- extends a warm welcome to you and your child from Early Years to Primary 7. The staff all look forward to working with you to provide the best education possible for your family Hayocks Primary School Lumsden Place Stevenston KA20 4HG North Ayrshire Tel No. 01294 465283 Fax No. 01294 471193 Website: www.hayocks.northayrshireschools.co.uk e-mail: hayocks@ea.n-ayrshire.sch.uk Session 2013-2014
Hayocks Primary School Handbook Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Contents Contents Page Headteachers Welcome Educational Service Statement: What We Want To Achieve School Aims School Staff Senior Staff Remits Welcome to Hayocks Primary School School Information North Ayrshire Council School Holiday Dates School Dress Code School Dress Code continued / School Security Child Protection Mobile Phones School Meals/Packed Lunches Transport/ Playground Supervision Playground Supervision Continued / School Curriculum Curriculum for Excellence Curricular Areas/ Assessment School Improvement / Psychological Services Inclusion Inclusion continued/ Equalities Medical & Health Care / Registration and Enrolment Early Years Class / School Visits / Class Structure Transfer from Primary to Secondary / Attendance and Absence Attendance and Absence continued / Parent Forum and Parent Council Parent Forum and Parent Council continued Home and School Links / Reporting to Parents Homework Extra Curricular Activities / Pupil Representation Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values School Discipline and Behaviour / Anti Bullying Policy School Lets / Listening and Learning Data Protection Act Data Protection Act continued / Information in Emergencies Associated Schools Important Contacts Partnerships 2
Welcome to Hayocks Primary School Dear Parents and Friends I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your son or daughter to Hayocks Primary School. The staff at Hayocks Primary School look forward to working closely with your family to support and help your son or daughter to develop his or her talents and potential to the full. I hope you will find this handbook useful and as you read through it, I hope you will come to realise that Hayocks Primary is a very active and exciting school. This handbook provides an overview of the school, which I hope you will find helpful. We have tried to ensure that the information is as up to date and comprehensive as possible, but if you wish further information at any time, please feel free to contact us at the school. Yours Sincerely Miss Penelope McCann Headteacher 3
Educational Service Statement What We Want To Achieve Our overall aim To work in a sustainable way with our partners to build a better North Ayrshire in which all citizens can participate, learn and contribute to the community. Our Values Excellence Openness Respect Inclusion Equity Our Priorities To continue to develop and embed planning, recording and assessment procedures ensuring skills progression within the Numeracy, Literacy and Health and Wellbeing Experiences and Outcomes. To continue to improve learning experiences for all children by making them more motivating and challenging. To provide more opportunities for children to become independent learners. The School Improvement Plan is displayed in the main foyer and is available on request. 4
Hayocks Primary School School Aims To maintain a happy, caring environment in which children feel secure to grow and develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, culturally, spiritually and physically to their full potential. To use the resources available to provide the best educational opportunities for the children in our care. To provide a broad and well taught curriculum where children have many wide and varied experiences. To continue to work in partnership with parents. To give children opportunities to develop independence and the responsible attitudes that will enable them to become active and caring members of the community. 5
School Staff Headteacher Depute Headteacher Principal Teachers Miss Penelope McCann Mr. Brian Morgan Mrs Jean Frew Mrs Dorothy Dunsmuir (0.6) Mrs Lyn Aitken (0.4) P1 Miss C. Leitch P1/2 Miss J Nisbet P2 Miss S Low P2/3 Mrs J Frew P3/4 Mrs S Rowland P4 Miss M Hutchison P5 Miss E Garroway P6 Mr. A Cree P7 Mrs A Rae Early Years Teacher Early Years Practitioners Mrs K Bysouth Miss. C Robertson Mrs. L MacDonald Mrs Y Scott Miss A Wallace Mrs J. Rainey (Early Intervention) Network Support Team Mrs F. Beall (0.4) Mrs F Keegans (0.4) Support Staff Clerical Assistants Mrs J Lindsay Catering Staff Mrs A MacDonald Mrs J Loudon Mrs S Alexander Mrs T Burns Classroom Assistants Mrs I Reeves Mrs S Moon Mrs M McInnes Mrs I Gordon Miss J Reid Janitor Mr G. Loughran 6
Senior Staff Remits Headteacher Miss Penelope McCann General Policy, School Development Planning, Standards and Quality report, Child Protection Co-ordinator, ASN Co-ordinator, Quality Assurance, Target Setting, Absence Monitoring, Curriculum Overview, Nursery/Early Years Co-ordinator, Discipline, Assessment and Record Keeping, Target Setting, Finance Budget, Resourcing, Directorate, Teaching Staff, Staff Welfare Co-ordinator, CfE Co-ordinator, Parents Forum, External Agencies, Pre 5 Liaison with Agencies, Handbook, Nursery Handbook, Pupil Council, Library Committee. Depute Headteacher Mr Brian Morgan School Development Planning, Standards and Quality report, Timetables, Assemblies, Supporting Lunch Duty, Curriculum and Discipline overview, Maths Co-ordinator, Health Co-ordinator, ICT Co-ordinator, Glow Co-ordinator, Staff Communication, Environmental Studies Co-ordinator, Probationer Teacher Mentor, Quality Assurance Target Setting, Attendance Monitoring, Requisition, Playground Friends. Principal Teacher Mrs Jean Frew Pastoral Care P1-P3, Nursery Admissions, Assisting Assemblies, Supporting Lunch Duty, Overseeing and Assisting Students, Probationer Teachers, New Members of Staff and Work Experience Students Nursery & P1-P3, Oxford Reading Tree Co-ordinator P1- P3, AiFL Co-ordinator, Outdoor Learning Co-ordinator. Principal Teacher (0.6) Mrs Dorothy Dunsmuir Pastoral Care P4-P7, Assisting Assemblies, Supporting Lunch Duty, Overseeing and Assisting Students, Probationer Teachers, New Members of Staff and Work Experience Students P4-P7, Ginn Reading Scheme Co-ordinator, Enterprise Co-ordinator, Expressive Arts Co-ordinator (Art/Drama), Computing Co-ordinator. Principal Teacher (0.4) Mrs Lyn Aitken Pastoral Care P4-P7, Assisting Assemblies, Supporting Lunch Duty, Overseeing and Assisting Students, Probationer Teachers, New Members of Staff and Work Experience Students P4-P7, Literacy Co-ordinator, TLC Facilitator, Expressive Arts Co-ordinator, French Co-ordinator, SSA Co-ordinator, Pupil Profiles, Cultural Ambassador, Sporting Events Co-ordinator. 7
