St. Blane's Primary Primary School Handbook Information 2021 - St Blane's Primary School
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Education Resources
St. Blane’s Primary
Primary School Handbook Information
2021
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Contents
1. Introduction
2. About our School
3. Parental Involvement
4. School Ethos
5. The Curriculum
6. Assessment and Tracking Progress
7. Reporting
8. Transitions
9. Support for Pupils (Additional Support Needs)
10. School Improvement
11. School Policies and Practical Information
If you need this information in another language or format, please contact us to discuss how we
can best meet your needs.
Phone: 0303 123 1023 Email: education@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
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1) Introduction by the Headteacher
Welcome to Saint Blane’s Primary. We are a denominational co-educational school located in
Blantyre. The school has 10 classrooms each with an interactive whiteboard, open areas, a library,
a conference suite, a computer suite, a large gym hall and separate dining area. We also have a
room called the Sunshine Room which can be used for nurturing and family engagement activities.
Outdoors we have two playgrounds with wooden tables and benches. Our school incorporates a
multiple use games area known as ‘the MUGA’. This is used for football, basketball, netball and
many other activities. St Blane’s is extremely fortunate in having within the playground our very
own garden. This facility includes large planting beds and a poly tunnel/greenhouse. Our retired
janitor, Mr Rankin, looks after our garden and supports the children in learning to grow plants We
see ourselves as part of your community and enjoy the support of partners from our local
community and beyond. Our children come from two local parishes and we work very closely with
Fr Lamb parish priest, Fr Lawrie the assistant parish priest and Deacon Joe Dowd of St Joseph’s
and of St John Ogilvie and parents to form our home, school and church partnership which has
your child at the centre.
At Saint Blane’s Primary we enjoy the support of our parents and continue work to engage
positively in effective partnership which help families to help their children in their learning. We
have Miss Cowie, our PEF Principal teacher with a specific remit in Family Learning and
Engagement and Hazel Ure and Karen Gibbons our Barnardo’s Family Workers . Our parents
report positively on the work they have undertaken in building good learning relationships.
Our school values are Honesty, Self Respect, Achievement, Cooperation and helping others and
Faith. These were identified a few years ago by pupils, parents and staff as important. Next
session we aim to renew these with our current families and partners.
Within our classrooms we aim to make learning active, fun and inclusive, where everyone is
engaged and joining in. Children learn about language and literacy, mathematics and numeracy
and health and wellbeing as individual subjects as well as across learning through inter disciplinary
topics. These help pupils’ understanding and engagement and support the development of skills
for learning, life and work.
Our pupils have good attendance and this is encouraged as we know that it supports learning and
developing social skills. We encourage you to get involved with our school activities and get to
know what your child is doing at school.
I look forward to working with you and should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact
me. I would be delighted to help you in any way I can.
Mrs Pauline Brown
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Saint Blane’s School Staff
South Lanarkshire Council is the fifth largest authority in Scotland. It covers the following main
areas: Clydesdale in the South which features extensive rural areas, Cambuslang, Rutherglen,
Blantyre and Uddingston to the North as well as the towns of East Kilbride and Hamilton.
The Council’s Plan Connect sets out the Council’s Vision which is “to improve the quality of life for
all within South Lanarkshire”.
For Education Resources this means delivering services of the highest quality as well as striving to
narrow the gap. It is about continually improving the services for everyone at the same time as
giving priority to children, young people, families and communities in most need. The priorities for
schools and services are set out in the Education Resources Plan which confirms the commitment
to provide better learning opportunities and outcomes for children and young people.
It is hoped that with your support and the support of other parents, we can work together in
creating an environment where children can be successful learners, confident individuals, effective
contributors and responsible citizens.
2) About our school
Name of school: Saint Blane’s Primary
Address: Fernslea Avenue, Blantyre, G72 9PT
Phone number: 01698 823679
E mail address: office@st-blanes-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk
Website address: www.st-blanes-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk
Twitter: @blane_saint
Stages of education provided for: Primary 1 – Primary 7
Present roll: 206
the denominational status; Roman Catholic, co-educational
School hours: 9.00am – 11.45am – 12.30pm – 3.00pm (P1 – P4)
9.00am – 12.30pm – 1.15pm – 3.00pm (P5 – P7)
The school does not provide teaching by means of the Gaelic language (as spoken in
Scotland);
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Senior Management Team
Mrs Pauline Brown Head Teacher
Mrs Anne O’Donnelly Principal Teacher
Miss Megan Cowie Acting Principal Teacher
Teaching Staff
Mrs Siobhan O’Neill-Smith Primary 1
Mrs Amanda Holmes Primary 2/3
Mrs Gemma Austin/Mrs Anna Marenghi Primary 3
Miss Megan Cowie/Miss Jodie Maxwell Primary 4
Miss Fiona Devlin Primary 4/5
Mr Gareth Harmon Primary 5
Mrs Marie Macneil Primary 6
Mrs Caroline Cullen Primary 7
School Support
Mrs Caroline Young Team Leader, Clerical Assistant
Mrs Elizabeth Murray Clerical Assistant
Mrs Laura Lowis Classroom Support Assistant
Mrs Anne McArthur Classroom Support Assistant
Mrs Claire Kelly Classroom Support Assistant
Mrs Gail Gardner Classroom Support Assistant
Mrs Irene MacKenzie Classroom Support Assistant
Mrs Pauline Doyle Support Services Co-ordinator for St. John
Ogilvie Learning Community
Community Resource Team
Ms Linda Smith Janitor
Mrs Sally McKean Catering Supervisor
Catering Assistant
Parent Representatives
Lisa Kelly Chair, Parent Council (PC)
Michelle Hill Depute Chair /Friend’s of St Blane’s
Nicola Clarke Coordinator.
