It was a short but very busy week for all pupils at Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery Class. We celebrated ‘Book Week Scotland’ with many opportunities for writing, reading and creativity linked to literacy. The children participated in an author’s live event, creating book characters using wooden spoons, listening to stories read by the librarian and enjoying ‘book and a biscuit’. Thank you to the local Tesco store who provided milk and biscuits for pupils.
PTC Thank You
The PTC generously purchased a selection of recommended children’s books and novels related to Christmas. A member of staff from Waterstones store in the town centre spoke with Miss Wharton and recommended books for every stage for Nursery to Primary 7. With the support of the PTC, we have been able to purchase a book for every stage including every possible composite stage. This means we can bring literacy to the heart of learning at Christmas time and ensure there is a progressive range of high quality reading material at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery. Thank you!
Wet Intervals
We try to ensure the children go out to play at every break time and appreciate the support of parents in providing waterproof clothing. When weather is dangerous (high winds, icy, very heavy rain) then there is a plan for indoor breaks. This is normally guided by weather warnings and a local assessment of the conditions.
Children will remain in their classroom if it is an indoor break. There are four choices of activity. Children can read, draw, colour in or watch an educational programme on the C-touch screen in the classroom. Each class is supervised by an adult and there are no senior pupil monitors. To reduce transmission risk and to support trace and protect, children are not permitted to move around the room or swap seats with friends.
We had the first wet interval this week and the children were exemplary in their adaptation to the new procedure. All children in all classes followed the rules and took on board the need for safety.
Additional Support for Learning – Staged Intervention
The process of staged intervention is the system used by educational establishments to make sure the particular needs of a child are identified as soon as possible and appropriate interventions are in place.
Mrs Gallacher co-ordinates additional support for learning at Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery class. Over the last year we have focused on reviewing the way we share information with parents and develop stronger partnerships in relation to a child’s learning journey. This week most families of children who are provided with additional support received a copy of their staged intervention plan (Room 6 and Room 2 paperwork will go home early next week) This may be a short or long term intervention plan and is regularly reviewed.
There are four stages of intervention used in South Lanarkshire Council.
Stage 1 – support within the classroom. The teacher may differentiate resources specifically for a child or offer additional teaching support using staff and resources normally available within the classroom
Stage 2 – support within the school. The child may participate in targeted interventions using staff and resources within the school. They may have an individualised timetable, additional support from school support staff, targeted teaching support individually or in a small group.
Stage 3 – support from one or more agencies outwith school to support educational progress. The child may be supported by Educational Psychologist or Specialist Support Teacher. Children have an Additional Support Plan with specific targets to meet their needs.
Behaviour Assessment and Support Plan – Unsettled and distressed behaviour is a barrier to learning and therefore an additional support need. Children who require additional support to settle to learn will have a Behaviour Assessment and Support Plan.
Stage 4 – Children receiving support at stage 4 require a high level of co-ordinated support from Education Resources and one or more other agencies. At this stage, the school will assess whether a Co-ordinated Support Plan is required in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council.
If you have any concerns about your child’s progress in learning or would like to discuss their needs, please contact the school office to make an appointment.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
