.jpg)
Blackfriars Primary
School Handbook 
Welcome to Blackfriars Primary School
I would like to welcome you and your child to Blackfriars Primary School. This handbook contains a range of information that you might find helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact the school or check the school website if you need more information.
I hope that this handbook gives you a glimpse of life at Blackfriars Primary School. We look forward to having you and your child work with us and hope that this will be the start of a strong partnership.
At Blackfriars Primary we aim to offer excellent non-denominational education that meets the needs of your child as an individual. Co-operation and respect for others is fostered in a school with a rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds and talents. We aim to provide a high quality service and wish to work in close partnership with you in preparing your child to be a successful learner, responsible citizen, confident individual and effective contributor.
We communicate with parents and carers through our school app, which can be downloaded free for Android or Apple. You should download the “Scot Ed” app then add Blackfriars Primary School in the box when prompted to “find your school. This will take you to our app.
We also communicate through our website: http://www.blackfriars-pri.glasgow.sch.uk
You can find us on .jpg)
at @BlackfriarsP
We can also send paper copies of information home with children if you do not have access to the Internet so, don’t worry! You won’t miss out.
Shona Henderson
Shona Henderson
Head Teacher
Last updated on 21st September 2022
School Vision & Values
LOGO: Our Logo is “Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow”
Vision:
Blackfriars Primary strives to be a happy school, where everyone is friends and where everyone cares for each other. We want everyone to get the help they need to do well, especially those who need extra support. We especially want to do well in our Literacy and in our Numeracy. We want to be able to use iPads and laptops because we know that these will help with our learning now and in the future. We want our classrooms to be well organised, calm and with interesting, interactive lessons. We want to learn outdoors so that we can understand the world and learn how to look after it. We want our families to be able to help us with our learning in school. We want everyone to be the best they can be in everything they do, so that we can help make the world a better place.
Blackfriars Primary Pupil Leadership Team March 2021
VALUES: Caring, Honest, Achieving, Included and Respect
Aims:
- Raising attainment in literacy and numeracy, embedded within our nurturing city;
- Supporting families to be better able to support their child’s learning and development;
- Improving children’s health and wellbeing through nurturing approaches, increased participation in physical activity and sport and engagement with Outdoor Learning;
- Instilling a sense of citizenship and responsibility in pupils and encourage independent learning, creative use of digital technology and enterprise thus preparing them with skills for learning, life and work in an ever changing world;
- Fostering an awareness and understanding of differing cultural, social and environmental issues, exploring and appreciating the world around us, promoting sustainability and celebrating diversity;
- Involvement of the whole school community in decision-making;
- Understanding our linguistic diversity in order to promote success for our EAL learners by supporting and developing the children’s proficiency in English to promote a policy of inclusion for all; and
- Using the UNCRC to ensure that a ‘rights’ based approach supports our ethos and permeates all areas of our curriculum in school.
School Information
You can cut out the following information and have it on your fridge, purse or work desk etc. for ease of finding the numbers required.
Background information:
- Co-educational school
- Non-denominational
- Stages taught: P1-P7
- Current Roll: 311
- Capacity: 363
School staff
A full list is available on the school website/school app and parents will be updated on any changes as required.
The leadership team is as follows:
Head Teacher: Mrs Shona Henderson
Depute Head Teacher: Mr Martin McCormick
Depute Head Teacher: Miss Laura Houston
Enrolment
Registration of Primary 1 children takes place in November and is advertised widely in local press etc. Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school and should contact the school office. Enrolment is now conducted online – see the link below.
Families living outwith the catchment area are welcome to make a placing request to attend Blackfriars Primary School but must enrol their child online as a first step. Further information is available using the following
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=18426
Organisation of Classes
The following guidelines set by Scottish Government apply.
P1 maximum 25
P2&3 maximum 30
P4-7 maximum 33
Composite classes maximum 25
Composite classes have pupils from more than one stage.
The School Day
School opens at 8am for Cordia’s Breakfast Club.
Please Note: There is no supervision provided in the playground before 8.45am.