John Campaigne Church Representative
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Parental Concerns
We urge you to contact the school as early as possible if you have any cause for concern about
your child’s school work, attitude or behaviour. The earlier the contact is made the better.
Similarly, if we have any cause for concern about your child, we will be in touch with you.
Reporting Pupil Absence
It is important for the school to work with parents in encouraging all children to attend school. All
absences from school are required by law to be recorded. Absences will normally fall under two
categories – authorised or unauthorised absence. In cases where your child is unable to attend
school parents are asked to:-
If you know in advance of any reason why your child is likely to be absent from school,
please tell someone at the school, phone us or let us know in writing. Please also give your
child a note on his/her return to school, explaining the reason for absence;
Notify the school first thing in the morning when your child is going to be absent. Let the
school know the likely date of return and keep them informed if the date changes;
Inform the school of any change to the following:-
- home phone number
- mobile number
- emergency contact details
Requests for your child to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives
must be made in writing to the head teacher, detailing the reason, destination and duration
of absence and arrangements for their continuing education. On these occasions the pupil
will be marked as an authorised absentee in the register.
The Complaints procedure
In Saint Blane’s we endeavour to provide the highest possible service at all times and are proud of
the good working relationships we enjoy. However there may be occasions where you feel
unhappy with aspects of our service, in this instance it is best to contact us as soon as possible to
allow us the opportunity to put things right.
We operate an ‘Open Door’ policy, where if you visit or call the school, Mrs Brown, Head Teacher,
Mrs Anne O’Donnelly, Principal Teacher or Miss Megan Cowie, Acting Principal Teacher will see
you right away, if they are free. If they are unavailable at the time you call, you will be given the
chance to make an appointment at your earliest convenience. If you leave a message you will be
called back by the end of the following working day at the latest or given a timescale for the call.
Parental Visits
Any parent or carer who wishes their child to attend Saint Blane’s is very welcome to make an
appointment to come and visit the school.
When we are able to return to normal visiting in school after COVID-19 restrictions are removed,
we have an open day in December where pupils and their parents are given a tour of the school by
members of our Pupil Leadership Team. Here you will have the chance to meet staff and see us in
action. During your guided tour the management team will be on hand for a chat.
3) Parental involvement
South Lanarkshire Council recognises the importance of parents as partners in the education of
their child and has published a strategy entitled, ‘Making a Difference’ – working together to
support children’s learning’. This is available from the Council’s website:
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
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Parents, carers and family members are by far the most important influences on children’s lives.
Children between the ages of 5 and 16 spend only 15% of their time in school! Research shows
that when parents are involved in their child’s learning, children do better at school and throughout
life. Parental involvement can take different forms but we hope you share the same aims and
agree that by working together we can be partners in supporting children’s learning.
As parents/carers we want you to be:
Welcomed and given an opportunity to be involved in the life of the school;
Fully informed about your child’s learning;
Encouraged to make an active contribution to your child’s learning;
Able to support learning at home;
Encouraged to express your views and involved in forums and discussions on education
related issues.
To find out more on how to be a parent helper, ‘Friends of St Blane’s’ helper or a member of the
Parent Council just contact the school or visit our website www.st-blanes-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk
Some useful information contacts for parents to find out more on education are as follows:
Parentzone – www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk
Engage Parent Forum – www.engageforeducation.org
National Parent Forum for Scotland – www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone
South Lanarkshire Council – www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
4) School Ethos
In Saint Blane’s Primary School we are committed to working together to maintain an open, happy,
respectful and achieving culture where all feel valued and welcome. Our school values of honesty,
self respect, achievement, cooperation and helping others and faith are central to maintaining our
positive school community. In consultation almost all of our pupils thought we were an excellent
school and that their learning was excellent. Our values statement on achievement, written by
learners, states that ‘Doing well makes you feel good about yourself’.
We aim to see that our learners are active participants in their own learning. We work well
together by listening to one another. Each class has its own Pupil Councillor, and we also have P4
– P7 Language Committee with Mrs Cullen. Our elected Head Boy, Head Girl, Depute Head Boy
and Depute Head Girl, together with our House Captains and members of our Pupil council, meet
regularly and feedback to Mrs Brown and the school senior management team.
I am having tea with
the Head Teacher
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We have very well behaved pupils who understand that we are all responsible for our own actions
We promote positive behaviour with a series of rewards and positive recognition in a variety of
ways. Every week each class teacher nominates a ‘Star of the Week’ where individual
achievements, whether in or out of school, are celebrated. These pupils are presented by a
certificate and special pencil by Mrs Brown. When our school returns to normal operations post
COVID-19 to our weekly achievement assemblies and our positive behaviour ‘Going for Green’
system where pupils gain Master class activities In addition a monthly Tea with the Head Teacher
will return where one pupil from each class who has made a special contribution that month is
invited.
As a community of learners we aim to:
Continue to build good working partnerships within our community and beyond to
support our learners’ development of the four capacities; Successful Learners,
Confident Individuals, Responsible Citizens and Effective Contributors in their
community and wider society.
Undertake curricular developments in line with principals of Curriculum for
Excellence
Listen to and act upon the views of pupils, staff, parents and partners to inform self
evaluation leading to improvement.
