Westercraigs Nursery School

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C/o Whitehill Secondary School 280 Onslow Drive

Glasgow G31 2QF

Telephone 0141 556 2413 Email: Headteacher@Westercraigs-nursery.glasgow.sch.uk

A Smile Too Nursery

time to

live, learn,

…and play together to become Successful Learners,

Effective Contributors, Confident Individuals & Responsible Citizens

“Outstanding Winners of The Trades House of Glasgow

Citizenship Award 2011”

Handbook 2014-2015

TRADES HOUSE OF GLASGOW

NEWS RELEASE June 2011

WESTERCRAIGS NURSERY TAKES TOP CITIZENSHIP TITLE Westercraigs Nursery School in Glasgow has been awarded the Trades House of Glasgow Citizenship Award 2011, in recognition of the great work it has achieved by engaging the children in nursery, local and wider community projects. Now in its 12th year, the award encourages and rewards good citizenship in pre-5, primary, secondary and special needs schools across the city. It is supported by Glasgow City Council Education Department. Quote from head teacher Lesley Morrison regarding entry and award..... Commenting on the Citizenship Award 2011, Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow Jimmy Miller said: “Forging close community links from the early years can lead to a far better understanding between schools and their neighbours, positively paving the way for the years ahead. “Our Citizenship initiative is aimed at encouraging the development of what is an important part of the school curriculum. The judges looked carefully at the contributions each school makes to the life of its local community, and we chose Westercraigs Nursery School as our winner after hearing presentations from pupils representing each of the finalists. While Westercraigs has demonstrated citizenship at its very best, I would like to congratulate all our finalists for displaying a very clear focus on good citizenship and all that it entails.” Westercraigs Nursery School beat stiff competition from the other finalists, Alexandra Parade Primary, All Saints RC Secondary, Festival Park Day Nursery, Holyrood Secondary, John Paul Academy, Our Lady of the Annunciation, St Stephen’s Primary and St Timothy’s Primary. The judging panel included representatives of the Trades House and the Education Department and prizes were presented by Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart. As well as the special Citizenship plaque awarded to the winning school, the judges also make commendations. Jimmy Miller visited Westercraigs Nursery School along with awards coordinator Hamish Brodie, to meet the children, head teacher and staff, and present the Citizenship plaque. Elaine Stewart – PR, Trades House of Glasgow Elaine Stewart Public Relations Ltd

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WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY, WE AIM TO PROVIDE, THROUGH PLAY, A CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE FOR EACH CHILD IN

A SAFE AND HAPPY NURSERY SCHOOL.

At Westercraigs Children Learn Through Active Play, Outdoors, Wherever Possible. They play, plan, practise, pretend, talk about, record and review indoors a little too.

But the biggest excitement & in depth learning takes place all around in their community. In all weathers, our children, staff & parents experience the awe and wonder of nature.

We are working to deliver "Nurture Through Nature".

Westercraigs Nursery School seeks to: Provide a safe, secure, healthy and stimulating place for learning. Promote each child’s self-esteem and encourage positive attitudes. Ensure each child receives a broad, balanced curriculum which matches individual needs. Implement effectively national and local policies. Develop & Deliver a Curriculum for Excellence as set down by The Scottish Executive. Foster genuine partnerships with parents& include them in our learning journeys. Work in partnership with the wider community to support and enhance the lives of our families. Enable each child to reach his/her potential. Promote caring and respect. Encourage and celebrate achievement. Ensure the children’s time in the nursery will be happy, joyful and a solid foundation for Lifelong Learning.

By ensuring that all of our physical and personal resources are readily available and used to optimum effect your child will be

excited, energised, engaged & encouraged to be A Successful Learner, An Effective Contributor, A Confident Individual & A Responsible Citizen.

