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EDUCATION AND LEARNINGBalmullo Primary School2014-15Informationfor Parents/Carers

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15Excellence for AllThe Education and Learning Directorate plays a key role in taking forward the wider aims ofthe council by:Raising attainment and achievementEnsuring inclusionMaking a positive difference in our communitiesOur approach is founded on the values of:CompassionIntegrityEquality & FairnessWe develop the capacity of young people and adults to become:Successful learnersResponsible citizensConfident individualsEffective contributorsand seek to secure positive outcomes and destinations for learners.EDUCATION AND LEARNING DIRECTORATEwww.fifedirect.org.uk/schools2

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15The information contained in this booklet refers to the current school year and is accurate atthe time of publication.We hope this information will be helpful to you and will answer many of your questions aboutthe school. Should you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to call in at theschool where we shall be pleased to help you.Dear ParentThe following information is intended to tell you something about our school. I have attemptedto cover the areas that will probably be of interest to parents and at the same time to informyou of the educational aims that we have planned for your child.My teaching colleagues and I firmly believe that school and home must work together toensure that children receive the best possible education and reach their full potential.I fully appreciate that this booklet will not be able to cover all the questions that you may liketo ask and should you wish further information please contact the school to arrange apersonal meeting with myself.Yours sincerelyMrs Anna CogginsActing Headteacher3

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15SCHOOL ETHOSAt Balmullo Primary School we pride ourselves on our inclusive, welcoming and friendlyatmosphere. We continue to work with children in a restorative manner supporting them intaking increasing responsibility for their actions, dealing with issues and thinking of others.All of us are committed to work with our children to develop the following valuesRespectFriendshipDeterminationCourageExcellenceInspirationEqualityWe reinforce these values through assemblies, Circle Times, the Cool in School programmeand through the contexts of stories referring to what the values mean for us in school. We arecommitted to recognising and celebrating our pupils achievements. We hold regularassemblies where children are encouraged to share their learning and individual pupils havethe opportunity to share personal achievements. Together with their teacher, the childrendiscuss their learning targets and are encouraged to reflect on how and what they learned.All our pupils belong to a House and can earn house points throughout the week. Pupils electtheir House captains at the start of the year. We encourage responsibility and relationshipsthrough our buddy system, cross-stage working and the sharing of what we have beenlearning. Our pupils are highly motivated and are activiely engaged in their learning.We work closely with Lynne Mackenzie, our Active Schools co-ordinator, to ensure thechildren have opportunities to engage in a wide range of sporting activities. We enjoy takingpart in community initiatives when they arise.4

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15BUILDINGThe original school in Balmullo was closed in October 1976 when a new building wascompleted to serve the increasing numbers due to a new housing development. The newschool opened on 18th October, 1976 with 86 pupils. It is built to a semi-open plan design.We also have an additional classroom in modular accommodation which is linked to theschool. This added accommodation also houses an out-of-school club, which opens at 8a.m.and closes at 6p.m., offering before and after school care and full day care during schoolholidays.Our building is situated in the middle of a large grassy area where there are excellent playfacilities. We have planted a wildlife hedge around the school and, with the help of parentsand members of the Balmullo community, have developed a garden which supports aspectsof our Environmental Studies programme. We also have a greenhouse which is an importantresource in a whole school enterprise project which enhances our school grounds. A trim trailand pirate ship enhance the playground experience and we have further developed ourplayground with quiet areas of seating.In recognition of our work over the last two years,we have recently been awarded our third Green Flag award for the work that has been donetowards creating an 'Eco Friendly School'. We have also been awarded membership of the"GET SET NETWORK", for our work around the values of the Olympic and ParalympicGames.5

