St. Cuthbert’s Primary School · St. Cuthbert’s Primary Nursery Class 4 Name of School: St Cuthbert‟s Primary Nursery Class Address: Greenfield Road Burnbank ML3 0NN Telephone

St. Cuthbert’s

Primary School

Nursery Handbook

October 2013

St. Cuthbert’s Primary Nursery Class

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Dear Parent / Carer, Welcome to St. Cuthbert’s Primary Nursery Handbook. As parents, we have the right to expect that all our children are provided with the highest quality of education in a climate where they are safe, valued and treated with dignity and respect. We strive to ensure that all our pupils have the opportunity to develop academically, socially, morally and spiritually through a wide range of stimulating and engaging learning experiences so they become young people who are fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to successfully continue their education in the secondary sector. St. Cuthbert’s is very proud of its strong, supportive ethos and we look forward to welcoming you and your family into our school community.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Martina Hendry Head of Establishment


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Page

The Visions and Aims of our School 3

About our Nursery Class 4

School Holidays 5-6

Nursery Enrolment 7

School Enrolment and Placing Requests 7

Settling into Nursery 8

Nursery Routines 8

Information on Emergencies 9

Accidents and Incidents 9

Medical Information 10

Parent Council 14

The Curriculum 11-12

Personal Care Plans 12

My Learning Books 12

Assessment 13

Reporting 14

Support for Pupils 14-16

Complaints Procedure 16

Your Commitments 17

Data Protection Act 1998 17

Disclaimer 17

CONTENTS


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In St. Cuthbert’s Nursery we aim to offer the highest quality service.

We aim to: Create a happy, secure and stimulating environment

which caters for the physical, intellectual, emotional

and social needs of young children.

Encourage children to become independent, gain

self-confidence and achieve their potential.

Provide opportunities for children to learn through

play by careful planning and organisation of time,

space and materials.

Foster home / nursery links by encouraging

meaningful parental involvement in the nursery.

Encourage children to respect others, recognisning

rights and differences of others regardless of race or

culture.

The vision for St. Cuthbert’s Primary is to create a community of faith and learning where all learners are empowered and enabled to

achieve their full potential.

Non-denominational policy The nursery is non-denominational. We respect and welcome children, parents and carers of all religions, faiths and beliefs.

THE VISIONS AND AIMS OF OUR NURSERY


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Name of School: St Cuthbert‟s Primary Nursery Class Address: Greenfield Road

Burnbank ML3 0NN

Telephone Number: 01698 282175 Fax Number: 01698 207493 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.st-cuthberts-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk

Capacity: 30 children am session and 30children pm session

Denomination: Non- denominational

Hours of Opening Nursery Morning session 9.00 – 11.30am

Afternoon session 1.00 - 3.30pm

Staff members

Head of Establishment Mrs M. Hendry Principal Teacher Mrs Y. McCart

Nursery Teacher Mrs G. Cassidy Early Years Worker Mrs P.A. Collins (0.5) Early Years Worker Mrs H. Blevins (0.5) Early Years Worker Mrs P. Reilly Educational Psychologist Miss L. Mooney

Janitor Mr J. Gallagher Support Staff Team Leader Mrs S. Robinson

Cleaning Supervisor Mrs S. Coll

ABOUT OUR NURSERY CLASS

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.st-cuthberts-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk/


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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Draft School Holiday Dates Session 2013/2014

Break

Holiday dates

First Term Teachers return Monday 12 August 2013

Pupils return Wednesday 14 August 2013

September Weekend

Close

Thursday

26 September 2013

Re-open Tuesday 1 October 2013

October Break Close on Re-open

Friday Monday

11 October 2013(43) 21 October 2013

Christmas Close on Friday 20 December 2013 (45)

Second Term Re-open Monday 6 January 2014

February break Close on

Friday

7 February 2014

Re-open Wednesday 12 February 2014

Spring break/Easter Close on Friday 4 April 2014 (63)

Re-open Tuesday 22 April 2014

Third Term

Local Holiday Closed Monday 5 May 2014

Local Holiday

Close on Re-open on

Thursday Tuesday

22 May 2014 27 May 2014

Summer break Close on Wednesday 25 June 2014 (44)