Morning 09.00 -10.30
Interval 10.30 - 10.45
Lunch 12.15 - 13.00
Afternoon 13.00 - 15.00
P1 children will remain in school until 15.00 from the first day of term.
Out of School Hours Care: Local groups who offer this service from 3-6pm are T.AS.K. and Monkey Puzzle. Both groups collect children from our school.
TASK
347 Caledonia Road,
Glasgow
Phone: 0141 429 1140
Monkey Puzzle
192 McNeil St,
Glasgow
G5 ONZ
Phone: 0141 429 1114
School Term Dates
Details of school term dates are available on the Glasgow City Council website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17024
Pupil Absence
Within Blackfriars Primary School, good attendance is encouraged at all times and children rewarded accordingly. Parents are asked to inform the school office if their son or daughter is going to be absent. This should be done as early as possible on the first day of absence. If the young person is going to be absent for some time, it would be helpful to know at the earliest opportunity. The school uses daily text messaging to inform parents and carers of absence if no contact is made. All unexplained absences are investigated by the school and appropriate action taken. All calls must be made to the Pupil Absence Reporting Line on 0141 287 0039. The line is open between 08.00-15.30 Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can use the online form on the Glasgow City Council website: Absence Reporting
Medical & Healthcare
The school nurse visits at various times during the year for routine health checks, vaccinations and medical examinations. Parents are kept informed by letter.
If a child becomes ill during the course of the school day, he/she may require to be sent home. Please ensure that you keep the school informed of all contact details.
Parents should inform the school of any medical requirements relating to their child. If a child requires medication during the school day, parents must complete the appropriate medical form. This is available on request from the school office.
Emergencies
We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply.
In such cases, we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of our closure or re-opening by using letters, texts and the local media etc.
School Uniform
The school uniform is:
- White shirt/polo shirt
- School tie
- Grey trousers/ skirt
- Blue fleece/sweatshirt or cardigan
- Tartan pinafore/skirt
- We would encourage matching colours for tights/socks/hijab
Sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts and ties with the school logo are available for purchase from BE Uniforms Glasgow, 35 Argyll St, Glasgow G2 8AH (Located in St. Enoch Centre) or online at www.border-embroideries.co.uk
Our uniform was agreed in consultation with pupils and parents. It is expected that all children attending Blackfriars Primary School will adhere to this dress code.
PE Kit
It is important that pupils come prepared to learn and for PE, Physical Education, this requires appropriate clothing. All jewellery should be removed. Pupils who are not participating in PE must have a note or a medical certificate. Pupils who are unable to participate in practical PE should still bring their kit to allow them to assist in the lesson by refereeing, keeping scores or assisting with the distribution of equipment. This ensures that they are still able to take part in some way in the work of the class and do not miss out on the knowledge and understanding of the course.
There are forms of dress that are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:
- Potentially encourage factions (such as football colours)
- Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
- Could cause health and safety difficulties (such as loose fitting clothing, jewellery)
- Could cause damage to flooring
- Carry advertising particularly for alcohol or tobacco
- Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils
Clothing & Footwear Grants
Parents/Carers receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Working Tax Credit (check link below for thresholds), Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Universal Credit (check link below for thresholds) will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools and at
Clothing and Free Meal Application
School meals
Our school provides a lunch service, which offers a variety of meals and snacks. Medical diets for children can be provided. Further information can be found here: Fuel Zone - Medical Diet Leaflet. Please inform the Headteacher.
Children who prefer to bring packed lunches will be accommodated in a suitable area.
All children in P1-5 are entitled to a free school meal.
If you plan to send your child/children to breakfast club, you should inform the staff of any medical dietary requirements ASAP.
