pollokshieldsps handbook 2013 2014

Pollokshields Primary School Handbook 2014 - 2015

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Pollokshields Primary School

Handbook 2014 – 2015


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Introduction

Dear Parents and Carers, Welcome to the Pollokshields School Handbook for Session 2012- 2013. The purpose of this handbook is to give you an understanding of our school and our partnership with you as Parents. Pollokshields Primary School is a multi-cultural school in the South Side of Glasgow. Our school population is very diverse with many children of differing nationalities and languages. As such our children have a variety of learning experiences which encourage them to have respect for all and to value one another. We tailor all children’s learning experiences here in Pollokshields Primary to ensure that every child has the very best possible education. We strive to ensure that every child has the inclusive, challenging and supportive education which we believe they are entitled to. We have a very warm and welcoming ethos in our school and I hope you and your child enjoy the time you spend with us here in Pollokshields. Yours Sincerely, Carolyn Davren Head Teacher


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Communication Pollokshields Primary School 241 Albert Drive Pollokshields Glasgow

School Handbook

November 2014


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G41 2NA Tel: 0141 423 1363 Fax: 0141 423 7199 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pollokshieldsprimary.co.uk Head Teacher - Carolyn Davren Depute Head Teacher – Kathryn Donaghy Parental Concerns We hope that while your child is in our school you will be happy with their progress and development. At times parents need to speak to the school about concerns or about issues that they feel the school should know about. In the first instance it is easier to come into the school office and ask to speak to either the Headteacher, Mrs Davren or the Depute Head Teacher Mrs Donaghy. Mrs Davren and Mrs Donaghy are not in classes full time and can talk with parents in greater detail than class teachers can when they are bringing in their class. They will help you with your concern and if necessary arrange for you to see the class teacher after school time with a member of the management team. Mrs Iqbal our Home Link Assistant is also available every morning between 9am and 12pm if you want to raise a concern with Mrs Iqbal. Mrs Iqbal will then pass any concerns or issues to Mrs Davren to be dealt with accordingly. Mrs Davren or Mrs Iqbal will then tell you what action has been taken around your concern. Pupil Absence If your child is unwell it is important that you let us know. You can phone the school and let the clerical staff know that your child is unwell and give an idea of when they might be well enough to return. If your child is going to have a long absence, for example due to a hospital operation, then it is very important that you let the school know in advance. When you child returns to school we ask that you send a letter to the class teacher to confirm why your child was absent. Please note that if you have concerns about your child’s health these can be shared with the school and support for parents can be sought from the school nurse service.

Complaints Procedure


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If you have a complaint which we cannot help with the following procedure should be adhered to: If the Head of establishment does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you should contact our Customer Liaison Unit who will:

• Take a totally neutral stance in fully investigating your complaint; • Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days; • Give a full written response within a further 10 working days,

unless another timescale has been agreed. The Customer Liaison Unit can be contacted by phone or email: Phone 0141 287 3655/ 4688 E-mail [email protected] Customer Liaison Unit Education Services Glasgow City Council

Starting School If you would like to visit our school before you enrol your child you are very welcome at any time to contact the school and request a visit and talk with either the Head Teacher or the Depute head Teacher. This is a good time to discuss any worries or concerns you might have about your child starting school. Parents who live outside the school catchment may want to visit the school before making a placing request. Enrolment Parents wishing to enrol their child in Pollokshields Primary School will be alerted by the adverts in local shops and newspapers to the enrolment dates in January. Parents should come into the school during that week with the child’s’ birth certificate and a letter which shows the family address. Children will then be invited with their parents in May to visit the school for their welcome programme to help them settle into Primary School. Parents will also have the opportunity to learn all about the school and how they can support their child when they begin school in August.


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A new parent moving into the area may enrol their child at any time by arranging an appointment with the Head Teacher.

Home-School Communication Each term a newsletter is issued to parents with a summary of all the events and activities that the school has been involved in that term. Individual classes may also send home letters about things they want their parents to know. Parents will receive letters inviting them to attend the school assemblies when their child is taking part. The children design and send these letters to their own families. Extended family such as grandparents and aunts can attend these assemblies and are very welcome at these times. During the session there will be two parents evenings when we ask parents to come to the school to discuss their child and their progress. These are important events and we ask that all parents attend. We often communicate individual messages about classes or children by telephone. Mrs Iqbal our home link assistant is also available to translate the contents of newsletters if parents need support

Parental Involvement Every session there is an annual Parent Forum meeting which is open to all parents in the school community. At this meeting the review is held of the previous year’s partnership with the school and Parent Council and elections are held for new members of the Parent Council. Parents will be invited to attend assemblies throughout the session where they can hear and see children’s work. There is also the annual Book Launch, where Parents are invited to come to school and see the book that their child has written. Parent representation is also welcomed on our school committees. Eco school and Citizenship committee both have co-opted parent members and parents who would like to get involved should let t he school know of their interest. Parents have the opportunity for feedback at Parents Evenings in October and May. Written reports are also issued in May but PLP targets will be sent home termly.