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Dear Parent Welcome to Westercraigs Nursery School. The staff and I, aim to provide a safe and happy atmosphere, which will encourage your child to develop and learn. This handbook is designed to tell you about our school, the education service we offer, and the way in which we provide it. We invite you as parents to play an active role in this very important stage of your child’s education. During the year we will keep you up to date with the life and work of the school through regular newsletters, display boards in the hall and Home/ School worksheets. The staff and I are always pleased to talk with you and to answer any questions or queries. However it is not always easy to do this in the middle of a busy playroom, so if you wish to discuss something in detail, or want to talk privately please let me know and I shall arrange some time to meet with you. We hope you will enjoy your time at Westercraigs and look forward to working with you and your child. Yours sincerely Lesley A. Morrison Head Teacher Telephone 0141 556 2413 Email:Headteacher@Westercraigs-nursery.glasgow.sch.uk

Staff Head Teacher Mrs Lesley A Morrison Team Leader (Term Time) Mrs Margaret Gribben Team Leader (52 week) Ms Kimberley Softley

Child Development Ms Nichola McQuillan Officers Mrs Jacquie Johnstone Mrs Tricia Howie am Mrs Mary Kerr Ms Cal Gibson Ms Donna Todd Ms Karina Girvan Ms Monica Queen Ms Margaret Louden Ms Aime Dickson Clerical Assistants Ms Christine Partington Mrs Roz McGhee Catering Assistant Mrs Anne Marie Traynor Cleaners Miss Patricia

Mrs Patricia Cullen 11.30 – 1.30pm & 3pm – 6pm Janitor Mr Jamie Fullerton

The school is open All Year from 8am - 6pm for Full Time Places School Term Time hours: Morning Session 8.50am to 12 noon Afternoon Session 1.00pm to 4.10pm

We have term time places for 60 children age 3 to 5 years at each of our morning or afternoon sessions. We have a small number of Full time places. Parental Work, Training and/or Education Conditions apply. The Nursery School is Non Denominational. 6

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Applying for a Nursery Place Names can be placed on the applications register any time after your child’s second birthday. In this area of Glasgow there can sometimes be more applications than places actually available. Nursery places therefore, are allocated by an admissions panel in accordance with the City of Glasgow’s Admissions Policy. We share a joint admissions register with Haghill Nursery Class and the two local Day Nurseries; Dennistoun Early Years and Onslow Drive. This means that you only need to place your name with one of the four establishments. When a place is allocated to your child you will be contacted by letter and invited to visit the nursery school to make arrangements for starting.

Getting Started Starting nursery is an important and exciting time for you and your child. At Westercraigs we aim to make this as happy and as comfortable for you both as possible. We find that by involving parents and taking time at the beginning, most children settle into nursery quickly and easily. Parents participate in a cross section of experiences alongside their child throughout the first week of their child’s starting at Westercraigs. This allows parents to have first hand knowledge of the challenges faced by a child at the outset of their Nursery School experience. The Head Teacher will provide an information / discussion meeting prior to your child’s start date.

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Attendance at the Establishment Management of absence. Having enrolled in our establishment, we are required to keep a daily paper and a computer record of your child’s attendance. On those days when your child will not be attending for any reason, be it ill-health, a family social event or family holiday arrangements, you are asked to contact the school by phone by 9.30am or 1.30pm to notify us of your child’s absence. It is helpful if you give us an estimate of how long this absence may be. This is then recorded on our centralised computer system.

