Handbook

HANDBOOK 2023

Tel: 01236 794884

Dear Parents,

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with useful information about our school, the curriculum we provide, our staff and facilities, our aims and objectives, our place in the community and especially our relationship with you as a parent.

At Drumpark Primary and Nursery we recognise that parents and staff have a powerful, mutual interest in the education, welfare and happiness of all the children who attend our school.

Our aim is to provide a curriculum, which meets the needs of each child and encourages independence and self-expression and one which provides challenge and progression across all curricular areas.

Throughout this year we hope to give opportunities for all pupils, parents and staff to share skills, knowledge and experience.

Our handbook should provide you with the basic information you initially require about the school but please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or assistance.

Covid 19 Pandemic NLC will continue to align supports, from across the service, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to support children and families and maintain educational provision. Further information is available directly from the school or from North Lanarkshire Council’s website www.northlan.gov.uk

Yours sincerely

Gillian Pollock

Head Teacher

SCHOOL INFORMATION

NAME OF SCHOOL: DRUMPARK PRIMARY SCHOOL & NURSERY

ADDRESS: ALBERT ST

COATBRIDGE

ML5 3ET

TELEPHONE: 01236 794884

FAX:

Email address nlpollockg@northlan.org.uk

Web address http//www.drumpark.n-lanark.sch.uk

HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Gillian Pollock

DENOMINATIONAL STATUS: Non Denominational

CURRENT ROLE Primary 154

SCHOOL HOURS

Opening time for pupils: 9.00 am

Interval: 10.30am – 10.45am

Lunch: 12.15pm – 1.00pm

Closing time for pupils: 3.00pm

All P1 pupils will attend school full-time from the first day of the school year.

LETTING PROCEDURES:

Any person / s wishing to hire a community facility within the school should apply to the Department of Community Facilities Services at:

Community Facilities Section

Municipal Buildings

Kildonan Street

Coatbridge

ML5 3BT

Tel: 01236 812407

Fax: 01698 302138

E-mail: school&facilitybookings@northlan.gov.uk

Drumpark Primary School Staff

2022 – 2023

School Leadership Team

Mrs Gillian Pollock – Head Teacher

Mrs Madeleine Asken – Depute Head Teacher

Mr James Connell – Principal Teacher

Miss Jennifer Daigle – Principal Teacher

Mrs Clare Preston – Principal Teacher (0.8fte)

Class teachers

Miss E McLaren

Mrs K Smyth

Miss C Taylor

Mrs S Chadwick

Mr D Johnstone

Mrs A Mitchell (0.6fte)

Mrs V Reynolds (0.4fte)

Mrs A Hepburn (0.6fte)

Mrs J Watt (0.4fte)

Mrs A Saddiq (0.6fte)

Miss L McCormack (0.8fte)

Mrs A Christie

Mrs R Douglas

Miss M Gallagher

Ms S Birch

Miss D Charlton

Mrs J Tarbet

Mr C Nicolson

Mrs S O’Hanlon

Mrs A Morgan

Mrs A Jones

Mrs D Giblin

Mrs B Pugh

Mrs I McAtee – Music Teacher

Mrs M Chapman – PE Teacher

Miss P Smith – Art Teacher

Additional Support Needs Assistants

Mrs I Boyle (ESA)

Miss L Diver (Temp ESA)

Miss L More (Temp ESA)

Mrs M Gillespie

Mrs J Russell

Mrs K McFadyen

Mrs J McDonald

Mrs K Innes (Part time)

Mrs L Crossan

Mrs B McGowan (Part time)

Mrs J Lynn

Mrs M Walker (Part time)

Mrs A Tuckfield (Part time)

Mrs M Cappie

Mrs W Stewart (Part time)

Mrs J McFadyen

Mrs S Fleming

Mrs A Hainey

Mrs C Duffin

Mrs M Cunningham (Part time)

Mr J McDonald

Mrs T McGinley

Mrs J McInnes

Mrs M Bowman

Mrs J Major

Miss J Bonar

Office staff

Senior Clerical Assistant: Mrs Lindsay McLees (Part Time)

Janitor

Mr Toni Smith

Miss Lynsey

Term dates and school holidays

February 2023

Mid-term break: Monday 13 February 2023 and Tuesday 14 February 2023
In-service day: Wednesday 15 February 2023

April 2023

Schools close: Friday 31 March 2023 at 2.30pm
Spring holiday (Easter): Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April (inclusive)

Good Friday: 7 April 2023
Easter Monday: 10 April 2023

Schools return: Monday 17 April 2023

May 2023

May holiday: Monday 1 May 2023
In-service day: Tuesday 2 May 2023
May weekend: Friday 26 May 2023 to Monday 29 May 2023 (inclusive)

June 2023

Schools close: Wednesday 28 June 2023 at 1pm

August 2023

Teachers return and in-service day: Monday 14 August 2023
In-service day: Tuesday 15 August 2023
Pupils return: Wednesday 16 August 2023

September 2023

September weekend: Friday 22 September and Monday 25 September 2023 (inclusive)

October 2023

October week: Monday 16 to Friday 20 October 2023 (inclusive)

November 2023

In-service day: Monday 13 November

December 2023 – January 2024

Schools close: Friday 22 December 2023 at 2.30pm
Christmas and New Year holidays: Monday 25 December 2023 – Friday 5 January 2024 (inclusive)

February 2024

Mid-term break: Monday 12 February and Tuesday 13 February 2024
In-service day: Wednesday 14 February 2024

April 2024

Schools close: Thursday 28 March 2024 at 2.30pm
Spring holiday (Easter): Friday 29 March – Friday 12 April 2024 (Inclusive)

Good Friday 29 March
Easter Monday 1 April 2024

May 2024

In-service day: Thursday 2 May 2024 (to coincide with UK Parliamentary elections, but may be subject to change)
May holiday: Monday 6 May 2024
May weekend: Friday 24 May 2024 and Monday 27 May 2024 (inclusive)

June 2024

Schools Close: Wednesday 26 June 2024 at 1pm

DRUMPARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

At Drumpark our practice is reflective of our values and focuses on the rights of the child:

Respect

Independence

Growing in Confidence

Hard Work

Team Work

Safe

Our vision is:

In Drumpark school Children’s Rights are at the heart of all we do. We seek to meet the needs of all pupils by providing rich learning opportunities through a culture of positivity and fun.

We demonstrate our commitment to this statement by:

Respecting people and learning, taking account of people’s views.

Caring for our pupils by providing an education which provides wide and varied learning experiences.

Developing learning and understanding within a relevant, individualised curriculum which will stimulate and encourage pupils to reach their educational potential.