Welcome To Hayocks Primary School Hayocks Primary School was built in 1964. The classrooms are of the traditional closed design, throughout the school there is ample open space which is well used for a variety of activities. In addition, the school has a gym hall and assembly/dining room. We have play areas for structured activities. We also have a multipurpose room and an ICT suite. It is our overall aim to provide your child with effective learning and teaching. To this end we have clear policies which are proactive rather than reactive; a programme of staff development to ensure that policies are understood by those who will be required to implement them; appropriate identification and assessment procedures; flexibility and imagination in curricular planning and delivery; and collaboration with a range of professionals and parents to support this process. We have a Early Years Class attached to the school. This provides a bright, stimulating environment for 3 to 4 year olds. We are able to accommodate 40 children in the morning session and 40 children in the afternoon session. The Nursery links very well to our classes in Primary 1, Primary 2 and Primary 3. We have an Early Intervention Nursery Nurse working in partnership with the teachers at these stages. Throughout the year all children contribute to assemblies, lead a class assembly and work together on a Christmas concert. All staff and pupils enjoy sharing the children s learning with our local community. Visitors are always welcome at our school. If you would like to see the school or hear more about it please feel free to telephone, write or visit. 8
Hayocks Primary School School Information Postal Address Lumsden Place Stevenston KA20 4HG Telephone 01294 465283 Fax 01294 471193 e-mail hayocks@ea.n-ayrshire.sch.uk Type of school Non-denominational Co-educational Capacity 462 Stages Covered Early Years to P7 Current Roll 240 51 Early Years Likely intake 2013-14 P1 35 2014-15 P1 32 School Day Each school day is as follows: Morning Session: 9.00am -12.30pm Interval: Lunch: 10.45am 11.00am 12.30pm 1.15pm Afternoon Session 1.15pm 3.00pm 9
North Ayrshire Council: Education and Skills School Holidays and In-Service Dates 2013/2014 (all schools except Arran) Term Dates Main Holidays Local Holidays Working Days (Teachers) In- Service Days Term 1 Teachers return Thursday 15 August 2013 2 Pupils return Monday 19 August 2013 In-Service Day Monday 23 September 2013 1 Holiday Monday 14 October 2013 to Friday 18 October 2013 5 42 Term 2 Teachers/pupils return Monday 21 October 2013 Local holiday Friday 15 November 2013 to Local holiday Monday 18 November 2013 2 Christmas/ Monday 23 December 2013 to New Year Friday 3 January 2014 10 43 Term 3 Teachers/ pupils return Monday 6 January 2014 Local Holiday Friday 7 February 2014 1 Holiday Monday 10 February 2014 1 24 Term 4 In-Service Day Tuesday 11 February 2014 1 Pupils Return Wednesday 12 February 2014 Easter Holiday Monday 7 April 2014 to Monday 21 April 2014 10 1 39 Term 5 Teachers/ pupils return Tuesday 22 April 2014 In-Service Day Friday 2 May 2014 1 May Day Monday 5 May 2014 1 Local Holiday Monday 26 May 2014 1 Schools Closed Monday 30 June 2014 to Thursday 14 August 2014 2014/2015 Teachers return Friday 15 August 2014 34 47 Pupils return Monday 18 August 2014 NB 1. ALL DATES INCLUSIVE 2. Good Friday: 18 April 2014 3. *Pupil attendance will be 190 days after deducting 5 in-service days 61 5 195* 5 10
School Dress Code It is the policy of North Ayrshire Council to support the introduction of a reasonable and flexible dress code in schools in its area. The Council encourages each school to adopt its own dress code, after discussions with parents, pupils and the School Board. The Council believes that establishing a school dress code has many benefits. These include improvements in safety, security, discipline and community spirit and a decrease in bullying and in expense for parents. The Council will support schools in encouraging and helping pupils to conform to the chosen dress code. Some types of clothing will not be allowed in any circumstances, for reasons of safety, decency or discipline. Types of clothing which will not be allowed include:- Clothes which are a health or safety risk Clothes which may damage the school building Clothes which may provoke others Clothes which are offensive or indecent Clothes which encourage the use of alcohol or tobacco The Council will support schools taking disciplinary procedures against pupils in serious or persistent cases. Following a survey of parental views Hayocks School Uniform is: Grey Sweatshirts/Cardigans (with/without the school logo on the front) White or Blue Polo Shirt ( with/without the school logo on the front) Grey Trousers or Skirt White or Grey Socks Blue Fleece with Grey band and school badge. Sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts will be ordered from time to time throughout the year. As in many other schools initiatives we depend on the support of parents in the matter of school dress. 11
It is the policy of Hayocks Primary School that: School uniform should be worn at all times. Track suit bottoms or tops, of any description, are not school uniform and should not be worn. All items of clothing should have the child s name attached. This helps the school to identify clothing. Parents in receipt of job benefit, or council tax rebate will normally be entitled to grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools or from Educational Services, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE. It is appreciated that parents and pupils are distressed over the occasional loss of pupils clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items of clothing or personal belongings are not brought to school. Parents should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items. School Security North Ayrshire has introduced procedures to ensure the safety and security of children and staff when attending or working in schools. A number of security measures are used including the use of visitors books, badges and escorts while visitors are within school buildings. Normally, anyone calling at the school for any reason will be asked to report to the school office. The school staff will then make the necessary arrangements in connection with the visit to the school. The school procedures in relation to anyone visiting Hayocks Primary are:- All visitors must enter by the main door. There is a buzzer to the right of the door, which will alert staff that someone wishes access. All visitors should sign the visitor s book on entry and record the time they depart. All visitors will be given a visitors badge, which must be clearly visible. This should be returned to the office on their departure. If the fire bell rings, all visitors should make their way to the grassy area adjacent to the school gates. They should report to Mrs Lindsay or Miss McCann. Any visitors not wearing identification will be challenged by staff and will be asked to leave the premises. 12