Our Playrooms & Outdoor Areas There are 60 children in the school each session and we divide them into 5 groups –each group has a named member of staff. Each member of staff is responsible for planning and providing play and learning activities appropriate to ALL of the children in their nursery. All staff monitor their progress and each Key Worker then collates Your Child’s Progress. These assessments form the basis of Parent’s Meetings throughout the year. Examples of your child’s progress are continuously added to Your Child’s Profile. This is stored on the bookshelves at the exit from the playroom. You are encouraged to look at this with your child/key worker at frequent intervals. At the start of each morning or afternoon session the children are free to choose from a wide selection of toys, play experience and activities. The children then get together briefly with members of staff to talk about each child’s plans for the days activities. Evidence of these plans and activities are collected in the group’s Big Book. The Big Books also act as scrapbooks highlighting each child’s successes. You are welcome to view these at any time. All pupils are free to choose any and all of the activities on offer. Under the title “Nurture Through Nature” we aim to do most of our learning outdoors in real time in the real world. Opportunities for children to join in musical activities – singing, dancing, playing instruments take place in one of the playrooms or at Concert & Theatre venues in Glasgow. We have excellent Outdoor Learning Spaces which are in use daily in ALL WEATHERS. Please ensure your child comes with suitable outdoor wear EVERY DAY in order to make full use of these facilities.

Collecting Your Child - Parents are asked to wait till at least 11.30 or 3.30 before collecting their child. This allows each child time to benefit from the full range of daily experiences.

Snacks and Meals A Healthy Snack is on offer each morning and afternoon. The selection includes fresh fruit, salad, vegetables, wholemeal bread/toast, pitta bread, wraps, tuna, cheese, crème fresh etc. During snack time children are encouraged to exercise choice, appreciate the importance of a healthy diet and develop good table manners . A 2 course mid-day meal is available for children who have an extended session. Special diets can be catered for at both snack and lunch time where parents supply medical referrals. Daily baking/cooking experiences are offered. Each child will have the opportunity to make the recipe of the week from a small range of healthy options including bread, pizza, scones, vegetable soup etc. Please check the Bakery basket daily in order to take home your child’s prepared food. The School Fund weekly parental contribution meets the cost of most of the above activities. (See School Fund Agreement attached.) School Meals for Extended Day Pupils Children and young people of parents/carers receiving Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit (where income is less than £6,420) and Child Tax Credit only (where income is less than £15,860*) are entitled to a free midday meal. Information and application forms for free establishment meals may be obtained from establishments and from Grants Section at Education Services headquarters. *Income amount effective from 1 April 2011 and may be changed by Department of Work and Pensions.

Fees for extended hours, meals and snacks are charged through GCC’S centralised Payment Collection system.

Tooth Brushing We are a ‘Smile Too Nursery.’ This means that we try to help you and you child keep their teeth as healthy as possible. As well as providing a healthy snack we also have a tooth-brushing programme. Our tooth-brushing programme is based on advice from the Dental Health Board. Regular visits from The Oral Health Team are a lively fun event at Westercraigs. At 11.30am and 3pm the children are shown how to brush their teeth properly using a ‘dry technique.’ There is no need for them to spit out since only a very small amount of full strength toothpaste is used. A toothbrush and toothpaste are given to each child to use at home at the start of each session. The aim is to provide continuity between home and school experience. Parent workshops on dry tooth brushing and dental health issues each term, led by Louise our Oral Health Promoter. Details are given in newsletters, notices prior to the date. 9

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Better Behaviour Better Learning

Good discipline is based on mutual respect and trust, therefore we base our discipline on establishing an understanding and caring relationship with each child similar to that which he/she experiences at home. Children are also encouraged to develop caring and understanding relationships with each other; to be polite and helpful, to share and take turns and to respect other people’s cultures and beliefs. We have a few clear and simple rules, which everyone is helped to understand from the beginning. This helps to create a secure and happy school.

Bullying Bullying behaviour will not be tolerated within Glasgow City Council’s educational establishments. All children in Glasgow’s educational establishments have an entitlement “to work (and play) in a learning environment in which they feel valued, respected and safe and are free from all forms of abuse, bullying or discrimination”. (A Standard for Pastoral Care in Glasgow Establishments). In 2009, Glasgow City Council published its revised Anti-Bullying Policy, incorporating the requirement to record and report all discriminatory behaviours within educational establishments. All establishments are required to review their policy in light of this. Parents and carers have a significant role to play in helping to address this problem. For this reason any anti-bullying strategy must stress the importance of partnership with the parents and carers of their children.

