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Tweedbank
Primary School
Useful links Handbook
www.scotborders.gov.uk 2020/21
www.education.gov.scot
www.parentpay.com
www.liveborders.org.uk
www.unicef.org.uk/rights-
respecting-schools
DESIGNED BY
www.whitecreativecompany.co.uk
2 | Tweedbank Primary School | Handbook 2020/21 Handbook 2020/21 | Tweedbank Primary School | 3
Contents
Welcome How our school works
Letter from the Head Teacher 4 Enrolment 20
5 Arriving & departing 20
School information 5 Breakfast club 20
6 Visitors 21
Contacting the school 6 School uniform 21
School Vision, Values and Aims 7 School transport 22
Learning & Teaching Car parking 22
School meals 22
Entitlements 8
School trips 22
How does curriculum for
Transitions 23
excellence work? 8
The curriculum 9 Terms & Attendance
Physical education 10 Terms and holidays 24
Active schools 10 Attendance 24
Religious observance 10 Absence or other change in circumstance 24
Home learning 10 Holiday absences 25
The wider curriculum 11
Assessment 11
Medical Care
Medical examinations 26
Summative assessment 11
Medicines 27
Formative assessment 11
Communicable diseases 28
Reporting 13
Parental consultations 13 Policies & Procedures
Learning Profile 13 School improvement plan & priorities 29
Feedback 13 Health and safety 29
Emergency closure of the school
Support for Leaarning / adverse weather 29
Support for learning 14
Images of pupils 32
The educational psychology service 15
Use of the internet 33
Getting it right for every child
Security 33
(GIRFEC) 16
Policies 33
Promoting positive behaviour 17
Closing the attainment gap 17 Child Protection
Home school link worker service 17 Keeping our children and young
people safe in the Scottish Borders 34
Partnership with Parents
Parent Council 18 Young Carers 35
Communicating with home 19
Data Protection 36
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School Information
Welcome Letter from the
Chief Education
Tweedbank Primary School,
Cotgreen Road, Tweedbank,
Galashiels, TD1 3RR
Welcome to Tweedbank Primary School and to T: 01896 754807
Dear Parent
what I hope will be a long and happy association / Carer,
F: 01896 753458
with the school. The aim of our handbook is to At Scottish E: tweedbankps@scotborders.gov.uk
provide you with as much information as possible, Borders Council W: new website under construction
but please do not hesitate to get in touch if you we recognise FB: @tweedbankps
that every child T: @tweedbankprimaryschool
Here at Tweedbank Primary School , our pupils is unique and has individual
dreams, abilities, talents and Please Note:
enjoy engaging learning experiences. We are very
needs. The Children & Young contact the School should do so either in person or by
proud of the achievements of all pupils, in and out People’s Service supports telephone. Although there is a school electronic
of the classroom. We have an inclusive culture where schools to ensure children’s mailbox/answer machine, these are not always manned
all pupils are encouraged to contribute to the life of needs are met, ambitions are and therefore there is no guarantee that urgent items
the school and take on leadership roles and responsibilities. realised, and that every child will be picked up/passed on timeously.
As a Rights Respecting School we have an ethos of mutual respect reaches their full potential.
where pupils feel safe, happy and are motivated to learn. Schools are committed to
providing the very best start
HEAD TEACHER: Ms Hilary Broatch
by providing a high quality SCHOOL ROLL: 173
nurturing and stimulating learning environment within our lovely building
and nurturing experience for ELCC ROLL: 22
and extensive grounds. your child to thrive in. We are
keen to work in partnership SCHOOL DAY TIMES
community . with you as research tells us ELCC session: 08.45 - 15.15
We look forward to welcoming you to Tweedbank Primary School. that when parents/carers LUNCH
are involved in their child’s 11.45 - 12.15
education the child will do School session: 8.45 - 15.15
Hilary Broatch better. We hope this school
MORNING INTERVAL
handbook informs parents,
Head Teacher 10.30 - 10.45
not just about how the
school works, but also about LUNCH
how you can help us help 12.15 - 13.00
your children to succeed in
school and life. School encourages healthy snacks and lunches.
Yours sincerely
Whilst information provided is considered to be correct at the time of printing.
It is possible that there may be some inaccuracy by the time the document reaches parents.
Michelle Strong
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CONTACTING THE SCHOOL
Staff If you have any queries or concerns please
Head teacher
do not hesitate to get in touch with us. If
you feel an appointment with a
teacher or head teacher is required
Our Vision
Ms Hilary Broatch We Aim High In Everything We Do
Principal Teacher and a mutually convenient time
Mr Gregor Myles will be arranged.
Class Teachers
We communicate with parents
Our Aims
Miss Lauren Nuttall P1/2
in a number of ways:
Mrs Sandra Sanderson P2
• Daily homework diaries
Miss Lisa Cockburn P3
• Text messages / telephone calls We aim for:
Mr Roddy Graham P4
• Emails
Mrs Kyra Tweddle P5
• Newsletters
Challenge Partnership
Mr Gregor Myles / P6 Challenging all members Establishing productive
• Learning Profiles / reports and
Mr John Burton of our school community to partnerships with our families
parental consultations
Miss Amy Thomson P7
achieve their personal best. and the wider school community.
Non Contact Time Teacher
Inclusion Citizenship
Mrs Valerie Blaen we are trying to send information home Fostering a nurturing, Developing the four capacities to
Pupil Support Teacher electronically where possible. Parents become a Successful Learner,
inclusive and equitable
Mrs Ashleigh Whelan are asked to provide an email address
learning environment for all. Confident Individual, Responsible
when enrolling their child.
PE Specialist Teacher Creativity Citizen and Effective Contributor,
Mr Jorge Garcia through citizenship and sustainability.
Inspiring the curiosity,
ELCC creativity and inquiry that Wellbeing
Early Years Officer leads to a life-long love Ensuring the positive
Mrs Marie Finlay of learning. wellbeing of all members of
Early Years Practitioner our school community.
