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Mission Statement

East Renfrewshire Council

We aim to offer education of the highest quality.

We will seek to:

Provide a full range of courses and services;

Enable all individuals to achieve their potential;

Supply suitable premises and resources;

Encourage access to education throughout life;

Foster genuine partnership in education;

Promote equal opportunity and social justice;

Support economic growth and prosperity.

Director of Education

Mission Statement

Carolside Primary School

Carolside Primary will, in partnership with the education authority, parents and the wider community, deliver a broad  and  balanced curriculum that will expose our children to learning experiences which will help them become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

Our aims are -

Welcome to Carolside Primary

School Information

Carolside Primary School

Ashfield Road

Clarkston

East Renfrewshire

G76 7TX

Tel:  0141- 570 - 7100

Fax:  0141- 570 - 7101

Email; schoolmail@carolside.e-renfrew.sch.uk

Website www.ea.e-renfrew.sch.uk/carolside

Present Roll

668

Capacity

840.  Parents should note that the working capacity of the school may vary dependent upon the number of pupils at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised.  When the Head Teacher deems it necessary to form composite classes, the parents concerned will be informed.

Stages Covered

Nursery (60, 60 places)

Primary 1 to Primary 7, co-educational.

Multi - denominational

This means that children of any or no religious persuasion may enrol.

Community Facilities

The school building is used most weekday evenings.  Lets can be arranged with Community Education Facilities.

The Parents’ Charter – Information for Parents

In terms of The Education (Provision of Information as to Schools) ( Scotland ) Regulations 1993, it is our duty to include individual unit costs in the school handbook for parents.  The costs for Carolside Primary are indicated below:-

 ( to be up dated)

Carolside Budget Expenditure at April 2007                                   £1,986,065

Pupil Roll September 2006                                                                690

Carolside Primary cost per pupil  2007                                             £2,878

East Renfrewshire cost per pupil 2006/7                                          £3,556

National cost per pupil 2006/7                                                           £3,422

Full information can be found at the back of this Handbook

Staff List 2009/10

Management Team

Acting Head Teacher                Mrs C Frew

Acting Depute Head Teacher      Mrs S Barnes (P5 – P7)

Depute Head Teacher               Mrs R Binnie (P3 – P4)

Depute Head Teacher               Mrs A Shirley (Nursery, P1 & P2)

Principal Teachers                Mrs S Little 

                                               Miss Walker ( Acting )

                                                Mrs M Simpson

                                                Mrs R Taylor

                                                Mrs E McNeill

Staff List  08/09 cont’d

Class Teachers

P1a                             Miss McAlinden

P1b                             Mrs Palmer

P1c                             Mrs Breen

P1d                             Mrs Watson

P2a                              Miss Walker

P2b                              Miss O'Hagan / Mrs Little

P2c                              Miss McCracken

P2d                              Mrs Simpson

P3a                              Miss Muir

P3b                              Miss J Gourlay        

P3c                              Mrs Whyteman

P3d                              Mr Caldwell

P4a                              Mrs Alexander / Mrs Armour

P4b                              Mrs Kyle

P4c                              Mrs Mills

P4d                              Mrs Parker / Mrs Sheppard

P5a                              Mrs Fallon

P5b                              Miss Shaikh / Miss Gourlay

P5c                              Mrs E Taylor

P6a                              Miss Timoney

P6b                              Mrs Armet / Mrs Barnes

P6c                              Miss Strachan / Mrs Brown

P7a                              Mrs R Taylor

P7b                              Mrs Scott

P7c                              Miss Callus

Computing                    Mrs M Henderson

PE                                Miss K Newall

Science                        Mr Doyle (.5 FTE)

Support for Learning     Ms S Whyte

                       Mrs M Brown (.5 FTE)

Staff List cont’d

Nursery

Teachers                                              Mrs E McNeill (PT)

                                                              Mrs C Murphy

Senior Child Development Officer         Mrs K Cochrane

Child Development Officer                    Miss J Thomas

Child Development Officer                    Mrs N McCann (job share)