School Security The safety of all our children and staff is of vital importance. Please help keep everyone safe by following these simple rules: Always enter and leave by the nursery school MAIN entrance.

Press the door entry button once. Wait for the red light. The door works electronically. A member of staff needs to leave the children and

press the internal switch. Please be patient. Ringing the bell repeatedly will not make the door release faster!

Do not hold the door open for anyone else – we need to check everyone who enters our building.

Your child should then change their clothes and shoes. Proceed with them into the playroom and sign the playroom register Parents’ register and the Children’s own sign in sheets. This double signing is the most secure way of protecting everyone who enters our large accommodation.

Always let a member of staff know if someone different will be collecting your child from nursery. In addition, write their name in the space provided by your child’s name. Only adults whose names and contact details appear in your child’s enrolment form, can collect your child.

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Clothing There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in establishment, such as items of clothing which:

potentially, encourage faction (such as football colours);

could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans);

could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings;

carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and

could be used to inflict damage on other children or be used by others to do so. Glasgow City Council is concerned at the level of claims being received regarding the loss of

children’s and young peoples’ clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents/Carers are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to establishment. Parents/Carers should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been negligent.

Child Safety / Child Protection Policy

All education establishments and services must take positive steps to protect themselves by ensuring that programmes of health and personal safety are central to the curriculum, and must have in place a curriculum that ensures that children have a clear understanding of the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour on the part of another person, no matter who. Kimberley Softley – Team Leader -is our Child Protection Co-ordinator. As with other areas of the curriculum we will keep you informed of the health and personal safety programme of the nursery. All Schools, establishments and services must create and maintain a positive ethos and climate, which actively promotes child welfare and a safe environment. We do this by: ensuring that children are respected and listened to ; ensuring that a programme of health and personal safety is central

to our curriculum ; ensuring that staff are aware of child protection issues and

procedures ;

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establishing and maintaining close working relationships and arrangements with all other agencies to make sure that professionals collaborate effectively in protecting children.

Should any member of staff have any concerns regarding the welfare or safety of any child they must report these concerns to the Head Teacher. The Head, or the person deputising for the Head, after judging that there may be grounds for concern regarding the welfare or safety of any pupil must then immediately advise the duty senior social worker at the local social work services area office of the circumstances.

Confidentiality The policy of the nursery is to work in partnership with parents in order to promote the welfare of children. The nursery also aims to build up relationships of trust with children. Children and parents should feel able to raise concerns about safety and welfare with the school in the knowledge that these issues will be dealt with sensitively. Because of the sensitivity of these issues, the nursery will operate on the presumption that anything imparted in confidence will be treated in confidence. This is subject to three qualifications: 1. Anything imparted ‘in confidence’ to one member of staff or person

approached as an associate of the school, may be shared with a restricted number of colleagues if that person feels in need of support and guidance from them.

2. If serious concerns are raised about the safety or welfare of a child, the person may be obliged, in terms of the school’s child protection procedures, to pass that information on to a Child Protection Co-ordinator for consideration as to whether it should be shared with the appropriate authorities.

3. The school must, of course, pass on information when legally obliged to do so, for example, by a court of law.

Children must also feel able to share concerns with staff. Problems may arise when a child consults a member of staff about a problem and does not want that information to be shared with parents. Whilst the staff will try to encourage the child to share the information with parents where appropriate, there may be circumstances in which any pressure to pass the information on could result in the child keeping the problem to him or herself or not sharing concerns in the future.

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When building our relationships with the children we will ensure that they know that: if they have something to talk to staff about, or if they are worried about things that are happening to them, they should tell

the staff. The staff are there to listen and to help, they will try to do what they can.

if staff are concerned about a child’s safety and need to share this with others, they would tell the child first.

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 establishment. 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; 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 its service;

Factual information or decision-making;

The reasons for decisions made by it.