Ensuring that necessary supports are identified and available for pupils to overcome barriers.

Meeting the needs of all our pupils through the partnership of home school and community.

Promoting a culture where achievement for all is recognised and celebrated.

Drumpark Primary School caters for primary pupils with additional support needs. It is co-located with Greenhill Primary school in a new build and refurbishment of Coatbridge High in Albert Street. (2012)

The school offers excellent facilities and includes a swimming pool, teaching kitchen, soft play room and extensive grounds with outdoor play pitches.

Drumpark primary is located on the ground and lower ground floors of the building and Greenhill Primary have the upstairs accommodation. We share the physical activity area, changing facilities, drama room, the dining hall and the outdoor playing courts and playground space. On the upper floor we have a shared library and staffroom.

There is also shared accommodation for visiting specialists, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy.

The office space at the entrance to the building is staffed with both Drumpark and Greenhill clerical personnel.

The school is centrally located and within walking distance of the main shopping precinct and local amenities. There are good public transport links within easy reach.

The current roll of the school is 154 primary aged pupils. We currently operate 18 classes. The stages are primary 1 to primary 7 with almost classes being composites of at least two stages.

The Health Board provides the service of school nurse, doctor and dental hygienists, visiting physiotherapists and occupational therapists. While accommodation is available to host these services they are not based in a full time capacity within the school. The Health Board and Learning and Leisure Services jointly fund Speech and Language therapy sessions.

We also have input from visiting peripatetic services for children with a hearing and visual disability.

Since we moved in 2012 to the shared campus we have forged strong links with Greenhill Primary and we have also developed a strong working relationship with the local community including Gartcosh Outdoor Reserve as part of our well established Forest Schools – outdoor learning programme.

As part of our transition programme for primary 7 pupils we have developed strong links with Buchanan High School (01236-632052) which is co-located with St. Ambrose High.

We use several local facilities on a daily basis especially Dunbeth Park and the local shops and we have links with St Andrews church and St Patricks RC church both of which are within walking distance of the school.

The school encourages positive links with parents and we have a Parent Council. We also benefit from the support of the parent Support officer- Vicky Marshall, who offers a family club night and a weekly parent support group one morning each week.

Our aims are that each child, through his/her individual targets, will develop knowledge and skills in all areas of the curriculum to become as independent as possible and a valued citizen of the community.

Parents, pupils and staff have all worked together to achieve permanency with our Green Flag and Gold Award status. We are also a recognised Fair-Trade school and along with Greenhill Primary we are a Gold level Rights Respecting School. We have also achieved level 2 award with the Royal Horticultural Society for our gardening projects.

We also have well established links with other ASN schools in the authority linking up for professional development activities and sporting and cultural events.

We enjoy links with mainstream schools, especially our co-located partner Greenhill Primary and we work together to promote activities which foster inclusion and opportunities to share and exchange information, resources and good practice. Primary 7 pupils from both schools have regular meeting and opportunities for planning shared ventures. These include charity events such as Children in Need, activities for Eco and Rights Respecting Schools assemblies and the Primary 7 Leavers assembly and transition to secondary party.

We ensure that we offer a welcoming environment, where pupils are confident and secure and where parents feel part of the school community. We offer a wide range of activities to promote citizenship, particularly in relationship to Eco activities and community events. We are supported in our activities by a group of volunteers –including several parents, college students and school students on work experience placements.

We are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination including disability, gender and religion, promotion of equality and opportunity

Educational Aims

Education in Drumpark places emphasis on pupils’ abilities and potential rather than their disabilities. The aims of the school are broadly based and encompass all of the following:-

To encourage independence by developing skills that enable pupils to function in society at the highest level depending on their capability.

To facilitate communication by providing an appropriate curriculum which will develop skills in all areas of language including reading, writing, listening and talking.

To encourage social interaction by providing opportunities for pupils to participate in the community in a wide variety of experiences, either through educational links (eg with local schools) or leisure (eg sports activities)

To encourage the capacity to make choices and decisions (at all levels of the school) by presenting pupils with challenges and problems which require them to develop initiative and a responsible attitude.

To appreciate the benefits of healthy living by developing positive attitudes through programmes of study in P.E., Health Education

To acquire a positive attitude to personal development through a continuing process that enables pupils to develop a positive self-image, demonstrate confidence and be able to show initiative when presented with every day problems.

To involve parents in their child’s education by providing effective communication between home and school. This includes reports regarding their child’s progress, through formal and informal meetings and by providing opportunities for parents, which aim to support the work of the school.

To provide links with the community at all stages of education from P1 through to P7.

Equal opportunities

We seek to remove barriers in order to promote equality of opportunity and secure social justice for all pupils regardless of race, belief, gender or ability. In this matter we will strive to achieve our aims through our commitment-

To ensure the equal status of all pupils.

To recognise and promote ability.

To value the contribution made by everyone.

To ensure that pupils are aware of their own value.

To afford pupils the opportunity to participate in all activities.

To allow pupils to participate in the process of decision-making in matters which concern them.

The school is committed to ensuring its policies and practices do not impact adversely on any particular group(s) of people and opportunities to promote equality and actively pursued.

Implementation of the Education and Families Equality Policy including The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Technical Guidance for Schools in Scotland is the essential guide for the school community to promote equality. This information can be accessed at:

http://www.equlityhumanrights.com/en/publication-downloaded/technical-guidance-schools-scotland

Curriculum for Excellence

What is Curriculum for Excellence?

Curriculum for Excellence is Scotland’s national curriculum. It provides a coherent and inclusive curriculum from 3-18 years wherever learning is taking place, including early learning childhood centres, schools, colleges and community learning. It places children and young people at the heart of Scottish Education.

The purpose of Curriculum for Excellence is encapsulated in the four capacities – to enable each child or young person to be

a successful learner,

a confident individual,
a responsible citizen and
an effective contributor.

These four capacities govern the entire curriculum from age 3 to 18 and aim to raise the standards of achievement for all learners.

Curriculum for Excellence is underpinned by the values inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament – wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity.

Throughout Curriculum for Excellence there is a strong focus on Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing across all aspects of learning and every teacher will support learners with the development of these, including digital literacy skills.

Curriculum for Excellence is defined as:

The totality of all that is planned for children and young people throughout their education’.

The opportunities for learning and teaching are governed by the Four Contexts for Learning, which ensure that the education your child receives is informative, interesting, relevant and fun.

These contexts are:

Ethos and life of the school as a community

Curriculum areas and subjects

Interdisciplinary learning

Opportunities for personal achievement.

What are the Curriculum for Excellence levels?

