Welcome toNewington Primary School

Handbook 2016

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Staff Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Newington Primary

1958 - 2009

Pupils and Staff Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Newington Primary

1958 - 2009

Contents

Letter from the Director 4

Letter from the Head Teacher 4

School Holidays/Non Pupil Days 5

Staff List 6

Aims 7

Newington Primary School 7

Regional 7

School Ethos 8

Uniform 8

Promoting Positive Behaviour 9

Wet Intervals 9

Extra Curricular Activities 10

School Facilities 10

Nursery Class 10

School Hours 11

Parental Involvement 11

New Entrants 12

Absences 12

Transport 12

Health Care 12

School Meals 13

Transitions 14

Homework 15

Pupil Participation 15

C ‘n V Group 15

The Primary Curriculum 16

Mathematics 16

Languages 17

Social Studies 17

Science 18

Health and Wellbeing 18

Technologies 18

Expressive Arts 19

Music 19

Drama 19

Art 19

Religious and Moral Education 20

Modern Foreign Languages 20

Additional Support for Learning 21

What is Additional Support for Learning (ASL)? 21

Assessment and Reporting 23

The School Health Service 24

School Health and Safety Procedures 25

School Security/Entry System 25

Disclosure Scotland 25

Photographing and Filming of Pupils 25

School Outings 26

Internet Access Policy 26

Emergency Procedures – Accidents 27

Incident Reporting Forms 27

Emergency Contacts 27

School Closures 27

Administration of Medicine 28

School Improvement 28

Newington School Forum 28

Newington School Fundraising Committee 30

Committee 31

School Policies/Practical Information 31

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Letter from the Head of EducationDear Parent/Carer,

Dumfries and Galloway Education Services is committed to delivering a high quality education for your child/ren. As part of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s overall vision we aim to provide all children and young people with a good start in life and prepare them for adulthood and employment.

Education Services cannot deliver this alone for children and young people but work together with others and, as parents, you are one of our key partners. The research tells us that when parents are involved in their child’s education the child will do better. The school handbook is one of the ways in which we inform parents, not just about how the school works, but also about how you can help us help your children to succeed in school and life.

It gives me pleasure as Head of Education to commend this handbook to you as an invaluable source of information about your school and Education Services.

Yours sincerely

Gillian Brydson

Head of Education

Letter from the Head TeacherDear Parent/Guardian

Welcome to Newington School Handbook, which I hope provides you with all the important information you require about Newington Primary.

If you would like to discuss any matter further, or arrange a visit to see round the school, please contact us using the telephone/email details above.

At Newington Primary School we look to provide all pupils with the best possible start to their life long learning. We encourage high standards of achievement, attainment and behaviour and the children are supported by a very hard working and committed staff.

We look to offer a broad and balanced curriculum for our pupils, encouraging all staff to engage pupils in their own learning. To support the curriculum we offer an excellent range of club activities and experiences for our pupils.

To achieve all our aims we look to work in partnership with parents and our community. We want everyone to feel welcome in our school and we organise regular meetings for parents, send home regular newsletters and look to deal with parental concerns quickly.

We will achieve most by working in partnership and we look forward to working closely with you in the education of your child.

Mr I D Torbett Head Teacher

Term 1

Staff Return Wednesday 17 August 2016

Pupils Return Thursday 18 August 2016

Schools Close Friday 14 October 2016

Autumn Holiday Monday 17 October 2016 – Friday 28 October 2016

Term 2

Schools Re-open Monday 31 October 2016

Schools Close Wednesday 21 December 2016

Christmas Holiday Thursday 22 December 2016 – Wednesday 4 January 2017

Term 3

Schools Re-Open Thursday 5 January 2017

Mid-Term Holiday Monday 13 February 2017

Teachers (INSET) Tuesday 14 February 2017

Wednesday 15 February 2017

Schools Close Friday 31 March 2017

Spring Holiday Monday 3 April 2017 – Monday 17 April 2017

Term 4

Schools Re-Open Tuesday 18 April 2017

May Day Holiday Monday 1 May 2017

Teachers (INSET) Thursday 1 June 2017 - Friday 2 June 2017

Schools Close Friday 30 June 2017

Summer Holiday Monday 3 July 2017

Teachers (INSET) Thursday 17 August 2017 - Friday 18 August 2017

Pupils Return Monday 21 August 2017

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Holiday List for Session 2016/2017

Staff List

Head Teacher Mr I D Torbett

Depute Head Teachers Mr N Armstrong Miss E Crombie

Class Teachers Miss N Cummings (Trainee Teacher) Mrs E Duignan Mrs A Ferguson Mrs C Graham (Maternity Leave) Mrs J Jefferson Mrs H JonesMiss R Johnstone (Temp) Mrs L Marrs (Part-time) Mrs K Martin Miss N McEwen (Part-time) Mrs W Murray Mrs F Robison (Part-time) Mr G Schoolar Mrs M Stewart Mrs J Swan

Principal Teacher SL, Learning Zone Mrs D Bingham

Learning Support Teacher Mr M Brown

Support for Learning Assistants Mrs M Charlton Mrs F Duff Mrs T Laurie (Temp) Mrs C Legg Mrs M PatersonMrs D Wallace Mrs B Wilson

Classroom Assistants Mrs J Bell Mrs F Glass Mrs J McKend Mrs P Thomson

Nursery Teacher Mrs A Bell (Part-time)Mrs C Carruthers (Part-time)

