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Howford Primary School Handbook
2016
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All authorities are required by law to issue a copy of the school handbook incorporating current policies and practices of both the council and the school to certain parents in December each year for their use as appropriate.
Contents Introduction by Head of Establishment 3 Vision, Values and Aims 4 School information 5 School staff 6 School hours 7 School holidays 7 Enrolment 7 Parental involvement/ Parent council 8 Curriculum 9 Assessment and reporting 13 School and the Community 14 School Improvement 15 Attendance at school 15 Promoting Positive Behaviour 16 Clothing and uniform 17 School meals 17 Transport 18 Medical and Health Care 18 Information in Emergencies 18 Transfer from Primary to Secondary 19 Privacy Statement and Data Protection 19 Comments and Complaints 19 Useful addresses 20
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Dear Parent/Carer, Welcome to Howford Primary School Handbook. This handbook should provide you with a comprehensive overview of our school; information about the organisation of our school and the content of our curriculum. In Howford Primary we are very proud of the happy, secure, welcoming environment in which our pupils participate in high quality educational experiences. Our pupils are encouraged to be the best they can be in all that they do and to respect and care for each other at all times. Obviously our school handbook can only give a flavour of our school therefore I would be delighted to meet with you in order to discuss the work of our school further and to show you around our school. If you would like further information about our school or would like to arrange a visit please contact myself or a member of our senior leadership team. Kindest regards, Karen Keith Head Teacher
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Vision, Values, Aims Our vision is of a school which ensures that all children achieve success through relevant,
engaging and high quality educational experiences. We will strive to be the best we can be by continuing to reflect on our practice and to remain ambitious and creative in all that we do. We will work in partnership with others to ensure we meet children’s needs in a safe and nurturing environment and we will prepare children for lifelong learning and citizenship in a democratic, socially just and sustainable society. Our shared values are embedded in everything that we do in Howford Primary School. We are committed to:
• Ensuring everyone feels cared for, respected and included • Promoting responsibility for our actions and tolerance of diversity • Developing a sense of belonging to a community where trust and integrity are paramount • Ensuring equality and fairness permeate throughout the life of our school • Remaining ambitious and courageous in all that we do
All staff in Howford Primary School aim to provide a high quality service and are committed to improving outcomes for all of our children. We recognise the importance of having high expectations for the children, of ourselves and others in striving to be the best we can be and we are fully committed to working together in order to achieve our vision for Howford Primary School. We aim to:
• Improve outcomes for all children by raising standards of educational attainment and achievement within all areas of the curriculum.
• Provide contextualised learning and teaching experiences which are relevant, meaningful and challenging for all children.
• Support the development of all of our staff to enable them to deliver a curriculum which best meets the needs of our children.
• Ensure that we meet the needs of all of our learners to enable them to become successful learners, effective contributors, responsible citizens and confident individuals.
• Enable all of our children to become responsible citizens by ensuring that our young people are involved in the decisions that affect them
• Equip all of our children with the necessary skills and attitudes to enable them to become effective contributors in an ever changing society
Everyone in Howford Primary School sets high expectations for the children and we firmly believe that every child has a right to be included, achieve and have their talents nurtured and shared. For more information on children’s rights please read Glasgow City Council’s leaflet ‘Children’s Rights’. www.glasgow.gov.uk/childrensrights
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School Information Address Howford Primary School 487 Crookston Road Glasgow
G53 7TX Telephone 0141 882 2605 Fax 0141 883 2146 E-‐mail headteacher@howford-‐pri.glasgow.sch.uk Website www.howford-‐pri.glasgow.sch.uk Howford Primary is a non denominational, co-‐educational school which caters for children aged 5-‐12 who have additional learning needs and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Present School Roll 64 Stages covered Primary 1 to Primary 7 Parents should note that the working capacity of the school may vary. It is dependent upon the number of pupils at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised.