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15CONTACT DETAILSHeadteacher: Mrs Anna CogginsAddress: Balmullo Primary School, Hayston Park, Balmullo, St Andrews, KY16 0DH,Telephone No: 01334 659451Email: balmullops.enquiries@fife.gov.ukSchool Roll (P1-7): 140Nursery Roll: am - 20 / pm - 20Other InformationIt is very important to us that everyone coming into contact with the school has a positiveexperience.Please don't hesitate to contact the school if you have any queries. Any Issues relating toyour child's well-being will be dealt with sensitively and we would ask that you let us knowabout any issues as soon as possible. This can be done bycalling the school on 01334 659451 and speaking with the headteachere-mailing via balmullops.enquiries@fife.gov.ukwriting a letter to the class teacher or headteacherWe will always do our very best to investigate and resolve concerns as quickly as possibleand keep you informed as to what is happening.We are happy for people moving to the area or considering the school for their children tocontact us and we will be happy to arrange an opportunity to look around our school.6

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15SCHOOL HOURSMorning Session 9.00am - 12.35pmInterval10.40am - 10.55amAfternoon Session 1.20pm - 3.00pmMorning Nursery 9.00am - 11.30amAfternoon Nursery 12.30pm - 3.00pmSCHOOL UNIFORMWe encourage all our pupils at Balmullo PS to wear their school uniform.Our uniform consists of:Red sweatshirt/ red cardigan with school logoWhite polo shirt with school logoDark trousers, skirt or pinafore dressParents also have the option to purchase a red school jacket with fleece lining and schoollogo.Our school uniform will be available to purchase from The Schoolwear Shop, 23Commercial Street, Dundee, DD1 3DD (telephone: 01382 200926) from August 2013.We do advise that all school uniform items are clearly named so that 'lost property' can bereturned to the correct child.To help keep our school building clean and tidy, pupils are required to wear indoor shoes atschool which can be gym shoes or non-marking trainers.SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANTA grant of up to £55 per year is available to each pupil attending full-time education in Fifetowards the cost of school clothing provided that the parent is entitled to Child Benefit andreceives one of the following:Income SupportJob Seeker’s Allowance (Income Based)Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) with an annual income below £15,860Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an annual income below £6,420Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)Working Tax Credit (total income is below £15,860)Long Term Incapacity Benefit (over 28 weeks)Widows Allowance (and not in full time employment)Payment is made directly into a bank account by Bank Giro Credit. Fife Council LocalOffices issue application forms on request and process claims. Please contact yournearest Local Office for an application form.7

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Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15ENROLMENTChildren who reach the age of 5 on or before 11 August 2014, must normally start school inAugust 2014. Children who reach the age of 5 after 11 August 2014, but before 28 February2015, may also start school in August 2014, though parents are not obliged to send their childto school until the first entry date after their fifth birthday.Parents of children in either of these categories are asked to enrol their child at theircatchment school before Friday, 24 January 2014.Headteachers must provide information to parents on how to make a placing request for theschool of their choice. Placing requests should be made as soon as possible, and not laterthan 15 March 2014.Applying for a Nursery Place for Your ChildEvery child is entitled to a free part-time pre-place from the term following their third birthday.There are 3 terms in the school year. These are:Term 1, August to December – To secure a funded place for this term a child must be3 on or before 31st AugustTerm 2, January to March – To secure a funded place for this term a child must be 3on or before 31st DecemberTerm 3, April to June – To secure a funded place for this term a child must be 3 on orbefore the last day of February.Children who reach the age of 3 on or before 28 February 2015 must apply for a place in aFife Council nursery before the 31 January 2014. Nursery places are allocated in accordancewith Fife Council's Early Years Admissions Policy. Information and application forms areavailable from all Fife nursery establishments and at www.fifedirect.org.uk. Applicationsshould be made for children due to commence nursery at any point in the following academicyear and be submitted to the nursery of their first choice. This means that even though thechild may not be entitled to start nursery until next January or April 2015 they must apply for aplace now. All places are allocated by the Admissions Panel held in March 2014 and placeswill be offered by letter by 31 March 2014.9