Mrs Dominica Ballentine
Early Years Practitioner
Miss Amy Simpson
Pupil Support Assistants
Mrs Lynn Ker Our Values
Miss Lisa Bradley The Values we demonstrate at Tweedbank Primary School
Ms Agata Will are that we are Responsible, we are Respectful, and we are Safe.
Ms Rachel Whigham
Janitor
Stelios Koutoupas
We are a Unicef UK Rights Respecting School, where children’s rights
Administrator are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.
Helen Stenhouse
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Learning
Xxxxxxxx & Teaching people learn. It aims to raise standards,
improve knowledge and develop skills,
closing the gap between the
At Tweedbank Primary, we foster an lowest and highest performers.
environment where our pupils become Ultimately it aims to nurture
active participants in their learning. young people as successful
Education should not be passive but an learners, confident individuals,
exciting, fun and challenging time in effective contributors and
a child’s life. We aim to give children a responsible citizens.
breadth of experiences and a hunger for
knowledge, equipping our young people At Tweedbank PS we aim to:
with skills they will take to the world of • Establish a safe, secure and
work and life. A Curriculum for Excellence, stimulating learning environment
published in 2004 following the National that prepares them effectively for and to be consulted and involved in where everyone is respected and
Debate on Education in Scotland, sets out learning, work and life. decisions affecting their learning. valued.
values, purposes and principles to enable • All learners are entitled to experience • All children are entitled to become • Ensure that pupils are active
children and young people to reach their learning and teaching that supports successful learners, confident participants in their own learning
full potential. At Tweedbank Primary them in becoming literate, numerate individuals, effective contributors and can confidently identify their
we have fully embraced the guidance in and healthy. and responsible citizens through the strengths and what they need to do
these documents to improve the quality • All learners are entitled to experience values and principles of Curriculum to improve.
of learning and teaching as well as learning and teaching that for Excellence. • Use a variety of informed,
increasing attainment and achievement promotes equal opportunity and differentiated teaching approaches
for all children, including those who need non-discrimination based on social The Curriculum which take account of prior learning
additional support in their learning. circumstances, gender, race, religion, Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is bringing and are matched closely to individual
cultural beliefs, disability or sexual learning to life in the way education is needs.
Entitlements orientation. delivered for all 3-18 year olds – in ELCC, • Develop learners’ curiosity, creativity
• All learners are entitled to • All learners are entitled to primary, secondary, at college, workplace and ability to think critically
experience the highest possible opportunities and encouragement to or community learning. It takes a fresh through well planned tasks which
quality of learning and teaching participate to their maximum potential approach to what, how and where young involve solving problems, working
collaboratively and independently.
• Enable pupils to understand the
How does Curriculum for Excellence work?
judgements, challenge, enquire and purpose of their learning, make
The ‘learner journey’ will be joined up • Teachers will make connections find solutions. connections and apply their skills and
from 3-18 to avoid gaps and overlaps between subjects, helping children • There is more focus on knowledge and knowledge to real life situations.
in learning and to make the most of make sense of the world. skills – including vital skills: literacy • Provide opportunities for children to
achievements outside school. • Children will develop an understanding and numeracy, which underpin all develop confidence and resilience
• Learners will work at a pace that suits, of how to learn and how to use their learning and are critical in life. through personal success and
with enough challenge and support to learning, not just memorise information • There are changes to assessment and achievement in our wider learning
stretch them. to pass tests. This will help them adapt how progress is reported to give learners, environment.
• Lessons will be more engaging, in an uncertain future with the ability parents and employers better information • Reflect upon and share our good
inspiring and relevant to everyday life. to think for themselves, make sound on potential and achievement. practice to ensure inspiring learning
and teaching continues to thrive.
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The wider Learning & Teaching
Physical Education
At Tweedbank PS a PE specialist visits the usually an end of term service which parents
curriculum
school weekly to teach all pupils. Class are welcome to attend. The wider curriculum Assessment
teachers ensure that a further hour of Parents who wish to exercise their From time-to-time, extra- Assessment is a vital part of learning and
PE is taught so every child has the right to withdraw their child from curricular activities are available teaching. It should be an ongoing
expected 2 hours of PE a week. religious instruction and/or religious and information about these is process and involve the learner making
observance should contact the provided to parents. decisions about their next steps. This
Religious Observance Head Teacher to arrange a The school attempts to involve takes two forms, assessment that
A weekly assembly takes meeting to discuss alternative older children in contacts with happens at the end of a block of learning
place in the school. There is arrangements for their child. pupils from other schools as much that checks how much a child has
as possible, thereby helping to ease understood (summative) and assessment
the settling-in process at Galashiels that is continuous (formative).
Home Learning Academy. Inter-school sport is
The policy of the school is that therefore encouraged, with school Summative Assessment
homework will be given when it is pupils usually taking part in hockey, This is used to check how successful the
considered appropriate and in line netball, rugby and chess events at learner has been at the end of a piece of
with the information given to parents different times of the year. work. It is one way of gathering evidence
at the start of the school year. There The school believes in the for reporting to parents or measuring
will likely be weekly homework importance of broadening and attainment. It is only valid when used
which focuses on the practice of enriching the child’s learning alongside evidence gathered from
skills in literacy and/or numeracy as experience and with this in mind, formative assessment. Standardised
well as regular reading tasks. Other arranges outings whenever suitable assessments are also used when
homework tasks will be issued and will opportunities arise. See School appropriate to gather evidence on a child’s
develop a range of skills. Homework Trips, p22 progress in a curricular area. This reflects
tasks will be suitable for the age, stage A residential experience is on their progress in comparison to a cross
and needs of each child. offered to children in P7. section of children of a similar age.
