Dear Parent,
On behalf of the staff, parents and pupils, I extend a warm welcome to you and your child as part of our school community at Bowhouse Primary School.
Bowhouse Primary School is an active member of Coordinated Children Services -a partnership of Schools, Health, Community and Social Services working together to serve children and families in our local community and across Falkirk. Whilst education continues to undergo many changes to prepare children for the demands of a rapidly changing world, the central aim of our primary school remains i.e -we still seek to provide the best possible education for each child in our school, challenging and supporting them to achieve their potential and experience success in their lives.
From Nursery Class to P7, the staff seek to work in partnership with parents and carers and with the home and school working together, we can jointly ensure the best possible progress for each child.
Yours Faithfully,
Pat Cassells
Headteacher
This brochure is a summary of the main school brochure which can be accessed on the school website
School Information
THE SCHOOL
Bowhouse School is a primary school catering for children from Nursery to Primary 7. Bowhouse Primary is part of the Coordinated Children Services which also includes other local Schools, Health, Community and Social Work Services.
BowhousePrimary School was opened in 1969. There are five classrooms and a resource room in the infant department and ten classrooms and a resource room in the upper school.
The nursery building is joined to the school by a link corridor. The nursery class was opened in August 2001. A separate nursery class brochure is available from the school office.
There is a large hall/gymnasium with stage and the gym hall has a variety of apparatus for physical education within the school. We also have a school library and a networked computer suite, a parents`/meeting room, a medical room and a dining area. The school has a large tarmac playground and grass playing field with a purpose build trim trail to encourage physical play.
Facilities For PHYSICAL EDUCATION And Outdoor Activities
As part of the school’s physical education programme, we also use the facilities of the local sports complex, swimming pool and athletics stadium. We also use the local library for library visits by all classes, the Jupiter Centre which is local conservation area and Polmont Woods, as well as business links with the petro chemical industries in Grangemouth .
SCHOOL INFORMATION
School Address:Tinto Drive
Grangemouth
FK3 ODZ
Telephone Number:(01324) 508710
Fax Number:(01324) 508712
E-Mail:
School |Hours
Morning Session:Nursery - 9:00 - 11:30
P1 – P7 - 9.00 - 12.15
Afternoon Session:Nursery - 1:00 –3:30
P1 – P7 - 1.00–3.00
** please note nursery times are subject to change August 2014
STAFF current staffing (for session 2012-2013) is as follows
Headteacher:Mrs Pat Cassells
Depute Headteacher:Mrs Beverley Keith(Acting )
Principal TeachersMrs Elaine Harley
Miss Fiona Caygill (Acting PT)
Class Teachers: Miss Lisa Clerkson
Miss Paula Marshall
Mrs Margaret Love
Miss Gemma Walker
Mr Andrew McLeod
Mrs Jennifer Sherrington
Mrs Sunita Jindal
Mrs Fiona Morrison
Mrs Margaret Whyte
Miss Leeanne Allan
Mrs Leeanne Marsh
Miss Jane Stuart
Specialist Teachers:
Learning Support - Ms Susan Adamson
Miss Fiona MacFarlane
Music Mrs Gillian Brodie
ArtDesign Mrs Michelle Paton
P.E. Vacant
MLPS Miss Yvonne Logan
Early Years Officers: Mrs Dorothy Ostacchini (senior)
Mrs Jennifer Holmes
Mrs Teresa Argent
Mrs Fiona Mc Lean
Music Tutors: Mr Grant Golding – Brass
Mr Ciaran O Driscoll – Piano
Support for Learning
Assistants/Staff Officers: Mrs Fiona Stewart
Mrs Rhona Clark
Mrs Suzanne Melvin
Mrs Helen Hunter
Mrs Jill Campbell
Mrs Linda Miller
Ms Clare Groom
School Secretary: Mrs Gail Henderson
Janitor: Mr Robert Dick
Family Support Worker:Mrs Lynn Loveand MrsJanet Robertson
Educational Psychologist: DrSusan Morrison
Management Structure
Bowhouse Primary school is staffed according to national recommendations and is managed by the Headteacher and supportedby a Depute Headteacher and two Principal Teachers. As Headteacher, I am responsible to the Director of Education for the efficient management, administration and leadership of the school and for the quality of education provided in the school.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
Here in BowhousePrimary School it is our aim to build on our partnership with parents and we actively encourage parental involvement which results in a meaningful engagement in the education of their child/ren and in the wider life of the school.
Parent Councils
All parents are automatically members of the Parent Forum and parents are encouraged to volunteer or put themselves forward to be chosen as representatives of the Parent Council if they wish.
Parent Councils are the formal representative body for parents / carers with children attending school.
The main aims of the Parent Council are:
- To support the school in its work with pupils
- To represent the views of parents
- To promote contact between the school, parents, pupils, providers of nursery education and the community
- To report to the Parent Forum
Please contact the Headteacher or Chair of the Parent Council, Wilma Liddle via the school for details on how you can get involved.