Child Protection Educational Services has a fundamental duty to contribute to the care and safety of all children and young people in North Ayrshire. In fulfilling this duty, the service must engage in close partnership with parents/carers and relevant agencies, primarily Social Services and Health and where appropriate the Scottish Children s Reporter s Administration. Service will work in partnership with a number of levels within the establishment or schools, within the cluster or local area and through Integrated Children s Services and Community Health Partnership. The Standard Circular entitled Protecting North Ayrshire Children provides guidance for policy and practice within all educational establishments. The Council is one of the key partners in North Ayrshire s Child Protection Committee, a multi agency group which takes the lead role in ensuring that our children and young people are cared for, protected from harm and grow up in a safe environment. Each school has a named Child Protection Co-ordinator who is the main point of contact for school staff and for external agencies seeking contact with the school on child protection matters. There is an extensive staff training programme available to staff and in addition at the beginning of each school session all staff receive an update on child protection policies and procedures. Mobile Phones While the benefits of mobile phones are recognised, they can be a serious distraction to work. Pupils whose mobile phones disrupt lessons can have them confiscated until the end of the school day. Repeated disruption may result in phones being retained until uplifted by a parent/carer. Inappropriate use of text messages and/or photographs whilst in school may be treated as breach of school discipline or a serious incident, which could be referred to the police. 13
School Meals School meals are prepared on the premises by the kitchen manager and her staff, all of whom are employed by Catering Services. If a special diet is required arrangements can be made through a G.P. Healthy Eating Menus Hungry for Success The meal consists of a choice of main course and either soup or a sweet. Menus are provided to parents throughout the session and this enables parents to support their children in making healthy choices. Free School Meals Children of parents who receive job seeker s allowance or income support are entitled to a free midday meal and free milk. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools or from educational services, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE. In Hayocks Primary milk is made available prior to the morning interval. Milk may be purchased by pupils who should order this through the class teacher first thing in the morning. The class teacher will collect the money on a daily basis. All children in receipt of free school meals have their milk at this time. Payment of School Meals Children who pay for their meals have their money collected in an individual envelope from each class every morning. The money is then deposited in the children s account. You can also pay for lunches online at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk. This allows no cash at lunchtime and the children only have to inform the dining hall staff of their chosen menu. This is then recorded on the till/computer. All money for lunches must be paid in advance. Pupils in receipt of free meals are automatically recorded on the system. Any child who misplaces money will be given a lunch and should bring the correct amount of money the next day. The schools meals staff keep a note of any arrears and a letter is sent to remind parents of any outstanding balance. Packed Lunches Pupils who wish to bring a packed lunch have their lunch in the Dining Hall. The Dining Hall is supervised at all times. 14
School Transport North Ayrshire has a policy of providing free transport to all primary pupils who live more than two miles from their catchment area school by the recognised shortest safe walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires and the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or education offices. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils beginning school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Applications may be submitted at other times throughout the year but may be subject to delay while arrangements are made. The appropriate officer has discretion, in special circumstances, to grant permission for pupils to travel in transport provided by the authority where spare places are available and no additional costs are incurred. Pick-up Points Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total, including distance from home to the pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction, will not exceed the Council s limits (see above paragraph). It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child(ren) arrives at the pick-up point on time. It is also the parent s responsibility to ensure that their child(ren) behave in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Inappropriate behaviour can result in children losing the right to free transport. Playground Supervision An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations 1990. Children Leaving School Premises at Break Times Schools have a duty to look after the welfare of their pupils. This means that the staff should take the same care of pupils as a sensible parent would take, and includes taking reasonable care of pupils safety during intervals and lunchtimes. It is the policy of North Ayrshire Council that pupils should not leave school grounds at intervals. Primary pupils should only leave school grounds at lunch times when they are going home with their parents agreement. Parents should encourage their children to follow these rules in the interests of safety. 15
The Council meets the terms of the legal requirements that pupils be supervised in the playground by at least one adult during interval or lunchtime if there are fifty or more pupils at the school. Our School Policy is: No child should leave the school grounds at interval. Any child taking either a school or packed lunch must stay within the school grounds. Any child who is leaving school to take lunch somewhere other than their own house or that of a guardian must have written permission. During inclement weather children will be supervised in their classrooms by monitors and suitable adults. Any child who continually misbehaves during wet weather intervals or lunchtimes may be sent outside to covered area adjacent to hall where they will be supervised. Parents will be informed if this has occurred. During inclement weather those children who lunch outside of school should not return until 1.10pm at the earliest. School Curriculum Through Curriculum for Excellence all children and young People in Hayocks Primary are provided with opportunities For developing skills for learning, life and work, with a Particular focus on literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing. These skills are relevant from the early years right through the Primary School to the end of secondary school and beyond and are developed across all curricular areas, in interdisciplinary studies and in all the contexts and settings where young people are learning. 16
