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Read Out LoudCurricular Information
CURRICULUM
Scotland is currently pursuing its biggest education reform programme for a generation under the Scottish Executive’s Ambitious, Excellent Schools agenda.
A Curriculum for Excellence is central to this reform agenda. It aims to provide:
- More freedom for teachers
- Greater choice and opportunity for pupils
- A single coherent curriculum for all young people aged 3-18.
A Curriculum for Excellence challenges us to think differently about the curriculum. It encourages those working in education to plan and act in new ways. It also poses challenges for learning and teaching.
More information is available from the curriculum for excellence national website at http://www.acurriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk.
PLANNING AND REVIEWS FOR PUPILS
Schools in Fife are developing the use of Personal Learning Planning (PLP) which is a process involving the class teacher, pupil and parents. Some pupils who require additional support and the involvement of a wider group of staff and professionals will have their own Integrated Support Plan (ISP). A few pupils with significant additional support needs will have a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP). All of these plans will be reviewed at least annually and often more regularly.
INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUCTION
Children who show musical promise may qualify for instrumental instruction. The types of instrument offered by Fife Education Service are violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarsach, woodwind, brass, piano/keyboard, double bass, guitar or bagpipes. The type of instrument available differs from school to school and generally only one type will be available in a school.
There is a charge for tuition. The rate may be subject to change but the current rate would be notified at the time of interview. This may be paid in instalments or by Direct Debit and concessions may be available.
Please tell the Headteacher if you do not wish your child to be considered for instrumental instruction.
ATTENDANCE
As a parent you are legally obliged to send your child to school on a regular basis. To prevent any misunderstanding, I should be grateful if you would contact the school immediately in any case of absence from school. It would be appreciated if you would send an explanatory note with your child when he/she returns to school. Otherwise it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
In cases of long term illness it may be possible for instruction to be given at home on a part-time basis.
HEALTH CARE
Should your child be taking medicine or suffer from a medical condition which might affect his/her school life, it is essential that you notify the school of the condition and its implications. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence to allow the school to ensure the wellbeing of your child. Where necessary a health care plan will be developed for your child in consultation with you and relevant health services.
Should your child become ill or have an accident while at school so that medical treatment is required, the following action will be taken:
- I shall try to contact you by telephone, if this is possible, or I shall arrange for a message to be sent to you.
- I shall telephone the health service, if necessary, and arrange to have your child taken to get help accompanied, wherever possible, by you or someone else nominated by you.
From time to time children are examined in school by doctors from the School Health Service. These are routine examinations carried out for all children and you will be notified in good time so that you may be present if possible.
Nursery Absence
For reasons of Care and Welfare we ask that you contact us as early as possible on the first day of absence. If we do not hear from you then we are obliged to begin formal absence and attendance procedures. A copy of these procedures are available in school.
CHILD PROTECTION
Our school, like all schools in Fife, is concerned with all aspects of a child's health and well being. We aim to provide a safe and supportive environment and work together with other agencies to ensure that all children are safe and protected from any type of harm. The Education Service Care and Welfare guideline explains procedures in relation to Child Protection and these can be made available to parents on request. Our school has a child protection co-ordinator (Mrs Linda Simpson) who will deal with all child protection issues and with whom any concerns can be discussed.
TRANSPORT
If you live more than one mile from your catchment area primary school, or two miles from your catchment area secondary school, measured by the shortest reasonable walking route for an accompanied child, then the Council will meet the cost of transporting your child to school. However, if you choose a school other than your catchment area school, the Council will not give any assistance with the cost of transport.
LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICE
Learning Support specialists visit all schools in Fife. Their work focuses on supporting class teachers to meet the needs of all pupils through appropriate learning strategies. Their role includes co-operative teaching, consultation, curriculum development, short term specialist support, direct tuition and staff development.
BILINGUAL SUPPORT SERVICE
This team of visiting specialist teachers and assistants work with schools to support and raise the attainment of children and young people who are new to English or speak English as an additional language.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE
Consultation and advice are provided by the school's link educational psychologist about learning/teaching and behaviour, additional support needs, assessment and intervention, research, legislative requirements, and educational provision. The link psychologist is in regular contact with the school and provides support and advice to school staff, pupils, parents and carers.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Fife Council’s schools are covered by Fife’s policy on Equal Opportunities for all pupils. All schools take problems of bullying and racism very seriously, and have procedures laid down for dealing with them and supporting pupils and parents.
TRAVELLER EDUCATION
This team of visiting specialist teachers works with schools and families to support the education of Gypsy and Traveller children and young people.
THE SCHOOL TO WHICH YOUR CHILD WILL TRANSFER
On completion of your child’s primary education the normal arrangement is for children to transfer to your catchment secondary school. You will of course be aware that you can make a parental placing request to attend a secondary school, other than the catchment school. Further information on how to make a placing request is available in the booklet - Choosing a school – a guide for parents which is available online at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/10093528/0.