There are five levels and these are flexible depending on pupils’ needs and abilities (some children and young people may achieve these levels earlier or later dependent on ability):

Early level pre-school to P1
First level to the end of P4
Second level to the end of P7
Third and fourth levels S1 to S3
Senior phase S4 to S6 and other forms of study.

What is the Broad General Education?

The Broad General Education (BGE) is the first phase of two closely connected phases of education. The BGE phase stretches from age 3 until the end of S3 after which learners move into the Senior Phase which starts in S4.

Curriculum Areas and subjects

The BGE is delivered via 8 curricular areas which, in secondary school cover years S1 to S3, and may be subdivided further into individual subjects.

The 8 curricular areas are:

Expressive Arts
Languages and Literacy
Health and Well Being
Mathematics and Numeracy
Religious and Moral Education
Sciences
Social Studies
Technologies.

The Senior Phase

The senior phase curriculum, from S4 to S6, follows a young person’s broad general education, building firmly on the experiences and outcomes they will have experienced and achieved by the end of S3. It enables them to extend and deepen their learning and continue to develop skills for learning, life and work, through qualifications and also through a range of opportunities for personal development such as awards and wider achievements. It is designed to support young people in moving on to positive sustained destinations, whether that is college, university, training or employment. In the Senior Phase, schools and their partners ( such as colleges, employers or community learning and development providers) now have flexibility to offer a range of pathways that meet the needs and raise the attainment levels of all learners – including pupils who might previously have become disengaged from education.

Schools are taking a range of approaches to the senior phase and are able to offer greater personalisation and choice for young people in a variety of ways, for example by:

designing the senior phase as a three-year experience rather than planning each year separately
delivering qualifications over different timescales in response to young people’s needs and prior achievements
developing pathways for able learners, which bypass qualifications at lower levels to allow more time to be spent on more challenging learning at higher levels
providing specific and appropriate programmes that maximise achievement and attainment for young people planning to leave after S4.

Personal Support/Career Planning

From 3-18 years, learners are supported to achieve their full potential and, as they progress through broad general education into senior phase, to plan and prepare for further learning, training or employment.

All schools and nurseries in North Lanarkshire are working hard to raise standards so that children and young people will develop all of the skills necessary to continue to be successful when leaving school and entering the world of higher education, training or work. As part of developing skills for learning, life and work, young people will be offered careers information advice and guidance to ensure they leave school and enter a positive post-school destination of higher education, further education, pre-employment training, employment (including modern apprenticeships), activity agreement or volunteering.

Assessment and Reporting

Assessment is an important part of the Curriculum for Excellence and, at all levels, pupils’ progress is closely monitored by teachers and staff.

In turn, teachers and staff work with pupils to reflect on their results, looking at their strengths and learning needs, agreeing next steps and action based on these. As they progress, pupils become more involved in this process, as they develop the skills to make effective judgments on their own learning, developing personal expertise that will be important to them throughout life.

Assessment also helps teachers plan learning experiences which are motivating and challenging. Children who may have additional support needs will be assessed using methods best suited to their individual requirements.

How will my child’s learning be assessed in Drumpark?

All children’s learning will be continuously assessed and reviewed, through the pupils individual Additional Support Plans. Formal review meetings will take place on an annual basis to allow parental involvement in their children’s learning and development.

Parental consultations take place twice yearly to update on pupil progress with Reports being issued on an annual basis in June.

In classrooms staff will be using improved ways of assessing children’s learning taking account of national and local advice and guidance. Your child’s progress will be reported to you so that you know how well your child is doing.

Each year your nursery/school will let you know what is being done to continue to implement Curriculum for Excellence so that you can be confident that your child us receiving a high quality education.

In Drumpark we are continually reviewing the opportunities we provide to ensure that all children have access to experiences which develop their abilities to be Confident individuals, effective contributors, successful learners and responsible citizens.

We have an embedded progressive programme in outdoor learning from P1 to P7 and every child has access to outdoor fitness activities programmes and swimming instruction. We also offer additional support to improve physical co-ordination through Bi-lateral training. We are establishing links with the community to widen pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the world around them and the skills required for life and work.

In the classrooms we constantly review planning procedures using experiences and outcomes from the Curriculum for Excellence framework and work from the ASN sector with colleagues to moderate assessments.

Inter-disciplinary themes are incorporated into programmes bringing real meaning to learning set within given contexts.

Through our home school diary, personal messaging on Twitter, emails, homework programme, invites to parental workshops and monthly and termly bulletins we aim to keep parents involved and informed of new developments in the curriculum and events in the school.

During the year there are specific topics where parents may require additional information about sensitive aspects of learning.(e.g. relationships, sexual health, parenthood and drug awareness, personal safety including use of ICT). Parents are informed in advance of any particular programmes relating to these areas and we involve the Public Health Team in the preparation and delivery of these programmes.

Additional Support Needs

Drumpark Primary complies with the Education (Additional Support for Learning)(Scotland) Act 2004 as amended by the Education (Additional Support for Learning)(Scotland) Act 2009 and the Additional support for Learning: Statutory Guidance 2017.

North Lanarkshire Council’s policy is contained within “Support for Learning Policy into Practice 2”, a copy of which is available in the School. The school has a Support for Learning Policy, available from the school on request, which is consistent with North Lanarkshire Council guidelines.

In Drumpark we work to meet pupils identified needs and undertake planning to establish achievable and realistic targets for all pupils. Assessment is continuous and we adapt our provision to accommodate a wide range of needs. On an annual basis we facilitate formal reviews and where necessary we arrange multi-agency meetings to look at additional supports which may be helpful in meeting individual needs.

Pastoral care is the responsibility of every staff member irrespective of role within the school and parents are encouraged to embrace our ‘Open door’ policy. Should parents/carers require to discuss any issues relating to pastoral care they should contact a member of the management team in the first instance. They will then provide advice, support or link with any agency required.

At transition points we work closely with associated schools and centres and we provide a structured transition programme including professional exchange of information, visits for children and parents and a range of social events to minimise any apprehensions at this time.

In our school we have children with a wide range of additional support needs.

The school ensures close liaison with all Education Services and external agencies involved in the planning and delivery of a service matched to needs.

Getting it Right for Me plans

Getting it Right for Me plans (GIRFMe) enable staff to plan effectively for children and young people when interventions are requires to support their learning a improve outcomes.

Parents/carers and pupils are an essential part of the assessment; planning and review processes and their views will be actively sought.

Some children and young people may require significant support from education and at least one other agency, such as health, social work and/or voluntary agency to help them meet their learning targets. Where this support requires a high level or co-ordination the opening of a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) may be considered. A CSP may be initiated by the school or another agency.