Nursery Nurses Mrs N Kennedy Miss L Schiller Mrs M Woodhouse

Early Years Assistant Mrs C Thomson

Visiting Specialist PE Teacher Mrs M MannallMr L Sloan

Visiting Specialist Music Teacher Miss J Davis

Visiting Specialist Art Teacher Mrs P Bowman

School Secretaries Mrs N Lloyd Mrs A Hind (Part-Time)

School Janitor Mr J Kennedy

Infant Playground Supervisor Mrs D Davidson

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Aims

Newington Primary SchoolAt Newington Primary School we are in pursuit of excellence. Our aim is to provide school education of a high quality that will enable all young people to become:

; Successful Learners ; Effective Contributors ; Confident Individuals ; Responsible Citizens

This will equip them with skills and attitudes for lifelong learning and will prepare them for life beyond school.

Our current aims are as follows:

; Be a place where everyone feels safe and enjoys a welcoming atmosphere

; Acknowledge and value everyone’s achievements by encouraging high levels of expectation and ambition

; Provide opportunities for everyone

to develop confidence, contribute to the life of the school and be responsible citizens

; Deliver a quality educational experience which enables pupils to develop skills, self discipline and encourage life long learning

; Work in partnership with families within the community to encourage and understand everyone’s rights, responsibilities and cultural diversity

Regional To promote effective learning and the highest possible achievement for all. To do this the Education Service will work in partnership with

; Young People ; Parents ; Communities ; Staff ; Other Agencies

Parish Church. The minister from there is a regular visitor to school assemblies and the church helps co-ordinate our “Operation Christmas Child” event each year.

As a school we attend Annan Old Parish Church for special services at Easter, Christmas and also to mark the end of each school year. Pupils are involved in these services undertaking readings etc and our choirs perform.

Parents and guardians are always welcome to join us at these events.

The school welcomes input from other agencies. We have excellent links with Health Agencies, the Emergency Services, Active Schools, Local sports clubs eg Hoddom Rangers, Local Library, Annan Athletic and Rugby Clubs. Over the year different classes have planned input from these groups.

School EthosWe are very proud of our pupils achievements and we meet as a school each Monday for assembly. At assembly classes showcase their activity, we share school news and certificates are presented to pupils to acknowledge success in a multitude of areas.

We also encourage pupils to bring in news of successes from other clubs and activities from home and we again share this as a school. Photographs are taken and displayed around the school to acknowledge success.

Our foyer area has display cases of trophies won by pupils in sports, music and quiz events and we also have a “Roll of Honour” board to record each year’s successes.

Our school is linked with Annan Old

UniformThe children are encouraged to be proud of their achievements and their school. We therefore encourage the wearing of school uniform by all pupils. Uniform is black or grey skirts or trousers and red polo shirts and sweatshirts.

School uniform, available from School Office as follows: Children Adults Red School Sweatshirt (embroidered badge, normal bottom) £9.00 £11.00 Red School Arctic Fleece (Zip Neck) £14.00 £20.00 Red School Reversible Jacket £15.50 Red School Soft Shell Jacket £22.00 £35.00 Red School Waterproof HydraPlus Jacket £20.00 £34.00 Red Polo Shirt (embroidered badge) £8.00 £10.00 Red School T-Shirt (embroidered badge) £5.00 £6.50 Red School Hats £4.50 Red School Baseball Cap £5.50 Red School Homework Bags £3.50

Children also require suitable clothing for physical education, i.e. School T-Shirt Shorts

A change of footwear for indoor use is also needed.

Parents are advised to put name tags on all items of clothing.

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Promoting Positive Behaviour

At the beginning of each school session, teachers and children discuss classroom rules and together produce their own classroom code which is prominently displayed. We feel children are more likely to observe rules that they have been involved in drawing up themselves.

The school rules must be easy for a child to remember and are as follows:

; Look after yourself. ; Look after others. ; Look after our school.

At Newington Primary, we have a positive approach to pupil behaviour. We have a policy of incentives and rewards for children who show a caring and responsible attitude and who work hard. Together with this, of course, there are sanctions.

Each class teacher maintains a conduct record. Misdemeanours are recorded and dated. If there is concern about a child regularly misbehaving, then the child is referred to the Head Teacher.

Regular and serious breaches of discipline will result in a letter home and parents co-operation sought.

In very serious situations, exclusion procedures will be used.

Wet IntervalsWhen the weather is poor (eg heavy rain) the children will be kept inside to play in their classrooms. Supervision will be by Mrs Davidson, (Playground Supervisor), in the Infant Department and Mr Kennedy, (Janitor) plus Mr Torbett, (HT) in the Middle and Upper School. In addition, two Primary 7 pupils will supervise in each class. We expect, in the interests of safety, the highest standards of behaviour.

Extra Curricular Activities Newington School achieved the accolade of Sporting School of the Year in Scotland for 2015.

The school has a variety of clubs which allow children to take part in a number of tournaments and competitions. The badminton, football and netball teams take part in all local events and our cross country, gymnastics and lacrosse teams travel to the Scottish Schools Championships with great success.

The school has its own swimming club, which provides swimming for P4-P7. School teams take part in all local galas.

The school has two choirs, organised by Miss Crombie which perform at the Dumfries & Galloway Music Festival, various community events as well as within the school.

We have a Chess Club, Craft Club, Book Club, Reading Club, Dance Mania Club and a P7 Basketball Club on offer to pupils at various stages in the school.