Work together in teams to support each other develop our skills and expertise
Promote leadership at all levels, ensure high quality learning and teaching is linked
to improvements in practice. Staff and pupils will be supported and encouraged to
lead initiatives linked to agreed priorities and objectives.
Each year our senior pupils go on a residential trip. The pupils
engage in a variety of team building activities. The pupils find this
a very enjoyable experience which enables them to develop a
range of inter-personal and social skills in a new and challenging
environment. Our P7 last year enjoyed a fun packed few days at
Auchengillen Outdoor Centre. We hope our current P7 will be
given this opportunity if COVID restrictions are lifted.
Each year we hold Pupil Leadership elections and although
this year was a little more challenging, this did not deter our
excellent Primary 7 pupils. In the age of digital technology, our
P7 pupils videoed their speeches and these were broadcast in
all the classes.
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Fitness Thursday – We have continued to promote health and
wellbeing in our school by holding Fitness Thursdays. Children
engaged in a variety of activities to develop fitness, gross motor
skills and overall wellbeing.
Playbase Learning – In Primary 1 we use a play based learning
approach. Play is essential for children’s development. It allows
children to learn through real life experiences. Play based learning
enables children to make mistakes and build independence. We
have many areas including role play, blocks, loose arts and
technology. The children will have more focused teaching time
parallel to their play.
We have a variety of lunch time and after school clubs to
encourage the children to participate in a range of sports and
activities including: Multi- sports club, Netball, Football and
Choir. Where possible the children represent the school at
events and competitions. We hope these will all be able to
resume as soon as possible when current COVID-19
restrictions are removed.
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As a denominational school we build our culture and ethos around the Gospel values and have
inclusion, equality and respect of individuals at the heart of who we are and what we do. We are a
school serving the Roman Catholic community of Blantyre, but welcome all faiths and cultures and
recognise the richness diversity brings to communities and society as a whole. We celebrate and
share our faith together in assemblies and services. The Catholic Charter is set out below.
SCOTTISH CATHOLIC EDUCATION SERVICE
SCOTTISH CATHOLIC EDUCATION SERVICE
published by the Scottish Catholic Education Service on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of
Scotland
A CHARTER for CATHOLIC SCHOOLS in SCOTLAND
The mission of the Catholic school is to develop as a community of faith and learning, providing the
highest quality of education, and offering formation through the promotion of Gospel values,
through celebration and worship, and through service to the common good.
All Catholic schools in Scotland, in honouring Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life,
will feature the following characteristics:
✴ a commitment to the integrated education and formation of the whole person, in close
partnership with parents as the first educators of their children;
✴ an inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each person, made in the
image of God;
✴ a commitment to the search for wisdom in life and to the pursuit of excellence, through the
development of each person’s unique God-given talents;
✴ a commitment to the spiritual formation of the school community, through the shared experience
of prayer and liturgy, and in partnership with local parishes;
✴ the provision of religious education programmes which will enable young people to develop their
understanding of Gospel values and of how to apply them to life;
✴ a commitment to uphold the moral teaching, faith tradition and sacramental life of the Catholic
Church;
✴ a commitment to communicate Catholic social teaching and thereby to promote social justice
and opportunity for all;
✴ a commitment to ecumenical action and the unity of Christians;
✴ the promotion of respect for different beliefs and cultures and for inter-faith dialogue;
✴ a commitment to support the continuing professional and spiritual development of staff.
All staff appointed to a Catholic school are expected to support and promote the aims, mission,
values and ethos of the school, as illustrated in this Charter.
105) The Curriculum
THE CURRICULUM
Curriculum for Excellence is the name given to the curriculum in Scotland for all children and
young people aged 3-18. It is a forward looking, coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum
that provides young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes they will need to flourish in life,
learning and work, now and in the future.
The Curriculum includes all of the experiences that are planned for children and young people to
support the development of their skills, wherever they are being educated, for example in the
family and community, pre-school centre, nursery and school. This broad, general education will
allow them to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective
contributors to life in the 21st century.
In taking this forward our school will work closely with South Lanarkshire Education Resources and
other services to enrich the curriculum, to provide the best possible education for all children and
young people. We wish you to feel confident that your child is encouraged and supported to
develop their literacy, numeracy and other skills whilst they attend our school. The curriculum
areas are as follows:
Expressive arts
Languages and literacy
Health and wellbeing
Mathematics and numeracy
Religious and moral education
Science
Social studies
Technologies
If you want to know more about Curriculum for Excellence, please visit these websites
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/ or www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk
Our learning and teaching activities are based on the outcomes and experiences in the guidelines
that all schools have for Curriculum for Excellence.
Level Stage
Early The pre-school years and Primary 1 or later for some.
First To the end of Primary 4 but earlier or later for some.
Second To the end of Primary 7, but earlier or later for some.
Family Learning in Saint Blane’s
Family Learning encourages family members to learn together as and within a family, with a focus
on intergenerational learning. Family learning activities can also be specifically designed to enable
parents to learn how to support their children’s learning.
(Scottish Family Learning Network, 2016)
11Research has shown that when parents and carers are involved in their child’s learning, children
do better at school and throughout life. In Saint Blane’s we are committed to ensuring that every
child reaches their full potential and regard Family Learning as a priority for our young people to do
so. As such, we plan and provide a range of opportunities for our families to engage in their child’s
learning, with an aim to maximise the outcomes for our learners.