Parents` Association (PA)
The PA is mainly responsible for arranging events for parents and raising funds for the school. Volunteers are welcome - please contact the PA if you want to join in.
The Parents`Association may be contacted throughthe school
The Chair of the Parents` Association is Mrs Lorraine Johnston
The Scottish Parent Teacher Council is the national organisation for PTAs and PAs in Scotland and runs an independent helpline service for all parents. They can be contacted by phone on 0131 226 4378, fax 0870 706 5814 or email on or write to SPTC, 53 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT.
Parent Helpers
We currently have a number of parents supporting the work of the school in a variety of different ways.As well as for field trips or seasonal activities such as parties some parent support with baking and singing activities for example. If any parent has a particular talent or interest they can share with us, and have some free time, we are always eager to hear from them.
Communication with Parents
From time to time your child will bring home important and routine communications from the school. Parents are encouraged to check their child’s schoolbag for these communications. Enquiries of any kind should be addressed to the Headteacher in the first instance.The monthly newsletter is issued to pupils and can be accessed on the school website. A number of classes now have class newsletters and as of January 2014, we also have a Twitter page, giving you the opportunity to follow the work of the school and the children`s learning experiences. Parents and carers are encouraged to check the website for class updates.
Reporting of Pupil Progress
Parents have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress with class teachers on Parents’ Evenings.
In November and in March there are formal parents' meeting held over two evenings when all parents are invited along to school to discuss their child's progress with his/her class teacher or EYO. At the end of the school session in June and for pupils in the pre- school Nursery class – P7,a Pupil Summary Reportis sent home to parentsand parents and carers have an opportunity to comment on these.Pupils in P7 complete their Learning Profile which gives your child the opportunity to express their thoughts on their learning as well as giving the teacher the opportunity to report on each child`s individual progress across the curriculum, throughout the year. It also identifies the next steps as they transfer to High School.
After receiving the report,parents are invited to an Open Afternoon to view and discuss the children`s work on display.
Should you wish to come to school at any other time, please do not hesitate to contact the school to arrange a suitable appointment. All appointments must be made through the School Office.
SCHOOL MEALS
Each day there is a choice of a hot meal or a snack known as option 3 and the children have the opportunity to see what is on offer for lunch at the start of each day when they are making their choices. A coloured band system is in operation to ensure the children have the meal they have ordered. As a cash cafeteria system operates children should bring the correct money every day and children are asked to keep their lunch money in their purse in the classroom either in their tray or to give the purse /wallet to the class teacher for safe keeping.
If your child loses his/her lunch money, the price of a school meal is lent to the child by the School Office and your child is then given a note for you, advising you that this has happened. You are asked to send this amount back to the School Office the following day. Payment is expected and should a child not pay for 3 meals then Parents will be asked to provide a packed lunch until the outstanding payment is settled.
Children can also bring a packed lunch and provision is made in the dining hall. As we are striving to improve our practice in line with our Eco Code and Health Promoting Policy, we ask that children bring a healthy packed lunch in re -useable containers wherever possible. Please do not send glass containers to school as these are dangerous. Also any form of gum is prohibited in school. Children who remain at school for lunch are not allowed to leave the school grounds during lunchtime.
Some families may be eligible for free school meals. Application forms are available from the School, Falkirk Council One Stop Shops, or can be downloaded from the Falkirk Council website. The forms have to be completed by the parent or carer along with supporting documentation as detailed on the application form. An application is required for every school session. Help with filling out the form, and more information on school meals and grants can be obtained from the Council’s Advice & Information helpline on 01324 590599.
Meal prices are reviewed annually. Please contact the School to be advised of the current price.
Wet Weather Arrangements
If there is very heavy rain, then children are allowed to shelter inside the school building from 8:55am. We would appreciate that children do not arrive before 8.55am on wet mornings.
At intervals on wet days children are supervised in the school building.
Children having school lunches are supervised in the school building during wet weather. We ask that parents of children, who go home for lunch, keep them at home until 12.50 pm.
The above arrangements are for wet weather only. When the weather is damp or cold we would expect that all children come to school warmly dressed in outdoor clothing suitable for the time of year.
Sickness During School Hours
If your child becomes ill or has an accident in school, we try to contact you or your emergency contact as soon as possible. In the meantime we try to care for your child until he/she can be collected from school.
It is important that the school is informed immediately of any change of address, telephone number and that emergency contact details are kept up–to-date.
Severe Weather Procedures
In the event of severe weather prior to the start of the school day, the Headteacher will make a decision as to whether the school will be closed to pupils or not.
She will contact Central FM (103.1) so that a public announcement can be made that day alerting parents to the circumstances.
