Annsborough Integrated Primary School
Induction Policy & Information
for Beginning Teachers
Welcome to Annsborough Integrated Primary School. We are a Controlled Integrated Primary school for 4-11
year olds based in Annsborough. This year, our school celebrates and remembers 175 years of education in
Annsborough Integrated Primary School.
Annsborough Integrated Primary School is a small school that values standards and achievement. From the
time it was established in 1835, Annsborough Primary School has provided education for children from all
religious backgrounds. On 1st September 1997 the school officially changed its status from maintained to
controlled integrated with the title of Annsborough Integrated Primary School. As such, it aims to encourage
children from all religious communities to respect and accept each others traditions and religious beliefs.
The school is situated in the village of Annsborough approximately 1 mile from Castlewellan. It occupies the
original building, the interior of which has been modernised to meet current demands in the changing face of
education. It is comprised of three large classrooms, each providing ample space for all the activities
necessary to fulfil the needs of the N.I Curriculum. Each classroom is fully equipped with Interactive
whiteboards, digital cameras and other technology to keep our pupils up-to-date with the ever-changing
technologies used to support learning.
All children in the school travel to Downpatrick Leisure Centre to participate in a well-planned and motivating
P.E programme that includes gymnastics, games and dance. All pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7 are
exceptionally lucky to avail of coached swimming lessons every Friday throughout the school year in
Downpatrick Leisure Centre.
Children are also able to participate in a number of after school activities in I.C.T, cookery and many different
sports. The children are encouraged to participate in local and national competitions and in inter-school sports
and quizzes.
Educational visits play an important part in our programmes of study. These visits work alongside topic and
curriculum areas being covered at the time. A visit to the Waterfront Hall is arranged each year at Christmas
for the whole school to watch a Pantomime. Visits to Castlewellan Public Library are also organised as well as
School Book Clubs to stimulate pupils' interest in reading and learning.
PRINCIPLES OF INDUCTION:

It is the responsibility of the management team and other key staff at Annsborough Integrated
Primary School to carefully plan and facilitate the induction of beginning teachers (BT’s).

On completion of the initial stage of teacher education the ongoing professional development of the
teacher transfers from the HEI to the school and E.L.B.

The induction and EPD stages of teacher education are a continuum of continuing professional
development for a beginning teacher. Annsborough Integrated Primary School is committed to and
supportive of this process.

Beginning teachers will receive the best possible in-school support throughout their induction/ EPD
years, in keeping with our commitment to the professional development of all members of staff, as
outlined in the school development plan.

A programme of support will be planned and implemented, reviewed and evaluated within the
competency framework and will promote self-evaluation and reflective practice to ensure quality
teaching and learning.
PURPOSES OF OUR INDUCTION PROGRAMME:

To help the B.T develop increasing confidence and progress from learning how to teach to thinking about
teaching and finally to think about learning.

To promote continuing professional development of all B.Ts through critical, reflective practice which
underpins staff development and supports the school development plan.

To ensure continuation of an integrated approach to teacher education to promote lifelong learning and
career development.

To support a climate where there is sharing of good practice, quality teaching and improved pupil learning.
INDUCTION PRACTICES AT ANNSBOROUGH I.P.S:

BT’s will be given access to an induction programme which will commence upon appointment and continue
until the successful completion of EPD.
This will include:

Regular meetings with the teacher-tutor to discuss key issues such as school policies, classroom
management, mixed anility teaching, differentiation, assessment, recording and reporting, effective &
appropriate communication with pupils, students, colleagues and parents.

Encouraging the BT to reflect critically on his/ her teaching and on the quality of pupil learning.

Supporting the BT to identify his/ her professional needs in the school and ensuring that these are
addressed effectively.

Regular staff meetings to discuss curriculum planning and provide help and guidance.

Opportunities to observe good practice – other experienced colleagues teaching.

Support and guidance from Principal, Teacher-Tutor and other colleagues.

