OMAGH INTEGRATED PRIMARY
and
NURSERY SCHOOL
INFORMATION BOOKLET
FOR
PARENTS
OMAGH INTEGRATED PRIMARY & NURSERY SCHOOL
Dergmoney Lane, 9 Ballynahatty Road. Omagh. Co.Tyrone BT78 1PN
Tel/Fax - 028 8224 2008 - Email: info@integratedprimary.omagh.ni.sch.uk
Principal
Mr Anthony Bradley. B.Ed., M.Sc., Adv. Dip. P.D. (ADHD)
Vice Principal
Mrs Siobhan Taggart. B.A. Hons.
Dear Parents,
We are pleased to present this information handbook. We hope that it will provide you
with an overview of our key policies and procedures.
We trust that by following the guidance here we will work effectively in partnership to
bring about the best educational and pastoral outcomes for our children, within the
caring environment provided in Omagh Integrated Primary School and Nursery.
Thank you for taking the time to read this handbook.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Bradley
Alan Bradshaw
Principal
Chairman of
Board of Governors
Other Useful Contacts –
Vice Principal and SENCo
Pastoral Care / Child Protection
School Bursar
School Secretary
Building Supervisor
Kitchen Supervisor
Mrs Siobhan Taggart
Mrs Daphne McKernan
Mrs Helen Kenwell
Mrs Caroline McElduff
Mr Richard Thompson
Mrs Adele Montieth
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Statement of Ethos
Omagh Integrated School provides a learning environment where children and young
people from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds, as well as those of other faiths and
none, can learn with, from and about each other. The promotion of equality and good
relations extends to everyone in the school and to their families regardless of their
religious cultural or social background.
Integrated education is value-driven and child-centred. It is delivered through a holistic
approach with an emphasis on developing every aspect of a child’s or young persons’
potential.
Core Principles of Integrated Education
The four core principles of Integrated Education represent the cornerstones of the
integrated ethos. The integrated school demonstrates its distinctiveness and vision
through a commitment to these principles.
Equality
Omagh Integrated School promotes equality in sharing between and within the diverse
groups that compose the school community. This occurs structurally at every level
amongst pupils, staff and the Board of Governors, as well as culturally within the overt
and hidden curricula of the school.
Faith and Values
Omagh Integrated School provides a Christian based rather than a secular approach.
It aspires to create an environment where those of all faiths and none are respected,
acknowledged and accepted as valued members of the school community.
Parental Involvement
The support and commitment of parents are fundamental elements of Integrated
Education and historically, parents have been central to the development of integrated
schools.
Social Responsibility
Omagh Integrated School delivers the curriculum on an all-ability and inclusive basis to
all of its pupils. It respects the uniqueness of every pupil and acknowledges his/her
entitlement to personal, social, intellectual and spiritual development in the attainment
of individual potential.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Policy Summary
Pastoral Care and Child Protection
 The designated teacher for pastoral care and child protection is Mrs Daphne
McKernan. The Principal is also available to discuss any aspect or concern
pertaining to pastoral care, child protection or drugs misuse.
 In the event of any disclosure, all facts will be recorded, the Western Education and
Library Board / ESA will be informed and Social Services contacted immediately.
 For school trips, all supervisors are vetted and a risk assessment carried out. Most
trips will be funded by parents and written consent sought at the beginning of the
school year.
Promoting and Sustaining Positive Behaviour / Anti Bullying
 We expect children to respect themselves and others. If they do so, they can
expect to be praised and their behaviour commented on favourably. If they do not
then the following actions will be taken:-Warning, Time Out, Extra work, Parental Involvement, Suspension.
(These are regarded as staged consequences, but depending on the level of
seriousness, any stage may be passed over).
 We expect parents to support the school in their efforts to promote and sustain
positive behaviour.
 At break-times there are Teaching Assistants in the playground and a duty teacher
in charge.
 At lunchtime there are Teaching Assistants in charge in the playgrounds and the
Principal assumes overall responsibility for the school.
 At home-time, 3pm, the duty teachers are in charge of dismissing the lines. As the
playground is congested, we prefer if parents wait for their children behind the