Formative Assessment
Pupils know what they are learning, how
they will recognise if the learning has taken
place and what steps they can take to
bridge the gap between what they know
and need to learn by this process. It is
ACTIVE SCHOOLS evident in many guises in the classroom and
Active Schools aims to provide more and is an integral part of learning and teaching.
higher quality opportunities to take part
in sport and physical activity before school, Some examples are outlined below:
during lunchtime and after school, and to • Learning Intentions and Success
develop effective pathways between schools Criteria
and sports clubs in the local community. • Wait Time
For more information on Active Schools in your • Traffic Lights
area visit www.liveborders.org.uk/active_schools • Thumbs Up
• Think, Pair, Share continues over >>
10
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Learning & Teaching
• Share an Answer with the Group/ Parental Consultations
Class Parents are invited twice a year to discuss
• Two Stars and a Wish their child’s learning with the class teacher.
Some
• Self examples
and peer areassessment
outlined below: ‘summing-
This is normallyup’ progress
a 10 minuteas well as parent
appointment
•Assessment
Learningevidence
Intentions andteaching
allows Success drop in surgeries over the
where the teacher will share progresscourse of the
andyear.
next
Criteria steps and can answer any questions. It may be
•makingWaitandTime
to adapt their practice Parental
necessary toConsultations
arrange a further appointment
• Traffic Lights Parents are invited
if the discussion once more
requires a yeartime.
to discuss
Pupils
•a child
Thumbs Up
is struggling for whatever reason their child’s learning with the
who receive additional support will also be class
•and Think,
needs extra Share
Pair, support. By the same teacher. This is normally a 10 minute
• Share an Answer with the Group/ appointment where the
for Learning Teacher. teacher
We would will share
encourage
Class
considerable progress and can consider progress and next steps and
parents with concerns or questions to can answer
request
•waysTwo Stars andthe
to challenge a Wish
child and ensure questions.
an appointment at any time in the year. We are
•progress
Self and peer assessment
is maintained. It is important alwaysIthappy
may to bemeet
necessary to arrange
with parents.
Assessment
that evidence evidence
gathered allows
through a further appointment if the
teaching staff to track
assessment be used to improve learning Learning Profilerequires more time.
discussion
the
andprogress
teachingchildren are
in our school. Every child fromwho
Pupils ELCreceive
to P7 has additional
a learning
making and to adapt their
We are committed to involving learners profile. This is a record of their learan
support will also be offered ning
practice
and theirappropriately.
parents in learning Staffand to regularly appointment
experiences throughout withthea member
year. Theof
can
report on progress they areismaking.
then identify if a child struggling the Enhanced
teacher will share Learning Team. learning
their planned We would
for whatever reason and needs extra encourage
regularly with parents in the form of or
parents with concerns a
Reporting
support. By the same token staff identify questions to requestPupils
‘Curricular Overview.’ an appointment
have regularat
children making
Reporting takes many considerable
forms. Itprogress
is used any time in the year. We are always happy
and can consider ways
to both give feedback on to achievements
challenge the to meet.and record this in their Learning Log.
learning
child and steps
and next ensure progress
and to createis maintained.
an agenda We encourage pupils to take pride in their
It is important that evidence
for discussion. Discussions take gathered
place Feedback
books and share them with their parents.
through assessment be used
between children and their peers, to improve
their Pupils will receive feedback from their
learning
teacher andandtheir
teaching in our
parents. school.
Listed below Feedback
teachers in a number of ways. Teachers
are We are committed
examples to involving
of reporting learners
procedures in and pupils will engage
Pupils will receive in learning
feedback from their
and their
place. parents in learning and to conversations on
teachers in a number of ways. a daily basis as they
Teachers
regularly report on progress they are discuss experiences and
and pupils will engage in learning achievements.
Sharing Learning with Parents
making. Pupils may also
conversations on areceive feedback
daily basis as they
in the form of written
discuss experiences and achievements. comment in
Reporting
parental involvement . In addition to their jotters from their
Pupils may also receive feedback in the teacher
Reporting takes many
the two Parents forms.
evenings It
annually, you form and/or
of written from peers. Feedback
comment will
in their jotters
is
will receive a written report. on
used to both give feedback Each class be constructive, telling
from their teacher and/or from peers. the pupil
achievements
will hold a classand next steps
assembly andand
an Open what will
Feedback theybe have done well and
constructive, what
telling
to create an agenda for discussion.
Afternoon annually to share learning in a they should do next to
the pupil what they have done well and continue
Discussions
more fun and take place between
informal children
way. There will be improvement.
what they should We doencourage pupils to
next to continue
and
further opportunities which maytheir
their peers, their teacher and vary year take note of feedback
improvement. We encourage pupils and to act on it.
to
parents.
on year, You will receive one written report
in addition. take note of feedback and to act on it.
12 | St
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School 13
13
The Educational
Support for learning Psychology Service
The Educational Psychology Service
(EPS) works with all SBC schools
to support children’s learning and
wellbeing.
We provide advice and training
At any point in their lives children or or young people may wish to formalise to school staff on how children learn,
young people may need extra help with their concerns. To assist with this we have and advise on ways to help children
their education. This may be for any a complaints procedure and also offer who require support.
reason and at any time. This is often independent mediation and adjudication. It If requested by the school, we
referred to as additional support for is also possible under certain circumstances can arrange follow-up for individual
learning or having additional support to refer the case to the Additional Support children and young people, together
needs. Needs Tribunal for Scotland. with their families and teachers, to help
The statutory framework for support their learning, or with social
Some examples of why a child/young Additional Support for Learning is the or emotional issues. This is generally
person may require extra help with their Education [Additional Support For achieved by meeting the children, their
education are: Learning] [Scotland] Acts 2004 and 2009. families and school staff, to review the
• Bereavement or family illness support they have already received and
• Problems at home agree ways in which we can all help your
• Bullying child in school. In some cases, we may
• Being particularly gifted or able For more information, agree that a psychologist will work on
• An illness, disability or sensory you can contact: a one-to-one basis with your child to
impairment obtain a clearer picture of how they can
• Having English as an Additional (a) Enquire, the Scottish advice service best be supported.