If the school is to close parents of children in nursery will be called first to alert them and ask them to collect their children. This will be continued throughout the school with P7 being called last. Older siblings can be collected at the same time as younger children.
It is therefore, extremely important that contact details are kept up-to-date. Parents must contact the school if there is any change to their contact details or those of the emergency contact. Teachers must pass this information to the office where clerical staff must update computer systems immediately.
If the school office is unable to contact any parent/carer the child/ren will be kept in school until the end of the school day and then allowed to go home as normal.
Unexpected Closures
There may be occasions when pupils may be dismissed without warning e.g. power cuts, inclement weather. In the event of this happening it is most important that your child always knows where to go should you not be at home. We also ask that you ensure the school has an up to date mobile contact number and that this number can receive calls throughout the day.
Any known early closures will be notified to you in writing.
Grangemouth Petroleum and Chemical Major Incident Alert
In the event of a major incident report at the Petrol Chemical Refineries the school would follow the safety advice issued.
No child will be allowed home.
Children will be kept inside until the all clear siren is heard or instruction is given by the police to allow children to return home.
No contact will be made by the school to parents in the event ensuring all lines of communication are free for emergency services.
All windows and doors will be kept shut. If necessary, and possible, all children will be evacuated to the upper classrooms.
Agreed Term Dates for Session 2014-2015
DaysSchool Year
/ Term Dates / Staff / PupilsAutumn Term Begins (Staff Only - Dev Days) / Monday 18 August 2014
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Autumn Term Begins (Pupils) / Wednesday 20 August 2014
Autumn Term Ends / Friday 10 October 2014 / 39 / 36
Winter Term Begins / Monday 20 October 2014
Winter Term Ends / Friday 19 December 2014 / 45 / 45
Spring Term Begins / Monday 5 January 2015
Spring Term Ends / Thursday 2 April 2015 / 62 / 61
Summer Term Begins / Monday 20 April 2015
Summer Term Ends / Friday 26 June 2015 / 49 / 48
195 / 190
Term Time Public Holidays / Staff Development Days
Monday 8 September 2014 / Monday 18 August 2014
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Friday 13 February 2015 / Thursday 18 September 2014
Monday 16 February 2015
Friday 3 April 2015 / Thursday 13 February 2015
Monday 6 April 2015 / Friday 1 May 2015
Monday 4 May 2015
Curriculum for Excellence
Bringing learning to life and life to learning
LEARNING TO ACHIEVE
The Education Authority`s Learning to Achieve document explainshow we will deliver Curriculum for Excellence in Bowhouse Primary School. It outlines our aspirations for children and young people in Falkirk.We want all learners in our school to have enjoyable and challenging experiences allowing them to work to their full potential and be pro-active and independent within their own learning experiences.
In the full version of the school brochure on the school website you will find information on the curriculum delivered, the teaching approaches, Assessment and Support for Learning.
Getting It Right For Every Child
Taking care of our children's well-being and making sure they are alright helps us ensure the most positive outcomes for them later in life. It gives them the potential to grow up ready to succeed and play their part in society. At Bowhouse Primary School we implement the Authority`s programme which aims to improve outcomes for all the children and is the foundation for all our work. Further information can be accessed on the full school brochure on the school website or the GIRFEC web pages –
Additional Support Needs
As with all local authority schools in Scotland, this school operates under the terms of the Additional Support for Learning Act (2009) and its` accompanying Code of Practice. Further details of the policies and procedures can be found on the Falkirk Council website, and the school’s Additional Support for Learning Co-ordinator will be able to outline the support that can be offered in school.
Working with other agencies and professionals – for example, Social Work Services, Educational Psychology Service, National Health Service and parents – decisions are made with regards to the best possible education to meet the needs of the child within the resources available.
Parents, carers and children with additional support needs can also seek independent advice and support through:
Enquire: 0845 123 2303
Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, 0131 260 5380 Take Note: National Advocacy Service for Additional Support Needs (Barnados in association with the Scottish Child Law Centre) 0131 667 6633.
Protecting Children and Young People
Education Services have an important role in identifying children who have been abused or are at risk of being abused.
Falkirk Council has clear procedures for all staff to follow. Headteachers or designated member of staff are instructed to notify Falkirk Council and Social Work Services when a member of staff has a suspicion that a child might have been abused or be at risk of abuse.
Social Work Services will make a decision on whether or not an investigation is necessary and will advise accordingly.
Homework
The school has a clearly defined policy on homework, a copy of which can be obtained from the Headteacher or from the school website. A parent guide is also available on request.
Pupils are regularly given homework to support their learning and to encourage them to become more organised and self-supporting in their learning. Regular homework tasks will be given where a teacher feels a particular child or group of children may benefit from it. The homework will be organised according to the stage and ability of the child and issued for the week in the upper stages. Tasks can arise from all curricular areas, and it may include written, oral or practical activities. The tasks set will be interesting, worthwhile and challenging for the child.