cones, leaving plenty of space for the bus lines to pass.
 School regards bullying as the sustained physical or mental attack over a given
period of time. This is a very different scenario than isolated incidents and will be
dealt with according to the school’s full policy and with the involvement of all
concerned.
 Any aspect of behaviour may be discussed with any member of teaching staff or the
Principal at any mutually convenient time.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Teaching and Learning Policy
 This school implements all aspects of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
 Children with special educational needs will be catered for within the main
classroom by the class teacher. In some instances additional help may be offered.
This help will take the form of in-class support and/or withdrawal. Children who are
identified as having special educational needs will be placed on a register. Their
parents will be contacted at least termly to review progress and consider future
learning targets.
 Years 4 to 7 will participate in interactive computerised assessment activities in late
September / October. A parent interview for all parents will take place in October/
November.
 Standardised testing takes place in May and written reports go to parents at the end
of June.
 School expects that parents assist children in their learning by discussing their
school work, supervising homework and participating in shared reading.
 On some occasions your child will have supervised access to the internet in order to
support leaning. We have a filtered system whereby unsuitable materials ought not
to be accessed. Like any filtered system and although highly unlikely, we cannot
guarantee that unsuitable material cannot be accessed. Ask to see our ICT policy
and our Acceptable Use of the Internet Policy.
 It is the view of the Board of Governors that children are not coached for common
entrance tests.
Comments and Complaints Policy
 Most issues may be resolved through dialogue with the class teacher. If agreement
cannot be reached then the matter is referred to the Principal.
 If there is a complaint about the Principal and agreement cannot be reached then
the matter is referred to the Chair of the Board of Governors.
Mobile Phone Policy
 This school actively discourages mobile telephones.
 If children are required to carry a mobile telephone then it must
be switched off and safely stored whilst on school premises.
Health Policies
 Medication will only be administered to a pupil if accompanied by clear written
instructions from the parent or doctor or by completing a Medication Consent Form,
which is available from the school office. If a parent requests that medication be
administered during school hours this must be delivered to the school by an adult
and not sent in with the pupil.
 The school is a “Nut Free Zone”. Nuts and products which may contain nuts are
not permitted under any circumstances. Please check the ingredient labels on
items for your child’s lunchbox and help keep our school a safe environment for all
our children.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
 Mid-morning break is designated as a fruit break. Please send in something that
your child can manage easily - children cannot always cope with a large hard apple
or a large orange. For break or at lunch times, crisps, chocolate, sweets and fizzy
drinks are not permitted.
 A hot meal is available at lunch time. Nutritional standards have been introduced to
all primary schools and all meals include bread, fruit and milk or juice in addition to
the main course and dessert. Sample menus are sent out to parents at the
beginning of the school year and specific diets e.g. vegetarian, can be
accommodated on request and with notice.
 Anyone who thinks they may be entitled to Free School Meals can contact the
WELB / ESA on Omagh 82 411 411.
 Importance is placed on physical activity and exercise in school. With this in mind,
P.E. is timetabled twice a week for all classes. In addition to this, Year Seven have
a 14 week programme of swimming. It is important therefore, that all P.E. clothing is
sent into school on those days. In addition to this, the school provides, when
available, after school sessions of Gaelic football, hockey, rugby, soccer and netball.
 In the interests of personal health and hygiene, we would suggest that any child
with long hair should have it tied up during school hours.
 Children who are sick should be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to
school.
Attendance Policy
 It is our aim to offer your child a full and balanced curriculum so they can achieve
their full potential. To enable us to do this we require full attendance.

