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South Morningside Primary Schoolcenter20309000School HandbookInformation for Parents/Carers2019-202012465051143000A Foreword from the Director of Children and FamiliesSession 2019-20Dear ParentsThis brochure contains a range of information about your child’s school, which will be of interest to you and your child. It offers an insight into the life and ethos of the school and offers advice and assistance, which you may find helpful in supporting and getting involved in your child’s education.We are committed to working closely with parents as equal partners in your child’s education, in the life of your child’s school and in citywide developments in education.Parental involvement in the decision-making process and in performance monitoring are now, more than ever, an integral part of school life. We look forward to developing that partnership with your support.I am pleased to introduce this brochure for session 2019/2020 and hope that it will provide you with all the relevant information you may need, concerning your child’s school. If you have any queries regarding the contents of the brochure, please contact The Head Teacher of your child’s school in the first instance, who will be happy to offer any clarification you may need.Andy GrayHead of ServiceChild and Families033337500 Children and Families VisionOur vision is for all children and young people in Edinburgh to enjoy their childhood and fulfil their potential.We believe that children and young people do best when:They are able to live safely and happily, within their own families, with the right kind of support as needed They attend first class, inclusive schools and early years settings, which meet their needs.We will do all we can to strengthen support for families, schools and communities to meet their children’s needs. Our mission is to place children, young people and families at the heart of our service and provide support when needed throughout childhood and the transition to adulthood.A Warm Welcome from the Head Teachercenter18978200Dear Parents and Carers,Welcome to South Morningside Primary. We are very proud of our vibrant school community, our achievements and our history. The years your child spends in nursery and primary school are crucial to their development. Therefore, in South Morningside Primary, we aim to provide a high quality, inclusive education in a positive and inspiring learning environment, which promotes achievement, attainment and creativity. We aim to develop skills, knowledge, confidence and self-esteem in all our children.At South Morningside, we are proud of the very strong partnership we enjoy with parents. We consider communication with, and involvement of parents, crucial when working towards providing the best all round education for your child. We enjoy tremendous support by parents: who organise a wide range of fundraising and social activities. We work closely with parents and our active schools coordinator to provide a wonderful, wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities.We look forward to working with you and your child. If you have any questions, or would like any further information on any aspect of this handbook or the education of your child, please do not hesitate to contact me.Yours sincerelyMichael UrquhartHead TeacherSouth Morningside Primary SchoolSouth Morningside is a non-denominational primary school. For session 2019-20, there are 675 pupils organised into 23 classes and a morning and afternoon nursery class. These classes are split over three different sites. Our P3-P7 pupils are based in our Comiston site, our P1 and P2 pupils at the Deanbank site and our nursery is located at Fairmilehead Parish Church. There have been considerable changes to our school estate in recent years. In August 2017 we opened a play-based One-ery to benefit our P1 and Nursery pupils. The School Leadership Team consists of the Head Teacher, 3 Depute Head Teachers and two part-time Business Managers. We have two Support for Learning Teachers and three Early Year Practitioners who support the Nursery. We have a team of Pupil Support Assistants who work in a variety of full and part-time timetables. There are two Service Support Officers and a Caretaker who maintain our three sites. Our school Administrator and Clerical Assistant are based in the school office at Comiston Road, with a Clerical Assistant also at Deanbank. This session we have specialist teachers in PE, Drama and Science & Technology. We also have visiting String and Woodwind instructors. After School Care Club is located within the Comiston Road building and at Deanbank. They run a breakfast club, after school club and a holiday club.The school also benefits from a very active and supportive Parent Council. The Parent Council has developed a set of sub committees. In the past they have been involved in issues such as fund raising, accommodation and the school travel plan. There is a continued focus on development of the school grounds for