Local community groups wishing to apply for a let of school premises should call: Letting Section on 0141 302 2814
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School Staff Teaching Staff Head Teacher Mrs K. Keith DHT Mrs K. Dempster (Wed, Thurs, Fri) Acting DHT /PT Mrs K. Campbell Class Arran Mrs P. McGee Class Skye Mrs M. O’Donnell Class Bute Mrs F. McNab Class Barra Mrs M. McDonald Class Iona Mrs S. Jackson Class Tiree Mrs L. Jesner/ Mrs A. Gallacher Class Gigha Mrs L. Wallace Class Harris Mrs J. Burns Class Lewis Mrs E. Easton (Principal Teacher) Non-‐class contact Mrs M. Rowan / Mrs A. Naughton Specialist Subjects Art (1 day) Mr A Young Music (2 days) Mrs G McGeown Support for Learning Workers Clerical Assistant Mrs K. Conachan Mrs M. McDonald Mrs S. Gallagher (also escort) Janitor Mrs K. Cosgrove (also escort) Mr F. Docherty Mrs C. Campbell (also escort) Miss E. Muchan Mrs B. Vickers (also escort) Escort Mrs Y. Akhtar Mrs C. Poole Mrs A. Thornton (also escort) Mr B. Kennedy Kitchen Staff Mrs M. Beaton Mrs A. Wilson Mrs D. McGonigle
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School Hours School Starts 9.00a.m. Morning Interval 10.30 – 10.45a.m. Lunch 12.15 – 1.00p.m School closes 3.00p.m.
Enrolment Before enrolment at Howford Primary School, it is usual for the parents/carers to visit the school. This visit will be arranged the Educational Psychologist recommending the placement. During the visit parents will be able to see the school and discuss any queries they may have regarding their child’s placement with the Head Teacher. The catchment area of the school covers most of the South West area of Glasgow. G41, G43, G46, G51, G52, G53 and G5 west of Eglinton Street
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School Holiday Session 2016-‐17
School Holidays 2016/17
Return Date for Teachers Thursday 11 August 2016 Return Date for Pupils Monday 15 August 2016 September Weekend Friday 23 and Monday 26 September 2016
First Mid-Term Monday 17 to Friday 21 October 2016 (inclusive)
Christmas/New Year Wednesday 21 December 2016 to Wednesday 4 January 2017 (inclusive) * Please note that schools will close at 2.30pm on the last school day before the holiday
2017 2017 Return to School Thursday 5 January 2017 Second Mid-Term Friday 10, Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 February 2017
Good Friday Spring Holiday (Easter)
Monday 3 to Friday 14 April 2017
(inclusive)
* Please note that schools will close at 2.30pm on the last school day before the holiday
Good Friday 14 April 2017 and Easter Monday 17 April 2017
May Day Monday 1 May 2017 May Weekend Friday 26 and Monday 29 May 2017
School Close Tuesday 27 June 2017 * Please note that schools will close at 1pm on the last school day before the holiday
In-Service Days
Day 1 Thursday 11 August 2016 All Schools Day 2 Friday 12 August 2016 All Schools Day 3 Friday 14 October 2016 All Schools Day 4 Wednesday 15 February 2017 All Schools
Day 5 Thursday 4 May 2017 (To coincide with Election) All Schools
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Parental Involvement In Howford Primary we view parents and carers as valuable partners and strive to involve parents in school life. We provide regular information on school events through our school newsletter, The Howford Herald, and on our school website. Every child has a home/school learning diary which can be used to communicate information between school and home. We encourage parents to support their child’s learning at home and provide a termly class newsletter along with a topic information leaflet which gives some suggestions for activities that can be undertaken at home. Parents’ views are often sought on school matters as we recognise the value of their views in helping us to continually improve and to meet the needs of the children. Recently we asked for views on our proposed contexts for learning and received very positive feedback relating to the range of contexts being proposed. We also recognise that parents play a vital role during key transition times e.g. between nursery & primary and between primary & secondary and we fully involve parents in these transition programmes by providing visits and information on changes which their child will encounter. Parent Council We have an active Parent Council, Howford’s Parent Group, that represents the views of all parents. All parents are welcome to attend Parent Council meetings and can become members at the AGM. Parent Council minutes are available on the school website and on request from the school office. A list of current Parent Council members is also available on the school website.