Parents/carers and young people can, if they wish, request that a CSP be considered and would be involved in the process.

Parents/carers will receive letters from the Education Authority throughout the CSP process.

Parents/carers and young people will be invited to take part in multiagency meetings and their views will be recorded in the plan.

Where more intensive support for a child or young person needs to be planned for, usually when a number of agencies are involved in supporting their wellbeing then a Child’s Plan may be developed. The plan will tell you what actions need to be taken and who will help with each action. It will usually be someone called a ‘Lead Professional’ who will have the job of making sure that the actions outlined in the plan take place and things get better for the child or young person.

Additional support

Dispute Resolution

North Lanarkshire Council is committed to resolving any differences of views through discussion, dialogue and building on common ground. If the matter cannot be resolved with the Education Authority you have the right to request mediation. An independent mediation service is available to parents and young people through Resolve (see contact details at the back of this handbook). Mediation is free through Resolve and independent of the Education Authority.

In the event that a disagreement cannot be resolved through mediation, then an application for Independent Adjudication (see contact details at the back of this handbook) can be made by parents free of charge. The Independent Adjudicator will make recommendations to the Education Authority about how the dispute should be resolved.

The Additional Support Needs Tribunal has been set up to hear appeals made by parents or young people on the decisions made by the Education Authority relating to Co-ordinated Support Plans, placing requests and post school transition. If you disagree with any decision relating to your child’s Co-ordinated Support Plan, either the creation of a CSP, or the content of it, you may be entitled to refer to the Tribunal.

School Improvement Plan

Our plans are reviewed on an annual basis and they are informed by staff, parents and pupils feedback.

We link with local and national priorities and determine what actions we can take to implement new initiatives and how we can best take forward curricular developments.

Cluster Priority:	Attainment in Literacy & Numeracy will show improvement through improving attendance rates between 3 and 5% across the Cluster average.
School Priority 1:	To support the mental, social, emotional and physical health of all children, families and staff.
School Priority 2:	To develop our understanding of the widening range of diversities within our pupil profile and use this knowledge to develop a curriculum approach to meet the needs of all pupils.
School Priority 3:	To improve teacher judgements and outcomes for learners through tracking using connecting steps.

A School Improvement Report on how we have taken these priorities forward is produced annually and is available to all parents.

This is available on the school website and Twitter page where further information about the school’s achievements can be found.

Homework

The school policy on homework is such that it enables parents to support and reinforce work done in the classroom. Every child is issued with a homework diary, Glow Teams and Twitter class page at the beginning of each year to support links between home and school.

Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values

Drumpark Primary School’s Religious Education programmes focus on helping pupils to deepen their relationship with God and with one another by encouraging concern for basic human rights and promoting values such as honesty, fairness and forgiveness

The Religious Education programmes are presented in ways appropriate to the age and stage of development of the pupils and seeks to foster their respective beliefs and practices while encouraging them to learn about and appreciate those of other faiths. Drumpark Primary is an inter-denominational school.

We provide both Roman Catholic Religious Education (RERC) and Religious and Moral Education lessons each week as well as joint religious observance through assemblies and seasonal services. All pupils learn about Other World Religions through the RERC and RME programmes. Parents will be asked if they wish their child to receive their entitlement to RERC on enrolment at Drumpark Primary.

Roman Catholic and Church of Scotland chaplains are frequent visitors to the school and pupils attend services at local churches. Parents who do not wish their child to participate in these programmes should inform the Head Teacher in writing and alternative arrangements will be made during RME sessions.

RC pupils will be prepared for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation at the appropriate stage.

Parents / guardians from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.

Extra Curricular activities

We offer a range of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. Given the difficulties with transport arrangements at the end of the day, we will be offering an additional range of lunchtime clubs to encourage wider pupil involvement. Clubs can include:

Multi-sports
Football
Dance
Games
Choir
Games
Running
Crafts
Lego
Drumming

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force in January 2005. The Act allows anyone to ask for information held by the Council and imposes a time-scale of 20 working days for the Council to respond. To deal with Freedom of Information requests, the Council has appointed a Corporate Freedom of information Officer with the support of an officer in each Service. The Freedom of Information and Records Management Officer can be contacted by telephone on 01698 302484.

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) Statement of Education

What is this statement?

This statement explains when and why we collect personal information about you, your child or young person and how this information is used, the conditions under which it may be disclosed to others and how it is kept secure.

Who are we?

North Lanarkshire Council is a Local Authority established under the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994. Education and Families is located in Civic Centre, Motherwell ML1 1AB

Why do we need your personal information and that of your child or young person?

The Council has a legal obligation to deliver an effective education service to all children and young people in North Lanarkshire. In order to do this we need to collect personal information about children, young people and their families so that we can help them to learn and keep them safe.

Legal basis for using your information

We provide this service as part of our statutory function as your Local Authority. Processing your personal information is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest by the Council. If the information we have asked for is not provided, then we will not be able to provide this service to your child or young person.

Your personal information

Education uses the national IT system, SEEMiS, to store personal information electronically. We ask parents/carers during registration and enrolment to provide us with their child’s name, date of birth, gender, address, family contact details (phone/email). We will also ask you to update this information annually.

We may also ask you for information about medical conditions, additional support needs, religion, and ethnicity. We may also record information you might wish to provide about your family circumstances.

We require this information to ensure children and young people are educated appropriately, supported, and that we take account of their health and wellbeing.

During a child’s journey through education a pupil’s record is kept, this core record is mainly paper based and is stored securely in the child or young person’s establishment. If the establishment has requested assistance from educational staff outwith the nursery or school, key staff from these services may also store information securely about your child or young person.

How will we use this information?

Your personal information will be used:

To enrol your child or young person in nursery or school

to provide your child or young person with an appropriate education
for teaching, enrolment and assessment purposes and to monitor educational progress of children and young people
to support pupil learning, improve outcomes and identify where additional support is needed to help children and young people
to provide appropriate pastoral care to support health and wellbeing of children and young people
to keep children and young people safe
to maintain records of attendance, absence and behaviour of children and young people (including exclusions)
to support children and young people during transitions when moving on each year from nursery to primary, primary to secondary and when they move or leave school
to enable schools and establishments to process personal data in support of SQA and Further Education
to monitor and report on pupil attainment and achievement in relation to the national improvement framework issued by the Scottish Government
to assure the quality of our education services in line with national expectations from Education Scotland.
When we require to contract you by post, email, telephone or text.

Who do we share information with?