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Parents are also invited annually to give their feedback and thought son the school evaluation and improvement planning through letters and phone calls. Should parents wish to speak to a class teacher they should first speak to Mrs Davren, Head Teacher or Mrs Donaghy, Depute Head Teacher to try and help with any queries. If necessary, appointments will be arranged with class teachers and a member of the SMT at the end of the school day. We strive to ensure our parents are given every support required to work in partnership with the school. We also have a Home Link Assistant, Mrs Shabnam Iqbal, who is also available every morning if Parents require to speak to someone regarding their child.

School Ethos

OUR VISION Pollokshields Primary School is a vibrant, multi cultural school which offers every

child the challenge, opportunities and pace required to achieve their potential. It is a school which has a positive, inclusive ethos, where children, staff, parents and

partners feel welcomed and valued.

OUR VALUES Caring & Sharing

v We value ourselves, each other and our world Honest & Trustworthy

v We value truth and fairness Smart & Sensible

v We value and enjoy our learning and success Fair and Equal

We value and Respect difference and Equality

Aims


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We aim to provide the best education for everyone in a happy, safe and stimulating environment. To do this:

• We nurture positive attitudes and high self esteem. • We encourage mutual respect and consideration. • We promote a whole school atmosphere of high expectation and value the

cultural diversity within our school and community. • We provide a balanced curriculum which meets the needs of all.

We strive to foster good emotional and physical health Please see the link below to Education Services leaflet on Children’s Rights – http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/childrensrights Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural ValuesT The school follows national guidance in relation to Religious and moral Education. Our children are taught about the religions of Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. Each year the children develop their knowledge and understanding of these World Religions. Children are taught about each religion around the time of a religious festival. Children may visit a building which is significant to that religion or learn about symbolism and holy books. The children are encouraged to develop an understanding and respect for all religions and we explore many moral themes and values through our Assembly programme.

If a parent or carer does not wish their child to participate in Religious Education then they must request that their child be withdrawn in writing to the Head Teacher.


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Parents of children from religions other than Christianity may request that their child be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests will be considered. Appropriate requests will not be granted on more than three days in any one school session.

Global Citizenship Our children are very involved in having their say within our school and also in their local community. The children from Primary 3 to Primary 7 all have a place on one of the many pupil committees in the school, these include Heritage Committee, Eco Committee, International Committee, Pupil Council & Playground Committee. The school works closely with local groups such as The Tramway and The Albert Drive Project. The school also has links with all our surrounding schools and last session we had a Pupil Parliament to enable all the children from the local community to come together to share their ideas and thoughts. The school is currently developing its International Links and contacts with other countries including Cyprus, Spain, Poland and Ghana. Promoting Positive Behaviour Our school promotes positive behaviour through the use of Golden Rules and Golden Time but also through the promotion and philosophy of a nurturing approach. It is important to the staff, parents and children in our school that we get the ethos right for our children and that they feel fully supported throughout their day in school. Currently the school is working towards becoming a Rights Respecting School. This involves us looking with the children and families at the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and making sure that those values and rights are alive within our school. School Ethos Our school ethos and discipline is based on encouraging positive behaviour through the Golden Rules and our School Values. Our children know the Golden Rules and that these are the rules we need to keep to allow us to work and play together. When the children keep the Golden Rules, they will be rewarded on a Friday afternoon with Golden Time. This is a special time each week where children have a choice of activities as a reward


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with their teacher. Children who do not keep the Golden Rules lose some of their Golden Time but continued or renewed good behaviour will allow children to earn back their Golden Time.

We are gentle- We do not hurt anybody

We are kind and helpful – We do not hurt the feelings of others

We listen to people – We do not interrupt

We are honest – We do not cover up the truth

Our Golden Rules


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We look after our property – We do not waste or damage things

We work hard – We do not waste our own or others time

School Vision, Values & Aims Our statement of our Vision, Values and Aims is available on page 7 of this handbook. Please see the link below to Education Services leaflet on Childrens Rights – http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/childrensrights

Curriculum Curriculum for Excellence Bringing learning to life and life to learning Curriculum for Excellence is now being introduced across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds – wherever they learn. It aims to raise standards, prepare our children for a future they do not yet know and equip them for jobs of tomorrow in a fast changing world. Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together.