Values of Curriculum for excellence Curriculum for Excellence aims to: Focus classroom practice upon the child and around the four capacities: *Successful Learners *Responsible Citizens *Confident Individuals, *Effective Contributors Simplify and prioritise the current curriculum Encourage more learning through experiences Create a single framework for the curriculum and assessment 3-18 Principles for Curriculum Design Challenge and enjoyment. Children should find their learning challenging, engaging and Motivating. The curriculum should encourage high aspirations and ambitions for all. Breadth. All children should have opportunities for a broad, suitably weighted ramge of experiences. Depth. There should be opportunities for children to develop their full capacity for different types of thinking and learning. Personalization and Choice. The curriculum should respond to individual needs and support particular aptitudes and talents. Coherence. Taken as a whole, children s learning activities should combine to form a coherent experience. Relevance. Children should understand the purpose of their activities. can be accessed at www.educationscotland.gov.uk. 17
Curricular Areas The curriculum areas are the organisers for setting out the experiences and outcomes. Health & Wellbeing Language Mathematics Expressive Arts Social Studies Science Technologies Religious and Moral Education Seevices Curricular areas are not structures for timetabling: Our school has the freedom to think imaginatively about how the experiences and outcomes might be organised and planned for in creative ways which encourage deep, sustained learning and which meet the needs of our children. Defining Curricular Levels Level stage Early Pre-school and P1 or later for some First To the end of P4, but earlier or later for some Second To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some Third and Forth S1-S3, but earlier for some the fourth level broadly equates to SCQF level 4 Senior Phase S4-6 Assessment This session Assessment continues to be a priority in our Improvement Plan, so we are currently working to further develop our assessment procedures in line with Curriculum for Excellence. Class teachers will decide when a child has achieved Early, First, Second or Third Level outcomes. Within each level, pupils may be Developing, Consolidating or Secure. Teachers are using a variety of standardised tests including some from the Local and National Assessment Resources. Teachers are also constantly monitoring children s progress as they go about their day-to-day work and assessments are used to identify next steps in learning. Also, tests are given periodically to measure progress. 18
School Improvement Details of how we intend to improve the quality of our learning and teaching can be found on the school website; www.hayocks.northayrshireschools.co.uk. Here you can read our recent HMIE Follow-Through Inspection Report, which formulated our Standards and Quality Report for Session 2012-13. The school website also contains copies of: Standard and Quality Report Anti-Bullying Policy Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy The following policies are available in the school for your perusal: Policies pertaining to all curricular areas Equal Opportunities Policy Additional Support Needs Policy Race & Equality Policy North Ayrshire Council Policies can be accessed from www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Psychological Services The Educational Psychology Service in North Ayrshire contributes to the aims of the Educational Service by improving outcomes for children and young people. Educational psychologists work together with teachers. Parents and other professionals to help children and young people make the most of their lives, particularly in educational settings. When does an educational psychologist become involved? Your child s school already has a system of Staged Intervention for identifying, assessing, monitoring and reviewing the ongoing progress of all children and young people. As part of this wider system of support, each school has a link educational psychologist who visits on a regular basis. When concerns arise about a particular pupil the school takes action to address these concerns. If the concerns continue, school staff may have an informal discussion with the educational psychologist. However, if the educational psychologist is to become more involved this will be discussed with you beforehand and a joint meeting arranged. Through this process the educational psychologist can contribute to the ongoing assessment and support for your child. 19
Inclusion The Education (Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act 2009 states that a child or young person has additional support needs if, for any reason, they are not able to benefit fully from the educational opportunities provided for them. Schools will continue to make arrangements to identify children and young people who require additional support, and will address and keep under review the provision made for them. Staged Intervention is the process for children s learning needs to be identified, supported and monitored in North Ayrshire Schools. In order to meet its duties under the Additional Support for Learning legislation North Ayrshire Council have to: identify when a child or young person is not making good progress in their education understanding what is not working for the child or young person (by gathering information to make the problems as clear as possible) once extra support is in place, ensure that support is making a positive difference if the support is not working well enough, gathering more information and try a different approach Whenever we start this process for any child or young person, we will always explain to them and to their parents/carers what our concerns are and what we will do to help. If you are concerned about your child s progress or about how settled they are in school, you can ask the headteacher to begin the process of gathering information to find out if your child has additional support needs. The school will also give you advice and information about your child s needs, what the school is doing to meet those needs and whether progress is now being made. Even when it has already been agreed that your child has additional support needs, you can make a reasonable request at any time that more information is gathered and that a clearer understanding of the needs is established. All of our schools and nurseries will track closely the progress made by children or young people who are registered as being Looked After. Whether these children or young people are making appropriate progress in their learning will determine whether they have additional support needs or not. The schools Pupil Support for Learning Teacher meets with all Parents of children with Personal Learning of Personal Support Plans to discuss both short and long term targets. If a child s needs are so complex that professionals from two or more agencies need to work together to provide the right support, a co-ordinated Support Plan will be put in place. 20