To support your child or young person’s access to appropriate education and meet our legal obligation, personal information may be shared internally between departments of the Council. From time to time, education staff may also need to share information about you, your child or young person with another person from another agency or service, e.g. Social Work, Health.

We also share information with Scottish Government and bodies such as Education Scotland, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Skills Development Scotland and other organisations that support children and young people’s learning.

When a child or young person moves or transfers to another school the Council has an obligation to pass on information with regards to pupil records to the new school.

Only identified staff and those who require to have the information to enable them to carry out their job, will have access to you, your child or young person’s information. We care about the information we hold in respect to the education of children and young people. We will keep this information safe and secure.

How long do we keep your information for?

We only keep personal information for the minimum period of time necessary. Sometimes this is set out in law, but in most cases it is based on what we need to fulfil our function. We maintain a ‘records retention and disposal schedule’ which sets out how long we hold different types of information for. You can view this on our website at http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15003

Your rights under GDPR

You can:

Request access to your information – you have the right to request a copy of the personal information that we hold about you, your child or young person. You can ask us to confirm what personal information is being used and with whom it has been shared with.
Request a correction to your information – we want to make sure that all personal information is accurate, complete and up to date. Therefore you may ask us to correct any personal information that you believe does not meet these standards.
Request the restriction of processing – this enables you to ask us to suspend the processing of personal information about you, your child or young person, for example if you want us to establish its accuracy or clarify the reason for processing it.
Request the transfer – you can request the transfer of your information to another party.
Deletion of your information – you have the right to ask us to delete personal information about you, your child or young person where:
you think that we no longer need to hold the information for the purposes for which it was originally obtained
you have a genuine objection to our use of personal information
or, use of personal information is contrary to law or our legal obligations.

If you wish to update any personal information, retrieve it, or have it removed from records please contact your child or young person’s head teacher or head of establishment in the first instance.

Transferring Educational Data about Pupils

Education authorities and the Scottish Government Education Portfolio (SGEP) exchange data about pupils either

on paper or electronically through the ScotXed programme.

The data collected and transferred covers areas such as date of birth, postcode, registration for free-school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local authority, additional support needs including disability, attendance, absence and exclusions from school. Pupil names and addresses are collected by the school and the council but they are not passed to SGEP. The postcode is the only part of the address that is transferred. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can be published by SGEP

Providing national identity and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary. You can choose the ‘not disclosed’ option if you do not want to provide this data. However, we hope that the explanations contained in this message and on our website will help you understand the importance of providing the data.

Why do we need your data?

In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, SGEP and education authorities need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better educational outcomes. Accurate and up-to-date data allows SGEP, education authorities and schools to:

plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils,
plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils,
better understand some of the factors that influence pupil attainment and achievement,
target resources better.

Your GDPR rights

The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the GDPR. We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The GDPR gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This message can give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net).

SGEP works with a range of partners including Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority. On occasion, we will make individual data available to partners and also academic institutions to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control and prior agreement of the Data Access Panel in SGEP, which will ensure that no subject specific data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that such data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual.

Further details are available on:

https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed/PrivacyInformation

Any Concerns

If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email school.stats@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

or write to The ScotXed Support Office, SEGP, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, braille and large print.

Want more information?

Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed.net

Child Protection

Every adult in Scotland has a role in ensuring all our children and young people are safe and protected from harm at all times and in all situations.

The Head Teacher is responsible for the schools actions in response to Child Protection concerns.

If there are any Child Protection concerns the Head Teacher or the Child Protection Co-ordinator will follow North Lanarkshire Child Protection Procedures and Guidelines

Child Protection Co-ordinator is: Gillian Pollock (Head Teacher)

Telephone Number: (01236 794884)

Adult Protection

The council has responsibility under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 for the protection and support of adults at risk within North Lanarkshire. Its employees therefore have the responsibility to ensure the welfare of all adults at risk of harm with whom they come into contact, as well as providing the highest possible standard of care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

The Head Teacher is responsible for the schools actions in response to Child Protection concerns

If there are any Adult Protection concerns the Head Teacher or the Adult Protection Co-ordinator will follow North Lanarkshire Adult Protection Procedures and Guidelines

Adult Protection Co-ordinator is: Gillian Pollock (Head Teacher)

School Discipline

Within Drumpark Primary we have developed a school ethos which strives to be caring and supportive of its pupils while emphasising the need for good discipline and the value of school rules. We have high expectations for our pupils and we manage discipline in a fair and considered way to meet the needs of a diverse group of children. To ensure this, parental co-operation is vitally important.

Minor disciplinary problems are the responsibility of the class teacher. More serious or persistent problems are reported to the Depute Head Teacher or Principal Teacher. When a child’s behaviour is giving serious cause for concern the Head Teacher will notify the parents and request that they arrange to come to the school to discuss the matter further.

The Behaviour Policy operates in conjunction with the anti-bullying policy. These are both available to all parents and staff.

Parental support in addressing concerns relating to behaviour is crucial, and actively sought when addressing these concerns.

The programme in our assemblies and class Circle Time covers the school rules and helps pupils to understand rewards, sanctions, privileges etc. and we have a weekly Golden time to support pupil endeavour and hard work.

Anti-bullying

Drumpark Primary has a well-established caring attitude towards its staff and pupils. In line with national and local initiatives we have a free-standing anti-bullying policy and following the guidance in NLC’s Promoting Positive Relationships. The purpose of this is to further enhance this ethos, identifying areas where problems may arise and defining procedures to address these issues.

As well as respect and concern for others the ethos is that of a “telling” and “no hitting” school. All incidents of bullying are dealt with as and when reported or witnessed by staff. An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of pupils) (Scotland) Regulations 1990. We have high levels of supervision and support for all pupils at intervals and lunchtimes to minimise opportunities for bullying.

As a Rights Respecting School we are continuing to develop awareness and systems to address bullying and positive relationships.

Home – School Links

All parents are encouraged to take part in supporting their child’s education. Before enrolment, when parents first meet the Head teacher, the school’s ‘Open Door’ policy is explained. Parents are invited to contact the school at any time and they are assured of speaking to either the head teacher or a member of the management team as soon as someone is available. Appointments can be made to meet with a member of the management team to discuss any issue which arise throughout the year.

Parents are encouraged to meet with staff on a regular basis. Annual Review Meetings of pupils are an important opportunity to review your child’s progress and to discuss his/ her learning needs. These meetings are chaired by the Head Teacher and/or members if the management team and attended by parents, doctor, psychologist, careers officer, social workers etc. (as appropriate for each individual child.) Where possible class teachers also attend these meetings.