All children are encouraged to come along and take part at the appropriate year stages.

School FacilitiesThe School/Nursery has recently been extensively refurbished to a high standard and provides excellent facilities for our 450-plus pupils.

The school has a spacious gym hall, music room, separate dining area and ICT/reference suite. The extensive school grounds give the children plenty of room for games and play.

In October 2007 two Portakabins were sited in the school grounds, which accommodates two of our fifteen classes.

Nursery ClassNewington Primary School is extremely fortunate in having its own Nursery Class which occupies two large, bright, airy rooms. These are equipped and staffed to a high standard as befits a modern nursery.

There is a small contained play area for Nursery children to use, with hard standing and shredded rubber areas.

Regular Care Inspectorate checks are carried out and details re inspections and all Nursery Policy and Procedures are kept in the Nursery. In 2013 our Nursery achieved grades of ‘Very Good’ in all areas assessed during an Inspectorate visit.

Please check the Nursery notice board re all Nursery News.

The children integrate readily into Primary 1 and the liaison between nursery and infant staff is excellent.

Nursery Opening Times8.45am (Soft Start) -11.45am (Prompt Finish) 12.15 (Prompt Start)- 3.25pm (Soft Finish)

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Parents will also receive termly Newsletters and regular information updates or requests via school bags. The termly Newsletter will contain items of school business, parents information and dates for the diary. Other letters may include details about class trips/activities, details about clubs, concerts etc so please look out for these. Some items of school bag mail will request parental feedback. This may be in relation to attendance at an event or a request for views and ideas. These provide all parents with a chance to comment and make suggestions about current and future school development and we welcome your input.

The school has active Forum and Fundraising Groups who are always looking out for new members or parents who want to find out a little more about their child’s school. Meetings are held regularly over the year by both groups and further contact details are contained within our prospectus.

School HoursSchool starts at 9.00amMorning Interval 10.35am - 10.55amLunch Interval 12.30pm - 1.15pmClosing TimesPrimary 1 to Primary 7 3.05pm

During academic session 2003-2004 all our parents followed the educational committee guide of starting pupils for full days after an agreed date in early September.

Parental InvolvementWorking in partnership with our parents and families will help our pupils achieve as much as they can. Parents will receive two written reports each year and have the chance to attend two consultation events.

Over the year classes may have open events for parents to attend, often linked to assemblies where parents get the chance to have the pupils tell them all about topic/class activities and show them class displays etc.

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New EntrantsNew entrants to Primary 1 enrol in the January preceding the start of each new session as notified through the local press and nursery class.

Liaison with the nursery class ensures that each child visits the Primary 1 classroom and teacher on several occasions. Invitations are sent to those not attending nursery.

Talks for parents are planned around the main curricular areas.

AbsencesAbsences are recorded on the computerised SEEMIS. When a child is absent, parents are requested to contact the school at the first opportunity to inform us. Parents can do this by calling the 24hr Absence Line on 0845 227 0089, where they will receive an automated message asking for the pupil’s name, class, nature of absence and estimated length of absence. If we have not been contacted by 9.45am we will look to use the contact numbers available to text parents through our Group Call system which will leave a text message on parents’ mobile phone to request parents to contact the school with the reasons for absence.

Cases of infrequent or irregular attendance will be referred for further consideration.

There is growing concern about the number of school days being lost because of family holidays during term time. These holidays are now to be recognised as unauthorised in most cases. Lots of information has been in the media and the Education Dept can be contacted re any queries.

Parents are therefore asked to consider carefully their holiday plans for the coming year, and how they may affect their children’s education.

TransportTransport is provided within the school’s designated catchment area, where children under the age of eight live more than two miles from school and children over the age of eight, more than three miles from school. This is in line with Department Policy.

Health CareThere is regular contact with the school nurse and doctor who, with parental consent, regularly review any children with health problems. All difficulties arising at examinations will be reported to parents. In Primary 1, medical examination includes vision testing. Hearing is assessed by the Audiometrician; the Speech and Language Therapist makes an assessment of speech and an inspection of teeth is made by the School Dentist. Parents are invited to attend.

• In Primary 7, a medical assessment includes vision testing and colour testing. Dental checks are also undertaken by the School Dentist.

• If a pupil is sick or injured at school, he/she will receive attention from one of our First Aid trained members of staff. Where any child requires to be taken home or to a doctor, every effort will be made to contact parents or the emergency contact supplied by parents.

(See also ‘The School Health Service and your child’ - page 23)

School MealsThe kitchen staff provide an excellent school meals service. Meals are served in three sittings, starting with the infants. To help us deal with the large numbers for school meals we set up picnic benches in the gym hall for P3-P7 packed lunches.

Each day, children have a selection of options to choose from eg:

; a hot standard meal ; a baked potato/tortilla wrap

with various fillings ; sandwiches with various fillings ; soup ; fruit ; pudding ; their own packed lunch in

the Dining Hall

If you feel that your child is eligible for a free school meal, please contact the School Office for the appropriate form.

School Milk can be purchased for 85p per week. This is collected each Thursday for the following week. There is no free milk provision.

For the past 8 years Dumfries and Galloway Council’s school meal service has taken steps to improve the nutritional quality of school meals.

This has been influenced by the introduction of both “Hungry for Success” and “The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007” which:

; Places health promotion at the heart of school activities

; Ensures that food and drink served in schools meets nutritional requirements

; Ensures local authorities promote the uptake and benefits of school meals and, in particular, free school meals

This has resulted in a service which provides and promotes healthy food choices with a restriction of certain foods high in fat, salt and sugar.