Engaging Families Ethos
Evening workshops on curricular areas, allowing parents and carers a chance to drop in
and have a look at the resources used by their child and have an informal chat with their
teacher.
Pupils will take a selection of their classwork home 4 times throughout the session. This
allows families to be kept aware of what their child is learning and their development
through the curriculum. We encourage our families to look through the classwork and
discuss strengths and target areas together.
Twice per session, pupils are issued with a differentiated Learning Together Grid. This is
an optional selection of fun activities for families to do together, linked to what the child has
been doing in school. These are not regarded as formal homework, they are designed to
provide ideas and guidance for our families to learn together.
To help keep our families informed of some of the great things our pupils do on a daily
basis, we have our specially designed Praise Cards. These are given out by the class
teacher when a pupil has worked especially hard on something in class, has achieved a
great result for their efforts or has done something kind for someone else.
Education, learning and teaching strategies have evolved many times over the years. As a result,
many parents and carers can feel like they don’t have the knowledge or skills to be able to support
their children at home with their learning. At Saint Blane’s we strive to build capacity in our parents
so that they feel confident in their skills and knowledge of the strategies used in school in order to
help their child at home. Although our normal activities could not be arranged this year we have still
strived to engage families as much as possible. We have established Google Classroom for every
child in the school, allowing a form of communication between our families and the school. We
have arranged Zoom parental workshops for our P1 parents to demonstrate the resources and
programmes used in Active Literacy and Active Numeracy within the school.
12Family Learning Groups
When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted we hope to re-establish our Family Learning Groups within
the school. Focusing on Literacy and Numeracy, these adult and child groups are designed to
provide parents and carers with the strategies and resources which we use in school, so that they
can use them at home with their child. Parents involved have found these small groups to be
invaluable in helping them help their child and have drawn confidence and encouragement from
each other.
Families Connect Programme
Our Families Connect programme offered to our families with children in Primary 1 or 2. Families
Connect is an 8-week programme developed by Save the Children to provide guidance to parents
and carers and to support them in family learning in the home environment. The programme
provides a series of activities, techniques and games that parents and carers can practise with
their children in order to consider how they can introduce these into their own home environments.
Families Connect is unique in that it uses play as the vehicle for learning and interaction between
parents/ carers and their children to focus on three key areas:
1. Social and emotional development
2. Literacy and language development
3. Numeracy and mathematics
These will be reintroduced as soon as Scottish government guideline permit us to.
A Nurturing Ethos in Saint Blane’s
In Saint Blane’s we are committed to the emotional and social development of our children,
recognising that these go hand in hand with their academic and educational progress. To enable
us to cater for these areas, we have a Nurture Group running in the school led by Miss Cowie.
This takes place in our Sunshine Room and is a warm, welcoming and safe place for any children
who need it and helps give children the skills to do well at school, make friends and deal more
confidently and calmly with the variety of social situations they may meet during their life. The
group currently runs 4 mornings per week.
13Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values
As a Catholic School our ethos is underpinned by the Gospel Values set out in A Charter for
Catholic Schools. We provide an inclusive ethos where the dignity and value of each individual is
respected and valued. In Saint Blane’s we follow the guidelines of Motherwell Diocese.
In exploring religious education and Health and Wellbeing the children are aware of their
responsibilities and actively fund raise. Charities such as Mary’s Meals benefit greatly from their
generosity.
Our R.E. programme offers a systematic presentation of the Christian event, message and way of
life appropriate to the age and stage of development of the child. The R.E. programme provides
opportunity for celebration, prayer and reflection in implicit and explicit ways. Preparation for the
sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation are effectively implemented at
the appropriate stages in the child’s development. The R.E. programme also provides the children
with the language of religious experience, whereby they can explore their faith and that of others
within the terms of their own understanding.
All of the above is addressed in the formal curriculum through the ‘This is Our Faith’ programme
and our own values system which permeates all aspects of school life.
The clergy from St. John Ogilvie Parish and St. Joseph’s Parish are frequent and welcome visitors
to our school, helping the children express, develop and deepen the faith that has been explored in
the R.E. programme. There are also opportunities for Prayer Services. Our R.E. programme plays
a vital role in our policy of ensuring that all pupils, irrespective of belief, race, culture, class, gender
and disability are provided with an education which allows them to develop their full potential. In
our R.E. programme we promote and foster positive values such as respect, love, tolerance,
understanding and fairness. At the same time we strive to identify and combat stereotyping,
racism and all forms of discrimination wherever they occur.
The school encourages all parents to take an active role in the R.E. programme through e.g.
parents’ evenings especially for religious education and parent’s workshops on the curriculum.
Religious Observance
Rights of Parents/Carers
Scottish Government Ministers welcome the tradition that, in Roman Catholic denominational
schools, Catholic Liturgy will largely shape the nature and frequency of religious observance
activities in the classroom and in the wider school community. So, at times, children and young
people will be invited to participate in, and sometimes to lead, prayer and reflection in classrooms
and at assemblies. At other times, to honour particular occasions or feast, chaplains will lead
school communities in the celebration of Mass and other forms of liturgical celebration.
There is a statutory provision for parents to withdraw children from participation in religious
observance. This right of parents’ wishes will be respected.
Where a child is withdrawn from religious observance, schools will make suitable arrangements for
the child to participate in a worthwhile activity.
