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EDUCATION AND LEARNING<strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong>20<strong>14</strong>-15<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong><strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15SCHOOL ETHOSFor over one hundred years, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> has served the catholic communityof Lochgelly. We maintain a strong tradition of welcoming pupils of other faiths and ethnicbackgrounds who have chosen to attend our school and we work hard to promote a positiveethos, where every child is valued and cultures and differences are respected. Our aim is toenable all pupils to be happy, confident, independent , responsible individuals, who arefulfilling their potential. We hope to attain this by providing a well planned, balancedcurriculum and sound programmes of study. We also strive to support the physical, socialand emotional needs of each individual pupil and maintain a safe welcoming environment thatencourages self respect and responsible citizenship. Pupil success is celebrated through our"Key to Success" programme and "<strong>St</strong>ar of the Week" certificates.As a catholic school we, strive to promote the characteristics as listed in "The Charter <strong>for</strong>Catholic <strong>School</strong>s in Scotand" which is printed in full on the previous page. As with all catholicprimary schools in Scotland, we use "This Is Our Faith" which is the primary programme <strong>for</strong>religious education. The school also takes part in local interdenominational services such asRemembrance Sunday and other joint activities.<strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> is one of three primary schools in Lochgelly, the other two being Lochgelly WestP.S. and Lochgelly South P.S. Unlike the other two schools, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> does not have anursery class and so the vast majority of the pupils transfer to us from the Sunflower Nurserywhich is a "stand alone " nursery. <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> pupils normally transfer to <strong>St</strong> Andrew's <strong>RC</strong> High<strong>School</strong> in Kirkcaldy, but pupils also have the option of attending Lochgelly HS which is thecatchment high school.The school can access the support of many outside agencies and services. These include:-Medical- through the school doctor or nurse, speech therapy, physiotherapy andoccupational therapy .Educational - Psychologist, Social Work, ICT Support and other groups who support pupilswith specific learning difficultiesEmergency Services and other Specialists - Police, Fire, Road Safety, CommunityWardens, SSPCA etc.5


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15BUILDING<strong>St</strong> Patrick’s <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> is situated at the north end of Lochgelly on <strong>St</strong>ation Road, whichlinks Lochgelly to the Benarty area. The original building was opened on the 30 November1903 and soon afterwards a further extension including 2 first floor rooms was added tofacilitate the growing numbers of pupils. During 1991/92 the falling school roll allowedrenovations to take place which changed 2 ground floor classrooms into a kitchen and smalldining room. Since then however, school numbers steadily increased to a point where theschool was sitting at almost maximum capacity with no spare classrooms or breakout space.In July 2010 a purpose built PE hall and an additional classroom was added to meet ourrising roll. This facility allows us to not only promote PE, health and wellbeing, but also toshowcase the talents of the pupils in our school, through concerts, shows and assemblies.The school playground has also been resurfaced and outdoor play facilities have beenerrected which include soft pour bases.Please note that <strong>for</strong> health and safety reasons no pedestrian access is allowed through thecar park entrance.6


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15CONTACT DETAILSHeadteacher: Miss Catherine ClarkeAddress: <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong>, 41 <strong>St</strong>ation Road, Lochgelly, Fife KY5 9QX,Telephone No: 01592 583461Website: www.fifedirect.org.uk/stpatrickrcpsEmail: stpatricksrcps.enquiries@fife.gov.uk<strong>School</strong> Roll (P1-7): 160Nursery Roll: N/AParent Council Email: stpatricksrcps.enquiries@fife.gov.ukOther <strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong><strong>St</strong>affingHeadteacher12 Teachers (including 2 sets of job-share , 0.5 Additional Support Needs and 2 NCCTTeachers)4 Pupil Support AssistantsAdministrative AssistantClerical AssistantJanitorParent Concerns<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Patrick's</strong> has an open door policy and any parent or carer who has a concern or issue theyfeel needs to be addressed, should contact the school office to arrange an appointment tospeak to the class teacher, or the headteacher, if they feel this is necessary. Teachers areavailable at the end of the school day i.e after 3pm and the headteacher can usually seeparents during the school or after 3pm depending on which is most convenient to them.Arrangements <strong>for</strong> Parent Making An Initial Visit To <strong>School</strong>Any parent/carer who is thinking about enroling their child at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Patrick's</strong> and wishes to makea visit prior to making a decision, will be made very welcome. In these circumstances theyshould make an appointment with the headteacher via the main office.7