Proposed in-service days

*Proposed date for teachers return (subject to consultation)

Monday 11 August 2014

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Notes

Good Friday falls on Friday, 18 April 2014

Lanark schools will close 12 and 13 June 2014

Schools will close at 2.30pm on the last day of terms 1 and 2 (Friday, 20 December 2013 and Friday, 28 March 2014)

Schools will close at 1pm on the last day of term 3 (Wednesday 25 June 2014) *Two in-service days proposed for Monday 11 August 2014 and Tuesday 12 August 2014


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Draft School Holiday Dates Session 2014/2015

Break

Holiday dates

First Term Teachers return Monday 11 August 2014

Pupils return Wednesday 13 August 2014

September Weekend

Close

Thursday

25 September 2014

Re-open Tuesday 30 September 2014

October Break Close on Re-open

Friday Monday

10 October 2014(43) 20 October 2014

Christmas Close on Friday 19 December 2014 (45)

Second Term Re-open Monday 5 January 2015

February break Close on

Friday

6 February 2015

Re-open Wednesday 11 February 2015

Spring break/Easter Close on Thursday 2 April 2015 (63)

Re-open Monday 20 April 2015

Third Term

Local Holiday Closed Monday 4 May 2015

Local Holiday

Close on Re-open on

Thursday Tuesday

21 May 2015 26 May 2015

Summer break Close on Wednesday 24 June 2015 (44)

Proposed in-service days

*Proposed date for teachers return (subject to consultation)

Notes

Good Friday falls on Friday, 3 April 2015

Lanark schools will close 11 and 12 June 2015

Schools will close at 2.30pm on the last day of terms 1 and 2 (Friday, 19 December 2014 and Thursday, 2 April 2015)

Schools will close at 1pm on the last day of term 3 (Wednesday 24 June 2015) *Two in-service days proposed for August 2015 to be confirmed.


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NURSERY ENROLMENT The school has a nursery which provides a learning environment for young children. Parents from any area may apply to attend the nursery class. To find out more about the nursery please contact the school. However, it should be noted that if you register your child for a nursery in a school this does not mean that they will automatically be enrolled at this school when they are ready to start primary school. All children who move from early years to primary education must register separately for school in the month of January. St. Cuthbert‟s Nursery Class provision provides for 30 children a.m. and 30 children p.m. Parents can register their children by completing application forms (these are available throughout the year) in the presence of a member of staff. Parents should contact the school to arrange a mutually convenient time. Application forms are then taken to an allocation meeting in May for consideration.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT AND PLACING REQUESTS

Parents / carers of children who are 5 years of age between 1 March 2013 and the end of February 2014 are required to register their child for starting school. Parents should register their child at their catchment school.

How do I enrol my child at St. Cuthbert’s Primary? 1.Make an appointment at school office – 01698 282175 2.Meet with the Head Teacher. 3.Bring your child‟s birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if appropriate) and 2 pieces of recent official documentation. Accepted official documentation: utility bill, council tax statement, housing rent card or driving licence. If parents want their child to go to another school they must enrol in the first instance with their local school and ask for an information leaflet that provides details on how to make a placing request. Forms are available from the SLC website – www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk, schools, Q and A offices or by contacting Education Resources, Almada Street, Hamilton, telephone 01698 454102. Completed forms should be returned as soon as possible to Education Resources, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AE. Enrolment date for Aug 2014 is week commencing 13th January 2014. We have a detailed Primary 1 Transition Programme. Pupils who are given a place at our school will receive personal invitations to participate in the programme with the support and involvement of their parents / carers and nursery staff.