Language for Additional Support for Learning. If you have any worries about your
They have a wealth of information, child, please contact their school, in
A child/young person’s needs may last including practical guides and fact the first instance, to arrange a meeting
for a short time, and the problem may sheets for both parents/carers and to discuss your concerns. All schools
be resolved easily or their needs might young people. You can find the website have access to a range of support
be very complex, and they may require at www.enquire.org.uk, or call them on Services and your child’s Head Teacher
additional support for a number of years. 0345 123 2303. will be able to advise you about when
If you feel that your child needs (b) Scottish Independent Advocacy the EPS may be able to help.
additional support for learning, the Parents/carers are always involved Alliance, a charitable body registered Further information about the EPS
first person to speak to is your child’s in making decisions about their child’s in Scotland under registration is available on the Scottish Borders
teacher. You have the right to request education and we will always ask your number SC033576; www.siaa.org.uk Council website. Here you can access
an assessment of your child. Within our permission before any specific referrals (c) Scottish Child Law Centre, a downloadable leaflet for parents and
school we operate a model of staged are made. While your child is receiving a charitable body registered in carers, which explains in more detail
intervention where support is provided in support we will regularly review your Scotland under registration number how we may be able to work with you to
varied ways to meet individual needs. Our child’s progress. SCO1274. www.sclc.org.uk support your child in school.
approach to assessment ensures that the At times, parents/carers and schools may
needs of children and young people are come into dispute. While we would always www.scotborders.gov.uk/info Please see www.scotborders.gov.uk/EPS
recognised and appropriate support can hope that difficulties could be resolved at /886/additional_support_needs
be provided. the school level we recognise that parents continues over >>
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Support for learning
Promoting Positive Behaviour
We have a duty to provide each pupil with the Closing the Attainment Gap
best possible education suited to their needs As part of our work central to the
and abilities. Teachers have the right to National Priorities for Scottish
expect and insist upon reasonable standards Education, we aim to ensure that
of behaviour from each pupil so that they can there is ‘equity’ of provision so that all
provide the secure and friendly environment children may achieve their potential.
which is conducive to learning. This means that we ‘poverty proof’
The school has a Behaviour policy based on school events, outings and After
the principles of promoting positive behaviour, School activities to support families.
linked to the United Nations Convention for Should any parent or carer
Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) Rights of the Child. We advocate respect
towards each other at all times and respect support, or think they
Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) • Use one consistent and equitable for school property. The class teacher will have an idea about how
is the national approach in Scotland to approach, actively share information deal appropriately with minor discipline we could improve
improving outcomes and supporting to agreed protocols and work more problems in accordance with School Policy, accessibility, please
the wellbeing of our children and young effectively together to improve but if a child’s behaviour causes repeated do not hesitate
people by offering the right help at the outcomes for children and young disruption within the class then the Principal to contact the
right time from the right people. people. Teacher/ Head Teacher will become involved. school to speak to
The GIRFEC approach aims to make it • Be clear about personal responsibility If the problem continues, the parents will be any of the Senior
easier for parents, children, young people to do the right thing for each child/ invited to school to discuss the problem, to find Leadership Team.
and the services that support them – such young person. a solution. It is vital that children see that home
as early years services, schools and the • Work with children, young people and and school work together and we would hope
NHS – to work together to get it right. their families, using a collaborative that parents would support the school. If there
approach with fewer meetings. This is no improvement in the child’s behaviour, then
Practitioners work together to support should ensure children, young people the help of outside agencies will be requested.
you and your child, working across and their families give information only A copy of the behaviour policy will be given to Home School Link Worker
organisational boundaries and putting once, and enables the development of parents at the time your child joins the school. Service
your child and you at the heart of decision one plan to meet all their needs. As part of this respect for others A Home Link Worker can meet with
making, ensuring we give all our children • Respond to children and young people Tweedbank Primary School operates a zero parents/carers, children or young
and young people the best possible start and take appropriate, proportionate tolerance to bullying behaviour. Please
in life. and timely action with the minimum contact the Head Teacher if you feel your
GIRFEC means that everyone working of paperwork, bureaucracy and child may be the victim of bullying. We ask a child’s learning. These could
with Scottish Borders children, young duplication. that you let us know immediately of any be connected to a child or young
people and their families are encouraged to: GIRFEC is part of the Children and concerns you or your child have so that the person’s home or school life. The
• Ensure children, young people, and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the school can work with you to resolve the service aims to provide help and
their families get the GIRFEC provisions are planned problem. advice early and prevent something
help they need when they to be fully implemented by The School follows Scottish Borders small from growing into a problem. A
need it and are central August 2017. If you would like Council Respectful Relationship Policy – Headteacher can ask for this support
to the process of finding any further information please further information on this can be found at on a parent’s/carer’s behalf.
solutions. ask your child’s Headteacher. www.scotborders.gov.uk/antibullying
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Partnership with parents
Parents are encouraged to visit the school and participate in activities. Any parent who
would like to help in the school should contact the Head Teacher. Information is sent
home, keeping parents informed of school events and activities as appropriate. The
eldest child in the family will be entrusted with the task of “postman”, but we would
suggest checking children’s schoolbags regularly for letters!
Parent Council Our role as a Parent Council is to:
As Tweedbank Parent Council we hold • Act as a voice for all the families of
regular meetings. Our meeting times are Tweedbank Primary School
advertised through our school newsletter • Work in partnership with the
and on the Parent Council Facebook page. school and community to give
Everyone is very welcome to attend – you our children the best possible By law schools have a duty to promote council to work on with the school
don’t have to be a member of the Parent education. parents’ involvement in children’s • Be asked your opinion by the parent
Council to come along. These meetings • Organise social and fundraising education. We are very keen that parents council on issues relating to the
are very informal and friendly. events. feel able to be involved in their child’s school and education it provides
Anyone can raise an issue for the • Act as a critical friend to school. education and learning, that they are • Work in partnership with staff
Parent Council. Please contact one of the active participants in the life of the school • Enjoy taking part in school life in
members if you would like to discuss any and they feel able to express their views whatever way possible
aspect of school. Committee Members on school education generally.