Equalities
Integral to this guidance is the principle of mutual respect. The diversity of belief and tradition
provides an ideal context in which pupils can learn about and so learn from, what is important in
the lives of themselves and others. South Lanarkshire’s guidance recognises and welcomes
diversity and promotes respectful understanding.
Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent in order to celebrate recognised
religious events. Advance notice should be provided to the school when children will be absent.
Appropriate requests will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.
14Education Resources has produced guidelines on Religious Observance Policies and these are
available in all establishments.
6) Assessment
Assessment in Saint Blane’s is ongoing and is used to support learning. Learning and skills
development are discussed and recorded in terms of how much and how well teachers use
teaching for effective learning and strategies to maintain and track progress.
Examples you will see are:
High quality feedback ensures learners are aware of their progress and areas for
improvement
Sharing of learning intentions and success criteria
Self and peer assessment, where learners check their work against targets and criteria
There is continuous informal assessment of children’s progress based on the class teacher’s
observation of day to day performance. Attainment can be measured by what pupils can say,
make, write or do. In many instances pupils’ learning is extended to include higher order skills such
as creating, hypothesising and analysing. Pupils are involved from an early stage in assessing their
own learning with almost all reporting that they knew what to do to improve.
More formal assessments take place at regular intervals and are used to inform planning for next
steps in learning. Examples of some assessments we use are:
Common Words/Key Word Assessments
Single Word Spelling Test
New Group Reading Test
Write to the Top Writing Criteria
Mental maths assessments
TeeJay CfE maths assessments
MaLT maths assessments
Some learners may require more specific diagnostic assessments at times. These will be
undertaken by the Additional Support for Learning Coordinators, Mrs O’Donnelly, Principal Teacher
or our Educational Psychologist Mr Paul McGill
You will be informed if any of these assessments are undertaken.
Each teacher records and tracks the learning of the pupils in their class. The Head Teacher, Mrs
Brown tracks the progress of each pupil twice a year in November and May by meeting with
individual teachers. At these meetings progress is discussed and targets set to ensure continuous
attainment and achievement for all.
We provide two parents evenings where your child’s progress is discussed as well as the next
steps in their learning. In addition we have a Meet the Teacher day in September and produce
reports in May.
We also have a number of workshops and presentations throughout the session on learning, the
curriculum and assessment which parents are encouraged to attend.
157) Reporting
Saint Blane’s recognises that good teamwork among parents, children and schools is the key to a
successful education for your child. Reporting will be ongoing and comprise of a range of activities
which can include children presenting their learning, newsletters and ongoing oral discussions.
We will provide parents with reports so that you can see what your child is doing and how they are
progressing. In addition, there will be parents’ meetings which offer you the opportunity to discuss
how your child is progressing and how you can contact the school if you wish further information.
The school will offer you an appointment time so that you can visit in person to discuss your child’s
education.
Our ‘pupil reports’ will help you to get to know more about the curriculum which each child follows
and will describe strengths, achievements and areas for development so you know what
encouragement and support you can give.
We welcome any comments or additional information from parents to help us provide the best
possible education for your child.
Parents’ Evenings: Our Parents’ Evening are usually held twice a year in October and May.
8) Transitions
Pupils normally transfer from primary to secondary school between the ages 11 ½ and 12 ½, so
that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of secondary education.
Arrangements are made by the school to transfer children to the associated secondary school as
determined by their home address. Parents of P7 children will be informed of the transfer
arrangements made for their child to attend secondary school.
We will also provide you with information at this time and on events designed to let P7 children visit
the secondary school, meet up with other P7 children from other schools so that the transition
period is as smooth as possible.
Normally children attend the school in their catchment area. However, there are times when
parents may wish their children to go to other schools. If you wish your child to go to another
school then you may make what is known as a ‘placing request’. If you live in South Lanarkshire
and decide to submit a ‘placing request’ we are unable to reserve a place in your catchment school
until the council have made a decision on the ‘placing request’. Please note if your ‘placing
request’ application is unsuccessful and all places at your catchment school are filled you will be
offered a place at the next nearest appropriate South Lanarkshire School.
Please note that if an application for a ‘placing request’ is successful then school transport is not
provided.
If you move outwith your catchment primary school a ‘request to remain form’ must be completed.
If you move outwith your catchment primary this may affect your right to transfer to the associated
Secondary school. Please note the secondary school is determined by the pupil’s permanent
home address and chosen denomination. If you require further information please contact
Education Support Services on 0303 123 1023.
Primary 7 pupils normally visit the High School in May or June in the year preceding their transfer
from primary. Staff from John Ogilvie High also visit the primary and gather information from
Primary 7 teachers.
169) Support for Pupils
Getting it right for every child
Getting it Right for Every Child is a commitment to ensure that your child has the best possible
start in life, based on a shared understanding of their wellbeing. Most of the time, most children
get all of the support they need from their families, with help from universal education and health
services. When needed, the named person in education can offer help and support to children and
families to make sure that the child’s wellbeing is developing and that any issues are being
addressed.
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing you can speak to the Named Person who
will work with you to ensure that your child gets the right help from the right person at the right
time. Your school will let you know who this is. It is likely to be the Head Teacher in a primary
school and a principal teacher (pupil support) in Secondary.
More information can be found on:
www.girfecinlanarkshire.co.uk and www.scotland.gov.uk/gettingitright
Support for All (Additional Support Needs)
In Saint Blane’s our core business of good learning and skills development is at the heart of all we
do. We value all learners and consider the needs of all individuals. There may be times when
individual learners require more specific targets to enhance the progress of their learning.