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SETTLING INTO NURSERY

We are pleased to welcome you to St. Cuthbert‟s Nursery Class. We hope that your time with us will be enjoyable. Starting nursery class can be a very emotional time for both of you, but it need not be a stressful experience. Together we will do everything we can to help your child be happy here. When your child is given a place in nursery you will be invited to the school to meet the nursery staff and fill in an enrolment form, You will be given a nursery handbook and a starting date and time. Not all children begin on the same day so that staff can spend more time with the children on their first few days. The first day is a visit and children should come to nursery for approximately an hour. The adult who accompanies the child in this day should remain in the nursery with them. Some children settle very quickly and others gain confidence through gradually building up the length of time they are in the nursery. All children are different therefore, it is important to allow your child time to become secure and happy in the nursery environment, You are welcome to stay and play with your child until he / she becomes familiar with nursery staff and their new surroundings.

NURSERY ROUTINE

Key Worker Your child will be allocated and key group and key group worker. This worker will become a familiar person to enable you and your child to settle into nursery. The Key worker will be your first point of contact to discuss your child‟s progress and any concerns you may have. However, the class teacher and Head of Establishment are always available should you require to speak with them. Signing in and out All children should be brought and collected from nursery by a responsible adult. Clear signing in and out procedures are in place to ensure the safety of your child. If for some reason you are unable to collect your child or there is a change in arrangements please telephone the nursery to alert them to avoid unnecessary upset for your child. Clothing Your child should come to nursery in suitable clothing to play and learn. We have a nursery polo shirt that is available to purchase from the playroom. Children will be involved in messy and outdoor play each session. Pupils should bring a pair of soft shoes to change into and also wellies for outdoor. It is a good idea to have a spare set of clothes on your child‟s peg in case of accidents.


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INFORMATION ON EMERGENCIES We make every effort to ensure the school remains open during term-time for pupils. However, on occasions circumstances may arise which can affect the school. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, power failures or through any other circumstances that may impact on the school day. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know if this happens. We shall keep you in touch by telephone, text, where appropriate, letters, web news and through local radio stations particularly if there are prolonged periods of severe weather. The Council‟s website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk will be used to let you know if the school is closed and when it will re-open. It is important for parents/carers to let the school know of any change to your mobile/home telephone number and change of address to those provided on enrolment and annual data checks. If for any reason, you are unsure if the school is open, please contact the school or Education Resources, Operations Service, Almada Street, Hamilton. (Telephone 01698 454545) or email us at: [email protected] or visit the website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk

ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

Our Health and Safety policies and procedures require us to be committed to ensuring that children attending the Nursery find themselves in a safe environment in line with current legislation. Accidents There will be one member of staff who holds a recognised current first aid certificate. Staff will be aware of their responsibilities in relation to health and safety. An accident book/forms are available at all times and all accidents are recorded. All accidents are reported to parents and carers and they are asked to sign the written record. Incidents If an incident occurs within the nursery, the staff will record the details in the incident folder. Incidents may involve parents, children or an unusual situation. If the incident is pertinent to an individual child, the parent/carer will be shown the written record and asked to sign it. The Head Teacher should be informed and appropriate action will be taken.

http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/




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MEDICAL INFORMATION

If your child requires medication during their time at nursery please discuss this with the nursery teacher so the necessary arrangements can be made. If your child becomes ill while at nursery staff will phone the contact numbers provided. The staff will look after your child, in line with council policy, until he / she can be collected. If your child is unwell and cannot attend nursery please phone and alert staff. Children who suffer from sickness / dioreaha should be clear for 48 hrs before returning to the nursery class.

PARENT COUNCIL

What is the Parent Council? The Parent Council attend to matters on behalf of the Parent Forum.

Who can become a member of the Parent Council? Any parent/carer with a child of the school may become a member of the Parent Council. The Chairperson is a parent and there must be a majority of parents. The head teacher has a right and duty to attend meetings and acts as the Principal Advisor.

What are the duties of the Parent Council? The first duty of the Parent Council is to represent the views of the parents of the school. It supports the work of the school; is involved in the appointment of senior staff; promotes contact between all parents and the rest of the school community and can discuss anything that is of interest to parents. The membership of the Parent Council is as follows:- Parent Members: Mr Nat McMullen (Chairperson)

Mr John Gold (Vice chairperson) Mr Paul McVey (Treasurer) Mrs Mairi Claire Whitson (Fundraising coordinator)

Staff Representatives: Mrs Yvonne McCart / Mrs Brenda Fletcher Clerk to the Council: Vacant Head Teacher/Principal Adviser Mrs Martina Hendry (The Head Teacher is not a member of the Parent Council but has a right and duty to attend meetings and act as principal adviser). The Parent Council meets monthly in the school. Further details about involvement with the council can be got from the school or Mr Nat McMullen, Parent Council Chairperson. The minutes are displayed in the nursery foyer.