A number of parents’ evenings are arranged throughout the year. Some of these are social evenings which are usually fund-raising events, but two evenings (in October and May) are available for parents to discuss their child’s progress. A written report is sent annually to all parents detailing the progress made by their child across all curricular areas. There are also opportunities to attend parent workshops and information sessions which are planned as part of the annual programme.

Our Twitter pages provide a regular update of what is going on across the school and within each class.

We have a Parent/Support Worker who is involved with parents in a more informal way and who is in regular contact with school staff.

Community Links

In Drumpark Primary we value and endeavour to establish good working relationships with a range of community resources. We have close links with the Scots Guards, Chaplains of St Patricks RC church and St Andrew’s Church, Asda, Airdrie Hospice, Local Businesses, Active Schools and Greenhill Primary.

Parent Council

We have an established Parent Council which meets every two months and as a member of the Parent Forum you are invited to come to any meeting hosted by the Parent Council.

Communication

Information is shared with parents through regular bulletins and newsletters, minutes of meetings, information posted on the website, texts and phone calls and also through the use of the daily diary.

Attendance at School

Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act places a duty on every parent of a child of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Attendance must be recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.

Regulation 7 of The Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendment, Etc Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be recorded in the school register as authorised or unauthorised. As defined by the Scottish Government.

At the start of each school session, parents will be asked to provide contact details including at least one emergency contact number. Parents are required to inform the school if these contact details change during the course of the year. It is essential that we have access to this up to date information as we occasionally have to contact someone about their child. (e.g illness , emergency closure, change to travel arrangements , query absence etc)

Parents and carers are asked to inform the school if a pupil is unable to attend from the start of the school day on the first day of absence. Failure to do so will result in school staff accessing all contact numbers provided for the child. In the interests of child safety the police will be contacted if all attempts to locate the child have been exhausted.

Parents should be asked to inform the school by letter or telephone if their child is likely to be absent for some time, and to give the child a note on his or her return to school confirming the reason for absence.

Parents of nursery children should telephone the school to inform staff of their child’s absence and any illness which he/she may have.

As we have some children in school who are immune suppressed it is essential that parents inform us of any infectious illnesses that their child may have during term time.

Family Holidays During Term Time

Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this both disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. Parents/guardians should inform the school by letter of the dates before going on holiday.

Absences will be classified as authorised only in exceptional circumstances. Such circumstances may include:

A family holiday judged to be important to the wellbeing and cohesion of the family, following serious or terminal illness, bereavement or other traumatic events.

A family holiday classified under the ‘authorised absence’ category will not include such reasons as:

The availability of cheap holidays
The availability of desired accommodation
Poor weather experience during school holidays
Holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term
Parental difficulty obtaining leave (except in cases where evidence is provided by the employer that it cannot accommodate leave during school holidays without serious consequences)

Family holidays with the above similar characteristics will be classified as unauthorised absence. Where the head teacher’s prior agreement has not been sought the absence will automatically be classed as unauthorised.

Extended Leave with parental consent

Where most family holidays will be recorded as unauthorised absence (see above) extended leave with parental consent will not be considered the same as a family holiday.

Leave in such circumstances will be authorised under circumstances such as:

Extended overseas educational trips not organised by the school
Short-term parental placement abroad.
Family returning to its country of origin (to care for a relative, or for cultural reasons.
Leave in relation to the children of travelling families.

Exceptional Domestic Circumstances

Parents may request permission for such leave in writing and the school may authorise such requests under the following circumstances:

The period immediately after an accident or illness
A period of serious or critical illness of a close relative
A domestic crisis which causes serious disruption to the family home, causing temporary relocation.

It should be emphasised that the school attendance officer investigates unexplained absence, and that the authority has the power to write to, interview or prosecute parents, or to refer pupils to the Reporter of the Children’s Hearing, if necessary.

Regular attendance checks are undertaken by the management team and parents are contacted when there are concerns about a child’s absences. This may be followed by a request to meet to discuss any concerns. When a child is absent and the school has not been informed of the reason then a text or phone call will be made by the school clerical staff requesting further information.

Clothing and Uniform

All North Lanarkshire schools must have a dress code which encourages pupils to dress in a way which is appropriate to attendance at school. This dress code must not lead to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender or disability. Prior to drawing up the dress code the parents, pupils and staff were fully consulted. It is the expectation of the education authority that parents will be keen to support the dress code and written agreement may be sought.

Drumpark Primary school’s uniform consists of a red sweatshirt, white polo shirt and grey skirt or trousers.

Clothing with the school badge printed on is available from a local supplier Scotcrest or from Tesco.(details are available from the school office.)

Jackets, hats, bags and PE kit can also be purchased.

Clothing which is unacceptable in school under any circumstances includes items which:

could potentially encourage factions (e.g. football colours)

could cause offence (e.g. anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
could cause health and safety difficulties such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings, and other potentially dangerous jewellery.
are of flammable materials which may be a danger in certain classes (e.g. shell suits)

could cause damage to flooring

carry advertising in particular for alcohol or tobacco, and

could be used to inflict injury to other pupils or to be used by others to do so.

Parents in receipt of a clothing grant from the Council will be encouraged to purchase items which are in accordance with the school dress code. Approval of any requests for such grants in other circumstances are at the discretion of the Executive Director of Education and Families. Information and application forms may be obtained from the First stop shop and can be downloaded from the Council website www.northlan.gov.uk. Parents are entitled to receive a clothing grant if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits: Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based). Employment & Support Allowance (income related), Universal Credit (with an income of below £660 per month), housing benefit (please note that the housing element of Universal Credit is not housing benefit), council tax reduction (please note that the single person’s discount/council tax exemption is not council tax reduction). The deadline for school clothing grants is 31^st March 2023.

Whilst in general terms it would not normally be the policy of the authority to exclude a pupil from school solely on the basis of his/her dress, persistent refusal to respond to a reasonable dress code may be deemed to be a serious challenge to the head teacher’s authority and to be detrimental to the well being of the whole school community. In such circumstances a head teacher may justify the use of the school discipline procedure.

The Council wishes to minimise claims arising from the loss of pupils’ clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing, jewellery, etc, are not brought to school. Parents should note that any claims submitted to cover the loss of such items are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been negligent.

School Meals

School dinners are served in the main dining area with a highly supervised dining experience

We offer a cashless catering cafeteria which allows all pupils to have a payment card. Parents can choose to send in monies on a daily basis or for a longer period of time if desired. Children select their meal at the start of the day from the menu for that week. (Every parent is issued with a copy of the menu rotation-to discuss with their child.) After selection of meal children are issued with a coded, coloured band which is redeemed at the service counter. Payment cards are not distributed but are held by a member of the management team and passed to catering services at time of the lunch service. A hot two course meal, snack meals and packed lunches can be purchased. Drinks include fresh juice and milk. Bread is available every day free of charge.