The objectives of our Parent Council are: • To work in partnership with the school to create a welcoming school which is inclusive
for all parents • To promote partnership between the school, its pupils and all its parents
• To develop and engage in activities which support the education and welfare of the pupils • To identify and represent the views of parents on the education provided by the school and other
matters affecting the education and welfare of the pupils • To engage in raising funds for the benefit of the school
A copy of the Parent Council Constitution can be obtained from the school office. Home School Links
In Howford Primary School we believe that close home school links ensure that our children make the most of their educational experiences. We have two Parents’ Evenings per session. Parents are encouraged to attend all information evenings as it is an opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss progress being made and next steps in learning. We also operate less formal links in the form of learning diaries, newsletters and homework information pamphlets. Parents are asked to use these as a means of helping their child with school work. Our school website, facebook page and twitter are all very useful ways of keeping up to date with what is happening in school. www.howford-‐pri.glasgow.sch.uk www.facebook.com Howford Primary School
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www.twitter.com Howford Primary School Parents/carers will be consulted on a variety of issues from time to time. This will usually be done in writing but there may be circumstances when we will invite parents/carers into school to ask for their views. We operate an open door policy and as such parents are welcome to telephone or make an appointment to speak with a member of the senior leadership team if they have any concerns regarding their child. Curriculum Our aspiration is to enable all of our pupils to develop their capacities as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. By keeping our pupils at the centre and building the curriculum around the development of these capacities we aim to provide learning experiences which are motivating, stimulating and challenging for all of our pupils.
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. For more information about Curriculum for Excellence visit: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/index.asp In Howford Primary School we offer a full primary curriculum which has been devised to take account of Curriculum for Excellence outcomes. We place a high emphasis on life experiences including those related to health and wellbeing and are committed to providing outdoor learning experiences on a weekly basis. We encourage children to be involved in the life of the school including participation in our Pupil Council, Eco Committee and Fairtrade Committee. The subject areas covered are:
• Literacy (reading, writing, talking and listening) • Numeracy (Number, money, measurement; Problem solving; Information Handling; Shape, position,
movement) • Sciences; Technologies and Social Studies (People in the Past; People in Society; People and Place) • Health and wellbeing, including physical education and personal and social development • Religious and Moral Education (R.M.E.) • Expressive Arts (Art and Design; Drama; Music)
Accessibility to the curriculum All pupils within the school are given access to the curriculum at a level which is suitable to their needs, but that still offers challenge. Attainment outcomes are differentiated to suit the needs of the pupils in Howford Primary School regardless of their age. Emphasis is placed on real understanding through the learning process. In order to promote this we allow pupils to learn at a pace suitable to their individual needs. Literacy Talking, listening, reading and writing are recognised by all staff as a fundamental area of the curriculum. Staff work closely with our Speech and Language Therapist (where appropriate) to develop communication skills.
Talking and listening skills are developed throughout the school, as we believe that without attention skills children will not learn to the best of their ability. These skills are developed particularly through the use of specially designed games.
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At the early stages of literacy, teaching methods are developed which build on the child’s own experiences. The Oxford Reading Tree scheme is used throughout the school to develop reading skills. This scheme incorporates fact and fiction and has excellent computer software to consolidate learning. We also have a range of fiction that is banded to ensure children have opportunities to read non ORT texts at the correct level. This allows children to transfer skills from one context to another.
Children are encouraged to use their reading skills to tackle a variety of unfamiliar texts in all curricular areas. Phonics are taught using the synthetic phonics system. We have developed our own phonics programme to teach our children at a pace which best meets their needs.
Imaginative, functional and personal writing skills are taught using a variety of resources. The skills of handwriting, spelling and grammar are taught using the Nelson scheme and consolidated through a variety of cross curricular activities. Children are encouraged and supported to produce writing within various contexts.