Assisting the BT to select appropriate focus for both PDA’s for EPD, drawing together all sources of
evidence and completing reflective statements.

Keeping the Board of Governors informed of the induction and EPD arrangements in place for BTs in
the school.

Supporting staff development through attendance at CASS programmes for BT’s, Teacher-Tutors and
other key staff.

Providing support for key staff involved in the development of the BT.

Ongoing monitoring of the programme of support to ensure high quality and consistent provision for
all beginning teachers.

Countersigning the interim review and summative reports and if appropriate recommending successful
completion of induction to BOG.

Providing support and quality assurance of the successful completion of the EPD course if appropriate.

Sending a copy of Induction certificate or completion of EPD certificate to GTCNI, Albany House, 3rd
Floor 73 – 75 Great Victoria Street, Belfast.

Celebrating within the school successful completion of the Induction and EPD stages by Beginning
Teachers.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SCHOOL LAYOUT:
The school consists of three large classrooms, a central staff room and office, and a new dining hall up the
steps at the rear of the school. A large tarmac yard is used for pupil break and lunchtime activities and this is
located behind the dining hall.
Pupils toilets are located externally at the rear of the school and staff should ensure they are aware when
pupils have left their supervision to use these facilities.
Younger pupils should be escorted to dinner halls and playground in top yard by a member of staff to ensure
they are always under staff supervision.
BREAK/ LUNCH-TIME:
Classroom assistants:
Mon – Thurs: 10.30am – 10.45am
Fri: 10.00 – 10.15am
Mon – Thurs: 12noon – 12.30pm
Teaching staff break times:
Mon – Thurs: 10.45am – 11.00am
Mon – Fri:
Fri: 10.15am – 10.30am
12.30pm – 1.15pm
TEA/ COFFEE FACILITIES:
There is a central staff room where teaching and ancillary staff take their breaks. A rota is in operation to
buy milk and biscuits each week.
PARKING:
Staff may park their vehicles in the car park at the rear of the school.
ASSEMBLY:
Whole School Assembly takes place on Monday Mornings at 9.10am and is taken on a rota basis by teachers
from each class.
SCHOOL HOURS:
Below is a table outlining the school hours for pupils in each class throughout the week and
also a table outlining the cost of activities/items in school.
Monday
Reception
Primary 1
Primary 2
Primary 3
Primary 4
Primary 5
Primary 6
Primary 7
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
9am – 12noon
9am – 12noon
9am – 12noon
9am – 12noon
OFF
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
9am – 2.45pm
**It is most important that teachers are aware of who is collecting your child/ children. If someone new is
collecting them please inform teachers in advance.
School Dinner
Milk
£2.10 per day
Milk prices are per month as follows:
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan


Swimming
Feb
March
April
May
June
£
£
£
£
£
Children are provided with milk free in their Reception year
Any pupil who wishes to cancel their milk should inform the secretary
in writing.
£3.40 per week



After-School
Clubs
£
£
£
£
£
All pupils should wear school tracksuits each Friday.
Any child who is not swimming but still doing P.E should pay £1.70 for
transport/ sport’s hall facilities.
Children who are not swimming may have to stay at school on some
occasions if buses are too full.
£1.00 each per club

KS2 pupils may stay for as many or few after-school clubs as they
wish.
School Staff
Our school has a team of dedicated teaching and ancillary staff working together to provide
a safe and stimulating environment to support learning.
Mrs Lynda Brown
(School Principal)
Mrs Donna McCabe
(Rec/ P1/ P2 Teacher)
Mrs Caroline Cunningham
(Classroom Assistant/
Secretary)
Mr Ronan Fitzpatrick
(P3/ P4/ P5 Teacher)
Miss Bronagh King
(Classroom Assistant)
Mrs Emma Elliott
(Principal Release Teacher)
Mrs Patricia Kearney
(Supervisor)
Mrs Anne Smyth
(Catering Supervisor)