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15SCHOOL YEAR 2014-2015Terms Start Date End DateAutumnMonday 18 August 2014 (teachers)Wednesday 20 August 2014 (pupils)Friday 10 October 2014(40 teacher; 38 pupil days)Winter Monday 27 October 2014 Friday 19 December 2014(40 teacher; 39 pupil days)Spring Monday 05 January 2015 Thursday 02 April 2015(62 teacher; 61 pupil days)Summer Monday 20 April 2015 Friday 03 July 2015(53 teacher; 52 pupil days)The above pattern provides for 190 school days, once the holidays and 5 in service days forteachers are deducted.Holidays Start Date End DateAutumn Monday 13 October 2014 Friday 24 October 2014Christmas Monday 22 December 2014 Friday 02 January 2015February Thursday 12 February 2015 Friday 13 February 2015Spring Friday 03 April 2015 Friday 17 April 2015May Day Monday 04 May 2015June Monday 01 June 2015Summer Monday 06 July 2015 Friday 14 August 2015 (teachers)Tuesday 18 August 2015 (pupils)In Service DaysMonday 18 August 2014Tuesday 19 August 2014Friday 14 November 2014Wednesday 11 February 2015Tuesday 02 June 201510

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15SCHOOL MEALS AND MILKSchool meals are provided in all primary schools and now meet the Scottish NutritionalStandards as laid down by Hungry for Success because of this all primary schools now holdthe Food For Life Bronze Award. School meals now include more fruits and vegetables and allingredients used are low in salt and fat.What is a school meal?Home Made Soup...OrOne of our Daily DessertsPlusThe Hot Main Courses...OrA Baked Potato with Filling...OrA Filled Baguette and Self Served Salad...PlusA Glass of Fruit Juice And Unlimited Bread and SaladMenus are changed twice a year and are issued to all pupils.The current cost of a school meal is £1.75 (from 1st April 2013 to 31 March 2014).School meals are available at a cost of £1.75 for a two-course meal. Money for school mealsis collected on Monday mornings.SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTSFife Council is committed to providing a school meal service to all pupils who require themand will provide a specialised dietary service for certain children through discussion betweenthe child, parent/guardian, and the school. Special diets will be provided on the basis ofReligious requirementsCultural/ethical reasonsTherapeutic diets will be provided on the basis of Medical conditions (as recommendedby a doctor or dietician.)It is not possible to meet individual requests for diet unless they are based on the reasonsabove.If the child is known to have an allergy to nuts/nut products then our Allergies –Policies/Guidelines should be read in conjunction with this policy.11

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15SCHOOL MILKFresh chilled milk is available in all Primary Schools, and currently costs 18p per carton (from1st April 2013 to 31 March 2014).Milk is supplied at a cost of 18p per carton per day and money for milk is collected termly inadvance.FREE FRUIT IN SCHOOLSThe Free Fruit in Schools initiative targets the youngest children, where eating fruit andvegetables is most likely to be habit forming and where the health gain might be the greatestin the long term.All nursery, primary 1 and 2 pupils receive free fruit three times a weekWATER IN SCHOOLS SCHEMEAll pupils have access to chilled water throughout the school day.12