Child Development Officer                    Mrs J Dougal

Visiting Specialists

Mr G Doherty - Violin, Viola                                       

Mr K Blackwood – Brass                                                    

Mrs J Anderson - Mini Bass/Cello                               

Mr C Edwards– Percussion                                         

Mrs L Meiklejohn – Network Support (*CCC)           

*CCC – Carlibar Communication Centre         

Duties of the Acting Head Teacher – Mrs C Frew

The Head Teacher occupies a post of special responsibility, managing the school on behalf of East Renfrewshire Council as directed by the Director of Education, and must implement any policies and procedures which the Education Authority lays down to ensure that it carries out its statutory duties.

Mrs Frew will:

• Seek to provide the best possible education for all pupils.
• Promote the corporate life of the school.
• Be responsible for the care and welfare of pupils and staff.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school.
• Be responsible for the use of resources made available.
• Formulate aims and objectives for the school and set out policies to achieve these.
• Establish effective instructions and procedures to implement, monitor, evaluate and revise these policies.
• Consult regularly with staff and promote their participation in all of the above activities.
• Act as principal adviser to the School Board.
• Consult with parents and involve them in the life of the school.

Duties of the Depute Head Teachers

Mrs S Barnes

Deputises in the absence of the Head Teacher.  She has a pastoral responsibility for

P5 – P7 and monitors learning and teaching at this stage. Mrs Barnes also has additional roles as maths co-ordinator for the whole school and mentor for newly qualified teachers and students.

Mrs R Binnie

In addition to a departmental responsibility for P3 and P4,  Mrs Binnie has whole school responsibility for Equal Opportunities.

Mrs A Shirley

Has the pastoral remit for Nursery P1 and P2.  She is responsible for pre- entrant programme and liaises with all pre five establishments.  She has additional whole school responsibility as Language co-ordinator.

Duties of the Principal Teachers

Mrs E. McNeill - Has responsibility for the day-to-day management of the nursery. She has responsibility for ECO School.

Mrs M. Simpson -Has whole school responsibility for Learning Support

Miss E Walker - takes responsibility for the development of Health and Well Being

Mrs R. Taylor -Takes responsibility for the development of Science and Technology, ICT and French.

Mrs S. Little -Has a remit which supports Enterprise and Creativity (which includes the expressive arts – music, drama, dance and art)

All members of the school management team have shared responsibility for the development of A Curriculum for Excellence within the school.

Support Staff

Clerical Assistants

School Office

Mrs A Gilbert               Office Manager

Mrs I Bell

Mrs L Robb                

Mrs D Haddow

Rainbow Room

Mrs S McHugh            First Aider

Mrs S McCallion          First Aider       

Mrs F McGuinness      

Pupil Support Assistants

Mrs F Cartwright

Mrs E Doherty                                                

Mrs L Harrison

Mrs M McIntyre

Mrs R Martin

Mrs L Nugent  

Mrs J McGraddie

Ms I Robertson

Mrs P O'Hara

Janitor

Mr G B Fee

Catering Manager

Mrs E Carmichael

Meals – Supervisory Assistant       

Mrs F Magee  

Day Cleaners

Mrs A Campbell 

Mrs M Sinclair 

The School Day

School Begins:                                    9.00 am

Morning Interval:                                  10.40 am – 10.55 am

Lunch:                                                  12.35 pm – 1.35 pm

Dismiss:                                                3.15 pm

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS 2009/2010

Notes : Good Friday – 2 April 2010

             Easter Monday – 5 April 2010

  Calderwood Lodge Primary School will differ slightly from the above arrange

Registration – Enrolment Arrangements for entry to primary schools in East Renfrewshire are on a once a year basis.  Only children whose fifth birthday falls between 1 March of that year and the last day of February of the following year will automatically be admitted to school.