Numeracy/Mathematics We aim to provide a challenging maths environment in which children are involved in their own learning. The programme of study has been informed by A Curriculum for Excellence outcomes and experiences and current local authority initiatives. Maths is taught through various mediums including games and ICT software programmes. Problem solving is developed through experiential learning and with the use of the Glasgow Problem Solving pack Expressive Arts Expressive Arts are valued as a strong part of the curriculum. Music, Art, Physical Education and Drama are taught throughout the school by specialist teachers.
All of our children benefit from swimming lessons. These are offered on a rotational basis and are delivered by our P.E. teacher who is a qualified swimming instructor. In addition to our core expressive arts programme we offer horse riding
lessons to our Class 7 pupils (all year). Our older children have opportunities to participate in competitions in a variety of sporting events.
We have, when possible, professional musicians, dancers and actors to the school to perform and deliver workshops. The children visit the theatre and museums when opportunities arise. Parents are invited regularly to the school to see their children perform in whole school productions. Our school leavers are given the opportunity to attend a residential visit to The Calvert Trust, an outdoor adventure centre in the Lake District. While on the visit our pupils participate in activities ranging from rock climbing and abseiling to canoeing and hill walking.
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All of the above activities are very popular with our pupils and help them to develop the skills necessary to become confident individuals and effective contributors. Health and Wellbeing
Howford Primary School is a Health Promoting School and as such we adhere to the guidelines set out in the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition)(Scotland) Act 2007. This act lays down guidelines for: nutritional standards for school lunches; drinks standards for schools and for all other food consumed while children are in the care of school staff.
Our Health Education programme promotes mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future. Learning through health and wellbeing enables children to:
• Make informed choices in order to improve their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing • Experience challenge and enjoyment • Experience positive aspects of healthy living and activity for themselves • Apply their mental, emotional, social and physical skills to pursue a healthy lifestyle • Make a successful move to the next stage of their education • Establish a pattern of health and wellbeing which will be sustained into adult life
Sciences, Technologies and Social Studies In line with A Curriculum for Excellence our children are given opportunities to study programmes of work
within the areas of Social Studies, Sciences and Technologies. We plan and implement a variety of topics with differentiated learning outcomes to ensure they meet children’s needs. One term per year is dedicated to the implementation of an inter-‐disciplinary project. This is cross curricular in content and provides relevant and meaningful learning experiences for all children.
These projects give children a real context in which to develop skills learned from all areas of the curriculum. We have developed information pamphlets for parents to complement our topics. These allow parents to support their child’s learning at home by giving some information on what the unit covers, areas/places of interest to visit and web sites to visit. As we have our own mini-‐bus, we are able to offer enhanced learning experiences by providing opportunities for children to participate in educational visits. To ensure children receive a broad education we provide opportunities for personalisation and choice through our Challenge Classes. These classes allow children to learn new skills and knowledge and to apply skills and knowledge within real and meaningful contexts. Enterprise Education
Howford Primary School has a Diamond Award and a Partnership Award from Determined to Succeed. These awards recognise the enterprising work the school participates in. Enterprise education provides a real context for children to develop skills necessary to become responsible citizens and effective contributors in the future. We have strong links with the local community and ensure children learn about the world of work whenever possible.