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15CURRICULUMFife schools follow Curriculum for Excellence, a national framework which is providing ourchildren with learning experiences and opportunities to prepare them for learning, life andwork in a changing world. Children learn actively in eight different curricular areas following acurriculum designed by each school to reflect their particular needs and circumstances.All schools follow the same principles in designing the curriculum, aimed at ensuring thatchildren have the experiences and opportunities to become –Successful LearnersConfident IndividualsEffective ContributorsResponsible CitizensLiteracy, numeracy and health and wellbeing are addressed throughout the curriculum andchildren's wider achievements are fully recognised and celebrated, reflecting the value givento wider learning and children’s experiences out of school.Children are fully consulted throughout their learning and in decisions about what they learnand how they learn it. There are opportunities throughout the school year for parents toreceive information and be consulted upon the curriculum children are following, particularlyin relation to more sensitive aspects of learning.Religious and moral education is a core subject for all pupils attending primary and secondaryschools in Scotland. Schools also provide opportunities for religious observance in order topromote the spiritual development of the school community. Parents can choose to withdrawtheir children from participation in religious education or religious observance. Parentswishing to do this should contact the headteacher. The school will make arrangements forpupils to participate in a suitable alternative activity.Further information about the curriculum is available on the school website, and more generalinformation regarding Curriculum for Excellence can be found at Parentzone(http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone), a national resource developed byEducation Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.Fife schools follow Curriculum for Excellence, a national framework which is providing ourchildren with learning experiences and opportunities to prepare them for learning, life andwork in a changing world. Children learn actively through eight different curricular areasfollowing a curriculum designed by each school to reflect their particular needs andcircumstances.All schools follow the same principles in designing the curriculum, aimed at ensuring thatchildren have the experiences and opportunities to become -Successful LearnersConfident IndividualsEffective ContributorsResponsible CitizensLiteracy, numeracy and health and wellbeing are addressed throughout the curriculum andchildren's wider achievements are fully recognised and celebrated, reflecting the value given13

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15to wider learning and children's experiences out of school.Children are fully consulted throughout their learning and in decisions about what they learnand how they learn. There are opportunities throughout the school year for parents to receiveinformation and be consulted about the curriculum the children are following.Religious and Moral education is a core subject for all pupils attending primary and secondaryschools in Scotland. Schools also provide opportunities for religious observance in order topromote spiritual development of the school community. Parents can choose to withdraw theirchildren from participation in religious education or religious observance. Parents wishing todo this should contact the headteacher. The school will make arrangements for pupils toparticipate in a suitable alternative activity.Further information about the curriculum will be available on the school website, and moregeneral information regarding Curriculum for Excellence can be found at Parentzone(http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone), a national resource developed byEducation Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.As a school community, we have a commitment to wider achievement and to extra-curricularopportunities. We are currently looking to expand the opportunities available to our pupilsthrough the provision of out of school clubs and activities. From August 2013 we are hoping toorganise activities for Friday afternoons to develop peer learning, peer relationships andfriendships.14

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15ASSESSMENT AND REPORTINGAssessmentBroadly, across Fife primary schools two forms of assessment are used to support yourchild’s development:Summative assessment- which focuses on measuring current performance in terms of howsuccessful the learner has been measured against national benchmarks, and formativeassessment which gathers information about pupils’ learning which is then used to help plannext steps in learning. Both types of assessment help teachers improve their teaching and thesupport they give to their pupils.Summative assessment takes the form of standardised classroom based tests whichmeasure how well your child is performing for their age and stage. Their purpose is not tocompare your child with others but to provide the school with information to ensure that yourchild’s learning needs are being addressed.Formative Assessment is an integral part of your child’s day to day learning and provides arange of information to support your child in moving their learning forward. This less formalassessment takes many forms including observing children’s engagement in classroom tasksand providing individual feedback to pupils to support them in identifying their own next stepsin learning.Within our school and broadly across all Fife primary schools two forms of assessment areused to support your child's development:Summative AssessmentSummative assessment focuses on measuring current performance in terms of howsuccessful the learner has been measured against national benchmarks. Summativeassessment take the form of standardised classroom based tests which measure how wellyour child is performing for their age and stage. Their purpose is not to compare your childwith others but to provide the school with information to ensure that your child's learningneeds are being addressed.Formative AssessmentFormative assessment gathers information about pupils' learning which is then used to helpplan next steps in learning. It is an integral part of your child's day to day learning andprovides a range of infromation to support your child in moving their learning forward. Thisless formal assessment takes many forms including observing children's engagement inclassroom tasks and providing individual feedback to pupils to support them in identtifyingtheir own next steps in learning.Both types of assessment help teachers improve their teaching and the support they give totheir pupils.ReportingIn all Fife schools teachers’ reports about each pupil’s learning play an important part inproviding useful feedback about learning, for parents and carers and for other teachers andadults concerned with the young person’s learning, progress and achievements.15