play and learning. Parents have raised considerable funds which are being protected for playground development.The local High School is Boroughmuir. The Boroughmuir cluster primary schools have developed a close and cohesive identity and have an excellent programme for transition.The HMIE Inspectorate of Education inspected the school in October 2009 and a report was issued in December 2009. A local authority follow up inspection took place in November 2011.2190750000Our VisionAt South Morningside Primary school we work hard to be a caring, considerate, cooperative learning community.Our School Values:CaringConsiderationCooperationCommunityOur Aims:Working in partnership with families, carers, communities and other agencies we aim to:Encourage children to be successful life-long learnersEnable children to become responsible citizens, with a commitment to their school and the wider communityDevelop the qualities of an effective contributorNurture confident individuals, who value themselves and othersPromote health and wellbeing for lifeEducate children to make healthy choices462064641400School Contact Details Name of School: South Morningside Primary SchoolHead Teacher: Mr Michael UrquhartComiston site Address: 116 Comiston Road Edinburgh EH10 5QNTelephone number: 0131 447 5446 (Option 2)Website: southmorningside.edin.sch.ukEmail Address: admin@southmorningside.edin.sch.ukDepute Head Teacher: Susan Morgan (P5/6/7)Depute Head Teacher: Yvonne Moore (P3 &P4)Deanbank site Depute Head Teacher: Karen Richmond (Nursery, P1 & 2)Address: Deanbank House 35 Canaan Lane Edinburgh EH10 4SGTelephone Number: 0131 447 5446 (Option 1)South Morningside NurseryAddress: Fairmilehead Parish Church 1 Frogston Road West Edinburgh EH10 7AAAbout the schoolStages of education provided for: Nursery to Primary 7Present roll:675Denominational status of the school: Non-DenominationalGaelic Medium Education- if relevant: Not Applicable4563745000The School DayNursery HoursAM SessionPM SessionMonday 8:25-11:3512:15-16:15Tuesday 8:25-11:3512:15-16:15Wednesday8:25-11:3512:15-16:15Thursday 8:25-11:3512:15-16:15Friday 9:05-12:45 Deanbank site hoursMonday9:05-15:00Tuesday 9:05-15:00Wednesday 9:05-15:00Thursday 9:05-15:00Friday 9:05-12:45Comiston site hoursMonday 8:40-15:25Tuesday 8:40-15:25Wednesday 8:40-15:25Thursday 8:40-15:25Friday 8:40-12:20481567520623700Agreed Term Dates for Session 2019-20Autumn TermMonday 12th August 2019 - Staff resume (In-Service day)Tuesday 13th August 2019 - Staff only (In-Service day)Wednesday 14th August 2019 - Pupils resumeMonday 16th September 2019 - School closed, Autumn HolidayTuesday 17th September 2019 - All resumeFriday 11th October 2019 - Mid-term, All BreakMonday 21st October 2019 - Staff resume (In service day)Tuesday 22nd October 2019 - Pupils resumeFriday 20th December 2019 - Term endsSpring TermMonday 7th January 2020 - Staff resume (In-Service day)Tuesday 8th January 2020 - Pupils ResumeFriday 77h February 2020 - Mid Term All breakMonday 17h February 2020 - All resumeFriday 3rd April 2020 - Term ends Summer TermTuesday 21st April 2020 - All resumeMonday 4th May 2020 - School closed, Spring HolidayTuesday 5th May 2020 - Staff Resume (In-Service day)Wednesday 6th May 2020 - Pupils resumeMonday 18th May 2020 - Schools closed, Victoria DayTuesday 19th May 2020 - All resumeFriday 26th June 2020 - Term ends5276850000Agreed Term Dates for Session 2019-20 AutumnTerm starts Wednesday 14 August 2019Mid-term holidays?Monday 16 September 2019, autumn holidayMonday 14 to Monday 22 October 2019, mid term breakTerm ends Friday 20 December 2019.Christmas holidaysMonday 23 December 2019 to Tuesday 7 January 2020SpringTerm starts Wednesday?8 January 2020Mid term holidaysMonday 10 to Friday 14?February 2020, ?mid term breakTerm ends Friday 3 April 2020Easter holidaysMonday 6 to Monday 20 April 2020SummerTerm starts Tuesday 21 April 2020Mid term holidaysMonday 4 May 2020, May DayTuesday 5 May 2020, staff only dayMonday 18 May 2020, Victoria DayTerm ends Friday 26?June 2020.Enrolment at South MorningsideIf you would like a place for your child at South Morningside nursery or school, or would like to know more about us, you are always welcome to arrange a visit and speak with our Head Teacher, Mr Urquhart or one of our Depute Head Teachers. Please contact us on 0131 447 5446. Our Primary 7 pupils will be happy to take you on a guided tour.Starting NurseryYour child’s name can be placed on our nursery waiting list from their second birthday. If a place is available, children can begin the term following their third birthday. Our Clerical Assistant will be able explain enrolment procedures. Please contact us on 0131 447 5446 (option 1) if you would like to arrange a visit to the nursery.Starting Primary 1If your child’s fifth birthday falls between 1st March and the last day in February, your child will be eligible to start school in August of the following year. We hold an Open Day in November each year to allow you to visit our infant classes. If you have any questions you may