Our Curriculum Aims: to empower each child with the attitudes, skills and

understanding which promote effective learning. to lay the foundations through play for children’s literacy and

numeracy. to encourage the development of positive interpersonal

relationships. to develop self esteem in every child.

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A Curriculum for Excellence Every school, whether it be a nursery, primary or secondary, provides its pupils with a curriculum. This is just a way of organising and describing the skills, knowledge, attitudes and learning experiences that are planned and offered over a period of time to the pupils attending. We currently follow Guidelines issued by Education Scotland which is a nationally agreed Curriculum for Excellence for all children and young people aged 3-18. The nursery school curriculum is concerned with three main components:

How children learn Where and why children learn

What children learn Of these three the one you are probably most familiar with is what is learned, i.e. the content, however: One of the most important things that happen to children in their early

years is that they learn how to learn. For full details of key aspects of the curriculum, please see hall and cloakroom displays.

Reporting to Parents Parents have the opportunity to speak to the nursery staff and / or Head Teacher each day when bringing and collecting their child. We are always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have or simply to let you know how our day with your child has been. Please feel free to ask. There is also a more formal mechanism for reporting to parents in November February and May. We will give you reports on your child’s progress during individual appointments with your child’s key worker and myself. At this meeting, parents are able to review your child’s

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Portfolio, Assessments of Learning, collaborative work with peers and older school pupils along with a large selection of photographs stored in our computer database. These record daily activities as well as highlights in the nursery life experience of your child. The final Transition report will be a record of your child’s achievements while at nursery school and will include samples of work and evidence of skills that have been achieved. All the reporting times are about sharing with you the achievements your child has made and identifying the next steps for learning.

Additional Support for Learning Sometimes we find that there are children who have difficulties with an aspect of learning or require extra emotional support in the short or longer term. When that happens we discuss the situation immediately with the parents in order to decide what is the best way to help that child. If necessary and with the parents permission we are also able to link in to many areas of support such as specialist teacher, educational psychologists and speech and language therapists who may work directly with the child or just simply offer advice and support to both the nursery staff and parents. Either way this will not happen without the permission of the parents concerned. If as a parent you are worried or concerned about any aspect of your child’s learning or development please come and speak to the staff or head teacher as soon as possible, don’t feel you need to wait until a formal reporting time, the sooner we are aware of any concern, the sooner we can offer help or advice.

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Moving on to Primary School

“The vital contribution of pre-school education lies in developing and broadening the range of children’s learning experiences, to leave them confident, eager and enthusiastic learners who are looking forward to starting school.”

(Scottish Office Education Department 1997)

The curriculum in the primary school will build on what your child has learned before starting school. The Early Level of Curriculum for Excellence spans nursery school and P!/P2. Some children may move into First Level in some areas of learning during this time. We believe that good liaison with the receiving primary schools is essential. For this reason our Pre School children have weekly opportunities to engage in Collaborative Learning with the Primary 1 pupils in our local schools. This takes place in our playrooms and grounds and in the Primary School classrooms. By sharing information between nursery and primary school the primary one teacher can take account of what your child has already achieved when planning the next stage in your child’s learning. We have strong links with local primary schools, which also include: Exchange visits for nursery and primary staff.

Nursery staff work alongside primary staff in the classroom for the first few days of primary one using nursery/primary liaison records.

Buddies - Primary 6 pupils who befriend individual children during the term before the move to the primary school. This relationship, begun prior to the summer holidays, means each P1 pupil knows an older child who can show them around the school and support them in their early playground experiences.

Parents are encouraged to participate as fully as possible with the arrangements made with their individual primary school. Home / School Links Parents Committee Each year we like to form a parent’s committee both to strengthen links between parents and the nursery school and also to help fund raise and organise events for parents and children. Every parent who wishes it, is a member of the parent’s committee and there will be regular informal meetings the first Wednesday of every month at 11 am and 1 pm in the staff room. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to come along.

