benefits are entitled to a free lunchtime meal for their child Income Support, Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (income related), Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit(where your income does not exceed £6,420 gross per annum as assessed by the HM Revenues & Customs) , Child Tax Credit only (where your income does not exceed £16,190 gross per annum as assessed by the HM Revenues & Customs). We would encourage parents of children who are in receipt of any of the above benefits to take up this opportunity of having a meal provided for their child when they are at school. Arrangements are in place so that children who receive free meals are not singled out. We encourage all children to remain in school at lunch time. Healthy eating is something that the school supports and a range of meals are available at lunchtimes. We would wish to draw to your attention to the fact that milk is available for pupils as part of the meal provision. Children who wish to have milk with their lunch can do so. Milk is available free of charge to all nursery age children and is provided by the establishment. Transport South Lanarkshire Council has a policy of providing school transport to primary pupils who live more than one mile by the recognised shortest walking route from their catchment school. This 22 policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or Education Resources, Hamilton, Phone 01698 454102 or web www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of March for those pupils starting the school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year and will be considered by Education Resources. A paid privilege transport scheme is operated for mainstream school contracts where a pupil is not entitled to free school transport. Privilege transport will only be granted providing there is spare capacity on an existing school contract and will be from and to designated pick up and drop off points. Privilege transport will not be provided where a service bus is used on the school run. Any spare capacity will be allocated using agreed priorities. For more information on school transport contact Education Resources Phone 01698 454102. (ii) Pick-up points Where school transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total, including the distance from home to the pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction, will not exceed the authority’s distance limit for school transport. It should be noted that it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour can result in your child losing the right to school transport. Parents are asked to note that South Lanarkshire Council does not provide transport for those pupils who attend school via a placing request. Where there is a request to place a child under school age in a school within the local catchment area they may receive transport in line with the Council’s transport policy. Medical and Health Care During their primary school years, pupils have medical check ups. Vision and hearing examinations also take place. P1 pupils have a medical examination by the school doctor or nurse. Parents are notified and invited to attend. In P7 pupils also have a medical. General dental inspections are made during each session. Parents may choose to have their child treated by the school dentist or by a private practitioner. The school’s paediatric doctor is Dr. Ray. The school nurse, Mrs. McClune, can give advice to pupils, parents or staff if requested. At the beginning of each session parents are asked to give emergency contacts and any relevant information about their child’s health. If a pupil has an accident or becomes ill he/she will be seen by the school’s First Aider. All incidents are recorded. If necessary a parent is contacted. If he/she is unavailable the emergency contact will be called. Only in extreme circumstances would a doctor be called or a child is taken to hospital without a parent/emergency contact being present. Administering Medication Parents must complete a form available from the school office if their child requires medicine during school hours. All medication must be handed in at the School Office. 23 Pupils who use an inhaler should carry it at all times. Again a medication form must be completed. Nut Allergies: Due to nut allergies and the potentially serious consequences of a reaction, we actively discourage the bringing of nuts/nut related products to school. We request your support to ensure that we provide as safe an environment as possible. Information in Emergencies We make every effort to ensure the school remains open during term-time for pupils. However, on occasions circumstances may arise which can affect the school. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, power failures or through any other circumstances that may impact on the school day. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know if this happens. We shall keep you in touch by telephone, text, where appropriate, letters, web news and through local radio stations particularly if there are prolonged periods of severe weather. The Council’s website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk will be used to let you know if the school is closed and when it will re-open. Where feasible, information will also be regularly updated on the school’s own website: www.chatelherault-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk It is important for parents/carers to let the school know of any change to your mobile/home telephone number and change of address. If for any reason, you are unsure if the school is open, please contact the school or Education Resources, Operations Service, Almada Street, Hamilton. (Phone 01698 454545) or email us at: education@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or visit the website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Your commitments We ask that you: support and encourage your child’s learning respect and adhere to the schools policies and guidance let the school know if you change your mobile/telephone number and/or address enjoy and take part in school activities accept your responsibility to respect staff who work in the school and for the school to be proactive in taking forward its commitment to care for and educate your child. Instrumental Music Tuition Instrumental music lessons are offered to children in a number of primary schools across South Lanarkshire Council, including Chatelherault Primary, through our Instrumental Music Service (IMS). Tuition is offered (based on capacity) on a variety of musical instruments, for example brass, strings, percussion, guitar or voice. Participation in a programme of instrumental music study can help children develop as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. Children who participate in instrumental music through tuition are often offered opportunities to further develop their playing by participating in extra-curricular activities through bands, orchestras and other ensembles. Parents/carers, who wish their child to receive instrumental music tuition are required to make an annual contribution which is currently £180 based on a minimum of 30 lessons per