arrange to talk this over with Mrs Richmond, our Early Years Depute Head Teacher.Enrolment for P1 also takes place in November, following our Open Day. Children must be enrolled at their catchment school. In May/June, your child will be invited to a series of transition events which includes an opportunity to meet their class teacher and new peers before starting school.All children registered for P1 will experience a transition programme to our One-ery. The One-ery is a play-based learning environment which supports children to develop across 6 Learning Zones – the Creative Zone, the Sensory Zone, the STEM Zone, the Connection Zone, the Imagination Zone and the Outdoor Zone. In the Creative Zone, you may find children engaging with numeracy in the puppet area – using money to sell tickets for their puppet show, tallying how many tickets they have sold or displaying the times of the performances - whereas in the Sensory Zone you will find children exploring numeracy in other ways - counting objects they find in the water, writing the numerals in the sand or making bar charts based on children’s interests. Our One-ery teachers follow our literacy and numeracy programme in Teacher Time, working with only small groups of children at a time.? Our play-based learning environment continues into P2 with the children benefitting from new zones and longer Teacher Time sessions.School Meals and MilkPupils are able to order a school meal or bring a packed. Pupils who stay for lunch are not allowed to leave the playground during lunchtime.School LunchesSchool meals are eaten in the dining hall and are supervised by school staff. There is a choice of hot meals every day. There is always a vegetarian option. Lunch options must be made in advance on Parentpay by the Wednesday of the previous week. A copy of the menu is available on the school website, parent pay system or alternatively can be obtained from the school office. Special dietary requests can be catered for; however, it is important to contact the school to discuss special diets.School meals for P4-7 currently cost ?2.25 per day for a two-course meal.Free School Meals for all Primary 1-3The free school meal for P1-3 initiative was introduced in January 2015. All children in P1-3 classes are entitled to a free school meal each day.Free School meals from P4 onwardUnder the Education Committees Policy, children from P4 onwards are entitled to free school meals if their parents are in receipt of Income Support or Income based job seekers allowance. Application forms are available from school or from the Children and Families Department.Packed LunchesChildren can bring their own packed lunches to school. Children eat their lunches together in the dining hall and are supervised by a rota of school staff. We ask children to take uneaten food home, so that parents are aware of their children’s intake and preference. Please note that we discourage fizzy drinks and foods containing nuts being brought into the school. Please ensure that lunch boxes are clearly labelled. MilkChildren have the option of a carton of milk everyday. Milk orders can be placed on the Parentpay site at a cost of ?32.30 for the year. Free milk will be available to all children in nursery education and to children of primary school age at primary whose parents are in receipt of Income rmation on Free School Meals & School WearHow to support your son/daughter and help all South Morningside pupils at the same timeThe application system is changing from next session. Parents will no longer have to reapply for the Free School Meals and Clothing Grant each year.? It will be assumed that unless your circumstances have changed, your entitlement will continue. Please consider applying if you think you might be eligible. Part of our school funding is based on the number of students claiming Free School Meals.? Therefore, all students benefit from families claiming their Free School Meal entitlement. At South Morningside, we are very keen to ensure that this occurs, and therefore ask parents to consider applying for Free School Meals for their children. For more information, please contact Shannen Ferguson on 0131 447 5446.We understand that sometimes students might not want to eat school lunches and prefer a packed lunch. However, for the reasons given above, it is important that their Free School Meal entitlement is claimed for the school whether you use it or not. ? Your entitlement for free school meals will automatically reduce the cost that you are asked to contribute towards school activities and excursions.Some parents may have received reminders to reapply for the coming year.? Please apply as soon as possible in order that your entitlement will start at the beginning of term.To find out if you might qualify, please check: download an application form, please check: are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly. In case of unsatisfactory attendance, the Head Teacher will contact you directly, either by phone, or by sending a letter home, highlighting