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Eco School Howford Primary School is committed to ensuring our environment is a healthy and safe environment for all and thanks to the hard work of our pupils, staff and parents we achieved our second Green Flag in 2014. Pupils participate in lots of activities such as litter picking, recycling
(paper, clothes, cards, stamps, ink cartridges and mobile phones), reducing energy and water use and looking after our school grounds. The Eco Committee implement an action plan to ensure that awareness of Eco issues remains high and that we continue to meet the necessary standards to maintain our Eco School status. Fairtrade School
We are a Fairachieving School and as such we recognise the importance of understanding our own and others’ needs and how these needs can be met. We recognise the importance of ethical trading and are committed to supporting and promoting Fairtrade whenever the opportunity arises. We
understand that Fairtrade is about better prices, working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world and want to do our best to help meet the needs of others less fortunate than ourselves. Staff, children and parents work together to implement an action plan to ensure that we meet the necessary standards to maintain our Fairachiever status. Pupils’ Views We have a Pupil Council made up of 2 representatives from each of our classes from Primary 4 -‐7. Pupils are also represented on our Eco committee and Fairtrade committee. All of our committees provide pupils with opportunities to give their views on issues which affect our school. They also provide pupils with opportunities to develop confidence and self-‐esteem and to develop interaction skills. Religious and Moral Education Howford Primary School aims to provide a teaching programme that is appropriate for the physical, emotional, intellectual, moral and spiritual development of each pupil. Children are taught to respect others and their values, beliefs and customs. They are encouraged to develop a positive self image and to understand values such as love, fairness and tolerance. Bullying is actively discouraged through our anti-‐bullying policy. Good citizenship and promoting positive behaviour are encouraged through the curricular area of Health and Wellbeing and by utilising everyday situations to promote examples of good practice. Parents and carers from religions other than Christianity may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three days in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register. Religious Observance Religious observance is about providing opportunities to embed values, and should address new ways of learning and teaching and explore creative and innovative ways to develop spirituality across the curriculum where appropriate. The aims of Religious Observance in Glasgow are:
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• To promote the spiritual development of all members of the school community • To express and celebrate the shared values of the school community
Within Howford Primary School we will provide at least eight Religious Observance opportunities throughout the session (two of these will be Christmas and Easter). These will take the form of planned assemblies and will be delivered by staff and pupils with input from the school’s Chaplain, Dr Mann or a visiting Chaplain when appropriate. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Observance. Parents wishing to exercise this right should contact the Head Teacher for an appointment to discuss this. Homework Children are encouraged to complete homework tasks from Monday to Thursday. Homework should take no longer than 15-‐20 minutes. We believe homework is a valuable aspect of children’s learning as it provides an opportunity for parents to become directly involved in their child’s learning. Please check your child’s schoolbag for communication about homework. Assessment and Reporting
Assessment is an extremely important aspect of the learning process as it allows us to plan next steps in learning and to ensure we are providing learning experiences which meet the child’s needs. We believe that good assessment reflects the quality assured professional judgements made by staff on the amount and quality of a pupil’s learning.
Class teachers assess pupils’ progress in all areas of the curriculum on a continuous basis through observation, discussion or correction of written work. Class teachers also implement formative assessment strategies and children are actively encouraged to participate in self and peer assessment in order to deepen their understanding. Pupil progress will be discussed with parents at parents’ information evenings and at their child’s Support plan review meeting where targets for the forthcoming session will be set. Parents will receive written Interim Progress Reports at the end of terms 1,2 and 3. Parents will also receive a Pupil Progress Report on an annual basis (usually in May). The Interim Progress Reports are brief reports to indicate how your child is progressing in school while the Pupil Progress Report will be a detailed report indicating how your child has progressed throughout the year and what your child’s next steps in learning will be. Parents may contact the school at any time to discuss their child’s progress. Pupil Profiles Every child leaving primary school in Scotland has their key achievements in school, at home and in the community documented within a P7 profile. The content of the profile is decided by the young person, with support from the class teacher. The profile is a positive record of their achievements and emphasises their strengths. The profile provides a valuable way for learners to share information about their achievements with their parents and with teachers in secondary school. Support for Pupils The school has a duty to ensure that pupils have equal access to the curriculum, with appropriate support for their needs if required. This applies to the content of lessons, teaching strategies and minor adaptations to the
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school environment. There are a wide range of factors which may act as a barrier to learning. We are committed to working closely with parents and carers to ensure that they are fully involved in any decisions about support for their children’s needs. We pride ourselves on the use of a variety of methods of communication and ensure all parents have equal access to information. We also offer the opportunity to receive general school information in electronic form. The following organisations may provide further information and support to parents of children and young people with Additional Support Needs:
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 charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SCO03527
b) Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SCO33576
c) Scottish Child Law Centre, a charitable body registerd in Scotland under registration number SCO12741 Any parent or carer seeking further advice regarding this policy should contact the Headteacher in the first instance. Further information relating to additional support needs is available on the Glasgow City Council website www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8642 Information on the Glasgow City Council’s Parental Involvement Strategy can also be found at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?article=8642 Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) The Named Person GIRFEC stands for ‘Getting It Right For Every Child’. Part of The Children and Young People Act (Scotland) 2014, it is the Scottish Government-‐led approach to making sure that our children and young people – and their parents or carers – can get all the help and support they need from birth right through to age 18 (or beyond if still in school). The vast majority of Scotland’s children and young people get the love and support they need from within their families and their wider, local communities. But even the most loving and caring families can sometimes need extra support. The GIRFEC approach aims to make it as easy as possible for any child or young person (and their parents) to get that help or support if they need it. To provide that support when needed, every child in Scotland has a named individual, the Named Person, as a single point of contact. This Named Person has a responsibility to provide help and support when asked and can draw together other services if needed, co-‐ordinating help for the child or parents. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Named Person at any time. The Named Person in Howford Primary School is Mrs Keith. The GIRFEC approach is about how staff in all children’s services meet their needs by working together where necessary to ensure that children reach their full potential. www.scotland.gov.uk/gettingitright
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School and the Community
Howford Primary School has active links within the local community and the children access many of the facilities in the area e.g. Pollok Swimming Pool, The Village Storytelling Centre. We have strong links with schools in our learning community and attend learning community meetings where local initiatives are discussed and planned. Our children participate in joint services at Easter and Christmas
and a number of events organised within our learning community. We have very positive working relationships with Sandwood Primary School and Crookston Castle Primary School. Children benefit from opportunities to work with peers on a variety of projects. Howford Primary School is very proud to be able to offer work experience opportunities to pupils from our local secondary school, Rosshall Academy, Cardonald College, Langside College and Hollybrook Secondary. We also provide opportunities for students at Strathclyde University and Glasgow University to visit our school to observe good practice. We are very fortunate to receive support from local groups and businesses, including Rosshall Hospital and Silverburn Shopping Centre and from residents of the local community at our fund raising events. School Improvement In Howford School we appreciate the value of ongoing self-‐evaluation to ensure the highest quality experiences for our pupils. We acknowledge that what we understand by quality in education is constantly evolving to reflect research into how people learn best, changes in society and our own experiences. All those involved in education are engaged in a constant process of learning and of developing their ideas. As our thinking develops, so does our understanding of what is ‘good’ or ‘very good’ practice. We acknowledge that individually and collegiately we need to continuously self-‐evaluate in order to identify and respond to areas of practice which would benefit from further development. In planning for continuous improvement we also acknowledge the need to respond to the National Priorities in Education and local improvement objectives. The Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc Act (2000) requires all schools to plan, monitor and report on improvement in education. The school was last inspected by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education in December 2009. A copy of the Report can be viewed on their website. www.educationscotland.gov.uk The main achievements of the school over the last school session can be found in the school’s Standards and Quality document, a copy of which can be obtained from the school office or viewed on our website. A copy of our current improvement plan can be obtained from the school or you can view it on our school website: www.howford-‐pri.glasgow.sch.uk
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Attendance at School Regular school attendance is very important. Parents are asked to inform the school by telephone as soon as possible if their child is likely to be absent. This should be done no later than 9.30a.m. on the first day of absence. We also ask that a note explaining the absence is provided on your child’s return to school. Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this both disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. Parents should inform the school by letter, before going on holiday, of the dates. Such absences will be authorised only where attendance is otherwise satisfactory. Clearly where attendance is unsatisfactory, absence is unauthorised. Parents/carers do not have an automatic right to take their child out of school without permission during term time. The Head Teacher can only authorise time off during term time in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances include:
• short term placement abroad • family returning to its country of origin for family reasons • the period immediately after an illness or accident • a domestic crisis which causes serious disruption to the family home, causing temporary relocation.