Dumfries and Galloway Councils current uptake of school meals is at a six year high, we would like to thank you for your continued support in encouraging your child to have a school lunch.

For more information call on 030 33 33 3000 and ask for DGFirst, Facilities Management (catering).

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“Road Shows” are held by each Secondary School to give parents details about the school and further meetings are held following P7 induction days in the summer term.

Most pupils from Newington Primary School transfer to Annan Academy on completion of their primary education.

Mr J Brown, Rector Annan Academy, Annan, DG12 6AP

To make this important step easier for children, visits to Annan Academy are arranged prior to transfer. Guidance staff and pupils from Annan Academy also visit the children to discuss timetables and how a day in the secondary school is organised. There are also meetings for parents. Over the last two years we have also had input from Mrs Joanne Batey who is the Cluster Transition Co-ordinator. Mrs Batey works weekly with the P7s at Newington and will be involved in their transition programme.

TransitionsPupils transferring from our Nursery or other pre-school centres will be provided with a special handbook produced by our Early Years Staff and Parents. The handbook will contain lots of the key day to day detail parents require.

A full induction programme is in place for pupils which includes visits from P1 class teachers to pre-school centres, visits by pupils to their P1 classes and visits to the dinner hall/gym hall etc.

Our Early Years Team meet regularly over the year to discuss pupils and transfer.

Likewise, children transferring to local secondary schools will have visits from guidance staff prior to extended visits in the summer term.

Guidance and SfL staff meet with the P7 staff to discuss pupils and undertake transfer documentation.

Identified pupils attend additional transfer visits as part of an organised “Nurture Group”.

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Homework At all stages, homework is viewed as an important part of the child’s education. It will provide reinforcement of work covered and also give parents the opportunity to see the kind of activities being undertaken by their child.

In the early stages, children will be given some reading to share at home with parents. A meeting is held to explain to parents their important role in the development of reading.

Maths, reading and spelling activities from Primary 3 onwards will be set over the week for the children to complete at home and we would ask that parents sign these tasks to let staff know they have viewed the activities.

As part of our work in Learning and Teaching, pupils may be requested to review lessons taught. This could be telling parents about the lesson, drawing a picture, highlighting key words etc. Parents can support this work by asking their children “What have you learned today?”

If a child is having a great problem with a homework task set, parents should sign to acknowledge that the child has tried the task. The class teacher will then go over the task again with the child to support them.

Could I also bring the following website to parents attention. Parentzone at www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk The site contains homework advice and materials to support homework for parents and pupils and is funded by the Scottish Executive.

It is our hope that regular homework will support our efforts in raising attainment within school.

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Pupil Participation Whole School Assemblies are held each Monday morning between 9am and 10am. Over the year, each class leads an assembly which parents are invited to attend. In line with a Curriculum for Excellence, pupils are awarded certificates if they have been a successful learner, confident individual, responsible citizen or effective contributor. Children who have achieved things out of school are also encouraged to bring in medals and certificates and these are also celebrated at Assembly. Displays of pupils successes are located in the foyer and dinner hall areas. Every pupil is involved in the Christmas Concert performances each year and our P6 and P7 pupils take the lead in a Burns Supper for staff and invited guests.

C ‘n V GroupPupils at Newington have a say in school decision making through the ‘CnV’ group which is made up of the House Captains and Vice Captains for Annan, Criffel and Solway. This group meet regularly with Mr Torbett to discuss concerns/ideas raised by pupils in class suggestion boxes.

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The Primary CurriculumAt Newington we offer pupils a wide curriculum and have implemented the principles of ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’. These principles include challenge, enjoyment, progression, breadth, depth, personalisation and choice, coherence and relevance. We aim to teach skills across the curriculum and naturally link, for example, Maths skills with Problem Solving & Technology, English Language with Social Subjects, Music, Dance and Art etc. Therefore although the areas of the curriculum are illustrated individually, they are infact inter-related. Within the varied curriculum we aim to provide equal opportunities for all our children regardless of ability, gender or race.

MathematicsA carefully structured and balanced maths ‘TENS’ programme is followed by each child. The programme covers all areas of maths: number, money and measurement, shape, position

and movement, information handling and problem solving and enquiry. A wide range of resources is used so that mathematical skills and concepts can be developed and there is an emphasis on mental calculation and mental agility. We use mathematical games, calculators, computer software such as Maths Whizz and mathematical equipment to introduce and reinforce ideas and concepts. Experiences and Outcomes outlined in Curriculum for Excellence are closely followed, and National Assessments, including PIPS in P1 and INCAS at each stage thereafter are used as part of the assessment programme. The Core Maths Resources are New & Old Scottish Heinemann. This is backed up by ‘TeeJay’ and ‘Take a Strand’ materials through the School and Maths in Action at P6 & 7. We also use a variety of Problem Solving Activities as well as Mental Agility workbooks at each stage. There is a new Mental Maths programme for P1 to P7s, focusing on Mental Strategies, plus timed challenge sheets for P1 to P7 in the 4 processes.

LanguagesThis includes four elements: Talking, Listening, Reading and Writing. It is impossible to view these in isolation and effective links are encouraged between all four. At all times, teachers are active in developing listening skills, children take part in discussions, report back on experiences orally and in written form where appropriate and the skills of reading are reinforced. Again Experience and Outcomes are followed to ensure balance and progression and National Assessments including PIPS in P1 and INCAS at each stage thereafter are used as part of the assessment programme.