concerns and the number of absences. If the situation persists, then the Head Teacher will involve an Education Welfare Officer, who will visit at home to discuss the problem, with the parents.If such unsatisfactory attendance persists, the Head Teacher, following discussions with the Education Welfare Officer and other agencies, will decide whether the case should be referred to the local area Attendance Advisory Group.AbsenceIt is Scottish Government policy that all absences are reported to the school on the morning of the first day’s absence. A phone call is preferred no later than 9am, providing an explanation for absence. If no valid reason is provided, the school office will phone parents for further information. LatenessIt is very important that children are punctual for school. Lateness is recorded in two ways, late during registration and late after that time. The Scottish Executive collects these statistics. Persistent late-coming may also result in referral to the Education Welfare Officer.Term-time HolidaysRequests for holidays within term time for up to 2 weeks should be sent directly to the school. Anyone contemplating an extended break of more than two weeks during term time must contact the Children and Families Department directly. Only the most serious circumstances, such as family bereavement or serious ill health, will qualify for approved absence during term time. All other requests are now to be treated as unauthorised absences.Doctor and Dentist AppointmentsPlease advise the school in advance wherever possible, if your child has a medical or dental appointment within school time. Children must be collected for such appointments from school.Health and SafetyAccidents and IllnessesMinor accidents (small cuts, grazes etc.) are dealt with in school. Parents will be contacted immediately in cases of any head bump or more serious cases. In the case of a child suffering more than a minor accident at school or becoming unwell, parents or the person named as emergency contact, will be notified. If urgent hospital treatment were required, an adult would accompany the child normally to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and remain with them until a parent arrived.Long-Term Health Care NeedsIt is essential that parents give full details of any particular medical condition or requirement that their child may have (e.g. asthma, allergies, epilepsy) so that the appropriate health care plans can be drawn up. Health Care plans are done in collaboration with parents. School staff will become familiar with the plans and teachers will refer to this information before taking children on outings.Short-Term MedicationNo medication or drugs are held in school. However, medicines can be administered by agreement and on receipt of written instructions on the designated form. All forms can be obtained from our school offices.The School Health ServiceA consultation with our school nurse can be arranged through the Head Teacher. School nurses are involved with health promotion and education, prevention of ill health, immunisation, health surveillance and screening. The school nurse acts as an important link between home and school. She visits the school regularly and can link with other members of the health team in the community or in hospital.Child Protection All schools are required to follow inter-agency child protection guidelines, setting out the specific duties and responsibilities toward the child.Fire DrillsRegular fire drills are carried out each term. All school users and visitors must sign in and read the appropriate procedures.JewelleryFor safety reasons, wearing jewellery is strongly discouraged. If pupils with pierced ears must wear earrings, they should be the “stud” variety and not a design which can easily catch onto something. If they cannot be removed for swimming activities and PE, we would ask that they are covered over with a plaster for safety.School SecurityParents should be aware that all external doors are kept locked wherever possible. Entry to school buildings are via an intercom at the front entrance. Visitors to the school must sign in at the school office. Parents should report to the school office during school hours and should not go directly to the child’s class teacher. Please ensure that the school gates are closed behind you as you leave the playground.The Care Commission requires the entry into the school outside school hours to be strictly controlled. For this reason, all clubs which meet before or after school ask that children wait outside the main school entrance. They are collected and returned to the school entrance by a member of the club.Playground Supervision When pupils are at school, the responsibility for their safety rests with the authority. The Head Teacher and staff (including playground supervisors) undertake this responsibility as the authority’s representatives. This means that reasonable steps are taken to prevent any pupils suffering injury. Accidents or difficulties are reported to a