academic year. Following a musical aptitude/suitability assessment, pupils entering P4 or P5 may be offered the opportunity to study a musical instrument. Through Youth Music Initiative funding, these pupils are 24 exempt from paying the annual contribution detailed above for one academic year. Thereafter the annual contribution will apply for each consecutive year. Enquiries and Concerns The school should be the first point of contact for parents who wish to discuss issues about their child. Our aim is to resolve issues at a local level. Education Resources wishes to promote liaison among schools, members of Parent Councils, parents/carers and with other services. We wish to provide advice and support to Parent Councils, parents/carers. All enquiries and concerns received from parents are taken seriously. In order to ensure that enquiries are dealt with effectively contact should be made in the first instance with the school. The following information should prove helpful if you require further guidance. General Des Dickson Bullying and related issues, care and welfare issues Classroom organisation and complaints Parental Involvement, Parent Council: procedural and administrative issues parents@southlanarkshire.gov.uk parents@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 01698 454375 des.dickson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Parental enquiries and concerns relating to parental involvement, class organisation, school transport, placing requests, property, additional support needs and inclusive education, and Early Years can be directed to the appropriate service manager: David Hinshelwood School transport (mainstream), placing requests and property issues 01698 454408 david.hinshelwood@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Morag McDonald Early Years Manager 01698 454474 morag.mcdonald@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Transferring Educational Data about Pupils Education authorities and Scottish Government have collected data about pupils on paper forms for many years. We now work together with schools to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed programme. Thus Scottish Government has two functions: acting as a ‘hub’ for supporting data exchange within the education system in Scotland and the analysis of data for statistical purposes within Scottish Government itself. Why do we need your data? In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, Scottish Government, education authorities and other partners such as the SQA and Careers Scotland need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better examination results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows us to: plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils, plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils, 25 better understand some of the factors which influence pupil attainment and achievement, share good practice, target resources better. Data policy The ScotXed programme aims to support schools and Local Authorities by supporting the collection, processing and dissemination of statistical information required for planning, management and monitoring of Scottish education services. A subset of this information is passed to Scottish Government for research and National Statistics publications. Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systems and is exploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject to confidentiality restraints. As part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish or make publicly available any information that allows individual pupils to be identified, nor will data be used by Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by Scottish Government. The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for statistical and research purposes only. We hope that the explanations contained on the ScotXed website will help you understand the importance of providing the information. Your data protection rights The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This message can give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net). The Scottish Government works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of Education and the SQA. On occasion, we will make individual data available to partners and also academic institutions to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that these data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual. Decisions on the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with colleagues within and outwith Scottish Government. Concerns If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Senior Statistician, Peter Whitehouse, at Peter.Whitehouse@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print. Want more information? Further details about ScotXed are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed.net, which contains a section on ‘frequently asked questions’ at: https://www.scotxed.net/jahia/Jahia/lang/en/pid/220 26 Addresses Executive Director (Education Resources) Mr. Jim Gilhooly Education Resources Council Offices Almada Street Hamilton ML3 0AE Head of Education (Hamilton) Mrs. Isobel MacDougall Hamilton Education Resources Council Offices Almada Street Hamilton ML3 0AE Phone : 01698 454468 Local Councillors Mr. Stuart Gallacher Mr. Joe Lowe Mr. Brian McCaig Ms. Angela Crawley Councillors Contact Almada Street ML3 OAE Phone: 01698 454081 Council Offices Almada Street Hamilton ML3 0AE Phone : 01698 454545 SLC Education Resources Contact Email: education@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Data Protection Act 1998 Information on pupils, parents and guardians is held by the school to enable the teaching, registration and assessment of pupils as well as associated administrative duties. The information is stored and used as per the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 with South Lanarkshire Council defined as the Data Controller. The Council have established a Data Protection policy that applies to all of its schools. For more information please contact the school. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force on 1 January 2005 and gives a person the right to request information held by Scottish public authorities. The Act refers to information held in a “recordable” format and relates to information held within documents, not the documents themselves. Parents wishing to make a request for information under the terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 should submit their request in writing to: Freedom of Information Officer Education Resources South Lanarkshire Council Council Offices Almada Street Hamilton ML3 0AA Or email: foi.request@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Requests for information can also be submitted using the online form available from the South Lanarkshire Council website (Request it section) (www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk). Disclaimer Although this information is correct at time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question or in relation to subsequent school years. We will do all we can to let parents 27 know about what is going on in our school. 28