As part of on going consultation here are some of the issues raised by the pupils of Millbank Primary.
The pupils council said that it isn’t fair that if you are the last class in the school dinner queue you only get 1 choice
Following discussion with the cook and the school meals service coloured bands were introduced.
impact- this has resulted in all pupils getting their meal of choice and less waste most days in the canteen.
The pupils asked if they could have a longer playtime in the morning
As part of the consultation before Christmas 5 minutes was added to morning playtime.
impact children say they enjoy playtime more
The pupils asked if they could have a Christmas Light as all the other schools had one in Buckie.
This was raised at a recent Parent Council meeting and they are considering it. A recent vote around the school confirmed that the pupils would really like to have a light.
impact the pupils feel listened too.
A focus group of pupils and parents visited a Banff Primary to pick up new ideas for our school.
They fed back ideas which I feedback to the design team.
Some of their ideas such as the storage cupboards opening into the hall have been added to the design
Impact- children have a say in the future of Millbank School
Since taking over the head teachers post at Millbank I have been asking for feedback from parents and carers. I am pleased to say that some people are eager to make suggestions.I want to update you on progress
You asked if a meeting could be arranged for parents to discuss the refurbishment
Fiona Grant (project manager) will hold 2 meetings at Millbank Primary on the 13th May one from 3.30pm-4.30pm and the second is from 5.30pm-6.30pm. These will be identical meetings and an opportunity to ask questions about the refurbishment of the school.
You asked if the adult helpers in the playground could wear highvis vests at break and lunch times.
On Tuesday 17th March it was announced at assembly that all playground helpers would wear high vis vests from now on.
You asked if there could be more adults in our playground.
The DHT and I are looking at ways we can reorganise existing staff to facilitate this if at all possible.
You asked if all the children who behave at Millbank can be rewarded.
Accepted behaviour is what we expect at Millbank; since I arrived we have introduced the golden ticket system and revised the behaviour policy. This is something that we will as a school have to return to in the future to ensure that we are encouraging all children to be tolerant of each other.
Please keep your suggestions and ideas for improving our school coming in.
Millbank Primary School was opened in 1974. The school is semi open plan in design There is classroom accommodation for 12 classes, and an additional support needs base which caters for pupils with profound and complex needs. Each class bay is comprised of a carpeted area and a tiled area which is suitable for practical activities. The school hall is a multipurpose area which serves as a well equipped gymnasium/games hall and dining room. The school has a general purposes room which is used for music and a range of other activities such as home economics and drama. There are 2 libraries, and a pre-school unit. Pupils enter at the rear of the school, where there is a large playground area. This is made up of a large tarmac area and a grass playing field.
However since 1974 teaching and learning has moved on whilst the interior of the school remains firmly in the 1970’s. The Moray Council have secured funding to refurbish 4 schools to a B standard condition, one of which is Millbank which will enable the Authority to ensure the building is warm, safe and secure for pupils in the present day. This is an opportunity to improve the building which largely has been in the same condition for 40 years. However there is a need to be able to improve the building ambience both for teaching and suitability to enable 21st Century education to be carried out.
The design team have used the information from myself and the focus group to look at ways of improving our school. the plans below are also on view at the entrance to the school.
This is an exciting opportunity for Millbank pupils and parents. The building work will start in June 2015 and last for approximately 90 weeks. this will inevitably be a disruptive time for all however I am sure the end result will be worth it.