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THE CURRICULUM St. Cuthbert‟s Primary School Nursery Class is fully committed to the successful implementation of Curriculum for Excellence, which aims to ensure that all of our pupils develop the attributes, knowledge and skills they will need to flourish in life, learning and work.

Our Aim Our aim is to: Continue to ensure that every child is valued and supported to develop the four

capacities and become a successful learner, an effective contributor, a confident individual and a responsible citizen.

Offer engaging activities which encompass the 7 principles of curriculum design - challenge and enjoyment, breadth, progression, depth, personalisation & choice, coherence and relevance

Provide quality learning experiences that enable pupils to learn and develop transferrable skills and extend knowledge.

Establish a holistic approach to learning as outlined in Building the Curriculum 3. Curriculum for Excellence has 8 curricular areas:

• Literacy and English • Numeracy and Mathematics • Expressive arts • Health and wellbeing • Religious and moral education • Sciences • Social studies • Technologies The purpose of our curriculum at the early stage is to support children in all aspects of their emotional, social, cognitive and physical development. It should enable them to become increasingly independent, responsible and eager to progress in their learning. Our Staff will help to achieve this through skilled interaction with each child and by providing stimulating contexts for active learning, by recognising each stage of development and building upon the child's knowledge and skills. They will stimulate and utilise children's enthusiasm, inventiveness and creativity to plan learning activities, which combine to achieve this purpose. We believe in, and create an environment where: • the children are fully engaged in their learning, which is interactive, purposeful and defined within the outcomes and experiences. • the learning environment is relaxed and supportive with opportunity for observation, interaction and further exploration of interests and activities.


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• the learning environment is imaginatively resourced and stimulating, with opportunity for engagement in exploratory and spontaneous play. • the imaginative use of space and resources which creates opportunity for children to work independently or collaboratively. All members of Staff strive to create the above described environment and contribute through: • open, positive, supportive relationships in which children will feel that they are listened to • promoting a climate in which children and young people feel safe and secure • modelling behaviour which promotes effective learning and wellbeing • being sensitive and responsive to each child‟s wellbeing.

Children are encouraged to contribute to the life and work of the nursery. This includes opportunities to participate responsibly in decision making, to contribute as leaders and role models, to offer support and service to others and to play an active part in putting the values of the nursery community into practice. Staff will use the experiences and outcomes at the early level to plan coherently for progression in learning across the curriculum.

When staff plan learning activities for our children they consult with all children in our nursery to identify key aspects of learning. Parent and carers are also involved in this process. Please actively respond to our planning consultations each month. The planning process is clearly displayed in the nursery foyer.

PERSONAL CARE PLANS Every child in St. Cuthbert‟s Nursery has a Personal Care Plan. This plan is drawn up in consultation with staff, child and parent. The plan details all relevant information about your child and also sets targets for their development in the early years setting. These plans will be shared with parents every six months.

MY LEARNING BOOK Every child in St. Cuthbert‟s Nursery also has a My Learning Book. This large A3 book details your child‟s learning journey in their time at our nursery. These books are situated in the playroom and your child will work with their key worker to record significant pieces of learning in the book. The books will be shared with parents at various points throughout the year but you are welcome to view your child‟s book at any time.


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ASSESSMENT

In St. Cuthbert‟s pupil work is continually being assessed to inform next steps in learning. Assessment may be formative or summative. Assessment can be in the form of say, write, make or do. It is important that pertinent pieces of assessment are collated and recorded to ensure pace and progression in all children‟s learning. We operate a policy of continuous assessment in our school. This helps to build a clear picture of each child‟s ongoing progress. Assessment is a tool used by staff to plan and prepare programmes of work which challenge and extend pupils‟ skills and knowledge. It also allows teaching staff to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods and resources. Teachers will use a variety of approaches to assessment at various times of the year to enable them to report pupil progress to parents and also to track their progress through the levels of learning. The following diagram is a guide to some of the new terminology used in Curriculum for Excellence when describing progress within a level. Every pupil in our school completes a Pupil Profile at the end of each academic year. This allows the pupil to evaluate their own learning and progress. This profile is shared with parents and receiving teachers.