Registration is normally mid January for pupils starting school in August of the same year.  These pupils will be registered by school staff on the days published.  It is, however, open to parents to make an early entry request for a child whose fifth birthday falls after the latest appropriate date.  Parents should be aware of the issues associated with early entry into school.  These can be discussed with the Head Teacher or the Depute Head Teacher (Nursery, P1 & P2).

The children enrolling at this time will receive a personal invitation to visit the classrooms during the final term of the current school year.  Parents who wish to defer their child’s entry to school must inform the Head Teacher.  An educational psychologist may be asked to assess the child to confirm that a deferred entry is in the child’s best interests.

Secondary Transfer

Pupils are normally transferred between the ages of 11.5 and 12.5 years, so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least four years of secondary education.  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.  From this session, any pupil who is admitted to Carolside Primary under Placing Request Legislation will be required to submit a further Placing Request when transferring to Williamwood High School in P7.  A pupil cannot transfer to a denominational school once they have registered in Carolside.

The Zonal Secondary Schools is:

Williamwood High School

Seres Road

Clarkston

0141 577 2500

Clothing and Uniform

Given that there is substantial parental and public approval of uniform, schools in East Renfrewshire are free to encourage the wearing of school uniform.  By encouraging the wearing of school uniform, account must be taken in any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender.  Any proposals should 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 Committee not to insist on pupils wearing uniform or having specialist items of clothing as a pre-requisite to their attending and engaging in all of the activities of the curriculum.

There are forms of dress that are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:-

• Potentially encourage faction (such as football colours).
• Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans).
• Could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings, shell suits of flammable material in practical classes.
• Could cause damage to flooring.
• Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco.
• 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 uniform.

For those parents who do wish their children to wear school uniform it is available.  In Carolside the basic colour is grey for blazers, trousers, skirts and woollens.  Sweatshirts are red.  Children wear grey or white shirts or blouses.  The tie worn shows the school colours of red, grey and black. Carolside PTA & Academy Uniforms are pleased to work together to raise funds for the school.  In a joint venture, a quick and easy order and delivery service is provided each week direct to the classroom.  Ordering can also be done on line via the PTA link on the school

 website .

All items of clothing must be labelled or marked with the child’s name.

Parents of children receiving family income support, family credit, housing benefit or council tax rebate will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children.  Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in different circumstances are at the discretion of the Director of Education.  Information and application forms may be obtained from schools and from area and education offices.

East Renfrewshire Council is concerned at the level of claims being received in respect of the loss of pupils’ clothing and/or personal belongings.  Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school.  Parents should note that the Authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the Authority can be shown to have been negligent.

Lost Property

We are appealing for your help with lost property.  Every day the lost property boxes are overflowing with items of clothing which are mislaid by children.  The volume of articles creates a health and safety hazard.  In consultation with the Pupil Council, the school has drawn up the following procedure.

What the school will do

The area for lost property is outside the Janitor’s office.  Where the name is clearly displayed, an item will be returned to its owner.  We can no longer keep the volume of un-named items.  Clean un-named items will be taken to the local charity shop at the end of each month. (Unfortunately dirty, items will have to be binned).  We will be working with Oxfam in recycling uniforms. 

What parents can do

Ensure your child knows and understands the arrangements and looks after his/her belongings. Name all items brought to school (jackets, blazers, scarves, gloves, schoolbags, lunchboxes, pencil cases, purses, wallets, shoes, gym shoes, gym bags, water bottles).

With your help we can ensure our pupils become responsible citizens of Carolside.

Gym Kit

To allow pupils to safely participate in lessons from the 5-14 Guidelines for Physical Education, they require to bring a suitable change of clothing on the day(s) of their lesson.

The kit itself consists of shorts, a polo shirt and suitable indoor footwear.  The school sweatshirt and polo shirt can be purchased through the P.T.A. direct order or on sale at Parents’ Evenings throughout the school session.

Wet Weather Procedures

Children should come to school appropriately dressed for the weather.  We recognise that it is healthier for children to go out to play as much as possible for fresh air and exercise and this is encouraged in Carolside.  In extremely adverse weather conditions children are allowed to remain in their classrooms.  During such intervals there are Primary 7 monitors in P1 to P5 classes whilst the janitor and support staff  provide overall supervision.

