We have reached the end of the first full week of learning at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery Class and I am delighted to see almost all learners are settled and working purposefully towards their learning targets.
Settling in meetings
For some children starting school or changing classes can be very unsettling. Over the next week, Miss Wharton and I will be contacting parents of pupils who have not settled readily into the new school session to arrange an early settling in review. This will provide an opportunity for the class teacher, member of the leadership team and parents to meet together and discuss the best way to support the child.
If you feel that your child has not settled well and you would like to request an early settling in review, please contact the following members of the leadership team:
Nursery – Primary 4 – Mrs Duff
Primary 5-7 – Miss Wharton
Planned Strike Action
Local Government employees may strike between 6-8th September. I am letting you know in advance that the school may close or offer a reduced service on these days so that contingency plans can be made.
Car Park
May I remind all visitors using the school car park that the gate is closed between 2.50pm and 3.10pm. Mr Wilson will re-open the gate as soon as it is safe to do so. Please avoid leaving your engine idling whilst waiting in the car park area.
Targeted Support
Every year, we provide targeted support for learning for children who require additional support in one or more aspects of their learning or wellbeing. This is done through a staged intervention process. If your child receives targeted support, you will be informed of the intervention and measures of success.
Stage 1 intervention – this is an intervention provided within class and by the staff normally working in the classroom. It can involve additional resources, additional teaching time or an individualised plan.
Stage 2 intervention – this is an intervention provided within the school resources. Stage 2 interventions are required if the child needs more support than can be provided within the class. Normally the child will be supported / taught in a small group with staff from within the school for a short period of time during the week to make progress in a particular area.
Stage 3 intervention – this is an intervention provided by resources outwith the school but within Education Resources. The Specialist Support Teacher, Elaine Byrne, visits the school for 1.5 days each week and works with children supported at stage 3.
In Mrs French’s absence, I will be the school and nursery Additional Support Needs co-ordinator and oversee all of the interventions in place to support learners.
If you have any concerns about your child’s progress in learning or attainment, please contact Mrs Duff for Nursery – Primary 4 and Miss Wharton for P5-7.
Participatory Budgeting
Education Resources at South Lanarkshire Council have confirmed their commitment to a process of ‘Participatory Budgeting’. This is a method of allowing all school stakeholders to take part in spending decisions regarding Pupil Equity Funding.
All parents, pupils and stakeholders will be consulted by questionnaire and focus groups. We are looking for a group of 6 -8 parents to join the consultation group on how this money is allocated. Parents involved in the consultation group need to be available throughout the financial year. If this is something you are interested in and can commit to the meetings, please contact Miss Wharton by Monday 5th September with your name, contact information and the name of your child/ren (to ensure we have representation throughout the school).
If you’d like more information on ‘Participatory Budgeting’ please visit https://pbscotland.scot/pb-in-schools.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