Time off during term-‐time for the following reasons is not acceptable and will be recorded as unauthorised absence:
• availability of cheap holidays or desired accommodation • holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term
Clearly with no explanation from the parent or carer, the absence is unauthorised. The School Liaison Officer will investigate prolonged or frequent unexplained absences. The Authority has the power to write to, interview or prosecute parents or refer pupils to the Reporter of the Children’s Panel if necessary. Promoting Positive Behaviour In Howford Primary School we believe that we must all work together and respect each other. Children’s Rights as outlined in the UNCRC (United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child) are fundamental to a good school ethos. Adults in our school will work with children to ensure they are aware of their rights and respect the rights of others. Positive behaviour is recognised and celebrated at class and school level. Pupils are expected to conform to acceptable patterns of behaviour in class, playground and on the school bus. All rules are intended to preserve the safety and well-‐being of the child. A system of rewards is used throughout the school to encourage and credit good behaviour.
Where there is a breach of discipline the Head Teacher or Depute Head Teacher will investigate, counsel and if necessary impose consequences. Consequences may include a short ‘time out’ period i.e. withdrawn from class or playground or in more persistent cases the issuing of a school/home behaviour book. In cases of a serious nature, parents will be asked to meet with the Head Teacher to discuss the consequences of persistent and anti-‐
social behaviour. In very serious cases, and after every other avenue of support has been taken, a period of exclusion following Standard Circular 8 may be necessary. At all times the full co-‐operation of parents is vital to securing a satisfactory outcome.
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Physical Intervention in Response to Challenging Behaviour A number of staff in Howford Primary are trained in Crisis Aggression Limitation Management (CALM). “It is recognised that physical intervention is an act of care and control aimed at ensuring the safety of the pupil and staff.” (Guidelines on Physical Intervention in Response to Challenging Behaviour for Establishments (Schools, Units and Services) in the SEN sector, Glasgow City Council, March 2004. Supervision of Playgrounds An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations, 1990. All support staff members supervise playgrounds at morning interval and lunchtime along with the janitor. Clothing and Uniforms Schoolwear –Navy blue sweatshirts (Royal blue for senior pupils) and polo shirts with school logo are available from the school office. Pupils may wear Grey or Navy blue trousers/skirts or navy blue jogging pants Given that there is substantial parental and public approval of a dress code, schools in this authority are encouraged to develop a school dress code. In encouraging a dress code policy account must be taken in any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender. Any proposals will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents and pupils. Against this background it should be noted that it is the policy of the Education Services Committee to encourage school to develop an appropriate dress code policy. These are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school. Such item of clothing which:
• potentially, encourage friction (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, are made of
flammable material in practical classes e.g shell suits in practical classes • Could cause damage to flooring • Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and • Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so
Under no circumstances will pupils be deprived any educational benefit as a result of not wearing clothing conforming to the school’s dress code policy. Parent of child receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Working Tax Credit (with a total annual income of less than £15,050*) Housing Benefit or Council Tax benefit will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear or clothing for their children. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629 PE /Swimming Kit It is important that pupils come prepared to learn and for PE /swimming this requires appropriate clothing. . Pupils should bring shorts, tee shirt and gym shoes. These can be stored in school. Due to Health and Safety regulations pupils must refrain from wearing jewellery, including earrings, on days where PE and swimming take place. Pupils who are not participating in PE/swimming must have a note or medical certificate. Pupils who are unable to participate in PE should still bring their kit to allow them to assist in the lesson e.g. keeping scores, helping with resources etc. This ensures that they are still able to take part in some way in the work of the class and do not miss out on the knowledge and understanding of the course.