All pupils are expected to behave in a safe and orderly fashion when they are kept indoors.  Children who behave in an unsafe manner will forfeit the right to remain indoors.

In “wet weather” conditions it is not possible to allow pupils to enter school before 8.50 am for health and safety reasons.  Children who go home at lunch time should not return until 1.25pm.

A member of the management team will be on corridor duty during all wet weather breaks.

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.  The school janitor and support staff  patrol the playground areas during the morning  and  lunch breaks.

School Attendance

Attendance at School – Duty of Parents – Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a child of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly.  Attendance must be recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.  Regulation 7 of The Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendment, Etc Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be recorded in the school register as authorised, i.e. approved by the Authority, or unauthorised, i.e. unexplained by the parent (truancy) or temporarily excluded from school.

Parents are asked to inform the school by 9.15 on the first day of a child’s absence (0141 570 7100).  Parents should state the child’s name, class, reason for absence and expected duration.  Parents should also give the child a note on his/her return to school, with an explanation for the absence. Any absence not notified to the school by either a telephone call or a note will be considered as truancy.  Representatives from the Parent Council will also play an advisory role in the investigation of cases of non-attendance and suspected truancy and to make decisions on placing requests by parents in respect of those situations where the number of placing requests for a particular school or for a particular stage in a particular school exceeds the number of places available.

Afternoon Absence

Carolside teachers make a practice of reporting to the Head Teacher the afternoon absence of any child whose attendance was expected.  It is essential, therefore, that a telephone call be received as soon as possible after 1.35 pm notifying the school that the child is safe at home, before a call is made in the reverse direction.  It is presumed that any pupil using the lunch hall will not leave the school precincts.  A promoted member of staff will be on duty during the lunch hour.

Term Time Holidays

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 of the dates by letter, before going on holiday.  Such absence will be  recorded as unauthorised. 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 continued education will be granted with the pupil being noted as an authorised absentee in the register.  Clearly, with no explanation, the absence is unauthorised.

Attendance and 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.  Where figures or percentages based on a number of pupils under any particular heading is between 1 and 4, no information is given and *** is inserted in place of the figures.  Adults attending day school classes are excluded.  The Carolside attendance data is to be found in the appendix .  East Renfrewshire Council’s and Scotland ’s figures include all education authority and grant-aided primary school, but exclude all special schools.

Transport

General:

East Renfrewshire Council has a policy of providing free transport to all primary pupils who live more than the recognised shortest route from their local school.  This policy is more generous than the law requires.  This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time.  Parents who consider their child is eligible should obtain an application form from the school or education department.  These forms should be completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils commencing school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made.  Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year, but may be subject to delay whilst arrangements are made.  The Director of Education 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.

East Renfrewshire ’s Education Department does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request other than in exceptional circumstances.  In the case of under-age placing requests, if the child is offered a place in his catchment area school, transport will be provided in accordance with regional council policy stated above.

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 the 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 Authority’s limits (see above paragraph).  It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at the pick up point in time.  It is also the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and alighting from the vehicle.  Misbehaviour could result in your child losing the right to free transport.

Curriculum

Following Government initiatives including   Curriculum for Excellence, the Curriculum is divided into the following  main areas:

• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Expressive Arts
• Health & Wellbeing
• Religious and Moral Education
• Environmental Studies (Social Subjects, Science, Technologies – Design & ICT

The school follows national and local authority advice on assessing pupil progress, reporting to parents and transition from nursery to primary and primary to secondary.

In Carolside, we offer a broad, progressive and coherent curriculum ensuring challenge and enjoyment for all our pupils.  Children will be given a solid foundation in numeracy and literacy skills whilst being equipped to deal  the demands of a modern society, with skills in ICT.