The Jolly Phonics system is used in the early years to develop reading. An information evening is held at the start of the academic year to discuss this. To support reading we have CAPER (Children And Parents Enjoy Reading) in P1 & P2, a Reading Club for P3 and P4 and a Book Club for P5-P7 pupils. Oxford Reading Tree is used in the Infant Department. A wide range of novels is used at all levels to develop reading and this is backed up by non-fiction materials as well as poems and play scripts. Higher order reading skills are also developed through Focus English, Reading from the Bookshelf, Focus on Comprehension and Book Detectives activities.

The ‘VCOP’ (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation) approach is used to develop children’s personal, functional and imaginative writing skills. At all stages handwriting, spelling, punctuation and grammar are actively taught and encouraged.

Social StudiesThe school follows a carefully planned programme of study for Social Subjects: each class will follow a series of topics, throughout the year. At the early stages, pupils learn more about themselves and their surroundings and by Primary 7 the focus will have moved to the wider world. Staff have produced a programme of study, in line with the design principles and Experiences and Outcomes outlined in ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’.

Lessons will focus on developing knowledge and understanding as well as skills and attitudes. Children are actively involved in lessons, asking questions and working in pairs or teams of 3 and 4. They are set challenges, develop research and enquiry skills and make presentations etc. Key points learned are recorded on a personal learning map.

Visitors are often invited into classes e.g. Road Safety Officers, members of the local community and all classes will undertake field work, trips e.g. using the local area, visiting museums, using the Hoddom Ranger etc…

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TechnologiesThe school has two PCs and a state of the art Activboard (Interactive whiteboard) in each class base. We also have a suite of computers which houses 18 PCs and 14+ Laptops. The school is now covered by a wireless network and we have 32 netbooks which can be used for whole class research and presentation. All computers are linked to the school’s network and staff and pupils have access to the internet and email once they have signed the school’s ‘Responsible Users’ agreement.

A staff working group has developed a programme of study which incorporates the systematic development of ICT skills from Nursery to Primary 7 and links directly to the CfE experiences and outcomes. As well as developing ICT skills, the PCs, netbooks and laptops support work across all areas of the curriculum.

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ScienceA staff working group has put together a programme for Science throughout the school at Early, First and Second level. Folders of activities and boxes of resources have been created for all the Science topics covered from P1 to P7.

Health and WellbeingIn PE, there is a visiting specialist. All children have slots each week with the PE specialist. In PE, Ball Skills, Gymnastics floor work, Social Dancing, Gymnastics including apparatus work, Fitness and Athletics are covered at each stage throughout the year.

Many sporting clubs are on offer for pupils: Basketball / Badminton / Netball / Football / Cross Country / Swimming / Gymnastics and Lacrosse, throughout the year.

There is a detailed programme of Health Education for P1 to P7 and we are a Health Promoting School.

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Expressive ArtsThe Expressive Arts include Drama, Music and Art. Through topic work and as subjects in their own right, we aim for balance, progression and coherence in these areas. A wide and varied range of resources are available to encourage development in this part of the curriculum.

MusicIn Music, there is a visiting specialist as well as extra input given by our DHT, Miss Crombie. There are two school choirs, Junior and Senior, who perform at numerous school activities and represent the school at various events.

DramaIn Drama, work is usually linked to the Social Subjects topic and full use is made of relevant television and radio broadcasts. We have developed a Drama Policy to bring it in line with a ‘A

Curriculum For Excellence’. Each year we undertake a Performance at Christmas. This gives all pupils the chance to develop singing and drama skills.

ArtIn Art, there is a visiting specialist and work is usually linked to the Social Subjects topics.

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Religious and Moral EducationReligious and Moral Education play an important part in the education of our children. We have a close relationship with Annan Old Parish Church and the minister there is a regular visitor to the school. The whole school visit Annan Old Church at Christmas, Easter and Summer and parents and friends are welcome to attend.

There is a weekly Monday assembly: this is Christian based and children are made aware of and celebrate the main Christian festivals. In addition world religions are studied at different stages:

• P3 – Sikhism• P4 – Hinduism• P5 – Buddhism• P6 – Judaism• P7 – Islam

At all times children are encouraged to respect one another and other people’s faiths. Our programme of studies for Religious & Moral Education seeks to develop an understanding and love of our own faith, a knowledge of Christianity and other world faiths and an understanding and tolerance of ourselves and others.

Parents have the statutory right to withdraw children from religious instruction.

Modern Foreign LanguagesFrom August 2015 the school has introduced French from P1-P7. It is taught through games, songs, I.C.T and other activities, following new regional guidelines. This is part of a Scottish Government initiative of Primary Language learning.

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Additional Support for Learning

Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to the well-being and educational development of all learners. The process of inclusion requires all involved in the business of learning and teaching to demonstrate commitment, innovation and flexibility in order to ensure that all children and young people have access to quality learning opportunities and experiences.

The Authority attempts to meet the needs of all children with additional support needs through a range of provision from mainstream classes (with or without support) to part-time or full-time provision in a school with a learning centre or base.

It is generally recognised that approximately 20% of children may have additional support needs at some time, which are likely to range from mild and intermittent difficulties through to those which are more complex or they may have multiple factors proving to be barriers to their learning.