For advice on additional support for learning from North Ayrshire Council Education and Skills, please contact the Quality Improvement Officer (QIO) for Additional Support for Learning on 01294 324451. For impartial advice, please contact Enquire the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. Enquire offers independent confidential advice and information on additional support for learning through: a telephone helpline 0845 123 2303 an e-mail enquiry service info@enquire.org.uk Enquire also provide a range of clear and easy to read guides and fact sheets explaining everything from additional support in the early years to what planning should take place for moving on from school. Equalities In line with North Ayrshire Council policy, education within the school is open to all pupils, regardless of sex, age, religion, race, disability or any other potential barrier and all reasonable measures will be taken to ensure that the curriculum is available to every child. If parents have any concerns about any aspect of this in relation to their child, they should contact the school to discuss the matter. Schools also have a duty to promote equality and to eliminate racist and other discriminatory behaviours. The Gender Equality Duty came into force in April 2007 (in addition to the Race Equality Duty and the Disability Equality Duty). Schools have an obligation to implement these duties and to report annually on progress being made in this regard. It should be noted that under the Gender Equality Duty, schools have an obligation to encourage both parents to play an active role in their children s education. If parents have concerns about this duty in relation to their child(ren), they should contact the school to discuss the matter. 21
Medical and Health Care Medical examinations are carried out at various times during a child s primary school years. Parents are given notice of these and encouraged to attend. Vision and hearing tests and dental examinations, which parents need not attend, are also carried out and parents informed of any recommended action or treatment. Ayrshire and Arran Health Board staff will carry out all examinations. Parents should notify the school of any medical requirements or allergies that their child may have. If medication is required it is better if this can be provided out with the school day but in cases where it is necessary during the child s time in school, parents should contact the school to make appropriate arrangements for this. Staff are not obliged to administer medication. If a child has to receive medication during school hours then the parent must complete the Medication in School form (available from the School Office) detailing the type, frequency and dosage of the medication required. All medication brought to school should be kept by the office staff and locked in the First Aid cupboard. Health & Safety File (no.14) may be requested for further information on this subject. The school s First Aid Officer will deal with minor accidents. If a pupil takes ill or has an accident at school, which requires that the child be sent home or for treatment, First Aid will be provided and parents or carers contacted. For this reason it is important that the school has contact details for parents/carers and an additional contact in case parents/carers cannot be contacted. This information should be updated as required. Children will not be sent home unaccompanied. In the event of a serious illness or accident a member of staff will accompany the child to a doctor or hospital and parents/carers notified immediately. Registration and Enrolment The date for registration of school beginners is advertised in the local press and is normally in January each year. Pupils will be registered in the school for their catchment area and parents provided with information about the school and procedures for making placing requests, if required. Arrangements for meeting with parents and induction days for pupils will be notified during spring or summer terms. 22
Parents of pupils who have moved to the area or who wish their child(ren) to transfer to the school should contact the school office for information about appropriate procedures and to arrange a visit to the school. Early Years Class Parents wishing to enrol their child in the early years class should contact the school to make arrangements. School Visits At Hayocks Primary we operate, as far as is possible, an open door policy for any parent wishing to see round the school and meet with Miss McCann or a member of the Senior Management Team. It is helpful if arrangements can be made in advance to avoid disappointment and to ensure that staff are available. During the visit parents will have the opportunity to tour the school, visit the class to which their child may be assigned and meet with the teacher, ask questions about the curriculum and welfare and become informed about any other area of school life. All parents are welcome whether they live within Hayocks Primary School catchment area or out with this boundary. Class Structure Primary schools educate pupils at seven broad year stages, Primary 1 to Primary 7. A year stage is defined as a group of pupils entering primary education at a common date. Schools are staffed to agreed national standards based on the total number of pupils, however the number of pupils at each stage will vary. This means that Headteachers are required to organise classes to make best use of available staff, resources and space to the benefit of all children in the school. Pupils may, therefore be taught in a single stage class or a composite class where two or more year stages are grouped together. This may also change as pupils move from one year to the next. National guidelines on the curriculum indicate that pupils should progress through learning experiences tailored to their own individual needs and abilities. This means that pupils in all classes follow programmes designed to help them progress at their own level. This applies to all pupils regardless of whether or not they are in a composite or single year stage class. The national agreement on class sizes states that the maximum number of pupils in a class is 25 in P1, 30 in P2 and P3 and 33 in P4-P7. In a composite class the maximum number is 25. Further information may be obtained in A Guide for Parents available in schools. 23