It is our policy and practice to assess pupils regularly and provide early intervention strategies
where appropriate. This may be because reinforcement is required or learners exceed
expectations.
We work in partnership with parents and carers and encourage you to participate in your child’s
learning. Throughout the session we offer workshops to keep you updated in practices in learning.
In school we operate a staged intervention system in line with guidance and best practice and on
occasions work in conjunction with partners in education and other appropriate agencies. Mrs
O’Donnelly coordinates our programme and welcomes your thoughts or views. Please don’t
hesitate to contact her if you have any concerns.
Some examples are:
A Specialist Support Teacher currently visits the school one afternoon a week to work
with teachers in specific planning and with individuals or small groups on specific targets.
An Educational Psychologist visits the school on a regular basis. He consults with the
Head Teacher, Principal teacher (Learning Support Coordinator) and class teachers about
pupils with special educational needs, such as specific learning difficulties, dyslexia,
emotional or behavioural problems etc. He undertakes assessments and offers support
and guidance to pupils and staff.
Occupational Health or Speech and Language Therapists who work with families and
school staff to support our learners.
17South Lanarkshire Education Resources have published a series of leaflets available which cover
information for parents and carers about the Additional Support for Learning Acts.
These are available through the school or on the South Lanarkshire Council website
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Enquire is funded by the Scottish Government to provide information on the framework for
supporting children who require additional support for learning and to encourage positive
partnerships between families, schools and local authorities to ensure children get the right
support.
Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning
Enquire offers independent, confidential advice and information on additional support for learning
through:
Phone Helpline: 0345 123 2303
Address: Enquire
Children in Scotland
Rosebery House
9 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5EZ
Email Enquiry service: info@enquire.org.uk
Advice and information is also available at www.enquire.org.uk
Enquire provides a range of clear and easy-to-read guides and fact sheets including The parents’
guide to additional support for learning.
Attachment Strategy for Education Resources
Attachment – what we do to support children and young people
South Lanarkshire Council Education Resources is committed to improving outcomes for children
and young people by creating emotionally supportive learning experiences in our nurseries and
schools.
The Education Resources Attachment Strategy was launched in March 2019 and supports the
action in the Getting It Right for Every Child in South Lanarkshire’s Children Services Plan 2017-20
– ‘Develop an attachment strategy and to inform training for staff working with early years to
secondary aged children and young people on attachment-informed practice’.
What does it set out to do?
The aim of the strategy is to promote better experiences of attachment for South Lanarkshire’s
children and young people and to ensure that all education practitioners understand the
importance of attachment theory and its application and how positive relationships can make a
difference to outcomes.
How can I find out more?
South Lanarkshire Council Education Resources have published a series of leaflets and posters for
establishments and for parents/carers which aim to share information on attachment theory and on
how this can inform the ways in which we support children and young people.
These are available from schools and on the SLC Staff Learning Centre Sway.
1810) School Improvement
We understand the importance of continuous improvement in the delivery of our service. Self
evaluation underpins our approach to development and progress. Throughout the session you are
asked to evaluate and comment on specific aspects of our service to you. This can take the form of
specific questionnaires, feedback through parent council or individual comments or queries. Our
learners also feedback their views on our school, specific areas of curriculum and various teaching
and learning activities. They do this by answering questionnaires, feedback from pupil council
meetings and formal dialogue with learners. Pupils may submit views in comment boxes or speak
to Mrs Brown directly. It is by listening to our whole school community and staff undertaking self
evaluation activities that we produce our annual School Improvement Plan. We report on this and
the impact of our activities annually in our Standards and Quality Report which is available from
our office or on our website.
Our priorities for session 2021-2022 are:
Promoting positive Health and Wellbeing of the St Blane’s community of pupils, parents and
carers and staff.
By continuing to support Healthy living and healthy eating
By continuing to engage with partner agencies and signposting support for physical
and mental health to all in our school community
Continuing to develop our practices by engaging families and closing the attainment gap.
Work with partner agencies and signpost parents with regards to financial support
and advice.
Target interventions to address and negate barriers to learning.
Identifying and working with partner agencies to engage and support families in
building their own skills, capacities and resilience.
Continue to raise personal attainment and achievement of all children in the areas of
Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing.
By continuing to identify and implement progressive programmes and appropriate
interventions to support our pupils.
By continuing to identify and celebrate our pupils achievements
.
Continue to be pro-active in ensuring our Risk Assessments for Covid 19 are up to date and
dynamic and monitored rigorously to ensure compliance by the whole school community.
Some staff have leadership roles in some areas. This supports the activities we undertake to
ensure the progress of our School Improvement Plan. We benefit from good collegiate working in
school, within our learning community and the wider authority.
11) School policies and practical information
School meals
Healthy eating is something that the school supports and a range of meals are available at
lunchtime that meet the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 and the
Nutrient Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
The menu consists of a three course meal and all meals include fresh chilled drinking water and
milk will be available for those pupils entitled to free school meals through the free school meal
eligibility scheme at morning break or lunchtime. Milk is also available for purchase to those pupils
19wishing to buy at morning break and lunchtime. The children also have access to unlimited bread,
salad and vegetables to supplement their meal.
Pupils in:
Primary 1 – 3 receive a free school lunch
Primary 4 – 7 meal cost is £1.75
Facilities are available if you wish your child to have a packed lunch. We ask you to ensure that
this does not include a glass container.