The Additional Support for Learning Act introduces a new framework for supporting children and young people in their school education, and their

families. This framework is based on the idea of additional support needs. This new term will apply to children and young people who, for whatever reason, require additional support, in the short or the long term, in order to help them make the most of their school education.

What is Additional Support for Learning (ASL)?If your child needs extra help or support in addition to that which is usually provided in school they can be said to have ‘Additional Support Needs’. Children may need additional support for short or long periods of time and for a variety of reasons. The reasons can include:

• Social or emotional difficulties• Problems at home• Being particularly able• A physical disability• Moving home frequently• Behavioural difficulties• Bullying• A sensory impairment• Communication problems• Being a young carer• Being a young parent• Having English as a second language• A learning disability• Autism• Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder

If you have any concerns about your child you should speak to a member of staff in the school in the first instance. There are a number of ways in which concerns can be followed up. This may involve the input of other educational professionals such as Specialist teachers ( Additional Support for Learning teacher, Educational Visitor, Sensory Impairment Specialists) and Educational Psychologists. It may also involve your child being referred onto staff in external agencies such as health staff (Speech and Language therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist etc. ) . As a parent you will be closely involved in the whole process and your views sought throughout. If, after discussion with all concerned, it is felt appropriate , your child will have an educational plan agreed which will identify how they are to be supported.

Your child’s progress will be kept under review and any plans and support will be changed as necessary. As a parent you will be closely involved in any review process. There will be several opportunities for you to discuss your child’s progress. This may be through informal discussion with the teacher

or at Parents’ Nights or it may also be through more formal, focussed meetings with all agencies involved. You should discuss and agree with the school how you would like to be involved.

Newington Primary School is the base for one of the regional Learning Zones and we have a Principal Teacher based here. We also have a Support for Learning Teacher.

The Learning Support staff are assisted by a team of Learning Support Assistants who help pupils in class and also within the Learning Zone.

The support is targeted to meet the needs of the individual or groups and may include:

• time within the Learning Zone with support from the Principal Teacher and support staff.

• support for Learning Teacher sessions over the week to target input in particular curricular areas.

• support for Learning Assistant time to support a child to undertake a particular task/activity.

• Visiting Specialist input.

Parents will be informed if their child is to receive Support for Learning input and will get a report from the appropriate member of staff along with their main school report.

Further information about Additional Support can be requested from the school as well as details about contact and support from other agencies.

Individualised Education Programme can be created for specific targets. Sometimes a pupil will have a Co-ordinated Support Plan if several agencies are working together to meet educational objectives for an individual child or young person.

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Assessment and Reporting

Assessment is necessary to ensure pupil progress and to identify any difficulties a child may be experiencing and how to overcome these.

Children’s progress is monitored throughout the school year by the class teachers. Assessment may take the form of observations, discussions, jotter work and more formal written assessments.

For a number of years we have used P.I.Ps assessments with our P1 at the start and the end of the year to highlight progress made in number and reading. Our results for these are often higher than the National and Regional figures.

In 2011-12 we introduced INCAS to our P7s as part of an authority wide assessment of numeracy and literacy skills. Once again our results were very good in comparison to National and Regional figures.

From 2012-13 pupils at every stage will undertake this computer based assessment as part of ongoing assessment and tracking of pupils.

Formative assessment strategies such as sharing learning outcomes with children, providing effective feedback and peer and self assessment are used regularly to develop children’s understanding.

Reports to parents are issued twice each year, an interim report in November and a final report in June. In 2012 the school began using the new SEEMIS reporting form which has been adopted across the authority. Parents are given opportunities to discuss their child’s progress at consultation meetings. Parents are also free to contact the school at any other time if they have concerns or questions. Please look to make an appointment for this discussion through the School Office.

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The School Health Service The school nurse will have regular contact with your child throughout his/her school life. As well as regular health screening, the School Nurse will be involved in health promotion, both in the classroom and on a one to one basis.

A Community Paediatrician (School Doctor) will also be available to see those children with special health needs. The School Nurse for your child’s school is based at Lockerbie Health Centre, Victoria Gardens, Lockerbie, Tel non 01576 205538.

The full school health programme is detailed below.

SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAMME

PRIMARY SCHOOLClass Examination Staff

PI Review of pre-school health records Nurse/Doctor

Health questionnaire to parents

Health interview for selected children

Medical examination for selected children

Height and Weight (plus every following 3rd Year)

Oral Health Screening Dentist

P7 Review of school health records Nurse/Doctor

Health questionnaire to parents

Health interview

Vision testing - Selective

Colour vision testing - Selective

Oral Health Screening Dentist

SECONDARY SCHOOLClass Examination Staff

S1 Health Interview Nurse

Oral Health Screening Dentist

S3 Health interview - as above plus pupil Questionnaire Nurse

Dip/Tet/Polio Nurse/Doctor

School Health and Safety Procedures

School Security/Entry SystemFollowing the Cullen Inquiry, security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access to school buildings were put in place. Entry to the school should be through the main door. This door operates electronically and to enter, the bell must be rung or a code entered in the panel. All other doors are secured during the school day except for break times when there is supervised entry and exit.