responsible adult. All collisions and injuries are recorded. Parents are always informed of head bumps, collisions or injuries the same day of the accident. All of our support staff are on duty in the lunch area, playground and medical room at playtime and lunchtime to supervise and support the pupils.Wet Weather SupervisionOn wet days, the children stay in their classrooms and are supervised by school staff. We recommend that children arrive close to the bell at the start of the school day in case of bad weather as we are very short of gathering space and staff for supervision.Emergency ClosureThe closure of the school at a time earlier than normal may be required because of fire, flood, loss of building services, extreme weather conditions or some other unforeseeable event. Announcements of this nature will be made on Radio Forth - “Forth 2” 1548 medium wave. It would be helpful if parents tuned in to this station, particularly in the winter months.If pupils arrive at school on a day when there is an emergency closure, we will contact parents by telephone. Children will be kept in school until such contact is made. In such circumstances we strongly urge that all emergency contact details are kept up to date and we are notified of any changes immediately.Road SafetyIn collaboration with Police Scotland, the school provides instructions to children on road safety through an annual Road Safety Focus week. Parents are asked to make sure that their children are aware of the safest route to school and that they use the services of the school crossing guides.Lollipop StaffThere are several crossing guides around the school. From time to time, road safety staff may be absent. It is important children are made aware of the safest route to take to school should this situation arise. If you do drive your children to school, please do not park on the zigzags or double yellow lines.School Travel PlanA school travel plan has been devised and distributed to all school families and the local community. It provides advice and suggestions on getting to schools safely.There is no parking available at either of our school sites. However there are parking options in the surrounding streets.Please note that at the Infant school, Deanbank, Parents/Carers are not permitted to park alongside the school playground when dropping off/picking up their children.Lost PropertyIt is important that all items of clothing and equipment are clearly named in order to ensure that items are returned to their rightful owner and to prevent same items becoming mixed up. Lost property, mainly clothing and shoes are kept inside the medical room for approximately six weeks. It is then recycled for Parent Council sale or charity shops. More valuable items are kept safely in the school office until claimed. Positive Behaviour PolicyWe are currently reviewing and updating our “positive behaviour policy”. This will be issued to parents and carers on our website in due course.Bullying and RacismRevised authority guidelines on Anti-Bullying and Anti-Racial Policies were issued in 2005 and following these, the school now logs all incidents of bullying and anti-racial behaviour. As part of our Health and Wellbeing programme, children are regularly involved in activities in class and assemblies to reinforce anti bullying strategies.In extreme situations, pupils who display bullying characteristics may be excluded. Specific incidents relating to bulling or racism are subject to the councils own guidelines for dealing with such matters and will be the responsibility of Mr Urquhart, Head Teacher.Partnerships between parents and school, working together to ensure standards of behaviour and punctuality will be of the greatest benefit to children.Our CurriculumA Curriculum for Excellence has been the expectation for all Scottish schools since August 2010. At South Morningside Primary we aim to prepare children by developing their skills for learning, skills for work and skills for life. We strive to design learning activities that develop the 4 capacities for all of our pupils. These are:A successful learnerAn effective contributor A confident individualA responsible citizenThe curriculum can be defined as the totality of all that is planned for children and young people throughout their education. This includes:The ethos and life of the school Interdisciplinary learningOpportunities for personal achievement Curricular areas and subjectsEach year group has their own programmes and projects that are covered each school session. The children’s learning is delivered through 8 curricular areas:Languages and literacy Maths and numeracyHealth and well BeingSocial subjectsScience Technologies Expressive artsReligious and moral educationCurriculum for Excellence explainedA Curriculum for Excellence booklet has been created for parents. This booklet has been written by the Parent Council Chair of The Royal High School, in partnership with a Development Officer. It is intended to be a user- friendly guide to Curriculum for Excellence.A