In all curricular areas, considerable importance is assigned to placing, learning and teaching in relevant contexts.  A variety of teaching styles are employed, incorporating cross curricular learning which helps to make learning relevant to the world beyond and outside of the school.

A copy of the School Improvement Plan (2009-2010) is available on the school website  for anyone wishing further information.

National Priorities

1.      Achievement and Attainment

·        Raising attainment in writing

·        Devising planning formats compatible with active learning

·        Developing assessment

2.      Framework for Learning

• Taking forward the principles of “A Curriculum for Excellence”
• Developing procedures to monitor active learning
• Developing knowledge and understanding of the impact of emotional literacy

3.      Inclusion and Equality

·        Promoting a culture of zero tolerance in attitudes to bullying

·        Embedding the work of the school’s joint support team

·        Encouraging more black and ethnic minority parents to become more involved in the life of the school

4.      Values and Citizenship

·        Developing strategies to enable all children to participate in the corporate life of the school

Areas of the Curriculum

English Language is divided into four outcomes which are covered through the centre of interest approach:-

·        Listening

·        Talking

·        Reading

·        Writing

Each of these outcomes is of equal importance.

The 5-14 English Language Programme ensures that children are presented with a planned programme of work to meet their needs, a programme which offers assistance in progressing through the structures of language.

Curriculum

Curriculum cont’d

Curriculum cont’d

Expressive Arts

Expressive Arts encompass the following four subjects: Art and Design, Drama, Music and Physical Education.  Programmes of study are based upon the 5‑14 National Guidelines.

Programmes of study are based upon the skills detailed in the 5-14 National Guidelines.  Elements of the Expressive Arts are increasingly delivered and developed through cross-curricular topic work, ensuring learning takes place in relevant contexts.

Curriculum cont’d

Curriculum cont’d

Pupils with Special Educational Needs

Many children will need some sort of support for their learning during their time in school.  This will range from short term and minor to long term and major.  Problems can be encountered by pupils right across the ability range.

The school aims to present such children with the same learning experience and breadth of curriculum as the other pupils, adapting, where the needs dictate, the presentation of the curriculum, and providing support to assist the children with the completion of their tasks.

Pupils experiencing difficulty with certain areas of their class work are provided with a programme of work planned jointly by their class teacher and the year group co‑ordinator.

The Depute Head Teacher, who has overall responsibility for the learning support area of the curriculum, will be apprised of all decisions pertaining to individual pupils.  The programme is designed to assist the child’s progress beyond this often short term problem.

The school’s Support for Learning staff who specialise in supporting pupils with specific or general difficulties, liaise with the Support for Learning Co-ordinator, year group co-ordinators and class teachers to decide on an appropriate programme of work for such pupils.  It is the aim of the school for all children to be working on a programme of work tailored to their needs which allows them to progress at their ability level.

Pupils with specific needs are given support in line with the Education Department’s Policy of Inclusion.

The legislation contained in The Standards in Scotland ’s Schools Act 2000 confirmed East Renfrewshire Council’s policy of inclusive education which states that pupils of all abilities have the right to be educated in mainstream schools.

In line with our policy for all pupils with Additional Support Needs, pupils with dyslexia type difficulties are identified as early as possible and their needs are addressed through a variety of appropriate strategies and support.

The school gained its Dyslexia Friendly School Award in May ’06.

In August 2005 Liz McKelvie of Stravaig E Consultants delivered In Service to teaching and support staff to raise awareness of the needs of pupils with dyslexia type difficulties.  This was the beginning of the process of assessment for the Dyslexia Friendly Schools Award.  

Support for Learning Co-ordinator –Mrs M Simpson

Dyslexia Adviser – Ms S Whyte

ASD Advisors – Mrs E McNeill & Mrs A Breen

Assessment

Assessment is divided into five inter-related key elements:-

·        Planning

·        Recording

·        Teaching

·        Evaluating

·        Reporting

Teachers are assessing children at all times.  Assessment is, therefore, a continuous process and profiles, which record each pupil’s progress to date, are kept and updated by the class teacher.