In this school the security measures are:

1. A security surveillance/door entry system with magnetic locks is fitted

2. Signs asking visitors to report to the school office are displayed at the main entrance

3. Refuse containers are kept away from the building to avoid access to the roof

4. Building access points are reduced to the minimum by the removal of external door handles. Such doors are readily opened from the inside without the need for keys

5. External lighting is fitted around the building

6. Boundary fencing has been erected.

7. Intercom systems have been supplied for use in certain class bases

Disclosure ScotlandThe Education Service has an obligation to ensure the safety and well being of pupils at all times. One of the ways we do this is by undertaking a “Disclosure Scotland check” on all employees who have direct contact with pupils and on those volunteers who (1) will be involved with pupils in an unsupervised

capacity (e.g. transporting pupils to sports events; or (2) will be involved in an overnight stay with pupils. The Disclosure Scotland check (provided by the Scottish Criminal Records Office) alerts us to any criminal convictions on the part of the individual and allows us, thereby, to judge his/her suitability to “work” with young people. Of course, no system is foolproof but we do believe that this offers everyone a reasonable level of reassurance about those to whom we entrust the care of children.

If you have volunteered your services to the school and as your contact with youngsters is covered by one of the above categories, the head teacher will ask you to complete Disclosure Scotland documentation so that the necessary check can be undertaken. Be assured that all documentation associated with this process is treated in the strictest confidence.

Photographing and Filming of PupilsSchools take images of pupils for various reasons e.g. the prospectus; ceremonies (recognition of achievement, Prize giving, Sports Day etc.); functions (discos, charity events etc.); curricular activities (Communication Passports, performance in sport/dance, field trips etc.) extra-curricular activities (school sports fixtures, school excursions, class outings etc.). Such images are used to publicise the many activities in which pupils participate and to create a record of an event to show to participants, other pupils and parents/carers. To do this, photographs are displayed

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throughout the school; videos and photographs are shown to parents/carers and others; media coverage is arranged; prospectuses are published and distributed. An image of a person is personal data under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998 and it is a requirement of the Act that consent from the parent of a child, or young person under the age of 18 years, is obtained for any photograph or video recording to be taken and used.

In accordance with the Council’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures the Council will not permit, wherever possible, photographs, film, video or other images of children and young people to be taken or used without the prior consent of the parent/carer and child/young person, when appropriate.

The consent of the parent/carer is sufficient during the child’s time in primary School The guidelines for parents/carers accompany the consent form on which the parent/carer and the pupil, when appropriate, are asked to indicate the purposes they support for taking and using images of the pupil. Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to the protection of children and young people. Dumfries and Galloway Council will take all reasonable measures to ensure these images are used solely for the purposes for which they are intended.

Dumfries and Galloway Council reserves the right at all times to prohibit the use of photography, film or video at any activity it is hosting.

School OutingsThe School encourages staff to take pupils on excursions in order to widen their experience, develop Knowledge and Understanding of the World and to develop responsible attitudes to the

environment. Excursions may be into the local community or slightly further afield necessitating the use of transport. Regardless of the length or location of the excursion the School will ensure that trips are carefully planned and that care has been taken to recognise and minimise the dangers of any harmful, unplanned occurrences.

Where the planned excursion is in the immediate environment of the school and requires little more than the normal care exercised by staff in their day to day supervision of pupils, parents will not normally be contacted and the “blanket consent” form completed at the beginning of the session will be used. Parental permission will be sought for trips requiring transport and a letter giving details of the trip will be sent to parents prior to the excursion. During all excursions the ratio of adults to pupils will meet at least the minimum requirement.

Internet Access PolicyThe purpose of this policy is to:

• Establish the ground rules we have in school for using the Internet

• Demonstrate the methods used to protect pupils from inappropriate sites.

The school believes that the benefits to pupils from access to the resources of the Internet far exceed the disadvantages. Ultimately, the responsibility for setting and conveying the standards that children are expected to follow, when using media and information resources, is one the school shares with parents/guardians. We feel that the best recipe for success lies in a combination of site filtering, of supervision and by fostering a responsible attitude in our pupils in partnership with parents. Parents will

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be sent an explanatory letter and the rules, which form our Internet Access Agreement. All pupils and their parents / guardians will be asked to read an agreement covering the expectations we have of pupils using the Internet in school.

If a pupil is in a P1, P2 or P3 class, a parent/guardian will sign the agreement on behalf of the child. A pupil in P4 upwards must also personally sign the agreement.

Note: The school requires to keep a formal record of the Pupil Internet Agreement having been signed.

If you would like to have a look at our full ‘Policy for Internet Access’, please contact the school.

Emergency Procedures – Accidents

In an emergency situation, where medical treatment is required, staff acting in loco parentis are required in common law to secure help and take action to assist a pupil as would a reasonably prudent parent. No parental consent is necessary in such circumstances. Even in an emergency, however, staff will not be expected to carry out complex or risky procedure but will call for an ambulance if required. A member of staff should accompany the pupil and remain with him/her until the pupil’s parent arrives. The member of staff should have details of any health care needs and medication taken by the pupil.

Mrs Lloyd is the qualified first-aider in school, there is also an appointed person who will deal with any first aid requirements in the event of Mrs Lloyd being absent. They will deal with all

significant injuries and most minor cuts and bruises. As appropriate staff may have to complete an Incident Report Form.

Incident Reporting FormsThere are different accident / incident forms for Pupils and Staff and if they are required to be filled in a copy is sent to the Health and Safety Manager in Dumfries.

Emergency ContactsIt is essential that in the case of an emergency the school has up-to-date contact and emergency contact information.

Any changes to the information should be passed to the school immediately to allow records to be updated.

School ClosuresIn exceptional circumstances, such as severe weather or the failure of essential services, it may be necessary to make an emergency closure. Should this happen, the safety and well being of our pupils is paramount.