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15SCHOOL HOURSMorningP1-7 09:00 amIntervalP1-7 10:40 am - 10:55 amLunchP1-3 12:05 pm (Pupils in P1-3 going home <strong>for</strong> lunch leave at 12:35 pm.)P4-7 12:35 pmAfternoonP1-7 1:20 pm - 3:00 pmSCHOOL UNIFORM<strong>School</strong> Tie - £3.75Sweatshirt with school logo - £9.00Small Adult Sweatshirt with school logo - £10.50Fleece with school logo - £13.00Small Adult Fleece with school logo - £15.50Polo shirt with school logo - £7.00Small Adult polo shirt - £7.50These prices may be subject to change.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 <strong>for</strong>ms on request and process claims. Please contact yournearest Local Office <strong>for</strong> an application <strong>for</strong>m.8


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15ENROLMENTChildren who reach the age of 5 on or be<strong>for</strong>e 11 August 20<strong>14</strong>, must normally start school inAugust 20<strong>14</strong>. Children who reach the age of 5 after 11 August 20<strong>14</strong>, but be<strong>for</strong>e 28 February2015, may also start school in August 20<strong>14</strong>, 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 be<strong>for</strong>e Friday, 24 January 20<strong>14</strong>.Headteachers must provide in<strong>for</strong>mation to parents on how to make a placing request <strong>for</strong> theschool of their choice. Placing requests should be made as soon as possible, and not laterthan 15 March 20<strong>14</strong>.Children who reach the age of 3 on or be<strong>for</strong>e 28 February 2015 must apply <strong>for</strong> a place in aFife Council nursery be<strong>for</strong>e the 31 January 20<strong>14</strong>. Nursery places are allocated in accordancewith Fife Council's Early Years Admissions Policy. <strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> and application <strong>for</strong>ms areavailable from all Fife nursery establishments and at www.fifedirect.org.uk. Applicationsshould be made <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> aplace now. All places are allocated by the Admissions Panel held in March 20<strong>14</strong> and placeswill be offered by letter by 31 March 20<strong>14</strong>.9


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15SCHOOL YEAR 20<strong>14</strong>-2015Terms <strong>St</strong>art Date End DateAutumnMonday 18 August 20<strong>14</strong> (teachers)Wednesday 20 August 20<strong>14</strong> (pupils)Friday 10 October 20<strong>14</strong>(40 teacher; 38 pupil days)Winter Monday 27 October 20<strong>14</strong> Friday 19 December 20<strong>14</strong>(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 <strong>for</strong> 190 school days, once the holidays and 5 in service days <strong>for</strong>teachers are deducted.Holidays <strong>St</strong>art Date End DateAutumn Monday 13 October 20<strong>14</strong> Friday 24 October 20<strong>14</strong>Christmas Monday 22 December 20<strong>14</strong> 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 <strong>14</strong> August 2015 (teachers)Tuesday 18 August 2015 (pupils)In Service DaysMonday 18 August 20<strong>14</strong>Tuesday 19 August 20<strong>14</strong>Friday <strong>14</strong> November 20<strong>14</strong>Wednesday 11 February 2015Tuesday 02 June 201510