downloadable version of this booklet is available on .uk/curriculumforexellence or you will find a printer friendly black and white version on our school website that you are welcome to download.Learning and TeachingHow children learnAt South Morningside Primary we take account of the children’s individual personality, learning styles, prior knowledge and interest when planning and delivering the curriculum. Teachers endeavour to actively involve children in their learning by discussing what and how they have learned. Children will be taught as part of the whole class, in a group, or as an individual, in order that the curriculum can be tailored as far as possible to fit the needs of each child. The teacher will plan to use a variety of approaches from direct interactive teaching, to enquiry based learning and problem solving. Discussion, where pupils plan, work and share ideas, is an integral part of the learning process. From the earliest stages, children are encouraged to be independent in their learning and as they mature they are taught to develop effective study skills. At times our children may work across stages on whole school projects.Depth of learningLearning may be classroom based, outdoor based or may be planned out of school in the local community or on an education visit. Visits to such places such as the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh Zoo, Art Galleries and the Edinburgh Book Festival all enrich learning. Classes also have visitors who come into school, for example the Scottish Opera, the Edinburgh Science Festival, storytellers, authors and illustrators. We often benefit from funding from the Parent Council to support special visitors and events but at times, we also need to charge parents for visits, to cover costs.All classrooms have interactive white boards, which can be used for playing games, developing learning and for access to websites. Computer skills are taught and applied across the curriculum; laptop computers and iPad are timetabled for use to develop ICT skills. All classes at the upper stages have one iPad to each cooperative group of 4 children. Our vision is to roll out this level of provision to all stages.During P5, the children are offered their first residential experience for a two night/three-day stay. Primary 7 pupils spend a week at an outdoor residential camp at Lagganlia, near Aviemore, where trained instructors offer experiences such as canoeing, climbing and gorge walking, in a safe and challenging environment. Other Activities and EventsThroughout their school years in South Morningside, children will be involved in various activities and events. We have regular class led assemblies each session. There are P1 Nativity performances and various shows and plays throughout the school year and parents and carers are invited to attend.Where possible, parents are encouraged to share in their children’s learning and as such, are invited to attend a number of open classroom events throughout the session. We hold a series of Scottish Focus events in February and children invite their parents in to share their learning.Modern LanguagesThe Boroughmuir cluster of primary schools are part of the Scottish Government 1+2 Modern Language Initiative. All children from nursery to primary 7 learn French and children and in P6-7, they also learn German. For session 2019-20 pupils in P5 have the opportunity to experience Mandarin.EquipmentParticularly in these times of budget cuts, we would greatly appreciate it if every child came to school equipped with basic stationery items, such as pencils, rubbers, sharpeners and rulers. In addition, many pupils find it useful to have their own glue stick and coloured pencils.Assessment is for learningThe class teacher will use a combination of assessments, observations and evaluation of pupil’s written and practical work to continually assess pupil’s progress. Teachers will discuss the outcome of assessments with pupils in order to identify the next steps in learning. Self and peer assessment is also used throughout our school.Children work with teachers to set personal learning targets in Maths, Languages and Health and Wellbeing. These are reviewed termly and shared with parents.At the start of each lesson, the learning intentions are shared with the children and success criteria for their learning will be agreed. Children work individually, with partners and in groups at various times. In order to provide both support and challenge for their learning, teachers ensure that they make time to give children quality feedback on their learning and next municating with parentsAll parents are invited to school in September to hear about the curriculum for the year ahead. In early October personal targets for Maths, Languages and Health and Wellbeing are sent home. In late October parents are invited to visit the school to discuss their child’s targets and progress with the class teacher. Throughout the remainder of the session you will be provided with various opportunities to