If you must keep your child off school, please provide the class teacher with a note
explaining the absence, which can then be recorded accurately.

Family holidays must be approved by the Principal otherwise they will be recorded
as an Unauthorised Absence.

We work closely with the Welfare Department and an officer calls to the school
monthly at which time he checks the attendance of all children enrolled at school.

Any child falling below an 85% average attendance will be highlighted and enquires
will be made as to the absence recorded and notes received.

Medical and dental appointments should, where possible, be made outside of
school hours.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
School Times and Pick up Arrangements
 School starts for everyone at 9am.
 Nursery times are from 9am - 1pm.
 Years 1-2 times are from 9am - 2pm, unless After School Care is provided.
 Years 3-7 times are from 9am - 3pm.
 While school starts at 9am, staff are on the premises from 8.30am. No children
should be left to school earlier as there is no adequate supervision on site before
this time.
 School ends at 3pm. Children line up according to their usual arrangements i.e.
Ulsterbus, school bus or parent pick up. In the interest of safety, we ask that parents
wait behind and to the side of the coned area of the playground, leaving enough
space for lines to pass.
 Should you wish to change your child’s normal home time arrangements, please
provide a note to the teacher on the day or telephone the school office. Please do
not leave a message on the Voicemail Service as we cannot guarantee receiving it
on time.
 Parents who pick up their children should be on time.
supervision after 3.15pm.
There will be no adult
 Persons arriving during school hours to take children out of school, must first report
the office.
 If you think you may be entitled to transport to and from school, please call at
the office and request a Transport Application Form.
Arrival at Office
 In the interests of safety and child protection, all parents must report to the office on
arrival during school hours. Parents are asked not to visit classes unannounced.
 Visitors to the school must also report to the office and sign the Visitor Book before
being accompanied to classes.
 Office hours are 8.30am – 4.30pm
 A full schedule of Policies and Procedures are available at the office and can be
obtained on request by giving prior notice, by phone or letter, to the School
Secretary or Bursar.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Internet and Media Safety
The Internet is a huge network of computers making a worldwide community. It is a
way of connecting computers together so that people using them can:
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talk to each other,
send and receive messages,
obtain information
publish information,
buy and sell things and
have fun.
What are the Dangers?
Key Concerns are:
Potential Contact
Children may come into contact with someone on-line who may wish to harm them.
Some adults use chat rooms or e-mail to communicate with children for inappropriate
reasons.
Children need to be taught:
 That people are not always who they say they are.
 That “Stranger Danger” applies to the people they encounter through the
Internet.
 That they should never give out personal details or
 That they should never meet alone anyone contacted via the Internet
Inappropriate Content
 Some material is published for an adult audience and is unsuitable for children
e.g. materials with a sexual content.
 Materials may express extreme views. E.g. some use the web to publish
information on weapons, crime and racism which would be restricted elsewhere.
 Materials may contain misleading and inaccurate information. E.g. some use the
web to promote activities which are harmful such as anorexia or bulimia.
Children need to be taught:
 That information on the Internet is not always accurate or true.
 To question the source of information.
 How to respond to unsuitable materials or requests and that they should tell a
teacher/adult immediately.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Points for Parents to Consider
It is important to promote Internet Safety in the home and to monitor Internet use.
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Keep the computer in a communal area of the home.
Monitor on-line time and be aware of excessive hours spent on the Internet.
Discuss with the children what they are seeing and using on the Internet.
Know the SMART tips.
Be aware that children may be using the Internet in places other than in their
own home or at school.
Follow These SMART TIPS
S
M
A
R
T
Secret - Always keep your name, address, mobile phone number and
password private – it’s like giving out the keys to your home!
Meeting someone you have contacted in cyberspace can be dangerous.
Only do so with your parent’s/carer’s permission, and then when they can
be present.
Accepting e-mails or opening files from people you don’t really know or
trust can get you into trouble – they may contain viruses or nasty
messages.
Remember someone on-line may be lying and not be who they say they
are. Stick to the public areas in chat rooms and if you feel uncomfortable
simply get out of there!
Tell your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel
uncomfortable or worried.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Rights and Responsibilities
Everyone at Omagh Integrated Primary has the right to work and socialise in a safe
environment.
We must all help to make this possible by recognising our rights and our
responsibilities:
Within OIPS we have the right
Within OIPS we have the responsibility
not to be bullied in any way