Children and young people of parents/carers receiving Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit (check link below for thresholds), Child Tax Credit only (check link below for thresholds), Universal Credit (check link below for thresholds) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance are entitled to a free midday meal. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained at
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17885
If you require any further information about the catering service please contact our Catering Manager Janet Hughes on 0141 429 6512
Transport
The education authority has a policy of providing free transport to all pupils who live outwith a certain radius from their local school by the recognised shortest walking route. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents/Carers who consider they are eligible can apply online at
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17882
Transfer from Primary to Secondary School
Children and young people normally transfer between the ages of 11 ½ and 12 ½, so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of Secondary education. Parents and carers will be informed of the school arrangements no later than December of the P7 school year. Children from our school normally transfer to:
Shawlands Academy
31 Moss-side Road
Glasgow
G41 3TR
Phone: 0141 582 0211
Email: headteacher@shawlandsacademy.glasgow.sch.uk
www.shawlandsacademy.glasgow.sch.uk
Glasgow Secondary School staff work with our pupils from Primary 6 onward to prepare them for the transfer to secondary school.
Communication
At Blackfriars Primary we are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers and look at different ways to fully involve you in your child’s education. We use a variety of ways to keep in touch.
Open Door Policy: The Senior Leadership Team are available to all parents and carers at any time providing they are not teaching or in a meeting. Please either come into the school office or phone for an appointment. We also have a “Drop In” on a Wednesday Morning from 9.00-9.30am.
Newsletters: Newsletters are sent out on a regular basis to keep parents informed about the work of the school.
Termly Curricular Information: At the start of each term you will receive a letter about the learning your child will be undertaking in the coming term. This letter has information about CORE curricular areas, key dates for your diary and also celebrates any achievements of children in the class. These letters are sent out via schoolbag and also are on your child’s class page on the school website.
Text Messaging: We use the school text messaging service to send reminders about events, school closures etc.
School Website and Twitter: Our school website and twitter contain a great deal of information about the school. It is a good idea to check them regularly.
.png)
Blackfriars Primary School App: Our App is the main form of communication. All our news and information will come through the App. This is updated on a regular basis. Please remember to select your child/children’s class so that you receive communication from the teacher too. If you DO NOT have access to the internet please let us know and we will arrange to “Bag Drop” information home with your child.
Meet The Teacher: This popular event is held after school at the start of Term 1. At this informal event you will be introduced to your child’s class teacher, find out about learning and how you can help your child at home.
Information Evenings and Training Events: Throughout the year we hold training events and information evenings. We decide which events are most useful to parents and carers by looking at the feedback you provide in surveys and the priorities on our School Improvement Plan.
Open Afternoon: We have an Open Afternoon in Term 4 where you can come and visit your child’s classroom and celebrate their learning.
Class Assemblies: You will be invited to your child’s class assembly at some point during the session.
.jpg)
Blackfriars Blether: This is an informal chat opportunity once a month in the school where the Senior Leadership Team invite you in for a hot drink and snack.
Interpreters are available on request in advance of meetings. Likewise, large print or Braille copies of important documents can be arranged with advance warning. Two members of staff can communicate in BSL (Basic Sign Language) and we also have staff who can speak Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Scottish Gaelic and French.
We have 34 languages spoken in our school and we celebrate each language with a “Language of the Month” focus. Help us to celebrate your language!
Emergency Contact Information
At the start of each school session, parents will be issued with the annual data check form. Please ensure that this is completed and returned to the school. It is also important that you let us know if there are changes to your telephone number(s) or to those of your emergency contacts throughout the year.
Data Protection – use of information about children and parents/carers
We collect information about children attending school (and also about parents/carers, emergency contacts etc. provided in the annual data check) to allow us to carry out the Council’s functions as the education authority for the City of Glasgow. This may sometimes involve releasing personal information to other agencies and other parts of the Council, particularly in relation to child protection issues or criminal investigations, and it may also be used for research purposes (see the link below for more details regarding this).
Information held by the school is, in legal terms, processed by Glasgow City Council. The Council is registered as a data controller under the Data Protection Act 2018 and all personal data is treated as confidential and used only in accordance with the Data Protection Act, the General Data Protection Regulations, and the Information Use and Privacy Policy approved by the City Council. For more information on how we use personal information, or to see a copy of the Information Use and Privacy Policy, see https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=18010
Education specific privacy statements can be accessed at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=22069
Appointments during school hours
If your child has an unavoidable appointment, please give them a letter for their class teacher and then collect them from the school office at the specified time.