share in your child’s learning and achievements. However, parents are welcome to telephone the school to arrange a meeting with the class teachers and/or Senior Management at any time during the session.Reporting progress to parentsProcedures for reporting to parents are being reviewed this session. We involve pupils in the process at personal learning planning to encourage children to take ownership of their learning, set personal goals for themselves, practise self-assessment and reflect on their evidence of learning.Getting it right for every child and additional support needsAn additional support need is anything that is a barrier to a child making best progress in their learning and development. The Education Authority has many legal duties toward pupils with additional support needs. Information about this is contained in a booklet, ‘In on the Act’. Information for the general public which Is published on the Education Authority website at .uk/inontheact - or contact the additional support for learning team on 0131 469 3444.Children with additional support needs may have a range of support in place, including support from their class teacher, Pupil Support Assistants and/or Support for Learning Teacher. Some children may benefit from support from partnership agencies and services such as speech therapy, psychological services, occupational therapy etc. As an inclusive school, best educational provision can involve the support of a range of external agencies. Planning meetings are arranged to support a variety of children’s needs. These follow the Getting It Right For Every Child or GIRFEC procedures.Support for learningSpecialist additional support is provided by our Support for Learning Teachers, who in consultation with the class teachers, construct programmes of work to support pupils learning. They support children both in the classroom and with additional tuition when appropriate. Provision may also be made for very able and gifted children. Support is also available for pupils from whom English is an additional language, EAL. This session Mrs Currie, our EAL Teacher is in school most Fridays to support children and to advise teachers.Support staffStaff who support children in class are known as Pupil Support Assistants or PSA’s. They are either involved in supporting learning by working with individuals or with groups of children under the teacher’s instructions in class. The Support for Learning Teachers may create and supervise a programme of support for individuals in class to be carried out by our Pupil Support Assistants. Our PSA’s run several support groups such as motor skills and social skill groups.Wider AchievementWe are very fortunate to be able to offer many opportunities to take part in clubs, events and festivals throughout the year. This is only possible due to the tremendous support of parents, teachers and our Active Schools Coordinator.Pupil VoicePupils are involved in leadership roles through making decision and taking responsibility in many formal and informal ways.School Leadership GroupsPrimary 7 pupils meet with parent and staff representatives and members of the school management team to evaluate and plan key aspects of school improvement. Our pupil groups have representatives from P3 to P7 and they meet with the Senior Management Team on a regular basis to discuss school matters and offer suggestions for improvement. If a child is unhappy about any aspect of school life or has good ideas for enhancing any aspects of it, they are encouraged to tell their Pupil Group Representative.Each session we elect new P7 House Captains who are involved in planning whole school house events and promoting Positive Behaviour among their house. They undertake an important role in counting the monthly gold credits. The winning house gets their colour of ribbon on the trophy.P6 and P5 pupils are involved as buddies for P1 and P2 classes while our P4 pupils spend time getting to know our nursery children.Music TuitionChildren from P4 to P7 may be offered musical tuition. Once selected, we are currently able to offer children viola or violin from P4 and woodwind from P5. Our musical players perform at the school or area concerts throughout the year.SportsSports is promoted and encouraged as an enjoyable and healthy pastime as well as being an opportunity to excel by representing the school. All pupils are entitled to 2 hours of Physical Education each week and some of this time is delivered by our PE specialist. We are also keen that all children benefit from healthy life activities and skills for life.Some of these include:P4 have swimming lessons at a local poolP6 pupils participate in cycle training P6 & 7 enjoy skiing lessons at HillendP7 pupils enjoy a varied programme of activities as part of the final term in primary schoolSports daySports day is held each May/June. We use the Braidburn Park and the community field beside St Peters. The nursery classes hold their sports in the nursery grounds.Extra-Curriculum ActivitiesWe offer a range of