DEVELOPING • has achieved a breadth of learning across many of the experiences and outcomes for the level; • can apply what he/she has learned in familiar situations; and • is beginning to undertake more challenging learning and to apply learning in unfamiliar contexts.

CONSOLIDATING

• has started to engage in the work of the new level; and • is beginning to make progress in an increasing number of outcomes across the breadth of learning described in the experiences and outcomes for the level.

SECURE

• has achieved a breadth of learning across almost all of the experiences and outcomes for the level, including any significant aspects of the curriculum area; • has responded consistently well to the level of challenge set out in these experiences and outcomes; • has moved forward to more challenging learning in some aspects; and • has applied what he/she has learned in new and unfamiliar situations.

The Learner ...


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REPORTING Reporting will be ongoing and comprise of a range of activities which can include children presenting their learning, newsletters, and ongoing oral discussions. We will provide parents with reports so that you can see what your child is doing and how they are progressing. In addition, there will be parents‟ meetings which offer you the opportunity to discuss how your child‟s progressing and how you can contact the school if you wish further information. The school will offer you an appointment time so that you can visit in person to discuss your child‟s education. Our „pupil reports‟ will help you to get to know more about the curriculum which each child follows and will describe their strengths, achievements and areas for development so you know what encouragement and support you can give. We welcome any comments or additional information from parents to help us provide the best possible education for your child.

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS

Getting it right for every child, (GIRFEC)

Getting it right for every child, (GIRFEC) is a national policy and programme which is implemented in Lanarkshire. The Scottish Government introduced GIRFEC as a long term programme; it is relevant to each and every child in Scotland, and reaches across children‟s and adults‟ services in the public and voluntary sectors to ensure there is firm commitment and drive towards achieving better futures for all of our children and young people.

GIRFEC promotes key values in working with children and their families across all agencies and is based on core components which will help bring these values about.

The programme calls for all workers in health centres and hospitals, nurseries, schools and leisure centres, family centres, social work services and housing offices, and in the community to work together towards changes in culture, systems and practice that will help all children and young people to grow, develop and reach their full potential.

Support for All (Additional Support Needs) In our school we strive to meet the needs of all pupils. These needs may vary throughout the course of the school year or may include longer term needs. Pupils in our school are supported in their learning by their Class Teachers, who plan and prepare appropriate learning activities for their class. If however, a Class Teacher believes a pupil may require additional support, wither those having difficulty or those „more able pupils‟, they may request additional resources of additional teaching support for that pupil. In the first instance support will be class based. However, if the needs are more complex a referral form will be completed and passed to our Additional Needs Coordinator, Mrs Yvonne McCart. Communication with the child‟s family is vital to identifying potential barriers to learning. When barriers have been identified there will be a process of partnership working with home school and, if necessary, other professionals to provide the most appropriate support.


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An Additional Support Plan will be created detailing a suitable programme of work tailored to the child‟s needs. This may involve time with our Additional Support teacher, Educational Psychologist or other agencies. When there are a number of agencies involved, including other professions, pupils may require a Co-ordinated Support Plan. South Lanarkshire Education Resources have published a series of leaflets available which cover information for parents and carers about the Additional Support for Learning Acts. These are available through the school or on the South Lanarkshire Council website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

The Additional Support for Learning Act

Requesting an Assessment

Planning for Learning – ASP

Planning for Learning – CSP

Transitions

Future Planning

Information for Parents and Carers about moving on from school.