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15Effective, constructive feedback to parents should be clear, positive, specific, supportive andgive an honest appraisal of pupils’ progress. Feedback will be provided for parents at parents’meetings and in formal written reports. Formal written reports will be based on the personallearning planning and informal records that have been shared with pupils and parentsregularly throughout the year. Reports provide an overall summary of progress, achievementsand next steps in learning in line with Curriculum for Excellence.In all Fife schools teachers' reports about each pupil's learning play an important part inproviding useful feedback about learning, for parents and carers and for other teachers andadults concerned with the young person's learning, progress and achievements.Effective, constructive feedback to parents should be clear, positive, specific, supportive andgive an honest appraisal of pupils' progress. Feedback will be provided for parents at parents'meetings and in formal written reports. Formal written reports will be based on the personallearning planning and informal records that have been shared with pupils and parentsregularly throughout the year. Reports provide an overall summary of progress, achievementsand next steps in learning in line with Curriculum for Excellence.16

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUCTIONChildren who show musical promise may qualify for instrumental instruction. The types ofinstrument offered by Fife Education Service are violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarsach,woodwind, brass, piano/keyboard, bass guitar, guitar, percussion or bagpipes. The type ofinstrument available differs from school to school and generally only one type will be availablein a school.There is a charge for tuition. The rate may be subject to change but the current rate would benotified at the time of interview. This may be paid in instalments or by Direct Debit andconcessions may be available.Please tell the Headteacher if you do not wish your child to be considered for instrumentalinstruction.ATTENDANCEAs a parent you are legally obliged to send your child to school on a regular basis. To preventany misunderstanding, I should be grateful if you would contact the school immediately in anycase of absence from school or nursery. It would be appreciated if you would send anexplanatory note with your child when he/she returns to school; otherwise it will be recordedas an unauthorised absence.In cases of long term illness it may be possible for instruction to be given at home on apart-time basis.17

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15HEALTH CAREShould your child be taking medicine or suffer from a medical condition which might affecthis/her school life, it is essential that you notify the school of the condition and its implications.This information will be treated in strictest confidence to ensure the wellbeing of your child.Where necessary an Education Health Care Plan will be developed for your child inconsultation with you and relevant health services.Should your child become ill or have an accident while at school that requires medicalattention, we shall:try to contact you by telephone, if this is possible, or arrange for a message to be sent toyou.telephone the health service, if necessary, and arrange for your child to be taken by youor someone else nominated by you for medical attention.From time to time children are offered a medical examination or review by the schoolsCommunity Paediatrician or School Nurse from the School Health Service. These can beeither routine examinations carried out for all children, or where a health concern has beenidentified. As parent/carer you will be notified in good time so that you may be present ifpossible.School Based Immunisation ProgrammesAll pupils will be offered to participate in The Scottish School Based ImmunisationProgramme that is led by NHS Fife Health Board in partnership with education.Parents will be notified and invited to participate by the School Nursing Service when the ageappropriate immunisation programme is to take place within their child’s school.CHILD PROTECTIONOur school, like all schools in Fife, is concerned with all aspects of a child's health andwellbeing. We aim to provide a safe and supportive environment and work together with otheragencies to ensure that all children are safe and protected from harm. The school follows theEducation & Learning Directorate Child Protection guidelines in all aspects of child care andwelfare. Our school has a child protection co-ordinator (Anna Coggins) who will deal with allchild protection issues and with whom any concerns can be discussed.TRANSPORTIf you live more than one mile from your catchment area primary school, or two miles fromyour catchment area secondary school, measured by the shortest reasonable walking routefor an accompanied child, then the Council will meet the cost of transporting your child toschool. However, if you choose a school other than your catchment area school, the Councilwill not give any assistance with the cost of transport.18