We are always looking for new ways to Every parent who has a child at our The type of things the parent council
Chairs Lynn Roberston
communicate with parents – please send school is a member of the Parent Forum. may get involved in include:
& Ruth Parker
us your good ideas! The parent council is a group of parents • Supporting the work of the school
Treasurer Craig Inglis who have chosen to represent the parent • Gathering and representing parents’
Head Teacher Hilary Broatch forum. As a member of the Parent Forum, views to the Headteacher, Scottish
Principal Teacher Gregor Myles each parent can expect to:- Borders Council and Education Scotland
• Receive information about the school • Promoting contact between the
and its activities school, parents, pupils and the local
• Hear about what partnership with community
parents means in our school • Fundraising and organising events
• Be invited to be involved in ways and • Reporting to the parent forum
times that suit you • Being involved in the appointment
• Identify issues you want the parent of senior promoted staff.
Communicating with home
The school regularly sends information home to parents / carers in the form
of emails. Text messaging is also used to convey short urgent messages.
Non-resident parents who request newsletters and reports should supply
contact information and items will be posted to them.
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Handbook 2020/21 || Tweedbank Primary Schoo
Handbook 19How our school works
Enrolment should ensure that pupils do not arrive Visitors
Enrolment for Primary 1 takes place in before this time. Please inform the In the interests of security for all of the
November and in January for ELCC. Further school if it is necessary to change your children only pupils are permitted to enter
information and enrolment forms are arrangements to collect your child. the school through the pupil entrances. All
Nursery Children parents/visitors should enter the school
All nursery children should be dropped through the main entrance only.
PLEASE NOTE: Parents living
outwith the Tweedbank Primary nursery entrance. However we do ask
School catchment area should parents not to use the school car park.
contact the Head Teacher if they In order to ensure the safety of all our School uniform
wish their child to attend this school, to children and parents arriving and leaving At Tweedbank Primary School we actively promote the wearing of school uniform.
make a placement request. This will then be This has many practical advantages relating to safety, cost and appearance. The
forwarded to Education and Lifelong Learning Primary 1-7. school maintains a very high standard in this area. Parents and children are actively
for a decision. An admission form should also Children will enter the school playground encouraged to support this.
be completed for the catchment school. from 8.30 a.m. When the bell rings they will Forms for financial assistance are available from the school or Scottish Borders
collect their belongings and make a line at Council. The Agreed Dress Code for Tweedbank Primary School is as follows:
Breakfast Club the door where their class enters school. (Order forms detailing all uniform options are available from the school office)
A Breakfast Club operates in the school Hall Younger children will be walked to the
each morning from 8.00 a.m. to 8.45 a.m. when door at the end of the day by their class NURSERY Red sweatshirt black cardigan/sweatshirt school logo
the children can go outside into the playground teacher to be collected by their parent or or cardigan with school to denote their special • With hygiene and noise
and socialise with their friends. The children another adult. Slightly older children will logo. Grey trousers/skirt/ status as the oldest levels in mind, we ask all
can be active, engage in craft activities or be allowed to leave the school without a pinafore and white or red children in school. children to change into
reading after they have eaten breakfast teacher observing, however children are polo shirt indoor shoes at school.
and before going into the playground. told to return to school if there is no adult PE Plain white t-shirt or These can be gym shoes.
Example menu – to collect them. Please reiterate this safety P1 –6 Red sweatshirt or polo shirt However parents are at
Choice of cereals, Toast with butter/jam, message to your child. cardigan with school logo. Plain shorts or tracksuit liberty to provide any
Crackers and cheese, Cheese toastie, Older children in school can walk home Grey trousers/skirt/ trousers (black or navy). appropriate footwear to
Pancakes with butter/jam, Apple or orange alone if parents are happy with this. pinafore and white or red Gym shoes be used as indoor shoes.
juice, Fresh fruit. Children Arriving/Collected Late polo shirt For outdoor PE training •Please remember our
There may be adjustments to the menu day We understand that there are occasions shoes offer e better grip children go outdoors at
to day. The cost is £1.50 per day. Please bring where children may arrive late for school. Any P7 - P7 pupils have the that gym shoes. break times and engage in
your child to either of the doors leading into the pupil arriving late should enter the school same uniform as the Outdoor Learning weekly
school Hall. The Breakfast Club is run by Debbie through the main entrance, to ensure they remainder of the school. Additional optional items and so will need footwear
McHutchinson, please approach her if your are accounted for on the register. However they do have School summer dress and outerwear suitable for
If any parent is delayed at the end of the privilege of wearing a Waterproof Jacket with this purpose.
the day their child/children will be asked
Arriving & departing to wait in the main school entrance where For details on applying for a school clothing and footwear
The playground is supervised prior to the parents can collect them. grant visit:www.scotborders.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
start of school from 08.30am. Parents continues over >>
20
20 | Tweedbank Primary
Primary School
School || Handbook
Handbook 2020/21
2020/21 Schooll || 21
Handbook 2020/21 | Tweedbank Primary Schoo
Handbook 21Transitions
School transport Teachers share information about
Where possible we actively School meals your child in order to help their
encourage children to School meals are prepared progression from:-
walk to school. Tweedbank in our kitchen. The cost of a • Home to nursery( ELCC- Early
have proudly been the meal is £2.30 per day. Menus Learning Childcare Centre)
recipient of the ‘Active are available on the Parent Pay • ELCC to primary one
Travel Champions’ Award website: www.parentpay.com • Class to class within the school
on a number of occasions. To help reduce food waste, we • Primary to secondary
In addition to the obvious health and encourage parents/carers to involve The aim is to ensure your child
their child in the lunch choices. continues to work at a pace they
reducing vehicle numbers in the vicinity can cope with and with challenge
of the school improves safety for they can thrive on.
pedestrians.