Flexibility of grouping allows your child to move between groups as they make progress or experience difficulty in keeping pace with the levels within the 5 –14 programme.  Should there be any serious cause for concern, the promoted staff will be informed by the class teacher and they will arrange to discuss this concern with you.

The skills being monitored and assessed occur in every area of the child’s school work and are not always ones which can be directly measured by testing.

The school operates the programme of National Assessment provided by the Scottish Office Education Department.  This involves the children in a formal assessment of mathematics and language and will record their development.

5-14 levels

Level A: should be attainable in the course of P1-P3 by almost all pupils.

Level B: should be attainable by some pupils in P3 or even earlier, but certainly by most in P4.

Level C: should be attainable in the course of P4-P6 by most pupils.

Level D: should be attainable by some pupils in P5-P6 or even earlier, but certainly by most in P7

Level E: should be attainable by some pupils in P7-S1, but certainly by most in S2.

Level F: should be attainable in part by some pupils, and completed by a few pupils, in the course of P7-S2

A record of these assessments is kept by the school and is reported in the annual Pupil Progress Report.

East Renfrewshire has introduced standardised assessment procedures at P3, P5 and P7.  This involves external testing of pupils in reading and maths at P3, P5 and P7 as well as baseline language and number.  Class records are passed to the receiving teacher in June of each school year, together with comments on special aptitudes and needs of each pupil.  This practice enables teachers to begin the new session fully prepared to provide for all pupils.

Parents are informed of their child’s progress through the parents’ consultations which will be held twice a year and from the information contained in class jotters which will be sent home on a regular basis during the session.  A written report highlighting your child’s progress will be sent home in the summer term of the school year.

Target Setting

The national target setting initiative aims to improve standards of attainment in Scottish schools.  In Carolside at June 2009, we have attained 96% in reading, 96.8% in mathematics and 89.9% in writing.  These compare favourably with comparator schools throughout the country.  We are working towards achieving our targets for 2009 – 2010.

Extra Curricular Activities

Equal Opportuniutes and Social Justice

The Education Department now has a specific duty to gather information on the effect of policies and practices on the education opportunities available to disables pupils and on their achievements.  It also has a duty in relation to race and gender.  It is for this reason that pupils and their parents and carers may be asked to respond to questions, which require them to share information that may be personal and sensitive.  The schools equal opportunities co-ordinator is Mrs Rachel Binnie (Depute Head).

Behaviour Management

In  Carolside  we believe, that for our children to become successful learners and take their full place in society as responsible citizens, they need to be part of a supportive caring ethos in which behaviour is managed positively and consistently to provide them with a secure framework in which they will develop skills and strategies to help them take responsibility for their own behaviour.  The relationship between teacher and pupil should be similar to that between parent and child requiring mutual trust, respect and consideration.

In managing behaviour we recognise the importance of all adults as good role models.  In promoting positive relationships we will, as a school community, share the values of caring, respect, honesty, responsibility, patience and equality.

We recognise that all adults in the school should share responsibility for the good discipline within Carolside.

Aims

·        To show respect for self, for others and for property (treat others as you would wish to be treated)

·        Be responsible for your own and the safety of others

·        Be honest and truthful

Approaches

·        Where a child’s behaviour in the playground, classroom or corridor is not of an acceptable standard then the behaviour will be drawn to the attention of the appropriate DHT.

·        A child may be asked to write a letter of apology to an injured party or provide a written explanation for misbehaviour or ways behaviour can be improved.

·        A DHT may decide that a child should forfeit an interval.  Any pupil who is kept indoors at a break will be in an area that can be supervised by an adult.

·        Where a child does not respond to positive behaviour management strategies then the DHT will involve parents to seek co-operation to implement joint strategies.  A pupil may be issued with a timetable to monitor behaviour.  This will be taken home each evening for parental comments and signing.  This approach would be monitored regularly.

·        Should no improvement be noted in a child’s behaviour then the DHT or Head Teacher will seek a formal meeting with his/her parents.