Comments & Complaints
In Blackfriars Primary School we aim to have positive relationships across our school community. However, if you have a comment or complaint about any aspect of school life, please contact the Headteacher in the first instance.
Glasgow City Council complaints procedures are available: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16133
Customer Care Team
Customer & Business Services
Glasgow City Council
City Chambers
Glasgow G2 1DU
Tel: 0141 287 0900
e-mail: customercare@glasgow.gov.uk or education.customercare@glasgow.gov.uk
The above website also includes information on data protection and freedom of information.
Curriculum
Curriculum for Excellence 3-18
Curriculum for Excellence has been introduced to raise standards of learning and teaching for all 3 to 18 year olds. It aims to help prepare children and young people with the knowledge and skills they need in a fast changing world. As part of Curriculum for Excellence all children from pre-school to the end of S3 will receive a rounded education known as a Broad General Education (BGE). Curriculum for Excellence is all about bringing real life into the classroom and taking lessons beyond it.
Through the experiences we provide at Blackfriars Primary School we want our children to become Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Responsible Citizens and Effective Contributors. We are committed to providing children with a Broad General Education and focus on eight curriculum areas.
|
Expressive Arts
|
Health & Wellbeing
|
Languages
|
Mathematics
|
|
Religious & Moral
|
Sciences
|
Social Studies
|
Technologies
|
Progress in learning is indicated through curriculum levels as detailed below.
|
Level
|
Stage
|
|
Early
|
The pre-school years and P1 or later
|
|
First
|
To the end of P4, but earlier or later for some
|
|
Second
|
To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some
|
|
Third & Fourth
|
S1-S3, but earlier for some
|
Expressive arts: The inspiration and power of the arts play a vital role in enabling our children and young people to enhance their creative talent and develop their artistic skills.
Health and wellbeing: Learning in health and wellbeing ensures that children and young people develop the knowledge, understanding and skills which they need now and in the future to help them with their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
Science: Science and its practical application in healthcare and industry is central to our economic future, for our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society.
Social Studies: Through social studies, children and young people develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and places both past and present, societies, their beliefs and values.
Religious and moral education: Religious and moral education includes learning about Christianity, Islam and other world religions, and supports the development of beliefs and values.
Languages: Knowing other languages and understanding other cultures is a 21st century skill set for students as they prepare to live and work in a global society.
Mathematics: Mathematics equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.
Technologies: The range of subjects in technical education has changed significantly over the last two decades and now includes craft, design, engineering and graphics.
There will be opportunities throughout the year for parents and carers to learn more about aspects of the curriculum and to be consulted about significant changes if appropriate.
Useful websites
Education Scotland www.education.gov.scot
National Parent Forum of Scotland www.npfs.org.uk
Religious Observance
Our school is fortunate to have a close link with the local church. The minister assists with the Christianity element of Religious and Moral Education and provides opportunities for religious observance. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious observance and should inform the school in writing.
In addition, parents and carers from religions other than Christianity may request that their children may be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on up to 3 occasions in any 1 school session.
Assessment & Reporting
All children are assessed both formally and informally throughout the year. This allows children and their teachers to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. A variety of assessment methods are used to enable staff to pass on information to parents about the progress of their child. Assessment records are kept by the class teacher and form the basis of discussion at Parents’ Evenings in October and March. An annual report is sent to parents towards the end of each school year.
If you have any concerns about your child’s progress do not hesitate to contact the school.
Support for Pupils
The school has a duty to ensure that all pupils have equal access to the curriculum, with appropriate support for their needs if required. This applies to the content of lessons, teaching strategies and minor adaptations to the school environment. There are a wide range of factors which may act as a barrier to learning. We are committed to working closely with parents and carers to ensure that they are fully involved in any decisions about support for their children’s needs.
Any parent or carer seeking further advice regarding this policy should contact the Headteacher in the first instance.