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Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s “learning journey” from 3-18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary and beyond, ensuring the change is smooth. They’ll ensure children continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with challenge they can thrive on. Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills. Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level and ability. Every single teacher and practitioner will be responsible for literacy and numeracy – the language and numbers skills that unlock other subjects and are vital to everyday life. It develops skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study, secure work and navigate life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learning relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. It links knowledge in one subject area to another helping children understand the world and make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions. There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential. There will be new qualifications for literacy and numeracy and from 2013/14 new National 4 and 5 qualifications will be in place. Our well regarded Access, Highers and Advanced Highers will be updated to take account of and support the new approaches to learning and teaching. There is personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make the most of their opportunities with additional support wherever that is needed. There will be a new emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensure that the school is a place where children feel safe and secure. Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims is to improve our children’s life chances, to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens, building on Scotland’s reputation for great education.


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For further information on Curriculum for Excellence contact the school or visit: www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk www.ltscotland.org.uk www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk www.engageforeducation.org

Curriculum for Excellence in Pollokshields Primary School Our focus this session is to work with Parents to develop an understanding of a Curriculum for Excellence and in term 3 we will be holding Parent Workshops to look at the Curriculum and how it builds the 4 Capacities:

• Confident Individuals • Successful Learners • Responsible Citizens • Effective Contributors

We are continuing to develop Literacy across the whole school and also further develop assessment in Numeracy and to review our programme for Health and Wellbeing. We continue to provide many and varied learning opportunities and experiences for all our learners throughout their school experience.

Assessment and Reporting

Curriculum, Assessment and Arrangements for Reporting to Parents and Carers The curriculum in Pollokshields Primary is founded in the practice of a Curriculum for Excellence. Our children are fully involved in the development of their learning and setting their targets for development. Each class studies a variety of topics which build on the pupil’s prior learning and involve a large range of experiences.

Expected Level Stage

Early Level The pre-school years and P1, or later for some

First Level To the end of P4, but earlier or later for some

Second Level To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some

Third and Fourth Levels

S1 to S3, but earlier for some. The fourth level broadly equates to Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 4.


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Teachers resource their teaching using a variety of reading books, novel studies, maths resources according to the needs of each groups of children. The children are actively engaged in their learning and are encouraged to discuss and ask questions at all times. Assessment is an ongoing activity with children involved in both peer and self assessment processes. Children receive feedback from teachers and are continuously reviewed to ensure they are being challenged and supported in their learning. Progress in monitored through a variety of means including planning and recording by teachers, discussion with learners and parents and also through children’s Personal Learning Plans. Children who require additional support will also have an Additional Support Plan (ASP) which will again be reviewed by teachers, the learner, parents and the ASN Coordinator. Targets are set on a termly basis. English as an Additional Language - Many of our children speak languages other than English and we recognise and value their developing bilingualism. It is also important that our children develop proficiency in the English Language and our teaching methods help to promote this and ensure that we meet the needs of all learners. We are also fortunate in having 3 additional teachers of EAL who work alongside the class teachers to enhance the language development of our children. Homework is provided every evening for children. All children have Homework Diaries and wallets to keep their homework in and return it every day. We need parents support to ensure that all children’s learning is supported in the home too. This session we have introduced Shared Home Learning which gives parents the opportunity to help develop their child’s learning on an individual basis.

Transistions

Transfer from Primary School to Secondary School Children are normally transferred between the ages of 11 ½ and 12 ½ so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least four years of secondary education. Parents and carers will be informed of the School arrangements no later than December of the year preceding the date of transfer at the start of the new session.