Transfer from Primary to Secondary School Pupils are normally transferred between the ages of eleven and a half and twelve and a half, so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of secondary education. While parents have the right to enrol their children at a secondary school of their choice within the regulation governing placing requests, it should be borne in mind that close liaison arrangements exist between Hayocks Primary and Auchenharvie Academy. Parents will be informed of the arrangements no later than December of the year preceding the date of transfer at the start of the new session. Hayocks Primary School is an associated primary of: Attendance/Absence Auchenharvie Academy Saltcoats Road Stevenston KA20 3JW Telephone: 01294 605156 Headteacher: Mr. M Wilson It is the responsibility of parents of children of school age to educate their child(ren). Most do this by ensuring that their child(ren) attend(s) school regularly. Attendance is recorded twice daily, morning and afternoon. Absence from school is recorded as authorised, unauthorised or temporarily excluded. Parents are asked to inform the school by letter or telephone, if their child(ren) is likely to be absent for some time, and to give the child(ren) a note on his or her return to school, confirming the reason for absence. If there is no explanation from a child s parents, the absence will be regarded as unauthorised. In the interests of the safety of children we would encourage parents to inform the school by 9.30am if pupils are absent. 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. Family holidays taken during term time will be categorised as unauthorised absence. Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives. Only written requests detailing the destination, the duration and the provision that will be made for their continuing education will be granted. 24
Such extended absences will be recorded separately from the normal attendance and absence information. The school attendance officer investigates unexplained absence and the authority has the power to write to, interview, or prosecute parents, or refer pupils to the Reporter to the Children s Panel, if necessary. Attendance/Absence Data Absence rates are calculated as a percentage of the total number of possible attendances for all pupils of the school in the stage shown, each morning and afternoon of each school day being a separate possible attendance. In Hayocks Primary we emphasise to both parents and children the importance of regular attendance by the following measures: Home visits by our Home School Liaison Worker when a problem arises. Letters sent out to the parents of those children whose absence rate is close to or above the National average. We encourage good attendance at Hayocks Primary School and our pupils are awarded certificates in December and June for good attendance. Parent Forum and Parent Council The Scottish Parliament has passed a law called the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 to encourage and support more parents to become involved in their child s education. The main aims of the Act are to: Help parents become more involved with their child(ren s) education and learning. Welcome parents as active participants in the life of the school. Provide easier ways for parents to express their views and wishes. To help achieve these aims, all parents are automatically members of the Parent Forum at their child s school and are entitled to have a say in selecting the Parent Council (the representative body) to work on behalf of all parents at the school. 25
The objectives of the Parent Council are: To work in partnership with staff to create a welcoming school which is inclusive for all parents. To promote partnership between the school its pupils and all of 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 pupils. To be involved in the recruitment process for appointing the Headteacher and Depute Headteacher of the school. Hayocks Primary School Parent Council members are: Chairperson Secretary Treasurer Miss. Amanda Craig Mr. Robert McMillan Mrs Michelle Taylor Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you require any further information on the Parent Council. We will be happy to help. Any parent or carer of a child at the school can volunteer to be a member of the Parent Council. The Headteacher is the professional adviser to the Parent Council and has a right to attend and speak at Parent Council Meetings. For more information on the Parental Involvement Act or to find out about parents as partners in their children s learning please contact the school or North Ayrshire Council Educational Services or visit the Parentzone website on www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk 26
Home and School Links Central to the successful operation of the school is a high level of understanding and cooperation between staff and parents. In order to secure this, parents are invited to contact the school at any time to discuss problems or difficulties. More formally, parents are given several opportunities during each session to discuss their child s progress with staff. Information about parents interviews and open evenings is issued via the children, and parents are made aware of school news through the regular Newsletter, letters of communication and from the school website www.hayocks.northayrshireschools.co.uk Each class teacher sends home a summary of the work to be covered at the start of each session. The Parent Council also informs parents of their activities through letters to parents. The school is keen to encourage parental involvement in many aspects of their child(ren) s work. We enjoy having support from our parents and areas where volunteers can help are in e.g. structured activities, paired reading, expressive arts activities and resource organisation tasks. This support is very much appreciated. Any parent wishing to volunteer as a helper should not hesitate in contacting the school office. Please note that all volunteers working with pupils will be checked by the Scottish Criminal Records office. Reports to Parents/Meeting with Teachers Pupil progress is formally discussed with parents twice each session at Hayocks Primary School. In October, Parents Nights are organised in order that teachers and parents can discuss the child s progress and plan the Next Steps to be taken. In May or June, a pupil Progress Report is produced and pupils have the opportunity to comment on their Report when the Reports are taken home to parents. Parents are then invited to make comments on this Progress Report and return these to the school. This helps set the agenda for the forthcoming session with the new class teacher. A celebration of Learning evening takes place in March when your child will show you what they have been learning and the progress they have made. If needed this can be followed up by a meeting with the class teacher. 27