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15SUPPORT FOR PUPILSSome children require additional support to make progress in school. Such support takes arange of forms – extra consideration by their class teacher, use of IT to support learning,support from a Pupil Support Assistant, time with a support teacher and in a few cases analternative placement to, for example an additional support needs class. In some cases helpmay be provided from services external to the school such as the Psychological Service,Sensory Service and Autism Support Team.If you are worried about your child’s progress and think he or she might have additionalsupport needs you can either raise this with school staff at a parent’s evening or make anappointment to discuss this at another time. School staff will listen closely to all your concernsand together you can decide on the next steps. Ongoing support will be co-ordinated by theheadteacher of the school.Each class teacher will ensure learning needs are met in their class and be aware of anyconcerns about a pupil’s wellbeing.If you would like to know more about how additional support needs are identified andassessed please contact the headteacher of your child’s school. Further information may alsobe available from the school’s link Educational Psychologist and the Learning SupportTeacher.The Additional Support for Learning ActIf you are concerned that your child/young person has additional support needs you canrequest, by writing to your school, an assessment to decide if there are additional supportneeds. If your child has additional support needs which are long term and involve a number ofservices, you can ask for a coordinated support plan to be established.Schools in Fife work in partnership with parents and aim to agree with you the best wayforward for your child. Where agreement cannot be reached between you and the school, itmay be helpful to involve an educational psychologist or education officer. The school maysuggest this, or you can request such involvement. Where a disagreement persists, relating toadditional support needs, you are entitled to free independent mediation.You can also ask for independent adjudication for disputes about how the local authority isexercising its functions under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act2004 as amended 2009. Additional Support Needs Tribunals can be accessed for disputesrelating to Coordinated Support Plans, including placing requests where there is a CSP.If you require further information about any of the above you can contact Alistair Haldane,Additional Support Needs Officer at Alistair.Haldane@fife.gov.uk or on 03451 555 555 Ext444224.19

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15Parents can also contact Enquire - the Scottish advice service for additional support forlearning. Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent, confidential adviceand information on additional support for learning through:a telephone helpline – 0845 123 2303an online enquiry service – info@enquire.org.uktwo websites– www.enquire.org.uk (for parents/carers and practitioners) andwww.enquire.org.uk/yp (for children and young people)Enquire also provides a range of clear and easy-to-read guides and factsheets explainingeverything from ‘additional support in the early years’ to ‘what planning should take place formoving on from school’.EQUAL OPPORTUNITIESFife Council’s schools promote Equal Opportunities for all pupils. All schools take problems ofbullying and racism very seriously, and have procedures for dealing with hate incidents andsupporting pupils and parents.PARENTAL INVOLVEMENTAt Balmullo Primary School we have very good relationships with our parents who can beinvolved in the life and work of the school in a variety of ways. All parents are members of theparent forum and can put themselves forward to be on the Parent Council. Any parent canattend the parent council meetings or put forward items for the agends. Our parent councilalso organises social events and help to raise funds for the school. All school events are verywell supported by parents throughout the school session. There are many other opportunitiesfor parents to get involved in the life of the school on an occasional or regular basis. We oftenask parents to help us accompany classes on outings or attend special events.Throughout the school year we create opportunities for parents to find out about what theirchild has been learning in class and to gain information about class routines and transitions.We hold Parent/Teacher meetings in Novemebr and April for parents to discuss the progresstheir child is making with the class teacher. All pupils have a Personal Learning Journal (PLJ)which records the targets, Learning Intentions and examples of their work. Your child willbring their PLJ home four times a year to share their learning with you. Parents areencouraged to record their own comments regarding their child's progress in the PLJ.20