ELCC-Primary 1
• For children who do travel from outside Staff in Early Level (Nursery and
Tweedbank, we encourage’ Park and Primary 1) plan for all children
Stride’ by parking in the car park at the to learn across this environment
side of Gunknowe Loch and walking including the outdoors, for part of
the short distance past the shop to each day. Planning is differentiated
school. to meet all children’s needs.
• When getting into your car as Therefore transition between
pedestrians, please remember to use School trips by the stipulated deadline, or we are not Nursery and P1 tends to be
the pavement side. Throughout the school year the children permitted to take the child on that trip. seamless, as the Nursery children
• Please respect our neighbours. Do NOT participate in a number of school trips Scottish Borders Council ensure insurances already know the P1 class
stop or park in front of a driveway/ which aim to enhance their knowledge are in place. In line with Scottish Borders teacher and are familiar with the
entrance to a property. and understanding of the world and Council procedures, Risk Assessments are environment. As an additional
• bring their learning to life. completed for all excursions. aspect to the transition process
use. These outings are subsidised as there is a parental evening and
much as possible by our school fund Opportunities Fund ‘drop in’ sessions are arranged in
We would ask you to pass this information or parent council but the pupils may We recognise that to take part the final term. Children joining P1
on to any one who is likely to be dropping be asked to pay part of the cost. We fully in all opportunities offered from other settings will be visited
or collecting your child too. ask parents to support us in this as all can be costly to families. For this by a member of Tweedbank staff at
outings are carefully planned and highly reason the Parent Council kindly donate their ELCC setting.
Children are able to cycle/scooter to relevant to the children’s educational to a fund which is available to any family
school and use the provided bike racks experience. who requires financial assistance with
sited on the far right of the school. It is Parental permission will be sought trips or equipment. School can also
mandatory that all children wear a bike for trips requiring transport and a letter apply for grants. Requests can be
helmet when riding their bike or scooter to giving details of the trip will be sent to made to the Head Teacher and will be
school. We recommend all cycles/scooters parents prior to the event. Permission managed discreetly.
are securely fastened with an appropriate forms must be returned, fully-completed,
chain.
22 | Tweedbank Primary
22 PrimarySchool
School || Handbook
Handbook2020/21
2020/21 Handbook 2020/21 || Tweedbank
Handbook 2020/21 Tweedbank Primary Schooll || 23
Primary Schoo 23Terms & Attendance
Terms and Holidays 2020/2021
Autumn term Friday 18 Dec 2020
Monday 10 Aug 2020 Last day of term for
Staff resume (in service day)
Tuesday 11 Aug 2020 Winter term
Pupils resume Tuesday 05 Jan 2021 Summer term
All resume Monday 19 Apr 2021
Friday 09 Oct 2020 All resume
Last day for pupils and Thursday 11 Feb 2021
staff - mid term holiday Last day for pupils - Friday 30 Apr 2021
February holiday Staff in service day
Monday 19 Oct 2020
All resume Friday 12 Feb 2021 Monday 03 May 2021
Staff in service day May Day holiday, school
Thursday 12 Nov 2020 closed
Staff in service day Thursday 18 Feb 2021
All resume Wednesday 23 Jun 2021
Friday 13 Nov 2020 Last day of term for
Staff in service day Thursday 01 Apr 2021
Last day of term for
Monday 30 Nov 2020 Casual holidays
St Andrew’s Day holiday, Eildon West (Galashiels)
school closed Holiday Absences
Wednesday 17 Feb 2021 When a child is to be illness, bereavement or as unauthorised.
Monday 07 Jun 2021 absent from school a other traumatic events” The school will
letter should be sent or where a parent’s generally not provide
to the Head Teacher employment is of the work in advance of
Attendance Absence or Other Change in to explain the reason nature where school teaching, children will
Good attendance is vital to the success of Circumstance for absence. It is also holiday-leave cannot be required to catch up
our young people’s education. Statistical If your child is absent or there is any acceptable for a parent be accommodated (for on work missed (where
evidence suggests that there are links change in your personal circumstances to telephone the school example emergency or appropriate) on their
between attendance levels and pupils’ (e.g. change of address) please inform to say why the child is armed services) may return to school.
attainment. Society the Primary School Administrator. It is absent. holidays in term time be The Scottish
in general, and important to let us know why a child is Only in exceptional authorised. Office has informed
parents and schools absent so that school records can be circumstances where Family holidays schools that any
in particular, have kept up to date. Children arriving late are it is “important to the where the school does unexplained absence
central roles to play in recorded as such. A phone call or Group well-being and cohesion not agree that there is a should be treated as an
encouraging positive call message will be sent to parents if a of the family following satisfactory reason for unauthorised absence
attitudes to education child does not arrive in school and there is serious or terminal absence will be classified that is truancy.
in young people. no explanation.
24
24 | Tweedbank Primary
PrimarySchool
School || Handbook
Handbook2020/21
2020/21 Handbook 2020/21 || Tweedbank
Handbook 2020/21 Tweedbank Primary Schooll | | 25
Primary Schoo 27Medical Care
Minor injuries are treated by school
staff with basic first aid training. Where
professional medical treatment is
considered necessary, parents will be
informed by telephone and offered the
opportunity to accompany their child to
the doctor or hospital. If neither parent
nor emergency contact can be reached,
the Head Teacher/Principal Teacher will
see that the child is taken for medical
help; parents will be advised as soon as
possible. When a child becomes unwell at
school and is unable to
complete his/her studies,
parents will be informed AN EMERGENCY
and asked to collect the TELEPHONE NUMBER
child from school. MUST BE LODGED
WITHIN THE SCHOOL Children and Medicines Health Care plan will be devised in
Medical AND THE SCHOOL young people are Occasionally children may need to take collaboration with relevant health
Examinations MUST BE INFORMED seen as part of medicine during the school day. The professionals, staff and parents.