The menus work on a 3 week rota, all children receive a menu twice yearly.
Free school meals
Children of parents who receive the following benefits are entitled to a free lunchtime meal for their
child.
Income Support, Universal Credit, (where your take home pay is less than £610 per month)
Job Seeker’s Allowance (income based), Employment and Support Allowance (income
related), Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit (where your gross annual income does
not exceed £7,330 as assessed by the HM Revenues and Customs), Child Tax Credit Only
(where your gross annual income does not exceed £16,105 as assessed by the HM
Revenues and Customs) or receive support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum
Act 1999.
If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit and / or Council Tax Reduction from us there is no need for
you to apply online, we will use the information we hold to automatically award free school meals
(P4 to S6) and / or school clothing grants (P1 – S6) to eligible families.
We would encourage parents of children who are in receipt of any of the above benefits to take up
this opportunity of having a meal provided for their child when they are at school. Arrangements
are in place so that children who receive free meals are not singled out and we encourage all
children to remain in school at lunch time.
School Uniform
We ask all parents/carers to support the school by encouraging your child(ren) to adhere to the
agreed dress code and the wearing of our school uniform. The wearing of a school uniform helps
promote the identity of the school in the local community and helps create an ethos of sharing and
pride in the school.
In addition, the wearing of a uniform helps towards increasing the protection of all pupils. The
wearing of a uniform helps staff and the pupils to distinguish between who belongs to the school
and those who may be visitors. This enables staff to approach and identify visitors more readily
and helps in trying to offer a safer environment for pupils and teachers alike.
Equality of opportunity is an important aspect of the life of the school. Any proposals on the dress
code and on what constitutes the school uniform will be the subject of discussion with the Parent
Council and where appropriate consultation with parents, pupils and staff.
There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in all schools such as:
the wearing of football colours
clothing with slogans that may cause offence (anti-religious, symbolism or political slogans)
clothing which advertises alcohol, tobacco or drugs
20 clothing which can be deemed unsuitable in terms of Health and Safety grounds such as shell
suits, combat style clothing, dangling earrings, loose fitting clothes particularly in practical
classes
articles of clothing that could be deemed to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others
to do so
footwear that may damage flooring
Our uniform
We are very proud of our uniform and feel it supports our values on equality and inclusion,
promoting a sense of community and belonging. In recent feedback from parents almost all prefer
their children to be dressed in school uniform, believing that it makes for neatness of appearance
and helps avoid rivalry in dressing for fashion. We would encourage
you to dress your child in uniform.
Our school uniform at present is as follows;
Grey Blazer, White shirt, School tie
Red jumper or cardigan
Grey trousers or skirt, red tartan skirt, pinafore
or kilt
Black gym shoes for indoor wear
We use Scot Crest in Hamilton (shop or on-line) and Logo Express on line as our uniform
suppliers. We also recycle pre loved, great quality items of uniform. Please check with the office or
come in a see our stock of items. You are welcome to take away any that might fit your child.
Clothing Grant
In certain circumstances the Council provides support to parents/cares for the purchase of school
wear.
Applications can be made online at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk. If you are required to submit
evidence of your Tax Credit income it is important that a copy of this evidence is attached to your
online application. Should you require further information or you are unable to submit an
application online then please contact the helpline number 0303 123 1011 (option 5).
Allergies
A significant number of children and young people in our schools will have allergies and it is
important that parents keep the school fully informed on these matters.
Allergies can present in a variety of ways and can occur at any point in a person’s life. Symptoms
range from mild to severe. Children and young people known to have an allergy with moderate to
severe symptoms will likely have a Health Care Plan drawn up by the NHS. This will detail
symptoms and appropriate interventions.
It is vital that parents share this information with the school and continue to provide any updated
information.
Where symptoms are mild and a Health Care Plan is not in place, parents should still continue to
liaise regularly with the school on any new triggers, medications and actions required.
In all cases our employees need to know your child’s symptoms, treatments and any actions
required to help prevent exposure to the allergen and minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
21Employees in schools will receive training on allergies and will liaise with parents and NHS on any
additional specialist training required.
In supporting children and young people with allergies, school employees will operate in
accordance with South Lanarkshire Council’s Safe Systems of Work/risk assessment and national
guidance on the administration of medicines.
Enrolment – how to register your child for school
If your child is starting school for the first time you must enrol your child at their catchment school
in January. If parents want their child to go to another school, they must enrol in the first instance
with their catchment school and ask for an information leaflet that provides details on how to make
a placing request.
Forms are available from the SLC website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk, schools, Q and A offices
or by contacting Education Resources, Almada Street, Hamilton, telephone 0303 123 1023.
Completed forms should be returned as soon as possible to Education Resources, Almada Street,
Hamilton ML3 0AE.
Enrolment date for 2020 is week commencing Monday 18th January 2021.
Proof of Residence
When a child is enrolled, whether to start in P1 or transferring from another school during the year,
Birth and Baptismal certificates plus two proofs of residence (utility bill, rent book) should be
produced and children should accompany parents at the time of enrolment if possible.
Parents of new children will be invited to information meetings and workshop sessions in the
school before the start of the new session for an outline of the Language and Mathematics
programmes and teaching methods. Pupils are also invited to meet with their teacher and become
familiar with their classroom.
Enrolment of children during the school year
Parents seeking a place for their child in this school are asked to contact the Head Teacher so that
a visit can be arranged at a mutually convenient time.