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15THE SCHOOL TO WHICH YOUR CHILD WILL TRANSFEROn completion of primary education the normal arrangement is for children to transfer to thecatchment secondary school associated with their home address. However parents can makea placing request to attend a secondary school other than the catchment school and furtherinformation on how to do this is available in the booklet, Choosing a school – a guide forparents, which is available online at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/10093528/0SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTWe continue to work on being an improving school and as such we measure ourselvesagainst national standards known as 'Quality Indicators' (QIs). We use our evaluations, drawnfrom a variety of sources, to write our Standards and Quality report and create anImprovement Plan for each session. A summary of the report and improvement plan is sent toparents each year. A hard copy of the report and plan are available at the school office, onrequest.A yearly evaluation of our Nursery is submitted to the Care Inspectorate. This is available toparents in the Nursery.SCHOOL POLICIESFor more information about Fife Education and Learning policies please go towww.fifedirect.org.uk/keypoliciesFor more information about Fife Education and Learning policies please go towww.fifedirect.org.uk/keypoliciesAll our school policies reflect Fife Council policy and are currently under review to ensure theyreflect the good practice in the school. Information about policies are available on request.21

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15DATA COLLECTIONFife Council collects information on pupils, parents and other carers to enable the provision ofeducational and other support services including personal data, contact details, pupil’sattainment records and health information.We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better examresults. Sometimes the best way is by sharing information with our partner agencies includingNHS Fife, Fife Constabulary, Careers Scotland and the Scottish Government EducationDepartment. These agencies have a responsibility to protect children, young people andvulnerable adults and sharing information between agencies helps to do this. Examplesinclude: the provision of dental services, immunisation programmes and road safetycampaigns.The benefits of data sharing.Sharing information between partner agencies ensures integrated service provision whichprovides a positive contribution to the safety and well-being of children and young adults.Data sharing helps:protect children and young people from suffering harm, abuse or neglect;ensure children and young adults with additional needs get the services they require;enable pupils to achieve their academic potential and attain their goals;plan future servicesWhat information can be shared?Information collected through enrolment forms or provided by parents and other carers will beheld on computer systems and used within Fife Council for the purposes of furtheringeducation and training, pupil care, career guidance, health monitoring and Parent Councilelections and advice.Information will be shared with partner agencies when there are clear concerns about thecare, safety and welfare of children, young people or vulnerable adults and to aid careersplanning. If you have any questions or comments on the information we share please contactDavid Smith, MIS Team Leader at education.data@fife.gov.ukPersonal data will not be shared out-with the above circumstances and information will notbe disclosed to any third parties except where permitted or required by law or where informedconsent has been received. The uses of the information are covered by the Council’sregistration under the Data Protection Act 1998.WANT MORE INFORMATION?Further information on Fife Council’s use of data and the Data Protection Act 1998 can befound on Fife Council’s website www.fifedirect.org.uk22

Information for Parents/Carers Balmullo Primary School 2014-15SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONSIn the event of early closure due to severe weather conditions parents are advised to makearrangements for children to be collected or be received at home or by a neighbour, etc.To be kept up to date with closure information:1. Visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/closures. Also, check the website of your own school.2. By text or email through Fife Direct – To sign up to receive text or email alerts, pleaseenter your contact details via www.fifedirect.org.uk/alerts, click on Alerts and under AlertServices click on join fifedirect.3. By text or email through your school – Make sure that you have given your mobilenumber and email address details to the school so that they can contact you viaGroupcall.4. On your Mobile phone – Search for m.fifedirect.org.uk – from your mobile phonebrowser.5. Follow-us on facebook.com/fifecouncil and twitter.com/fifecouncil.6. Listen to Kingdom FM, Forth One and Tay FM.7. Check DigiTV – Red button on Sky and Virgin Media under Interactive Services, LocalServices.Please note if your child has moved from a primary school to a high school in August youshould amend the school details on Fife Direct to ensure you receive the correct schoolinformation.23

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ALTERNATIVE FORMATSThe information included in this document can be made available in large print, braille, audioCD/tape and British Sign Language interpretation on request by calling 03451 55 55 00Calls cost between 3p to 7p per minute from a UK landline, mobile rates may vary.BT Text phone number for Deaf people 18001 01383 441177LANGUAGE LINES