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Our transition process begins in the summer term when the children will go to visit our associated Secondary school which is Bellahouston Academy. The children enjoy this first visit and the chance to see the bigger school. The children then visit again at the start of Primary 7 and there is also a Parents Evening for prospective Parents at this time. Finally the children have their final transition visit in May before they finish Primary 7. Throughout this process the children are involved in a programme of transition events and joined up teaching with the Academy, liaison is ongoing between Academy staff and teacher here in the school to ensure children have a successful start to their Secondary career. Additional Support for learning (Scotland) Act 2009

(a) the authority’s policy in relation to provision for additional support needs. Glasgow City Council has a duty, as outlined in the Standards in Scotland’s Schools 2000 Act, to ensure that you children achieves their potential. Glasgow’s Education Services is committed to the inclusion of all children and young people with additional support needs, where possible, within mainstream schools. This is in accordance with the statutory requirement in the 2000 Act. It is also part of Glasgow’s policy to maintain a range of special educational establishments. This recognises the key role to be played by specialist provisions in addressing severe low incidence disabilities. The authority recognises that there are a wide range of factors, which may act as a barrier to your child’s learning. We are committed to working closely with parents and carers to ensure that you are fully involved in overcoming barriers to learning. Additional support needs may be linked to a learning difficulty or disability but could also apply to a child or young person suffering from bereavement who requires pastoral support, a more able child/young person or those with a particular talent, which needs to be fully developed. The policy requires all establishments to provide an environment where children and young people with additional support needs are actively encouraged to be effective learners and benefit from their school education. Any parent/carer seeking further advice regarding this policy should contact the Headteacher in the first instance. If a parent is unhappy with the support their child is getting they must first discuss this with the school in order to seek a resolution at that very local level.


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Further information relating to Additional Support Needs is also available on the Glasgow City Council website – http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8627 Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Amendment Order 2011 –

(a) Children in Scotland: Working for Children and Their Families, trading as “Enquire – the Scottish advice and information service for additional support for learning”, a chartitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC003527;

(b) Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC033576;

(c) Scottish Child Law Centre, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC012741”

School Improvement Every year the school produces a Standards and Quality Report in which Parents and Carers can find detailed information on the school’s achievements over the last 12 months. Parents can see a copy of this report on application to the Head Teacher.

School Improvement Plan Summary – 2014-15


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School Policies and Practical Information School Information Present Roll of School: 265 Classes – P1A P1B P2 P2/3 P3 P4 P4/5 P5/6 P6 P7/6

No.

Priority Expected outcomes for learners which are

measurable or observable

Lead responsibility

Timescales

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To develop Active Learning across all areas and aspects of Learning and Teaching

Learners will be actively involved and engaged in their learning and within their learning sets.

HT By March 2015

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To ensure progression through the curricular levels of all curricular subject areas.

Learners will have a broad and balanced general education which meets their needs as learners.

HT By Oct 2014

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To develop all aspects of PRD and CPD and develop staff learning for Professional Update.

Teachers and Support Staff will be aware of all current issues and initiatives and use CPD to the full impact for all learners.

HT By March 2015


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P7 Maximum Roll: Planning Capacity = 441 Working Capacity = 317 Stages Covered: Primary 1 to Primary 7 The School is co-educational and non-denominational based in the South Side of Glasgow. Anyone who wishes to use the school buildings in the evenings should apply to: Letting Procedures Apply to: Glasgow City Council School Letting Section 20 Trongate Glasgow G1 5ES The school has an active Parent Council which meets once a term and has 10 members representing the Parent Forum. Pollokshields Primary School is part of the Bellahouston/ Govan Learning Community.

Glossary of Terms Used in the Handbook EAL – English as an Additional Language CfE- Curriculum for Excellence PLP- Personal Learning Plan ASN – Additional Support Needs School Staff Teaching Staff Head Teacher Carolyn Davren Depute Head Teacher Kathryn Donaghy Acting Principal Teacher Carol Wood Primary 1 Taz Ahmed Primary 1 Caroline Gray Primary 2 Zeab Ahmad


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Primary 2/3 Mary Gallagher Primary 3 Lynn Hamilton/ Anne Evans Primary 4 Margaret O’Neil/ Shona MacLeod Primary 4/5 Christine Gallagher Primary 5/6 Susan Ewington Primary 6 Lewis Pollock Primary 7/6 Laura Ward Primary 7 David Naughton Science/Art Veronica Wilson Nurture Group Rizwana Firdous EAL Lyn Krige Meena Gajree Total number of Teaching Staff (Full-Time Equivalent) 17.6 Clerical Support Assistants Leighann Haq Carole Makeham Patricia McMonagle Nisa Uddin Pupil Support Assistants Pupil Support Assistants – ASN Linda Docherty Irene Gregory Catherine Winnie Helen Gracie Sharay Sabir Jennifer Leonard Home School Link Assistant Shabnam Iqbal Catering Manager Elizabeth Burns Dining Hall Supervisors Nisa Uddin Maqbool Bibi Janitor Ian Sorby Crossing Patrol Len Lightfoot Alec McAddie School Hours School starts at 9:00am Interval is at 11:00am – 11:15am Lunch is at 12:15pm – 1:00pm School finishes at 3pm Please note that the children in Primary 1 attend only in the morning until

the first Monday in September.