Parent Helpers

One of the strongest influences in children’s learning is the interest and involvement of their parents. Being involved can be different things for each parent, for those who would like to help in the playroom we would offer you the opportunity to help in our book corner, in our garden and on outings to the theatre or venues across Scotland.

Reading together in the Playroom It is important that children hear stories being read to them, either individually or in very small groups, every day and we would appreciate as many volunteers as possible to help us achieve this. In particular all children hearing stories in a variety of different languages widens an understanding of each family’s unique skills.

Lending Library One day each week we have Library Day at Westercraigs. Each child is given a large polythene book carrier with their name and group colour. Children have the opportunity to select a book to take home to read. A sheet recording their choice with a space provided for child and parent feedback is enclosed in the bag. We have a large selection of dual language books which we continue to expand to support every family who joins our nursery. Parent’s suggestions for selecting new books are welcomed. Please speak to a member of staff or include suggested titles on your child’s library notes. GCC Library service delivers 2 new large boxes of books every month for our children. In addition groups of children visit the local library to select books for nursery. Story telling sessions for children, parents and staff are also held in Dennistoun library on a regular basis. See notices on the playroom door.

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Book Start Bags are provided for every new pupil to keep at the beginning of each school year. Included is a Parent Book – Every Day’s A Learning Day, which has lots of simple activities to carry out at Home.

Supporting Families With English as n Additional Language

We are fortunate to have the services of an English as an Additional Language Teacher for half the week. She works in small groups and on a one to one basis with the many children who join us with a different mother tongue than English. We value the richness that families with dual or even multi lingual skills bring to the Westercraigs Community. We have short versions of our Handbook in a number of different languages. These are given out in Week One. Many of our Children’s Story and Non Fiction Books are in dual languages. We celebrate a wide range of multi cultural festivals and broaden our understanding of life’s diversity.

Dealing with Racial Harassment The Race Relations Act of 1976 makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of his/ her colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national background. The Act makes it the duty of Glasgow City Council to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination. In 1999 the guidelines, ‘Dealing with Racial Harassment’ were issued to assist all teaching staff in dealing with such incidents. The adoption of an anti-racist approach should be seen as one part of the continuing attempt to improve the quality of education. Glasgow City Council recognises that support from the home is essential if these aims are to be achieved. Every child in Glasgow has the right to be happy and secure at establishment.

Medical and Health Care Accidents and Emergencies

All nursery staff are trained to deal with minor accidents requiring first aid. If a child has an accident requiring medical attention or takes ill at school we make every effort to get in touch with the parents or their emergency contact. If the illness is

serious our first step is to call in the Emergency Services. We then contact the parent. If we are unable to reach the parents, we then try the list of emergency

contacts given to us on the enrolment form by the parent. It is therefore very important that we are kept informed of any change in home address or work details and that the names of one or two people are also given as

emergency contacts.

Illness and Infection It is inevitable that young children will develop coughs and sneezes and other bugs and infections. If your child develops any such symptoms please speak to your doctor and /or keep him/her off until the risk of infection to others has gone. In particular, please do not bring your child to nursery if s/he has experienced sickness or diarrhoea.

We operate the 24/48 hour Infection Control Rule. If vomiting has occurred remain at home for 24 hours. If the child has

suffered diarrhoea then they must remain at home for 48 hours after the time of the last episode.

If your child is absent for any reason, but especially if s/he has an infection such as measles or chicken pox, please let the head teacher know so that other parents can be alerted. You must also phone us each day that your child will not be coming to nursery-for whatever reason. Head Lice The incidence of head lice in children is increasing all over the country. It is important that all parents check their child’s head regularly and if you find anything to treat it and also let the head teacher know at once. Any reports will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, however all other parents will need to be alerted to treat their child’s head and thus prevent any further re-infection. If you are unsure of what to look for or how to treat it, please speak to the Head Teacher or approach your Doctor or Health Visitor for advice. Medical and Dental Checks The Community Dentist may visit to make a quick check on the children’s teeth, you will of course be informed when this happens. Routine medical examinations are no longer carried out in nursery schools.