Homework We encourage homework in our school for a number of reasons: To strengthen home-school links (as parents play an important part in education). To provide the opportunity to see what is being taught in school. To consolidate work already taught in class. Homework helps your child to: Learn how to organise and manage their time. Take more responsibility for their learning. Practice and build on what they have learned at school. Develop confidence to deal with frustrations, overcome difficulties and solve problems Homework is presented in various forms not necessarily written e.g. investigations, experimentation, report writing, interviewing, observing and information gathering. In P1-3 homework will be given usually in the form of collecting items/information, maths, reading and writing. Obviously the amount and content of the homework given will vary according to the stage/ability. The tasks set by the teacher should be manageable in the time given approximately 15 minutes for P1 pupils, 20 minutes for P2-3, 30 minutes for P4-5 and 45 minutes for P6-7 pupils. Homework will normally be given Monday to Thursday with no homework given on a Friday. Even if you have little time, or don t know much about the subject or level your child is studying, you can still be involved. It s not your time or ability, but a positive and encouraging attitude to your child s learning that really matters. Homework is for children to do, not for parents How we learn is as unique as our fingerprints so every child might well approach homework differently. It s quality that matters, not quantity the kind of homework your child does is often more important than the amount they produce. 28
Extra Curricular Activities The number and variety of activities that the school offers out with the normal school curriculum contribute greatly to the ethos of the school and enhance the position in the community. The staff of the school and instructors provide a large variety of extra curricular activities including: baking/cooking arts and crafts community building games badminton football photography cycling proficiency ICT Pupil Representatives The Pupil Voice is represented through the Eco Committee, Pupil Council, Library Committee, House Captains and Pupil Focus Groups. The Pupil Council is made up of two representatives from each class in the school. These pupils are elected democratically by their classmates and serve on the Council for the duration of the academic year. The Eco Committee is represented in a similar way and both groups meet on a regular basis. The newly formed Library Committee work closely with the Librarian from Auchenharvie and are supported by Mrs McCann, our Parent Helper. Minutes for the Pupil Council, Eco and Library Committee meetings are available on request. Pupil Focus Groups meet regularly with the Headteacher to evaluate and discuss their teaching and learning experiences. They also have the opportunity to plan activities with their teachers and are regularly involved in self and peer assessment. 29
Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values Children should be aware of the importance of religion to individuals and to society and should realise the significant role it has played in shaping our civilization as it is today. The programme of Religious Education in the school is based on North Ayrshire Council/North Lanarkshire Religious Education materials. In addition to the R.E. programme, weekly assemblies are held, and each class have the opportunity to lead an assembly. The school chaplain also makes regular class visits and church visits are arranged to the High Kirk in Stevenston. Although moral education is a significant part of any R.E. programme, it must be remembered that the teaching of moral values is implicit in everything a child experiences in and out of school. Religious Education and Observance Religious Education is optional at the parents discretion and any parent wishing to exercise their right to withdraw children from Religious Education and /or observance should contact the Headteacher. Parents from ethnic minority religious communities 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 occasions in any one school session and the pupil(s) noted as an authorised absentee in the register. 30
School Discipline and Behaviour The relationship between the staff and the pupils is the same as that between parents and children; requiring mutual respect and consideration on both sides. It is our aim to promote positive behaviour and to: develop in pupils a sense of self-discipline and responsibility for their own actions develop in pupils a positive and caring attitude to their community create a climate of confidence and trust and thus maintain mutual respect for everyone be fair and firm in seeking and maintaining good standards of behaviour. The school acknowledges the central role of parents in the upbringing of their children and therefore the need to establish a close relationship with the home. We make early contact with the parents of pupils who are experiencing difficulties and we encourage the positive involvement of parents in finding solutions to problems. Parents must be aware that ultimately it is they who are responsible for ensuring the good behaviour of their children regardless of whether they agree with the discipline strategies of the school or not. Anti Bullying Policy An Anti-Bullying Policy is in place at Hayocks Primary School. School Rules The consistent enforcement of a fair and necessary framework of rules is essential to the maintenance of order. The school rules are: I will keep the school tidy by putting litter in the bins. I will be considerate and truthful and treat others as I would expect to be treated myself. I will be polite and courteous. I will do my best in everything I am asked. I will consider the safety of myself and others by: (a) walking in the school building, (b) playing safely, (c) acting responsibly in school and on my way to and from school. I will respect other people s property at all times. I will remember that I represent the school when I am involved in any school activities. 31