Transfer of school during school year
If you are proposing a change of school for your child please provide as many contact details as
possible in relation to the new school so that we can ensure smooth transfer of information relating
to your child.
School Transport
South Lanarkshire Council has a policy of providing school transport to primary pupils who live
more than one mile by the recognised shortest walking route from their catchment school. This
policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be
reviewed at any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form
from the school or Education Resources, Hamilton, telephone 0303 123 1023 or web
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk These forms should be completed and returned before the end of
March for those pupils starting the school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be
made. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year and will be considered by
Education Resources.
A paid privilege transport scheme is operated for mainstream school contracts where a pupil is not
entitled to free school transport. Privilege transport will only be granted providing there is spare
capacity on an existing school contract and will be from and to designated pick up and drop off
points. Privilege transport will not be provided where a service bus is used on the school run. Any
spare capacity will be allocated using agreed priorities. For more information on school transport
contact Education Resources phone 0303 123 1023.
22Pick-up Points
Where school transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the
vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total, including the distance from home to the pick-up
point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction, will not exceed the authority’s
distance limit for school transport.
It should be noted that it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child behaves in a safe and
acceptable manner while travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour can result in
your child losing the right to school transport.
Parents are asked to note that South Lanarkshire Council does not provide transport for those
pupils who attend school via a placing request.
A bus is provided to bring children from High Blantyre to and from the school. Information
on pick-up and drop-off times are available from Stuarts on 01555 773533.
Insurance for schools – pupils’ personal effects
South Lanarkshire Council is concerned at the level of claims being received for loss or damage to
pupil’s clothing or personal effects. Parents are asked to note the Council’s position in terms of
insurance for pupils’ personal effects:
(i) Theft/Loss of Personal Effects
The Council is not liable for the loss or theft of pupils’ clothing or personal effects for example
mobile phones, tablets etc. and any items are therefore brought into the school at the pupil/parents’
own risk.
Parents can assist by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing
are not brought to school.
Teachers and other staff have been advised not to accept custody of any such items.
The same principle applies to musical instruments and other equipment used for activities within
the school, which belong to the pupil, but are brought into the school. Parents should be aware
that if such equipment is left in school, it is done at the pupil/parents’ own risk.
In the case of valuable items such as musical instruments, parents should ensure that these items
are covered by their own household insurance.
(ii) Damage to Clothing
The Council is only liable for damage caused to pupils’ clothing where the damage has resulted
from the negligence of the Council or one of its employees. Claims arising otherwise will not be
accepted by the Council’s insurers.
Family Holidays During Term Time
Every effort should be made to ensure that your child attends school during term time. Please
contact the school as soon as possible if your child is unable to attend school.
Family holidays should be avoided during term time as this both disrupts the child’s education and
reduces learning time. If holidays are taken during times when the school is open parents should
inform the school in advance by letter.
If your child is taken on a family holiday during term time then in line with Scottish Government
advice this will be classified as an unauthorised absence. However, in exceptional circumstances
schools may register a family holiday during term time as an authorised absence when for
example, parents are unable to obtain leave during the school holiday period.
23Clearly, absence with no explanation from parents will mean that the absence will be recorded as
unauthorised.
In our approach to raising achievement, it is recognised that attendance at school is something that
should be continuously encouraged. Parents/carers, children and the school all have a part to play
in encouraging and stressing the importance of attendance at school.
The school holiday dates and in-service dates are available from the website
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Promoting Positive Behaviour
It is the responsibility of staff within the school to ensure that Parent Council members, parents and
pupils are involved in the creation of a positive school ethos that encourages good behaviour.
Equally, the school whilst trying to promote positive behaviour must support young people should
incidents or bullying occur. Parents have a significant role to play in working with the school so
that teachers, parents and pupils know what is expected of them in trying to change the behaviour
and attitudes that contribute to bullying behaviour.
Our approach is to create an environment where better behaviour will encourage better learning.
The school, along with the support of parents, can work together to create a learning environment
which young people can enjoy and feel safe.
Incidents of bullying should be reported to the school immediately so that each alleged incident can
be looked at. Together we can work towards creating a safer school for children and staff.
In addition a guideline (Promoting Positive Relationships and Behaviour) has been produced to
support all teaching and support staff and inform them of their roles and responsibilities in respect
of dealing with the small number of children and young people who display challenging behaviour.
Early identification is crucial so that intervention can be provided to support children and young
people to help them address their issues and concerns. Staff training is provided to help develop
the skills needed to respond to and manage challenging behaviour. A wide range of appropriate
staff development opportunities has been developed for this purpose.
Child Protection Procedures.
The Head Teacher is the Child Protection Co-ordinator for the school. She is the one to contact if
you need any advice or guidance in confidence.
All staff in educational establishments in South Lanarkshire Council are required to receive an
annual update and follow the advice and guidance within the Education Operating Procedures. All
staff must also complete a Learn on Line Course “Child Protection in Education”.
The vision for children and their families in South Lanarkshire is to ensure that they live in a
community where they are safe, healthy, active, achieving, respected, responsible and included.
They should be part of a society where they have the opportunity to maximise their full potential
and have access to good health care, education and leisure services. In order to achieve, South
Lanarkshire’s children’s services and its partners will work jointly to support children, young people
and their families and are committed to continuously improve our services to ensure children,
young people and their families get the support that is appropriate for them.
The Chief Officers and Child Protection Committee are the driving force for ensuring that agencies
individually and collectively work to protect children and young people as effectively as possible.
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