Each school has a named OF ANY CHANGE OF the National Child only medicine that can be administered Inhalers are often used and instructions
School Nurse. The roles NUMBER. Health Surveillance by school staff must be prescribed by regarding usage must be made clear to us
and responsibilities of the programme which a doctor and can only be administered and to your child. Staff are not responsible
service revolve around the currently involves on completion of the ‘Parental Request for the administration of these but will help
health needs of school age children and growth and selective vision screening for for Medicine to be Administered’ and support when needed.
their families. School Entrants and health promotion by a parent/carer. This is to In summer time we strongly
The school nursing service is involved work with Primary 7 children to facilitate safeguard the interests of advise that you send your
in areas of health promotion and transition to secondary school. both staff and pupils. It is the child to school with a hat
improvement for individuals, groups and Working with medical colleagues in parent/carer’s responsibility and sun cream already
their school communities. This may include Child Health, the nursing service takes to hand in and collect the applied. Please note school
class room activities and lessons, small referrals and reviews school aged children medication to and from the staff are not permitted to
group work, presentations and 1:1 work for differing health problems from mental school office. put sunscreen onto children.
as well as working with education staff health issues to obesity. The Primary School Head lice: Please ensure
and families. Topics delivered include, The Education staff use the service for Administrator will keep any that children are checked
drugs and alcohol, sexual health, nutrition, training for the administration of complex medicine in the office. routinely for this and treat using
promoting good mental health, hygiene medicines and help and advice on general In some cases, where children have appropriate chemical and mechanical (nit
and infection control. health issues. complex medical needs, an Individual comb) preparation. continues over >>
26 Tweedbank Primary
26 || Glendinning School |School
Terrace Primary Handbook 2020/21 2017/18
| Handbook HandbookHandbook
2017/18 | 2020/21 | Tweedbank
Glendinning PrimarySchool
Terrace Primary 27
School | | 27Communicable diseases
Recommended minimum periods of exclusion from school Policies & Procedures
of children who are cases or contacts of infectious diseases:
DISEASES PERIODS OF EXCLUSION
School Improvement Plan Health and Safety
Whooping Cough 21 days from outset and Priorities Emergency Procedures. If your child
Influenza Exclusion until clinically well Every year, the school publishes a feels ill during the school day and we
Measles Until at least 5 days after the rash appears or clinically School Improvement Report providing feel that he/she would be better at
well, whichever is longer. all stakeholders with a comprehensive home, we will telephone you or your
summary of the school’s work and emergency contact. Minor accidents,
Chickenpox / Scarlet Fever 5 days from onset of rash or until spots become dry –
learners’ achievements over the last e.g. cuts, bruises, are dealt with by the
whichever is longer.
year. The first part of this report provides school staff. Serious accidents are few,
German Measles (Rubella) 5 days from onset of rash. an overview of the school’s progress in but should one occur your child will
Mumps Until swelling subsides addressing its key priorities, while the be immediately taken either to your
second part gives information about, for doctor or to hospital, if necessary, and
Polio/diphtheria/typhoid/ Until certified as fit to return by Community Medicine
example, how well pupils are learning you or your emergency contact will be
dysentery/food poisoning/ Specialist (minimum 48 hours)
and achieving; how well the school is notified. We cannot stress enough the
salmonella
supporting children/young people to importance of supplying the school with
Salmonellosis Minimum of 48 hours after clinically well. develop and learn. We also publish a the relevant information we require in
Erysipelas/scabies/ringworm Until treatment is initiated by a GP/Nurse. School Improvement Plan which outlines such a situation, i.e. your own home and
Viral Hepatitis 7 days from onset of jaundice. the key priorities for the school during the work number and a telephone number
year ahead, following due consultation of an emergency contact.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Exclusion whilst clinically unwell and until spots are
with staff, pupils and We will request such information at
healing.
parents. The plan the beginning of each new school year.
Impetigo Exclusion until the sores are healed (not weeping) or indicates the expected
given effective antibiotics for a minimum of 48 hours. impact of priorities
on pupil learning, as
Roseola Infantum (exanthema Exclusion until clinically well. well as providing brief
subitum) – viral infection information about the
Scarlet Fever Exclusion until clinically recovered or 48 hours after key tasks to be taken
appropriate antibiotics have started. forward. Both the
report and the plan are
Conjunctivitis Exclusion until symptoms are resolved or as directed available in hard copy,
by GP. on request.
Herpes (Zoster) No exclusion if blisters can be covered; otherwise, for 5
days after onset.
‘Slap Cheek’ (Fifth disease) Exclusion until clinically well Emergency closure of the school/ the school of any changes to your contact
Vomiting, Diarrhoea and May return to school after 48 hours free from last bout adverse weather details. If you know that your mobile
Fever of vomiting and diarrhoea. In the event of an emergency arising phone does not have a signal, or you do not
whereby it is necessary to close the school, have a mobile phone, please inform the
you will be contacted by ‘Group Call’ which Primary School Administrator so that she
Please could parents ensure that children do not return is a text message to your mobile phone. can record an alternative landline number
to school after a period of illness until they are fully recovered It is the parents’ responsibility to inform to contact you on.
28 | Tweedbank Primary School | Handbook 2020/21 Handbook 2020/21 | Fountainhall Primary School | 27 28 | Tweedbank Primary School | Handbook 2020/21 Handbook 2020/21 | Tweedbank Primary School | 29Policies & Procedures
Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school school yourself then you are expected severe weather conditions threaten.
unaccompanied unless school staff are to collect your child either at the end 8. Where pupils use school transportation
satisfied that there is someone at home of the school day or at the time of early a set of emergency instructions are
to receive them. closure. Do not bring your child to used to contact transport operators
school when buses do not run unless and other schools using the same
Severe Weather you are certain of being able to collect transport, and parents whose children
In the event of severe weather we will make them at the end of the school day – have a long way to walk home from the
every effort to keep the school open and even if the weather worsens. drop-off points. Parents must ensure
continue as normal. However, there may 4. School transportation may well be that some arrangement has been made
be situations where this is not possible and delayed due to adverse weather so to cover the possibility of pupils being
it is therefore important that you follow pupils will have to wait longer and be sent home early.