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15SCHOOL MEALS AND MILK<strong>School</strong> meals are provided in all primary schools and now meet the Scottish Nutritional<strong>St</strong>andards as laid down by Hungry <strong>for</strong> Success because of this all primary schools now holdthe Food For Life Bronze Award. <strong>School</strong> meals now include more fruits and vegetables and allingredients used are low in salt and fat.What is a school meal?<strong>Home</strong> 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 <strong>2013</strong> to 31 March 20<strong>14</strong>).<strong>School</strong> lunch money can either be paid each Monday morning <strong>for</strong> the week ahead or paiddaily.SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTSFife Council is committed to providing a school meal service to all pupils who require themand will provide a specialised dietary service <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> 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


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15SCHOOL MILKFresh chilled milk is available in all <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong>s, and currently costs 18p per carton (from1st April <strong>2013</strong> to 31 March 20<strong>14</strong>).Milk money is collected on the last week of term <strong>for</strong> the following termFREE FRUIT IN SCHOOLSThe Free Fruit in <strong>School</strong>s initiative targets the youngest children, where eating fruit andvegetables is most likely to be habit <strong>for</strong>ming 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.HEALTHY TUCK SHOP INITIATIVEA healthy tuck shop can help encourage children to adopt good eating habits. There<strong>for</strong>e aspart of the whole school approach to food schools are being encouraged to establish healthytuck shops within their schools. The Food in <strong>School</strong>s group has developed a Healthy tuckshop/Vending policy which gives schools guidance on suitable products <strong>for</strong> inclusion in ahealthy tuck shop initiative.12


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15CURRICULUMFife schools follow Curriculum <strong>for</strong> Excellence, a national framework which is providing ourchildren with learning experiences and opportunities to prepare them <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> parents toreceive in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 <strong>for</strong> all pupils attending primary and secondaryschools in Scotland. <strong>School</strong>s also provide opportunities <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong>pupils to participate in a suitable alternative activity.Further in<strong>for</strong>mation about the curriculum is available on the school website, and more generalin<strong>for</strong>mation regarding Curriculum <strong>for</strong> Excellence can be found at Parentzone(http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone), a national resource developed byEducation Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.Clubs and Activities The school runs a number of activities throughout the school year .These include: - Lunchtime Table Tennis Club, Walking Club and Five Aside Football .After <strong>School</strong> Football Training, Badminton Coaching, Short Tennis Coaching, DanceFit and Multi-Activity Club. (8-10 week blocks)Pupil Groups and CommitteesThese include a House System with P7 House Captains and Vice Captains, Pupil Councilwith representatives from each class, Eco Committee with representaives from each class,P7 and P6 Buddies and Peer Mediators.13


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15ASSESSMENT AND REPORTINGAssessmentBroadly, across Fife primary schools two <strong>for</strong>ms of assessment are used to support yourchild’s development:Summative assessment- which focuses on measuring current per<strong>for</strong>mance in terms of howsuccessful the learner has been measured against national benchmarks, and <strong>for</strong>mativeassessment which gathers in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 <strong>for</strong>m of standardised classroom based tests whichmeasure how well your child is per<strong>for</strong>ming <strong>for</strong> their age and stage. Their purpose is not tocompare your child with others but to provide the school with in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 in<strong>for</strong>mation to support your child in moving their learning <strong>for</strong>ward. This less <strong>for</strong>malassessment takes many <strong>for</strong>ms 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, teachers work hard to ensure that every pupil has well plannedprogrammes of work, that meet their individual needs. This programme is produced followingconsultation/discussion with the pupils themselves, the headteacher and where necessary,the Learning Support teacher and pupil support staff. At the start of each term a PupilLearning Plan is sent home to keep parents/carers up to date with topics and skills their childis undertaking in the different curricular areas.At <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong>, both summative and <strong>for</strong>mative assessment is used in all classes to track pupilprogess. This in<strong>for</strong>mation is used to plan the next steps in learning <strong>for</strong> each child and thecumulative in<strong>for</strong>mation gathered is used to place a pupil at a level within the Curriculum <strong>for</strong>Excellence.ReportingIn all Fife schools teachers’ reports about each pupil’s learning play an important part inproviding useful feedback about learning, <strong>for</strong> parents and carers and <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> parents at parents’meetings and in <strong>for</strong>mal written reports. Formal written reports will be based on the personallearning planning and in<strong>for</strong>mal 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 <strong>for</strong> Excellence.Within our school, parents have the opportunity to attend an individual parents interview andan open evening each year. Parent workshops relating to different curricular areas, areorganised throughout the year and meetings, specific to individual groups and classes e.g.<strong>14</strong>