·        On the occasions when a child’s behaviour is deemed to be seriously disruptive then he/she may be required to be removed from class or school for a given period.

·        The school may seek the  advice and assistance of external agencies to support a pupil or family.

Parental Contact

As is clearly stated in the school aims, the school must form effective partnerships with the pupils themselves, with their parents, with many professional groups and with those within the community who have any interest in education.  In order to achieve these aims, Carolside Primary operates an open door policy which helps us to develop positive contact between parents and school staff.  Parents are always welcome to call at the school to discuss with the Head Teacher or class teacher any matters relating to their child’s education, although it is advisable to telephone first to make sure staff are available. Our Depute Head Teachers try also to be available between 9.00am and 9.30am to take calls and meet with parents.

A security entry system is in operation.  Anyone who wishes to speak to any member of staff must use the main entrance and report to the office.  All parents and visitors are required to sign in and out of the school.  Office staff will issue security passes.

We rely greatly on the support of the PTA who undertake the social events for the school year and fulfil the role of main fund raisers through these events.  New members are always being recruited so if you would like to be more involved with this side of school life, please contact the PTA Chairperson.

Volunteers are also eagerly sought to assist with the many school educational visits.  If you would like to be one of our regular volunteers, please leave your name and telephone number with a member of the office staff. All adults who volunteer to work with children must now be presented for “Disclosure Scotland” for security vetting

Pupil Council

The Council represents pupils from P4-P7.  Two representatives are elected by their classmates and the Council meets monthly to discuss issues relevant to the school community.  Mr Hunter presently advises the members on procedures.  Council members canvas opinion on various issues such as bullying, school meals, litter, etc and report back to their classmates. Over the past 4 years, the Pupil Council has helped  lead our innovative playground developments.

School/Community

Children spend more time in the care of their parents and as participating members of the community than ever they spend in school.  Education, therefore, is not only the business of the school, but also of the community – mainly represented by parents.

Parents and local professionals are invited to share their knowledge, skills and experience with the pupils in a variety of ways while our pupils, in turn, learn about the community, provide entertainment and offer a service to sections of the community such as senior citizens.

In the local community there are many active youth organisations and opportunities to participate in sport.  The majority of our pupils are involved in such activities.

The support of the local community is appreciated by the school.

Information in Emergencies

We make every effort to provide a full education 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 etc.  In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about details of closure or re-opening.

We shall keep you in touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local radio.

Every effort will be made to ensure the school remains open and, in the event of closure, that no child is left  alone at home, waiting for a parent.

Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006

School Boards were replaced in August 2007 by a new system of Parent Councils.  The Act makes provision for all parents to be members of the Parent Forum at a school, and to have their views represented to the school, education authority and others, through a representative Parent Council for the school.

The legislation supports parental involvement in a much wider sense than before.  It aims to help all parents to be:

• Involved with their child’s education and learning
• Welcomed as active participants in the life of the school
• Encouraged to express their views on school education generally and work in partnership with the school

The Parent Council also has a role in the appointment of Head Teachers and Depute Head Teachers.

The Parent Council for our school is known as:

Carolside Primary School

17 Parent Council Members (to be updated)

Parent Name              Stage Representing

Mrs Cowan                  P1 ( Chair )

Mr Coyne               P1

Mrs Frew                P2

Mrs Allan                P2

Mr Ross                  P2

Mrs Nisbet              P3

Mr Raeburn            P4

Mrs Fraser              P4

Mrs Preece             P5

Mrs MacDonald      P5

Mrs Dunnet              P6

Mrs Durand-Watson  P7

Mrs Adams              P7

The Head Teacher and local councillors may attend all meeting as advisors to the Parent Council and have the right to speak although, not being members of the Parent Council, no right to vote.

Further information is available from the school

 Our PTA Members

Parent Members

The association exists for the benefit of the school, the pupils and the parents.  Social, fund-raising and educational evenings are held throughout the year.