Further information relating to additional support needs is available on the Glasgow City Council website at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=18941
Information on the Glasgow City Councils’ Parental Involvement Strategy can also be found at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17870
Nurturing City
The Glasgow City Council vision, ‘towards the nurturing city’, puts building positive, trusting relationships at the core of our work. We ensure children, young people and families feel they belong, they are listened to and they are valued by embedding the principles of nurture across our early years, primary and secondary establishments. Staff are trained in attachment and nurture which deepens understanding of child development and enhances effective practice by responding to the needs of all children and young people in a consistent and caring way. Nurture is a universal approach which builds resilience, helping to reduce the impact of adversity. Effective communication and collaboration with parents and carers builds an ethos of partnership working, putting the child at the centre while fostering high quality learning contexts.
Each of our nurturing establishments contribute to the development of Glasgow as a nurturing city, creating safe environments which allow our children and young people to flourish by raising attainment and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
School Improvement
On an annual basis, you will receive a copy of our Standards and Quality report. Copies from previous years are available on the school website. The Standards and Quality report highlights progress in key curricular areas such as literacy, numeracy and health & wellbeing. Our priorities for improvement are detailed in our School Improvement Plan, which is discussed with our Parent Council. Any parent or carer seeking a copy of the plan can contact the school office or check out our website.
Promoting Positive Behaviour
Children’s Rights as outlined in the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) are fundamental to a good school ethos. Adults in our school will work with children to ensure they are aware of their rights and fully respect the rights of others. Therefore, the approach within Blackfriars Primary School is to build a positive ethos that demonstrates care and respect for all. Positive behaviour is recognised and celebrated. Our school operates a system of class charters to set out expected behaviour. This is celebrated through Golden Time treats, awards at assemblies and certificates sent home to parents etc.
The highest standards of behaviour are expected of pupils at all times. We follow our school values. Where this is not the case, a variety of sanctions are used. Parents are asked to co-operate with the school in encouraging a sense of responsibility and good behaviour in their children.
Child Protection
Glasgow City Council has clear guidelines and procedures for child welfare and protection. You will be made fully aware of these procedures when you enrol your child. All staff participate in training on Child Protection annually. Mr McCormick and Mrs Henderson are the Child Protection Co-Ordinators for Blackfriars Primary School.
The school is under obligation to report any concerns we have about any children to relevant partner agencies. On such rare occasions our intentions are always for the welfare of the child, regardless of the outcome of any investigation.
Home Learning
Continuing to learn at home helps children to achieve more and is a vital part of our partnership with parents. Please check your child’s schoolbag for communication about home learning and specific tasks.
Parent Council
We have an active Parent Council that represents the views of all parents. All parents are welcome to attend Parent Council meetings and can become members at the AGM in September. Parent Council minutes are available on the Parent Council page of the school website/school app and on request from the school office.
Pupil Leadership Team
Our Pupil Leadership is made up of 2 representatives from each year group. This is an important group that ensures the views of pupils are heard.
ECO Council and JRSO
These pupil groups provide further leadership opportunities for our children. Weekly “Time to Talk” sessions ensure Pupil Voice is heard around a range of subjects.
Extra Curricular Activities
We have a wide range of activities that run between Monday – Thursday to extend the learning experience. Please check your child’s schoolbag for information as places are popular and usually limited.
Good links with community organisations and our Active Schools Co-ordinator are vital for the success of these programmes.
Useful Contacts
Parentzone Scotland is a unique website for parents and carers in Scotland, from early years to beyond school. The website provides up-to-date information about learning in Scotland, and practical advice and ideas to support children’s learning at home in literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing and science. Information is also available on Parentzone Scotland regarding additional support needs, how parents can get involved in their child’s school and education. Furthermore, the website has details about schools including performance data for school leavers from S4-S6; and links to the national, and local authority and school level data on the achievement of Curriculum for Excellence levels. Parentzone Scotland can be accessed at https://education.gov.scot/parentzone.
Connect
Connect is a national organisation that provides advice and resources for parents and carers. www.connect.scot
Enquire Scotland
Enquire is a national advice service for families with additional support needs. www.enquire.org.uk
Glasgow City Council
Education Services
City Chambers East
40 John Street
Glasgow G1 1JL
Tel: 0141 287 2000
www.glasgow.gov.uk
LOCAL COUNCILLOR:
Ballie James Scanlon
C/o Glasgow City Chambers George Square
G2 1DU