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15transition, Dounans etc. are orgainised as required. Parents/carers of pupils with additionalsupport needs and have an ISP or a CSP will be invited to additional, individual meetings.Throughout the year, parents will have the opportunity to attend concerts, shows, assembliesand religious services which will also showcase the pupils talents and skills across manycurricular areas. These activities and all the in<strong>for</strong>mation gathered from on-goingassessment is used to <strong>for</strong>m the basis <strong>for</strong> the end of year report.15


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUCTIONChildren who show musical promise may qualify <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> instruction to be given at home on apart-time basis.16


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-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 in<strong>for</strong>mation will be treated in strictest confidence to ensure the wellbeing of your child.Where necessary an Education Health Care Plan will be developed <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> a message to be sent toyou.telephone the health service, if necessary, and arrange <strong>for</strong> your child to be taken by youor someone else nominated by you <strong>for</strong> medical attention.From time to time children are offered a medical examination or review by the schoolsCommunity Paediatrician or <strong>School</strong> Nurse from the <strong>School</strong> Health Service. These can beeither routine examinations carried out <strong>for</strong> 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.<strong>School</strong> Based Immunisation ProgrammesAll pupils will be offered to participate in The Scottish <strong>School</strong> Based ImmunisationProgramme that is led by NHS Fife Health Board in partnership with education.Parents will be notified and invited to participate by the <strong>School</strong> 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 (Catherine Clarke) who will deal withall child 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 route<strong>for</strong> 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.17


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15SUPPORT FOR PUPILSSome children require additional support to make progress in school. Such support takes arange of <strong>for</strong>ms – 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, <strong>for</strong> 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. <strong>School</strong> 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 in<strong>for</strong>mation may alsobe available from the school’s link Educational Psychologist and the Learning SupportTeacher.The Additional Support <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> a coordinated support plan to be established.<strong>School</strong>s in Fife work in partnership with parents and aim to agree with you the best way<strong>for</strong>ward <strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong> independent adjudication <strong>for</strong> disputes about how the local authority isexercising its functions under the Education (Additional Support <strong>for</strong> Learning) (Scotland) Act2004 as amended 2009. Additional Support Needs Tribunals can be accessed <strong>for</strong> disputesrelating to Coordinated Support Plans, including placing requests where there is a CSP.If you require further in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 Ext444224.18


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15Parents can also contact Enquire - the Scottish advice service <strong>for</strong> additional support <strong>for</strong>learning. Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent, confidential adviceand in<strong>for</strong>mation on additional support <strong>for</strong> learning through:a telephone helpline – 0845 123 2303an online enquiry service – info@enquire.org.uktwo websites– www.enquire.org.uk (<strong>for</strong> parents/carers and practitioners) andwww.enquire.org.uk/yp (<strong>for</strong> 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 <strong>for</strong>moving on from school’.EQUAL OPPORTUNITIESFife Council’s schools promote Equal Opportunities <strong>for</strong> all pupils. All schools take problems ofbullying and racism very seriously, and have procedures <strong>for</strong> dealing with hate incidents andsupporting pupils and parents.PARENTAL INVOLVEMENTThere are several ways in which parents can become more involved in the work of the school:Through joining the Parent Council - Parents have the opportunity to play an activerole in the decision making process within the schoolThrough voluntary work in school - The school welcomes parents who can contributean hour or two in school and help raise attainment in any area of the curriculum.Through fundraising activities - Even although you cannot commit your time regularly,there are fundraising events organised by the Parent Council during the school yearwhich help provide resources to help enhance learning and raise pupil attainment.At <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> we encourage parents to be as involved as possible in their children'slearning and we support this by :Providing regular homework as per the school's homework policy ( available in school orfrom the school website)Providing parents with workshops relating to particular curricular areasProviding in<strong>for</strong>mation to their child's personal learning planProviding specific parent meetings at key transition stages and /or pertaining to certainsubjects eg P.7 residental experience19