the points below in terms of transport exposed to the cold. 9. Schools routinely communicate with
arrangements. 5. Parents must ensure that their children parents or groups of parents using
During adverse weather, school are warmly dressed just in case the Groupcall text messaging service.
transport may be subject to cancelled journey to school is very slow or even Once the decision has been made then
services, amended routes, longer journey halted in bad weather. In normal Group call will be used to send updated
times or alternative bus stops used. In circumstances, pupils should not wait information regarding sending pupils
extreme cases there may be the need to more than 15 minutes if the bus is late. home early.
cancel all school services. In severely cold weather, this 15 minute 10. Parents are asked to ensure that the
rule need not apply. school that their child attends has
Morning Journeys 6. If your child travels to school on an up to date and accurate mobile
1. School bus drivers and operators connecting services, drivers will be telephone number on record for these
have complete discretion to cancel or told to wait for each other and not to purposes. It is further suggested
vary school transport given any local leave any children standing in adverse that parents who may find it difficult
weather conditions. weather conditions. Should the second or not possible to have their mobile
2. In the case of morning journeys to bus not arrive children will be returned telephone switched on throughout the
the school, the driver may decide home. If the second bus does arrive but day ensure that they check their phone
that he/she either cannot undertake cannot complete the journey to school on a regular basis for any Groupcall
the journey or complete the trip to that driver will return children to their messages from the school when bad
school. The driver would then return homes. weather has been forecast or where
the children home. In the event of they see deterioration in the weather.
adverse weather conditions, parents What will happen if pupils are sent 11. If school transport is in operation
should ensure that some arrangement home early due to bad weather or other and you collect your own child from
has been made at home to cover this emergency? school during severe weather then the
possibility. 7. The Head Teacher with knowledge of school office must be informed so that
3. Should the school transport for your local weather conditions will work with transport is not delayed while staff look
child not operate in the morning the Education Department to make for a missing child.
because of adverse weather conditions decisions regarding a school closure
but you decide to take your child to or to send children home early should continues over >>
32 || St
30 Boswells Primary
Tweedbank PrimarySchool
School | |Handbook
Handbook2020/21
2020/21 Handbook 2020/21 | St
Handbook 2020/21
| Boswells Primary
Tweedbank School | | 33
PrimarySchool 31Policies & Procedures
Council’s implementation of
British Sign Language Plan
The Council’s BSL Plan 2018-24 has
seven holistic actions. These actions
Additional information to ensure the Use of the Internet are consistent with the ten long
safe travel of pupils to/from school Photographs/videos As part of the process of learning we allow term goals of the National BSL Plan
12. The ultimate responsibility for the Photographs and videos may our children supervised access to the in Scotland, which are, early years
safety of children walking to and from be taken by staff in the school, Internet and email. The authority runs its and education; training and work;
bus pick-up/drop-off points rests media and other parents for a own filter system to ensure that young health, mental health and wellbeing;
with the parents. Parents must decide variety of reasons for example people are not at risk from exposure transport; culture and the arts;
whether or not children can make Sports Day, celebrations of to inappropriate material. justice and democracy.
their way to meet transport in low achievement, charity events, This filtering system is
temperatures. excursions etc. The school regularly being upgraded. These goals represent the
13. If you feel that your child should not your child attends may wish to We have a policy for use of Scottish Government’s aim
walk home alone in bad weather display or show photographs the Internet and a contract “to make Scotland the best
from the drop-off point it will be your or videos taken by themselves, for responsible use, which place in the world for BSL
responsibility to meet him/her. Drivers in print, in various locations or we ask parents and young users to live, work and visit.”
will not normally set children down at by electronic means such as a people to sign up to.
any point significantly different from website. Likewise the media or The Council will implement
the usual one. The driver will use his/ other parents may wish to use measures to promote awareness
her judgment in deciding whether to the images of pupils in various Security of BSL and the use of BSL, with the
leave the child or to keep him/her on ways. We ask In the interests of school security external long term goal being that across
the bus. In the latter case, your child you at the doors are kept locked while pupils are Scotland information and services will
would be taken to a nearby school or time your child in class. Parents requiring access to the be accessible to all BSL users*.
place of safety. Children must follow enrols at one of school should press the entry button
any instructions given to them by the our schools if at the Main School Entrance or Nursery Contact Scotland –BSL is an online
driver in any emergency and should not you are happy Entrance. All visitors must British Sign Language interpreting
leave the bus to make their own way for images of your child to be report to the office to sign service that allows deaf people across
home. used in this way and we try to in the visitors book and Scotland to access services free and
14. Where transport is unable to operate ensure you are aware of, and collect a visitors badge, available 24 hours a day throughout
to take children home as a result understand, such possible use which should be returned the year: https://contactscotland-
of extreme weather conditions The of your child’s image and that at the end of the visit. bsl.org/
Emergency Planning Team will work you have consented.
alongside our partners to provide Any permission given will If a BSL user requests a face to face
alternative and safe transport home. remain in force during your meeting then the School is required to
child’s primary and secondary Policies provide a face to face interpreter.
Arrangements have been made with Radio schooling until you indicate There are a number of National,
Borders to relay information about the that you wish to withdraw your Education Services and school policies *Whenever we refer to ‘BSL users’ we mean D/
deaf and /or Deafblind people (those who receive
cancellation of school transportation and consent. You can do this by which will provide information on a
the language in a tactile form due to sight loss)
group call and Scottish Borders Website contacting the head teacher of range of issues. Further details of all of whose first of preferred language is British Sign
will be used to inform parents of any your school as soon as possible. these are available from your school Language
important information. or on the Scottish Borders Council
website www.scotborders.gov.uk
34 | St
32 Boswells Primary
Tweedbank PrimarySchool
School | | Handbook
Handbook2020/21
2020/21 St Boswells Primary
2020/21 || Tweedbank
Handbook 2020/21 School | | 35
PrimarySchool 33You can also read