Children sit with their class group in the dining hall and supervision is provided by management and ASNA staff. Children who bring a packed lunch sit with their class group too.

As of January 2022 all children in P1-P5 classes will be entitled to a free school meal.

Children of parents receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based), Employment & Support Allowance (income related) are entitled to a meal without charge.

From August 2020, all eligible two year olds and all children aged from 3 to those not yet attending primary

school, that attend a North Lanarkshire Council Nursery or a Funded Provider (childminder or voluntary/private

nursery), will be entitled to 1140 hours Early Learning and Childcare provision . Those children attending for four

hours per day, or more, will receive a free meal as part of the Early Learning and Childcare entitlement

Students aged between 16 and 18 and who are in receipt of any qualifying benefits can apply for free school meals in their own right.

Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools, first stop shops and Municipal Buildings, Coatbridge.

Parents are entitled to receive a clothing grant if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits: Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based). Employment & Support Allowance (income related), housing benefit, council tax rebate.

Only primary school children who receive a free school meal are entitled to free milk. Milk may, however, be available for purchase in the school during the lunch period. Nursery children are entitled to free milk.

The availability of special diets.

Diets required as a result of a medical condition (a medically prescribed diet e.g. coelic disease, diabetes, food allergy or intolerance) can be provided in school.

A medically prescribed diet form must be completed by the child’s Registered Dietician or General Practitioner. Procedures and forms can be accessed from the child’s school or dietician, or from North Lanarkshire’s catering service.

Occasionally, parents/carers may be asked to supply prescription foods or attend a meeting to discuss the child’s dietary requirements.

Some children with additional support needs may require food to be adapted to an appropriate texture and consistency. In this instance the child’s Registered Dietician or Speech and Language Therapist will liaise with the Head Teacher and school catering service to ensure appropriate food provision.

Special diets required for ethical, religious or cultural reasons should be requested in writing to the Head Teacher, who will liaise with the school catering service.

Any change in the child’s dietary requirements must be advised through a Registered Dietitian or Medical Practitioner to the Facilities Support Services (FSS) Nutritionist. When children move to a High School or change schools FSS will need to be informed as soon as possible. Special diets such as Vegan and ethnic diets can also be accommodated. In this case a form b should be completed and ca be signed by the parent.

All completed forms should be returned to the email specaildiet@northlan.gov.uk

Supervision in Non-Class Times

During breaks and intervals pupils are always supervised by ASNA staff and a member of the management team is always on hand if required.

An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations 1990.

Placing Requests

You have the right to make a placing request for your child to be educated in a school other than their catchment school. In December each year, the authority will advertise its arrangements for placing requests.

There are sound educational reasons for trying to ensure that the transfer or admission of children to a school takes place at the start of a school session. Other than those who are moving home, to a new area, parents are advised to time any placing requests so that they take effect from the beginning of the new school session.

Every effort will be made to try to meet the parental wishes, but you should note that it is not always possible to grant every placing request to a particular school.

Placing requests to Primary School does not necessarily ensure that your child will have a direct entry into the associated secondary. Advice on this must be sought from the Primary School Head Teacher.

Further information on placing requests and procedures is available from the school or the council’s website.

Parents and Young People have a right under the Additional Support for Learning Act 2009 as amended by the Education (Additional Support for Learning)(Scotland) Act 2009 to make a placing request for their child or young person to attend a nursery (including partnership nursery), special school or, special class managed by the home authority. In the event of a successful placing request the authority are not required to provide transport. The Act also enables parents and young people to make a placing request to attend a school/establishment belonging to another authority.

Transfer / Enrolment.

Pupils are allocated places at Drumpark Primary school after formal application and consideration at the bi-annual allocations panel. Parents are lettered by the authority about the decisions made at the panel and staff from Drumpark Primary liaise with the sending school and parents.

Enrolment

Transfer from Nursery to Primary School

Pupils are also allocated a placement through the authority’s allocation procedures. Requests for placements are made after a formal review at the nursery stage and at any stage of primary education where a need for a more supported placement has been required. Parents are lettered regarding the outcome.

Transfer from Primary School to Secondary School

Placement in the secondary department is allocated through the authority’s allocation panel. Following annual reviews an application is made from the primary school for consideration of entry to the secondary. Parents are lettered regarding the outcome.

Most children are referred to the school by the medical and psychological services, but on a few occasions parents have made the initial approach regarding placement.

Most prospective parents make a preliminary school visit during which the head teacher explains the curriculum on offer and introduces them to staff and pupils.

The child and parent make a subsequent visit before enrolment.

Pupils normally transfer between the ages of 11½ and 12½, so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of secondary education. Parents will be informed of the arrangements no later than December of the year preceding the date of transfer at the start of the new session. Our link secondary school is Buchanan High (Phone 01236 632052)

Transport:

General

The Council has a policy of providing free transport to all primary pupils who live more than one mile from their local school by the shortest suitable walking route. 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 from Education and Families. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils beginning school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made.

Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be subject to delay whilst arrangements are made.

There is discretion in certain circumstances to grant privilege transport for pupils to travel in transport provided by the authority, where spare places are available and no additional costs are incurred. Not necessarily for the start of term.

Pick up points

While free 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 limits (see above paragraph). It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at the pick-up point in time. It is also the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour could result in a loss of the right to free transport.

Placing Requests

The Council does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request other than in exceptional circumstances.

In the case of early entry requests if the child is offered a place in the catchment area school, transport will be provided in accordance with the Council’s policy stated above.

Drumpark Primary transport arrangements.

All children in Drumpark are offered transport to and from home. This is usually in the form of a school bus but occasionally a taxi is arranged by the authority where there are specific needs or too few children for a bus.

Pupils are dropped off at a custom built drop off point just outside the school gates and are escorted by the bus escort and a member of staff into the playground. These arrangements are also in place at the end of the day.

The following points may be helpful:

In adverse weather conditions it may not be possible for school transport to pick up or drop off pupils at the normal locations and alternative arrangements may need to be made. Please check with your escort where the nearest pick up point is should the bus / taxi be unable to come into your street. This is usually at the nearest main road.

It is essential that we have an up to date phone number where we can reach you should there be an emergency closure. We also require an emergency back up number. Unfortunately I have found some home numbers are unavailable and no emergency contact number supplied.

The NL Website will be updated at approximately 7.00am in the times of prolonged bad weather. The service would aim to update the website and other electronic forms of communication frequently during severe weather. Please check this frequently as it provides the most up to date information.