It is our intention to provide a caring and understanding ethos in the school where every pupil can work and play in peace. There will, of course, be occasions when disciplinary measures will have to be enforced, and it is our policy to contact parents sooner rather than later in disciplinary action. Parents should remember that they alone are responsible for ensuring the good behaviour of their children at school. School Lets Application for use of school facilities can be made to the Area Community and Development Office, the address of which is included in the useful contacts section at the back of this handbook. Listening and Learning It is the policy of North Ayrshire Council to try to encourage feedback on the education service from parents and pupils. This is part of our overall commitment to giving the best possible service and to working in partnership. We are therefore very interested in feedback of all kinds, whether it be compliments, suggestions or complaints. If you wish to register a comment of any type about the school you can do this by writing, telephoning or making an appointment to see someone. All feedback is welcome and helps us to keep in touch and improve our provision. If, in particular, you have a complaint about the school, please let us know. It is better that these things are shared openly and resolved fairly, rather than being allowed to damage the home/school relationship. There will be no negative consequences arising from making a complaint and we will deal with the issue as confidentially as possible. If we have made a mistake we will apologise quickly and clearly and try to put things right. There are some things you should note in relation to making a complaint: It is helpful if complaints are made initially to the Head of Establishment. This makes sure that the school knows what is going on and has the opportunity to respond and resolve the issue. We will try to respond as quickly as possible, but often issues are complex and need time to investigate. It is therefore helpful if you can give some details of the issue and ask for an early appointment to where a discussion can hopefully resolve the issue. If you are not satisfied with our response then you still have the right to take up the matter further with the Head of Services at Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE (01294 324400). 32
You should also note that you have the right to raise unresolved concerns with your local councillor or MSP or MP. Parent Forums have an important role in developing links between the school and the wider parent body and can often assist in helping to deal with issues of general concern. However parents are advised that individual, more personal complaints are not appropriate for raising via Parents Forum due ti the need for appropriate confidentiality. Data Protection Act 1984 Transferring Educational Data About Pupils Education authorities and the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) have collected data about pupils on paper forms for many years. We are now working together to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed programme. What pupil data will be collected and transferred? Local authorities and SEED collect data on each pupil. The data collected and transferred covers such areas as date of birth, postcode, registration for free school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her authority, special educational needs including disability, attendance, absence and exclusions from school. Pupils names and addresses are collected by their local school and education authority but they are not passed to SEED. Your postcode is the only part of your address that is transferred. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can, or would be, published by SEED. Providing national identity and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary. You can choose the not disclosed option if you do not want to provide this data. However, we hope that the explanations contained in this message and on our website will help you understand the importance of providing the data. Why do we need your data? In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, SEED and education authorities need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. We are keen to help all of our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better exam results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows SEED, education authorities and schools to: Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils. Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils. Better understand some factors that influence pupil attainment and achievement. Target resources better. Your data protection rights The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your 33
data. This message can only give a brief description of how we use data. Fuller detail of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net). SEED works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of Education and the Scottish Qualifications Authority. On occasions, we will make individual data available to partners and also academic institutions to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control and prior agreement of the Data Sharing Panel in SEED, which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that these data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual. Concerns If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections, you can e-mail the Senior Statistician, Pete Whitehouse, at Peter.Whitehouse@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to the ScotXed Support Office SEED, Area 1B Victoria Quay, Leith EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this information are available, on request, from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print. Please allow up to ten days for requests to be processed. Want more information? Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed.net. The website also contains answers to commonly asked questions about ScotXed. 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, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases, we will do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We will keep you in touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in the press and on West FM. 34
Hayocks Primary forms Part of the Auchenharvie Cluster whose associated schools are: Ardeer Primary Glencairn Primary Clark Crescent New Street Stevenston Stevenston KA20 3NX KA20 3HQ 01294 469785 01294 464376 Caledonia Primary James Reid Campbell Avenue Primrose Place Saltcoats Saltcoats KA21 5AF KA21 6LH 01294 472092 01294 467105 Mayfield Primary Auchenharvie Academy Kenilworth Drive Saltcoats Road Saltcoats Stevenston KA21 6HS KA20 3JW 01294 465576 01294 605156 35
Important Contacts Web site: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk Corporate Director (Educational Services) Miss Carol Kirk North Ayrshire Council Cunninghame House Irvine KA12 8EE Telephone: 01294 324110 Local Councillors Mr. A Munroe, Mr. D Munn, Mr. J Montgomery, Mr. W Gibson North Ayrshire Council Cunninghame House Irvine KA12 8EE Telephone: 01294 324110 Community Learning & Development Office 12 Princess Street Ardrossan Telephone: 01294 465401 Area Office Miss Jacqueline Kimmett Area Officer Area Office 45 Ardrossan Road Saltcoats Telephone: 01294 463312 Careers Office Careers Office 12 Rivergate Irvine Telephone: 01294 272421 Although this information is correct at the time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in this document: a) before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question. b) In relation to subsequent school years. 36