Regional Improvement Collaboratives (RIC)
- Performance and Quality Improvement
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Early Learning and Childcare
- Leadership of Learning and Professional Learning
By working together we will ensure a greater level of support to schools to ensure best outcomes for all of our children and young people in order that they meet their full potential. If you have any questions about the Regional Improvement Collaboratives then please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Information on How to Apply for Free School Meals and Milk
Application forms
 How do I apply?
An application can be downloaded. Alternatively, one can be obtained from schools or from Council Information Services, Libraries, Jobcentres, Advice Shop (Bathgate) or at the Civic Centre. All P1-P3 pupils are entitled to free school meals. Pupils from P4 upwards may also be eligible for free school meals if their parents are in receipt of a qualifying benefit as detailed below. P1-P7 pupils whose parents meet the criteria below are also entitled to free school milk.
When can I apply?
There is no cut-off date for applying, we can accept applications up to the last school day of the academic year, but please be aware that entitlement cannot be backdated.
How long will my application take to process?
We will aim to process an application within 10 working days from receipt, and provided you receive a qualifying benefit as detailed below, you will be notified, and the school your child/children attend with be notified automatically. Pupils can receive Free School Meals from P1 to S6, but a fresh application must be submitted each academic year.
Who qualifies?
Pupils with parents in receipt of any of the following are entitled to free school meals:
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Any Income Related element of Employment & Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit (with no working tax credit) and whose annual income is £16,105 or less
- Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit whose annual income is £6,420 or less
- Universal Credit where the monthly earned income does not exceed £610
If you are applying using Tax Credits as your qualifying benefit, then you must be able to provide a Tax Credit Award Notice detailing payment starting on 06 April 2017.  A Tax Credit Annual Review can also be accepted, however on page 1 it must read “If you do not have anything to tell us you need do nothing more…”.
If applying using a Jobcentre benefit as described above, then you must provide a benefit letter dated within 3 months of application, or have the form stamped at Jobcentre Plus.
Free School Milk
All pupils of nursery schools and classes, and all pupils at Beatlie, Burnhouse, Cedarbank, Ogilvie School Campus and Pinewood Schools where consumption of the milk is part of the educational programme as agreed with Psychological Services, are entitled to 200ml of milk daily free of charge.
P1-7 pupils whose parents are in receipt of a qualifying benefit must apply for milk using the application form, even if you do not wish to take meals.
Anyone not entitled to Free School Milk, can purchase milk for their child or children through the school who will charge 18p per 200ml.
I want to apply for free school meals for more than one child. Do I need to complete an application form for each child?
No, there is space to apply for free school meals for up to six children on the application form.
https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/3787/Free-School-Meals
Update on Norovirus
A number of schools across Lothian have reported an increase in pupils with vomiting and/or diarrhoea. The symptoms are suggestive of viral gastroenteritis (also known as norovirus or winter vomiting disease) which is known to be currently circulating in the community. It is usually a short lived self-limiting illness from which children and adults recover quickly.
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Further information about norovirus and its prevention can be found at:Â https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/norovirus
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To minimise the likelihood of developing norovirus we recommend:
·         If your child develops vomiting and/or diarrhoea please ensure they remain off school until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. This advice applies at all times. So for instance if your child becomes unwell over the weekend they should not attend school on Monday even if by then they feel well.
·         Ensure that all members of your family wash their hands frequently using warm water and liquid soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.
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December Newsletter 2017
PUSCPS Newsletter – December 2017
Read the newsletter below or click this link to download a copy:Â December Newsletter pdf
Festive Home Learning Task
If you require any resources please let us know.
Bookbug and Read Write Count Gifting Event
PUSCPS Christmas Fayre – Friday 15th December 2017@ 12.45pm
The Choir will open the afternoon with some festive songs. There will be stalls for Tombola, Home Baking, Hand-Knitted Baby Clothes, Kids Games, Pocket Money Sweets, Homemade jewellery and much, much more. If anyone has any donations for Raffle, Tombola or home baking, please hand these into the Office before Thursday 14th December.
Come along and join the fun, whilst celebrating the lead up to Christmas at our Christmas Extravaganza and who knows a special someone might pay us a wee visit.
Is your child due to start school in August 2018?
The time has come for applications for parents/carers of nursery children moving onto P1 in August to complete application forms for places. Please follow the link below for P1 Pupil Placement application forms. Remember that all forms are to be completed online this year, unless you request a paper copy. Applications must be submitted by 31st December 2017, even if your child is eligible for a deferral (Jan/Feb Birthday). Deferrals will be looked at after Christmas.
Please let us know if you need any support with completing applications.
