All posts by Miss Rice

Anti-Bullying

Cross Arthurlie is committed to creating a safe and secure environment where bullying is discussed and challenged.

We  adopt a wide range of strategies to prevent and respond to incidents of bullying, putting a high degree of importance on developing positive relationships.

We create inclusive ethos and culture and find this is the most effective way of reducing and responding to incidents of bullying.

Our Anti-Bullying Policy and daily practice reflect an ambition to ensure a strong ethos of fairness, equality and respect.

 

Wet Weather

We know that it is really important for child’s physical and mental health to be outdoors, particularly at this time. Unfortunately this may mean that they are out in inclement weather. Children are reminded to put jackets on and hoods up by all staff and some parents have provided waterproofs which children are reminded to wear. If you are concerned that your child may have wet socks/ tights etc please pop a fresh pair in their school bags, let your child know that they are there and staff will give time for children to change into dry clothing.

Mrs MacDonald

Keeping Safe Online

We are delighted to see so many of our children engaging with online learning through our Google Classrooms.  It’s really important to stay safe when learning online and that all devices are configured to keep everyone safe.  Home internet connections are different to the secure connections set up in school.  These tips provide advice on how to establish safe connections at home.

Keeping Safe Online at Home

Learning at Home Guidance for Parents and Carers

 

Parental Involvement Consultation

The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 sets out the role parents, schools and education authorities must play in ensuring all parents are fully involved and engaged in their children’s learning and in the life and work of our schools.

The Scottish Government made a commitment to update, strengthen and modernise the guidance as part of its joint Scottish Government / Convention of Scottish Local Authorities “Learning Together” Action Plan.

We are now seeking the views of a wider audience to refine the updated guidance.

We are running a full public consultation on the draft updated guidance, from Friday 24 January 2020 until Thursday 30 April 2020.

We would be grateful if you can complete the consultation questionnaire on the refreshed guidance which can be accessed at: https://consult.gov.scot/learning-directorate/parental-involvement-act.

We hope to hear from anyone who has an interest in how parents can be fully involved and engaged in children’s learning.

For more information on the public consultation and how you can be involved in this please contact: parental.involvment@gov.scot

School Halal Menu

Specialist Diets

If your child requires a special diet for medical reasons, you should obtain a Medically prescribed diet registration form, from the school office and send with an accompanying letter from a medical practitioner or dietician confirming the specific details of the diagnosis to your school office. Once the form has been received you will be contacted by one of the catering team to discuss your child’s dietary needs and outline the process ensuring a suitable meal is provided.

For pupils wishing to access the School Halal Menu then a Cultural diet request form should be completed and for any pupils wishing to access the Vegan or Vegetarian menu then a Lifestyle request form should be completed, both forms are available from the school office Please note that it’s your responsibility to inform us about changes in your child dietary needs.

(Nicky Joiner, Catering Coordinator, Education Facilities Management)

 

Making School Food Healthier

More fruit and vegetables, less processed red meat and sugar on the menu.

https://www.gov.scot/news/making-school-food-healthier

The Scottish Government and all local authorities are jointly committed to providing the healthiest food to children and young people. This commitment is underpinned by a duty to provide school meals that meet strict nutritional requirements, including encouraging the use of fresh, local and sustainable produce School food regulations will be amended to ensure:

  • a minimum of two full portions of vegetables and a full portion of fruit are offered as part of a school lunch, with full portions of fruit and or vegetables also available in, for example, tuck shops
  • a minimum weekly amount in the school menu of red and processed red meat provision –  such as bacon, ham and pepperoni

For Primary schools – Ensure no more than 175g of red and red processed meat can be provided over the course of the school week, of which no more than 100g should be red processed meat. All of the 175g amount can be used for unprocessed freshly prepared red meat.

This is a new standard and is based on the Scottish Dietary Goal for red and processed meat which is supported by scientific evidence based dietary recommendations to limit intakes of these foods to 70g per day with the purpose of protecting the health of children and young people. Therefore if a child is to have processed meat in their diet this can be managed at home by parents/carers.

Dietary advice highlights red meat as a major source of iron and zinc which can contribute to meeting the recommended nutrient intakes for primary school lunches removal of fruit juice and smoothies from primary and secondary schools to help reduce sugar intake.

The measures follow extensive consultation and advice from a working group comprising health, nutrition and education experts.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/report-responses-consultation-nutritional-requirements-food-drink-schools

Currently all East Renfrewshire school meals are nutritionally analysed and comply with the existing regulations laid down by the Scottish Government.

All medically prescribed diets will be accommodated on receipt of an Acute Services Division referral form from a hospital dietician or a Doctor’s letter detailing dietary requirements.

Loraine Lawrie
Quality Manager
Facilities Management (Education)