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15THE SCHOOL TO WHICH YOUR CHILD WILL TRANSFEROn completion of primary education the normal arrangement is <strong>for</strong> 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 furtherin<strong>for</strong>mation on how to do this is available in the booklet, Choosing a school – a guide <strong>for</strong>parents, which is available online at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/10093528/0SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTDetails relating to pupil attainment in literacy and numeracy can be found in our <strong>St</strong>andardsand Quality report which is available on our website or can be viewed in school.The <strong>St</strong>andards and quality report also include other pupil achievements. Some of which are:successfully maintaining our Green Flag status<strong>Primary</strong> 7 have taken part in the <strong>St</strong> Andrew's Cluster 'Praxis' Awards which recognisesout of school achievement and citizenship resulting in all pupils achieving silver or goldstatus.All pupils presented Christmas Concerts and Assemblies where parents, families andfriends attended.Pupils from <strong>St</strong>. Patrick’s took part and per<strong>for</strong>med in the Fife Festival of Music.<strong>Primary</strong> 7 pupils along with the other cluster schools took part in a five day adventureholiday at DounansPupils raised well over £1000 pounds in charity fundraisingSCHOOL POLICIESFor more in<strong>for</strong>mation about Fife Education and Learning policies please go towww.fifedirect.org.uk/keypoliciesThe following school policies are available and can be accessed by contacting the school orvia the school website:Learning and Teaching, Assessment, Support <strong>for</strong> LearningICT and TechnologyEmergency EvacuationSite Traffic Management PlanHealth & SafetyPositive Behaviour /Anto Bullying<strong>Home</strong>work - Learning out of <strong>School</strong><strong>School</strong> Resilience - Emergency & Business Continuity Management Plan20


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15DATA COLLECTIONFife Council collects in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 in<strong>for</strong>mation.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 in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 in<strong>for</strong>mation between agencies helps to do this. Examplesinclude: the provision of dental services, immunisation programmes and road safetycampaigns.The benefits of data sharing.Sharing in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 in<strong>for</strong>mation can be shared?<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> collected through enrolment <strong>for</strong>ms or provided by parents and other carers will beheld on computer systems and used within Fife Council <strong>for</strong> the purposes of furtheringeducation and training, pupil care, career guidance, health monitoring and Parent Councilelections and advice.<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> 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 in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 in<strong>for</strong>mation will notbe disclosed to any third parties except where permitted or required by law or where in<strong>for</strong>medconsent has been received. The uses of the in<strong>for</strong>mation are covered by the Council’sregistration under the Data Protection Act 1998.WANT MORE INFORMATION?Further in<strong>for</strong>mation on Fife Council’s use of data and the Data Protection Act 1998 can befound on Fife Council’s website www.fifedirect.org.uk21


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-15SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONSIn the event of early closure due to severe weather conditions parents are advised to makearrangements <strong>for</strong> children to be collected or be received at home or by a neighbour, etc.To be kept up to date with closure in<strong>for</strong>mation: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 <strong>for</strong> 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 schoolin<strong>for</strong>mation.22


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-1523


<strong>In<strong>for</strong>mation</strong> <strong>for</strong> Parents/Carers <strong>St</strong> <strong>Patrick's</strong> R C <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> 20<strong>14</strong>-1524


ALTERNATIVE FORMATSThe in<strong>for</strong>mation 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 <strong>for</strong> Deaf people 18001 01383 441177LANGUAGE LINES

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