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Breakfast Club operates between 8:00am and 8:45. There is a £1 charge for Breakfast Club or it as free to families in receipt of Free Meal Entitlement. After School Care East Pollokshields After School Club is based in Pollokshields Primary School and can be contacted on Telephone Number 0141 422 1007. The Co-ordinator is Angela Whyte. After School Clubs Every term we offer a variety of After School Clubs which children will be offered the opportunity to attend. These can be many various activities including Netball, Badminton, Football or a variety of other different sporting activities. These clubs change each term to ensure a wide variety of choice and age range for all the clubs. School Uniform Our new school uniform has been introduced this session. Children wear a choice of shirt & tie or white polo shirt and school sweatshirt. The school sweatshirt is burgundy with an embroidered school badge. Children wear dark coloured trousers or skirts (grey or black.) Burgundy blazers or school jackets are also available to order from the school office. These also have the school badge embroidered on the front.

The School Year

2013 – 2014 School Meals Primary Fuel Zone All services available in the Fuel Zone are developed in line with The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 which aims to help children eat healthily during the school day and beyond. Cordia supports Education Services to meet the requirements of the Act by providing healthy food and drink in schools to encourage Glasgow’s children to make the right choice in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.


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Breakfast Service Glasgow’s Big Breakfast is available in all Glasgow primary schools every week day morning. Children can enjoy a nutritional breakfast of fruit juice, cereal and milk, toast and fresh fruit prior to the start of the school day. Children have the opportunity to socialise with their friends in a supervised and safe environment. Play and Lunch Snax To support schools, parents and guardians in the promotion of healthy snacks Fuel Zone provides a limited range of healthier snack items which meet the nutritional requirements. Play and lunch snax are available at the morning break and after lunch. Play Snax product range includes: semi-skimmed plain milk, fruit juice, toast, yoghurt, fresh fruit, light crisps and reduced sugar popcorn. Lunch Snax product range includes: fruit juice, yoghurt, fruit frozen dessert, fresh fruit and home baking. Lunch Fuel Zone focuses on serving healthy food in a bright and informal environment where children can enjoy lunch. The menu in the Fuel Zone rotates on a fortnightly basis giving children more variety at lunchtime. Three meal choices are available daily: main meal, vegetarian or snack meal. Children can select from soup and bread, fruit and vegetables, yoghurt or jelly and milk to accompany their meal. A halal menu is also available if required please speak to the catering manager for further information. Special Diets If your child has a special medical diet requirement please seek a referral from your dietician. Please then contact your catering manager who will deal with your request. Refresh Lack of water can cause dehydration, better hydration means better performance in school and water is an excellent alternative to sugary drinks, which can cause tooth decay. The Refresh initiative allows access to fresh, chilled drinking water in schools to encourage children to drink more water.


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All Glasgow schools have been supplied with mains fed coolers that filter and chill the water ready for drinking. This allows access during the day to refill water bottles which can be taken into the classroom. The main aim of Refresh is to encourage children to drink water at home and school. If you require further information about the catering service please contact your catering manager.

Catering Manager Name: Elizabeth Burns

Data Protection Act 1998 Information on children and young people, parents and carers is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 and may only be disclosed in accordance with the Codes of Practice. For further information please contact the school. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 enables any person to obtain information from Scottish public authorities. The Act applies to all Scottish public authorities including: The Scottish Government and its agencies; The Scottish Parliament; Local Authorities; NHS Scotland; Universities and further education colleges; and the police Public authorities have to allow access to the following information:

• The provision, cost and standard of service; • Factual information or decision making • The reasons for decisions made by it.

The legal right of access includes all types of ‘recorded’ information of any data held by the Scottish public authorities. From 1st January 2005, any person who makes a request for information must be provided with it, subject to certain conditions. Further information is provided on the Glasgow City Council website: http;//www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2999


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Internet facilities are provided at all Glasgow City Council Public Libraries and Real Learning Centres. Equality Act 2010 Statement The Equality Act 2010 protects certain characteristics. In the delivery of education the characteristics that are protected are disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. When making decisions in relation to admissions, exclusions, the provision of education, benefits, facilities and services and any other relevant decisions the school has a duty to have due regard to the need to-

(a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010;

(b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.

(c) Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.

pollokshieldsps handbook 2013 2014

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