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Administration of Medicines If your child is in need of medication during his / her time at nursery school you should discuss these requirements with the Head Teacher. You will need to fill in a form which authorises nursery staff to administer drugs to your child.

Information in Emergencies

Information in Emergencies We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Establishments may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you informed by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local places of worship and announcements in the press and on local radio. Additional Support Needs/Accessibility Strategy Every establishment has a duty to ensure that all our children have equal access to the curriculum, supported as appropriate to their individual needs. This covers not only the content of planned activities and teaching strategies but also minor adaptations to the physical environment of our buildings to address the needs of children with physical or sensory impairments, including the relocation of playrooms to the ground floor where feasible. We also need to ensure that parents and carers who have a disability have equal access to information about their child. This will involve, for example, relocating the venue for parents/carers meetings to facilitate physical access; provision of an interpreter for people who have a hearing impairment; agreeing a phone contact system to provide direct feedback to parents and carers. Our new accommodation here at Whitehill was designed to meet these needs in full. Where parents or children require an interpreter for the deaf or a language interpreter these can be accessed by appointment. We can also set up a telephone contact system to provide direct feedback to parents who are unable to come to our establishment. All members of our staff team are fully briefed on Disability Awareness & Supporting Inclusion in order to provide equality of provision for every child & their parents/carers.

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Links with our Local & Wider Community At Westercraigs we value the interest, help and support of many groups and

individuals who live or work in the area around our front door. We welcome them into our lively playroom and enjoy going out to meet them.

Here are a few of our “Buddies.” Whitehill New Learning Community:

Whitehill Secondary School, Golfhill Primary, Alexandra Parade Primary, Haghill Primary, St Denis Primary School, Dennistoun Early Years and Onslow Drive Day

Nursery.

Caledonia PS & Gaelic Provision - GCC

The Reidvale Play Association - RAPA

The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice

The Community Police Team

The Fire Officers of Strathclyde Fire Brigade

Steve Richards at Verrier (glass studio)

Guide Dogs for the Blind

The Countryside Ranger Service

Tesco

The Co-operative

Class Connections

Stonelaw Mini-Bus Hire

We are constantly adding to our network of community friends.

Your suggestions are warmly welcomed.

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Complaints Procedure We are keen to maintain the highest possible standards for you and your child. If at any time you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the Nursery School then please discuss your concerns with the Head Teacher who will deal with your query promptly.

Comments and Complaints 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 five 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 e-mail: Phone 0141 287 5384 E-mail education@glasgow.gov.uk Address : Customer Liaison Unit Education Services

Glasgow City Council, Education City Chambers East Building 40 John Street Glasgow G1 1JL.

Addresses and Contacts Important addresses and contacts Maureen McKenna Executive Director of Education Education Services Glasgow City Council City Chambers East Building 40 John Street Glasgow G1 1JL

Telephone 0141 287 4573 In the event that you are still dissatisfied please contact: The Care Commission 4th Floor 1 Smithhill Street Paisley PA1 1EB Telephone 0141 843 4230 Local Councillors Councillor Frank Docherty, Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Jennifer Dunn,

Although this information is correct at time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document: a) before the commencement or during the course of the establishment year in question; b) in relation to subsequent establishment years. Maureen McKenna Executive Director of Education

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USEFUL WEBSITE ADDRESSES Information on School Curriculum – local and national http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/index.asp or http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/ccc_FirstPage.jsp Additional Support Needs www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8627 Glasgow City Council Full Privacy Statement Policy http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2908

ORGANISATIONS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS

a) Children in Scotland: Working for Children and Families, trading as

“Enquire – the Scottish advice and information service for additional support for learning”, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC003527

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

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

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