Further information is available from committee members

Meetings

The PTA endeavour to meet monthly to arrange the forthcoming event in their busy activities calendar.  The meetings are held in the school staffroom and all interested parties are welcome to attend

Health and Medical Care

Should children injure themselves in the playground they will visit the Rainbow Room where appropriate action will be taken by the school’s first-aiders.

If your child is allergic to adhesive dressings, please notify the school as we apply these to deeper cuts to keep the area sterile until the child returns home.

In the event of more serious treatment being required we always contact you first to inform you of the nature of the injury and how it occurred.

Any medical condition likely to affect your child during his/her school day, such as diabetes or asthma, must be notified to the Head Teacher and the class teacher. Children have a responsibility for keeping their own inhalers.  Spare inhalers and relevant diabetic foods can be stored by both the class teacher and the Rainbow Room staff in a convenient, appropriate place.

Health appraisals take place in P1.  Children in P1 receive a hearing check undertaken by a member of the audiometric staff of Yorkhill Trust.

Vision is checked at P1, P4 and P7.  Girls in P7 or S1 are inoculated with the Rubella vaccine.  A consent form will have been issued before the date for this to take place.

In the event of a child becoming ill at school, every effort is made to contact a parent.  Failing that, your other local emergency contact number will be utilised, so please ensure that the school has an up-to-date Home Contact number, Local Emergency number and Doctor’s name.

Should your child require to take medication during the school day, this will be supervised.  You are required to complete a consent form detailing amounts to be taken and times to be given before medicines can be administered.  This form will be issued by the Rainbow Room staff.

Only named persons may administer any form of medication.  In Carolside Primary Mrs S McHugh &  Mrs S McCallion are the named persons.

As we have a number of children with severe allergies to nuts, no nuts or products containing nuts should be brought into the school.

School Meals and Milk

Hotel Services

We have a cash cafeteria in the school which offers excellent value and attracts many customers. This facility has been modernised and improved in the past session.

Parents of pupils requiring a special a special diet should contact the Catering Manager, Mrs E Carmichael.

Monthly menus and price lists are sent home with all our pupils who inform their teacher each morning as to whether they require a hot or cold lunch. The current cost of a school meal is £1.50.

Pre pay meal vouchers are available in blocks 10, £13.50 for cold meals and £15.00 for hot meals.

Arrangements are made for packed lunches to be eaten in the dining hall.

Children of parents in receipt of Income Support are entitled to a free midday meal.  Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools and from area and education offices (addresses are given at the back of the handbook).

Only those children whose parents are in receipt of Income Support will be entitled to free milk.  Milk is, however, available for purchase by all pupils in the morning and at lunch time.

There is a distribution of free fruit to the children of P1-4 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays morning intervals.  Our children in the upper school can purchase fruit toast and healthy snacks at the interval every morning.

Useful Addresses

Data Protection Act 1984

Information on parents and guardians is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties.  The information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1984 and may only be disclosed in accordance with the Codes of Practice.  For further information, please contact the school.

Although this information is correct at the time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document:-

a)      before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question

b)   in relation to subsequent school years

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?

Data on each pupil is collected by local authorities and SEED. The data collected and transferred covers areas such as date of birth, postcode, registration for free-school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local authority, special educational needs, attendance, absence and exclusions from school. Pupil names and addresses are collected by their school and education authority but they are not passed to SEED. Your postcode is the only part of your address transferred. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by SEED. It is used for statistical and research purposes only.

Providing national identitiy 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 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 of the 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 data. This message can only give a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website.

SEED will not publish or release any information that allows an individual pupil to be identified. Data will not be used buy SEED to take any actions in respect of any individual pupils. Data will only be shared with bona fide partners, such as HMIE and the SQA. Any sharing will be done under conditions of strict control and with the prior agreement of the Data Controller.

Concerns

If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Data Controller, Peter Scrimgeour, at EDData.Controller@scotland.gsi.gov.uk  or write to the ScotXed Support Office, SEED, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print. Please allow up to 10 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