Please be aware that if your regular transport is cancelled by the authority and you choose to bring your child to school / nursery then you will have to be available to collect them when the school / nursery closes.

More general transport information:

Sometimes parents / guardians request that the driver changes drop off or pick up points for children. This should be done through the school and only in emergency situations. The authority provide transport from home to school and home again and it can be very difficult to change this as it impacts on other children and families.(If we can help we will but please contact us to discuss)

Parents should be at home to receive their child from the bus. While the driver has an approximate drop off time this will be dependent on traffic .It could be earlier or sometimes later.

Escorts will return a child to the school should there not be anyone to receive a child at the end of the day. A member of staff will ensure his/ her safety until he/she can be collected by a parent.

Escorts are not allowed to leave the vicinity of the bus as they have responsibility for all the children on their run. Parents should be visible and ready to support their child to and from the taxi/bus.

Parents should contact the Head Teacher if there are changes / concerns or worries in relation to school transport.

Medical and Health Care

All children in Drumpark with ongoing medical needs will have a care plan drawn up by the school nurse and parent. This will be shared with school staff and will provide staff with agreed instructions as to how to manage the medical needs of individual children. All medication must have the date, child’s name and dosage clearly signposted on the bottle and all medications are held securely in school. Administration of routine medication will normally be undertaken by a member of the management team and only staff who have been trained by medical staff will administer emergency, rescue medication.

If your child becomes unwell in school either you, or your emergency contact will be informed and consulted on arrangements for your child.

If a young person is unable to attend a suitable educational establishment as a result of prolonged ill-health, North Lanarkshire Council must make special arrangements for the pupil to receive education elsewhere, other than at an educational establishment.

In North Lanarkshire, children and young people are treated in the paediatric in-patient unit within Wishaw General Hospital. It is not common for children and young people to have extended stays in Wishaw General, and therefore North Lanarkshire Council does not require a dedicated hospital education service.

Children and young people resident in North Lanarkshire, and in hospital in Glasgow, may access education through the Hospital Education Service (HES). The service is provided by Glasgow City Education Department and Social Work Services. For further information, please contact the school.

Information in Emergencies

We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. For example, schools may be affected by severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you informed by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in the press, on local radio and the North Lanarkshire Council’s website and Twitter. (It is essential that we have up to date contact information.)

The Parent Forum

As a parent of a child at this school you are automatically a member of the Parent Forum.

The Parent Forum is composed of all the parents and carers of children at the school.

As a member of the Parent Forum you can expect to:

get information about what your child is learning
get information about events and activities at the school
get advice/help on how you can support your child’s learning
be told about opportunities to be involved in the school
have a say in selecting a Parent Council to work on behalf of all parents at the school
be invited to identify issues for the Parent Council to work on with the school.
be invited to identify issues for the Parent Council to work on with the school.

The Parent Council

The Parent Council’s rights and duties include:

supporting the work of the school;
representing the views of parents;
consulting with parents and reporting back to the Parent Forum on matters of interest;
promoting contact between the school, parents, pupils, providers of nursery education and the wider community;
fundraising; taking part in the selection of senior promoted staff;
receiving reports from the head teacher and education authority; and
receiving an annual budget for administration, training and other expenses.
Improving home school partnership and facilitating parental involvement

Members of Parent Councils, on a voluntary basis, may also have an advisory role in decisions on placing requests by parents in respect of those situations where the number of placing requests for a particular school or for a particular stage in a particular school, exceeds the number of places available.

Parent Council membership

STATUS	NAME
Chairperson	Mrs Marie Gray	Parent Council members can be contacted via the school. Please send any letters addressed to Parent Council and we will pass them on.
Parent Member	Ms Mary Brogan
Clerk	Mrs Lyndsay McLees
Staff Member	Mrs Madeleine Asken Drumpark Primary	Depute Head Teacher
Professional Adviser	Mrs Gillian Pollock Drumpark Primary	Head Teacher

The head teacher has a right and duty to attend all meetings of the Parent Council. Meetings of the Parent Council are also open to members of the public.

Qualifying Statement

Although this information is accurate at time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document –

(a) before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question.

(b) in relation to subsequent school years.

Education authorities by law are required to issue a copy of the school handbook to parents in December each year. It details the current policies and practices of both the council and the school

Education and Families

Civic Centre

Windmill St

Motherwell

ML1 1AB

Tel. – 01236 812222

Chief Executive Area Office

Civic Centre

Windmill St

Motherwell

ML1 1AB

Tel- 01698 302222

Contacts in relation to Support for Learning

Help and advice on any matters relating to Support for Learning can be obtained from

Paula McGhie (CIIL) Mcghiepa@northlan.gov.uk

You can also get more help and advice from:

Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent confidential advice and information on additional support for learning. Enquire also provide a range of factsheets,

0345 123 2303

Enquire

Children in Scotland

Rosebery House

9 Haymarket Terrace

Edinburgh

EH12 5EZ

info@enquire.irg.uk

www.enquire.org.uk for parents and practitioners

www.enquireorg.uk/yp for children and young people

Children in Scotland -Resolve Mediation 0131 313 8844

Email: reslove@childreninscotland.org.uk

Independent Adjudicator

Scottish Government

Directorate of Learning

Support and Wellbeing Unit

Area 2C North

Victoria Quay

Edinburgh

EH6 6QQ

Reference to Additional Support Needs Tribunal (Scotland)

ASNTS

Health and Education Chamber

First Tier Tribunal for Scotland

Glasgow Tribunals Centre

20 York Street

Glasgow

G2 8GT

0141 302 5860

Email: www.asntscotland.gov.uk

NHS Lanarkshire

Airdrie Health Centre 01236 772200

Coatbridge Health Centre 01236 432200

Social Work

Please insert relevant Social Work Office

Airdrie

Coats House

Gartlea Road 01236 757000

Airdrie

ML6 9JA

Bellshill

303 Main Street 01698 346666

Bellshill

ML4 1AW

Coatbridge

122 Bank Street 01236 622100

Coatbridge

ML5 1ET

COMMUNITY LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Coatbridge CLD Locality Office

9 Old Monkland Road 01236 638470

Coatbridge

ML5 5EA

CLD-Coatbridge@northlan.gov.uk

SCHOOL HOURS

Equal opportunities

Community Links

Enrolment

Parent Council membership

STATUS

NAME

Chairperson

Mrs Marie Gray

Parent Member

Ms Mary Brogan

Clerk

Staff Member

Mrs Madeleine Asken

Professional Adviser

Mrs Gillian Pollock