Parents or their emergency contacts will be telephoned and to ensure the safe and speedy dismissal of pupils in such a situation, we will check relevant information with parents on an annual basis.

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Administration of MedicineThere is no legal duty, which requires school staff to administer medication or undertake health care procedures: this is a voluntary role (even where the person is a qualified first-aider).

In undertaking to provide care for pupils with health needs on a voluntary basis, staff are acting on behalf of the Council which has responsibility for their actions, as it does in respect of any other duty undertaken on an agreed basis by individual staff.

Medication will only be given by authorised members of staff on receipt of a Parental Permission Form. These forms can be obtained from the school office.

It is the responsibility of parents to provide the Head Teacher with sufficient information about their child’s health needs and treatment in school and to give permission for this to be shared with appropriate staff. It is also the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child is well enough to attend school and to provide the school with an emergency contact.

School ImprovementEach May/June the school produces an Improvement Plan to detail development areas for the next session and also to review the work of the year. The Improvement Plan is discussed with the School Forum and copies sent to the Education Department.

Copies are kept in the Head Teacher’s Office but each year the Head Teacher sends out a summary of the Plan to parents with a review of the year’s success and requests for feed back. This feedback also feeds into the School Improvement Plan process.

P.I.P.s and INCAS results show that currently our pupils are achieving above National and Regional levels in relation to literacy and numeracy and we always look to develop this trend. From 2012-2013 A.f.E assessments will be completed by all pupils to provide further detail about attainment levels and progress.

The School Improvement Plan sets out targets for the next three year period with the first year’s plan being detailed.

All aspects of the School Improvement Plan are discussed with the School Forum.

The school will continue to provide opportunities for parents to be involved in future School Improvement Plan activities.

Newington School ForumOur Newington School Forum has been established to strengthen links between the school and all our parents. The Forum will seek to play an active role in supporting parental involvement in the life and work of the school and provide opportunities for parents to express their views.

The Forum’s basic functions and duties include:• Supporting the school in its work

with pupils• Representing the views of parents• Receiving and requesting

information from the Head Teacher and Education Authority

• Promoting contact between the school, parents, pupils and the community

• Reporting to all parents on the activities of the Forum

• Participation in the selection process for Head Teacher and Depute Head Teacher

Report from School Forum ChairNewington Primary School Parent Council is known as the Newington School Forum

According to our constitution, the aims of the Forum are:

• To promote partnership between the school, its pupils and all its parents

• To work in partnership with the school to create a welcoming school which is inclusive for all

• To actively support parental involvement in the life of the school

• To identify and represent the views of parents on the education provided by the school and other matters affecting the education and welfare of the pupils

This happens in a variety of ways. The Forum works with the Head Teacher and staff to discuss and resolve any issues involving school policy, building repairs, pupil safety etc. The Fundraising Sub Section organises and runs a variety of enjoyable initiatives such as discos, beetle drives and the Christmas Fayre.

Parental involvement in a child’s school life is known to have many benefits: to the child’s confidence and education, to the parents’ attitude towards the school and to the school itself, allowing more open lines of communication and raising much needed funds. All parents, carers, friends and neighbours of the school are welcome to attend any of the Forum meetings. Keep an eye on the noticeboard at the school’s main entrance for details of our next meetings.

Neil Carruthers, Chair of the Newington School Forum.

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Parent MembersMr N Carruthers, Chair

Mrs F Glass

Mr I Dunbar – Vice Chair

Mr A Kay

Mrs J Archibald

Mrs S Bryson

Mrs C Carruthers

Miss A Hoffman

Mrs A Oliver

Mrs A Clark

Miss M O’Neill

Mrs S Court

Mrs L Quinn

Mrs C Dalgliesh

Mrs K Smart

Staff MembersMrs Doreen Bingham

Clerk/Treasurer

Mrs Noelene Lloyd

Ex-Officio MemberMr Irvine Torbett, Head Teacher

Parents are welcome to attend and be involved in the discussions at Forum meetings. Please contact one of the parent members if you have an issue you would like discussed at a meeting.

During the consultation process about the formation of the Forum it was agreed to establish a Fundraising subgroup which has superseded the old Parent Teacher Association.

Newington School Fundraising CommitteeWe have a very active Parent Fundraising Committee which is the source of a great deal of support for the school. The Committee is involved in organising social events during the session and also does a great deal of fund raising.

The current members are as follows:

Mrs Fiona Glass Chair, 27 Hospital Road Tel Annan 204781

Mrs June Archibald Vice Chair, 39 Hospital Road Tel Annan 205980

Mrs June Archibald Treasurer, 39 Hospital Road Tel Annan 205980

Mrs Laura Quinn Secretary

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CommitteeMr N Armstrong

Mrs S Bryson

Mrs C Carruthers

Mrs A Clark

Mrs S Court

Mrs C Dalgliesh

Mr K Dunbar

Mr A Kay

Miss M O’Neill

Mrs A Oliver

Mrs K Smart

Mr I Torbett Head Teacher (Ex-officio.)

We always welcome new members.

Further information can be obtained from the School Office or any Committee Member.

During this session, the Fundraising Committee has purchased valuable equipment for the school and provided entertainment for the children.

School Policies/Practical InformationThe school has a number of curricular policies located with classrooms and the Head Teacher’s Office.

Dumfries and Galloway Schools Policies can be found on the Council Website www.dumgal.gov.uk.

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