after school activities at South Morningside many of which are organised by the parent council e.g. dance, gymnastics, French, Judo, Basketball, Football, Chess, Stage Club, Chanter and Drumming to name a few.Getting togetherAs we are a very large school, it is only possible to get the whole school together by using other buildings. This happens when we gather in Morningside Church for Christmas and Easter services and a summer assembly. All parents are warmly invited to these events.Parental PartnershipsCommunications - GroupcallDay to day information is communicated through email alerts direct to your phone or computer using Groupcall. The school website is also a good source of information and includes attainment data with the annual standards, quality and improvement plan. In the near future we look to communicate with parents using a new system which will include the use of a free app. More information will follow in due course.ParentpayWe are a cashless school and not do accept any payments in cash. Our Parentpay system allows parents/carers to pay for items such as school trips, milk, school camp. Parents/Carers getting involvedParent/Carers are very welcome to support the school to the extent that they feel able and available. For many, this is through direct formal activities connected to the parent council or after school club (SMASCC). Others join in by supporting events, helping with trips and in classrooms - offering an extra pair of hands to the teacher. All such activity is much appreciated and essential to a vibrant and busy school and we see this as a particular strength of South Morningside Primary School. Any suggestions to further promote partnership or build even stronger links are very much welcomed.If you are interested in joining us in the classroom, you will need to complete a volunteer form. Should you intend to volunteer to help at activities which will not be supervised by school staff, e.g. school clubs, then a PVG application form will need to be completed. Please see the school office for these forms.Parent CouncilWe are in the fortunate position of having a very effective Parent Council, highly committed to school improvement and providing quality experience for our pupils. If you are interested in finding out more about the Parent Council, please contact the school office or our school website for more information.South Morningside After School Care Club (SMASCC) A board of trustees operates an After School Care Club in the school. The club runs before and after school as well as during holidays. Please see the separate SMASCC leaflet for more detailed information and contacts.Transition from Primary to Secondary SchoolThe majority of South Morningside P7 pupils transition to Boroughmuir High School. Boroughmuir High School11 ViewforthEdinburghEH11 1FLTelephone number: 0131 229 9703Children will normally transfer to their secondary school after completing Primary 7 along with pupils from our cluster primaries, Buckstone and Bruntsfield. Parents of Primary 7 pupils are informed of transfer arrangements by December. They will be invited to visit the High School to view its facilities and to hear about the first year courses. Primary 7 children visit the secondary school in June, during which time they follow a first year timetable and meet some of their future teachers. At the same time there is communication between secondary and primary school staff on curriculum matters and on ensuring a smooth transfer for pupils.How to make a complaint?The education service complaints procedureMany complaints are resolved locally and we would highly recommend that we work with you in the first instance to resolve any concerns or complaints. If you wish to raise a concern with the Education Service, the first person to approach will normally be the Head Teacher of your school.If you remain dissatisfied, you can make a complaint to the Education Department. The advice and conciliation service provides a help line during office hours who will advise you on how to take further action.Helpline number 0131 469 3233You may be asked to put your complaint in writing to:The Principal OfficerAdvice and conciliation service Department for educationWellington Court10 Waterloo PlaceEdinburghEH1 3EGA written acknowledgement will be sent promptly if your complaint has been received in writing. Following the investigation of your complaint, a full reply will be sent out as soon as possible. This will then tell you the outcome of your complaint. It will explain the conclusion, the reasons for it, any action taken or proposed and any further action you may take if you remain dissatisfied.After you have gone through our complaints team, if you are still not happy you have the right to take your complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. 32 Walker Street Edinburgh EH3THXTelephone number: 08700115378.Generally, if you wish to do this you must contact the Ombudsman within one year. ................
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