Inclusive Education

ICT Assessment

Visual Impairment Support

Early Years Specialist Support

Independent Adjudication Child Protection All staff in educational establishments in South Lanarkshire Council are required to follow the advice and guidance contained in “South Lanarkshire Child Protection Interagency Guidance and Education Procedures”. Child Protection – our shared vision for Lanarkshire‟s children is: all children and young people in Lanarkshire have the right to be cared for and protected from abuse and harm in a safe environment in which their rights are respected. All agencies will work together in a collaborative way to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Lanarkshire.

The Chief Officers and Child Protection Committees of North and South Lanarkshire are the driving force for ensuring that agencies individually and collectively work to protect children and young people as effectively as possible. The Council has a duty in law to report suspicions that a child has been abused or is at risk of harm, in terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. Therefore, Council staff have a professional and contractual obligation to report such suspicions to the Head of Establishment or the Child Protection Coordinator immediately. Education Resources staff and visitors from other agencies and services are required to follow these Child Protection Procedures to protect and support children and to fulfil their professional obligations to report all allegations or suspicions of child abuse. Where procedures as detailed in the guidance are followed, staff will be fully supported by Education Resources.



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Mrs Martina Hendry is the Child Protection Officer within St. Cuthbert‟s Primary School and Nursery Class. She is responsible for ensuring all staff, visitors and helpers within the school are briefed on Child Protection Policy and understand South Lanarkshire procedures. If you have any queries regarding Child Protection please contact Mrs Hendry through the school. The Council has produced an information leaflet – „stay safe‟ for parents/carers on how to help ensure their child is safe when using the internet and mobile devices. Copies are available from the school or the web: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

At St Cuthbert‟s Nursery Class we strive to create an atmosphere, in which children, parents, carers and staff fell welcomed, valued and supported. It is therefore important that when a situation arises which affects either you or your child and with which you feel dissatisfied, it is brought to the attention of the nursery staff as soon as possible. Aims:

To ensure an effective complaints procedure is available to all those who use our

provision. This includes children, parents, carers, students, staff, visitors and the wider

community.

To enable children, parents, staff etc to bring their concerns to the attention of a

relevant member of staff.

To promote reconciliation between all parties involved.

To act promptly to ensure a problem is not left unresolved.

To ensure the individual rights of all parties to dignity and respect.

To improve the quality of practice within our establishment by viewing complaints as a

source of valuable information and a mechanism for improvement.

To be fair and impartial to all parties concerned.

Respect confidentiality.

To publicise the Complaints Procedure on the noticeboard.

St. Cuthbert‟s Nursery class has an open door policy. This means we will speak to you when possible, at any time of the day without an appointment. There are a variety of ways to raise your concern. 1. Approach Nursery staff

- Speak initially to an Early Years Worker or Nursery Teacher, especially

regarding issues relating to your child. If you feel this has not been managed to

your satisfaction then ask to speak to the Head Teacher.

2. After engaging with school staff, if you are still dissatisfied you can then report your

complaint to South Lanarkshire Council Early Years Manager, Morag McDonald on

01698 454474.

3. At any time you have the right to complain to the Care Inspectorate about the

service provided by our establishment. Telephone number 01698 208150.

In most cases we hope that your complaint will be dealt with satisfactorily at nursery level. We continue to develop good relationships with our parents and other members of the community. We wish our parents and carers to be partners with us in helping to support and develop their child. We value your views and welcome any suggestions for improvement



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YOUR COMMITMENTS We ask that you:

support and encourage your child’s learning

respect and adhere to the schools policies and guidance

let the school know if you change your mobile/telephone number and/or address

enjoy and take part in school activities

accept your responsibility to respect staff who work in the school and for the school to be proactive in taking forward it’s commitment to care for and educate your child.

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998 Information on pupils, parents and guardians is held by the school to enable the teaching, registration and assessment of pupils as well as associated administrative duties. The information is stored and used as per the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 with South Lanarkshire Council defined as the data controller. The Council have established a data protection policy that applies to all of its schools. For more information please contact the school.

DISCLAIMER Although this information is correct at the time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question in relation to subsequent school years.

Documents

St. Cuthbert’s Primary School · St. Cuthbert’s Primary Nursery Class 4 Name of School: St Cuthbert‟s Primary Nursery Class Address: Greenfield Road Burnbank ML3 0NN Telephone