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School Meals All children remain in school during the lunch hour. School meals are prepared in line with National Guidelines and the Hungry for Success initiative. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have any concerns regarding their child’s diet. Please contact the Head Teacher if your child has special dietary requirements as these can be catered for. Children may bring packed lunches which will also be eaten in the school dining room. Milk is served
with the school lunches. All children in Primaries 1 -‐3 are entitled to a free school lunch. Children of parents receiving Income Support, income-‐based Job Seekers Allowance and Working Tax Credit (where income is less than £6,420), Child Tax Credit (where income is less than £15, 910*) and income-‐related Employment and Support Allowance are entitled to a free midday meal. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?article=8629 Transport
The Education Authority normally provides free transport to all pupils who attend Howford Primary School. This policy is more generous than the law requires and means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. A bus/taxi escort is present at all times to
ensure children’s safety on the bus. Parents are informed of the approximate pick up and drop-‐off times. These are, of course, dependent on variable factors such as traffic, weather etc. It may be necessary for children to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pick up point and it is the responsibility of parents to be present when their child is picked up and dropped off. The Headteacher must be informed at least 5 days in advance of any changes to pick up or drop off addresses. This is to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made with the Education Transport Department. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure their child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner when boarding, travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour could result in your child losing the right to free transport. Medical and Health Care
Medical examinations are held as required and the parents of children due to be examined are informed and invited to be present. Parents are requested to inform the school should their child have a medical condition of which the staff should be aware. If your child is on regular medication please inform the school in
writing, enclosing the chemist’s labelled instructions with the medicine and arrangements can be made to administer it. The school will issue parents with a form which must be completed before any medicine can be administered. If a child becomes ill, or has an accident, parents or emergency contact may be contacted and requested to come to collect their child. In the case of serious illness or accident, e.g. head bump, children may be taken directly to hospital and the parents informed as soon as possible and asked to attend the hospital. It is very important that emergency contact details are kept up to date and so we ask that the school office be informed of any change of address or telephone number of either yourself or the emergency contact person you have identified.
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Information in Emergencies We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions, circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport or power failures. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-‐opening. We shall keep in touch 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 Transfer from Primary to Secondary School Pupils who have had their 11th birthday by 28th February will be transferred after the summer term so that they have the opportunity to complete at least 4 secondary education years. Parents will be invited to a review meeting to discuss arrangements for their child’s transfer to secondary school. A copy of our proposed transition programme will be made available to parents and carers and visits to the secondary school will be organised for all parents and carers. Children from our school normally transfer to:
1. Glasgow ALN Secondary 2. Glasgow ALN Unit attached to Mainstream Secondary 3. Glasgow Mainstream Secondary
At all times pupils’ individual needs will be taken into account.
Privacy Statement and Data Protection – Use of information about Children and Parents/Carers
As a local authority our schools and early years establishments process information about children and young people in order to provide education and care. In doing so we must comply with the Data Protection Act (1998). This means, amongst other things, that data held about children and young people must only be used for specific purposes.
However, you should be aware that we may use this information for other legitimate purposes and may share this information where necessary with other public bodies or where otherwise required by law. We may also use any information for research purposes. However, all personal data is treated as confidential and used only in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the Information Use and Privacy Policy approved by the City Council. For further information please see Glasgow City Council’s full privacy statement at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2908 Comments and Complaints If you have a comment or complaint please approach the Head of Establishment in the first instance. 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.
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Glasgow City Council complaints procedures are available: www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2896 The Customer Liaison Unit can be contacted at Customer Liaison Unit, Education Services, Glasgow City Council, City Chambers East, 40 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JL or by phone or e-‐mail: Phone 0141 287 5384 E-‐mail [email protected] Addresses Area Education Manager: Mrs A McGovern Education Offices Glasgow City Council City Chambers East 40 John Street Glasgow G1 1JL Councillors for Greater Pollok Councillor Bill Butler Councillor Rashid Hussain Councillor Shabbar Jaffri Councillor David McDonal Scottish Labour Party Scottish Labour Party Scottish National Party Scottish National Party Glasgow City Council Glasgow City Council Glasgow City Council Glasgow City Council City Chambers City Chambers City Chambers City Chambers Glasgow G2 IDU Glasgow G2 IDU Glasgow G2 IDU Glasgow G2 IDU Although this information if correct at time of printing, it should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document;
a. before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question b. in relation to subsequent school years