not to take part in bullying and report any
bullying we see

to behave in a reasonable manner which
will not put others at risk
to an education and to be able to learn
according to our ability

not to make fun of others or prevent
anyone from learning
to be treated with respect and without
prejudice
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to feel safe at school
to respect others in the school community
to have our own opinions heard
to let others express their opinions

to expect our possessions to be safe at
school
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not to interfere with the possessions of
others and to report any theft or
mistreatment we see
to work within a calm and purposeful
atmosphere

to do nothing that may disturb a calm and
purposeful atmosphere
to be given clear and helpful guidance by
teachers

to accept without question the instructions
and decisions of members of staff
to have appropriate work explained and
set

to complete on time all classwork and
homework given
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to treat everyone else with fairness and
respect

to support others in their learning
to be treated fairly and with respect
to be supported in our learning
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
To help your children this is what to do if……….
….I arrive at school late?
….I am being bullied?
….I have a dental/medical
appointment?
….I have lost something?
….I don’t understand a homework
task?
….I get something confiscated?
….I don’t feel well?
….I am absent?
….I take medication?
….I forgot my lunch and need a
school dinner?
….I have a personal problem?
….I have forgotten my books,
homework or PE gear

If the class register has been marked
and collected, call to the office.
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Tell someone – your teacher, a
parent or member of staff.
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Parents must send in a note or
phone the office.
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Lost property is kept beside the
staffroom. Remember: all property
should be marked with your name.
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Talk to your teacher and have it
explained.
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Items will be returned at the end of
the day. Remember: do not bring in
valuable items to school.
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Tell your teacher who may phone to
get you collected early.
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Get your parent to phone the school
before 9.30am and then bring in a
note explaining the absence.

Ask for a Medication Form from the
office – no medication can be given
without written consent.

Talk to your teacher and go to the
secretary who will arrange one for
you.
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Talk to your teacher or another adult
who can help.
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Tell your teacher who will ask the
secretary to phone home for you.
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Home-School Agreement
The teachers and governors at OIPS will do our best to:
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provide a secure and caring environment for your child
contact parents promptly if there are any concerns
provide a balanced curriculum which will meet the needs of your child
offer guidance and advice when needed
keep you informed about your child’s progress by providing a verbal and
written report as well as information about the school’s curriculum
 welcome your involvement in the life of the school
 support and encourage your child’s learning
 support the school’s integrated ethos
As a Parent / Guardian I will do my best to:
 ensure that my child attends school regularly, on time and properly
equipped
 take an active and supportive interest in my child’s life at school
 support the school’s behaviour policy
 let the school know of any concerns, problems or changes of
circumstances which may affect my child’s work or behaviour
 inform the school of my child’s absence on the first day
 support my child’s learning
As a pupil of the school, I will do my best to:
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bring all equipment, books, homework and PE kit I need for each day
be polite and considerate to all members of the school community
complete all my classwork and homework on time as well as I can
refuse to take part in bullying or antisocial behaviour
respect the environment of the school and our neighbours and help to
keep it free from litter
 learn as well as I can
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential
Helping your child with homework
Encourage your child to explain
homework tasks to you.
Reward your child for successfully
completing homework tasks
Try to provide your child
a suitable place and the right
equipment to do his/her homework
If your child is preparing for a
test, help by testing them on the
key facts
Help with spelling,
punctuation and grammar
Tips to help your child
with their homework
Encourage your child to check
his/her homework and pack
their bag before going to bed
Encourage your child to read
out loud to you. Reading Skills
are essential to learning
Help your child follow
follow a routine
Help your child to
discover how he/she learns
best
Take and interest in what
your child is
learning
Take and interest in
how well he/she did in
previous homeworks.
Praise all good efforts!
Help your child to find out information
from books, internet, etc. Be careful
not to do the homework for them!
Openness, Trust, Collegiality, Fulfilling Potential