From mountain to sea
Hill of Banchory School
Handbook
2020/21
2 |
Contents
Introduction to Hill of Banchory School 4
Our Vision, Values and School Ethos 8
Curriculum 10
Assessment and Reporting 14
Transitions (Moving On) 16
1 Admissions 17
2 Placing requests & School Zones 18
Support for Children and Young People 19
3 Getting it Right for Every Child 19
4 Wellbeing 19
5 Children’s Rights 20
6 The Named Person 21
7 Educational Psychology 21
8 Enhanced Provision & Community Resource Hubs 22
9 Support for Learning 22
10 The Child’s Plan 23
11 Child Protection 24
12 Further Information on Support for Children and Young People 24
Parent & Carer Involvement and Engagement 26
13 Parental Engagement 26
14 Communication 26
15 ParentsPortal.scot 27
16 Learning at Home 27
17 Parent Forum and Parent Council 28
18 Volunteering in school 28
19 Collaborating with the Community 28
20 Addressing Concerns & Complaints 28
School Policies and Useful Information 30
21 Attendance 30
22 Holidays during term time. 30
23 Dress Code 31
24 Clothing Grants 32
25 Transport 32
| 3
26 Privilege Transport 32
27 Early Learning & Childcare Transport 33
28 Special Schools and Enhanced Provision 33
29 School Closure & Other Emergencies 33
30 Storm Addresses 35
31 Change of address and Parental Contact Details 35
32 Anti-bullying Guidance 35
33 School Meals 36
34 Healthcare & Medical 38
35 Schools and Childcare – Coronavirus 39
36 Exclusion 39
37 Educational Visits 40
38 Instrumental Tuition 40
39 Public Liability Insurance 40
40 School Off Site Excursion Insurance 40
41 Data we hold and what we do with it. 41
42 The information we collect from you 41
43 Your Data, Your Rights 42
44 Parental Access to Records 42
45 Information Sharing 42
46 ScotXed 42
Further Information 44
4 |Introduction to Hill of Banchory School
All information in this handbook is correct as of October 2020
Introduction to Hill of Banchory
School
We are very pleased to welcome you and your family to our community and
especially into Hill of Banchory Primary School and to what we hope will be a
long and happy association. We look forward to a close working partnership
with you so your child can benefit fully from school life in Hill of Banchory
Primary.
We take pride in the fact that we are a happy, creative and ambitious school
with a real sense of team spirit. We aim to provide a stimulating learning
environment in which the intellectual, physical, social and emotional
development of your child can be fostered.
School Contact Details
Head Teacher
Mrs Deborah Burr
Hill of Banchory School & Nursery
Firbrae, Hill of Banchory South
Banchory
AB31 5ZT
01330 700380 (School)
01330 700383 (Nursery)
Website:
www.hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
HOB Connect (Parent Council) email
HOB Connect (Parent Council) website
https://www.hobconnect.org
HOB Connect (Parent Council) Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/connect.hobschool/
PTA email
Adverse weather and emergency closure
https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/Apps/schools-closures/
Information Line 0370 054 4999 then school PIN code 022840. (Please do not use
this line to leave messages for the school.)
Hill of Banchory School is part of the Banchory integrated Community Schools
Network and has been developed to combine the Primary School with wider
Introduction to Hill of Banchory School | 5
Community facilities. The building was first occupied on 24th February 2006. The
school consists of fourteen classrooms, a General Purpose Room and a range of
Network Rooms, a Learning Centre with Snozelan, Library, large Gym Hall and
Nursery. It is surrounded by a large tarmac playground, an adventure playground, an
Astroturf pitch and an eco-garden. There are Community Rooms and a Family
Centre on site.
Hill of Banchory School is a non-denominational school with a role of 378 in P1-7 and
our Early Learning and Childcare is provided within our 80 place Nursery. The
school serves the Hill of Banchory catchment area.
Devolved budgets are managed in accordance with authority guidelines in order to
support planned improvements in the school.
The School Day
School Hours (P1-7)
Start 09:00
Break 10:40 – 11:00
Finish 15:20
Nursery Hours (these are core hours only)
08:45 – 11:55 (morning session)
13:00 – 16:10 (afternoon session)
Our Early Learning & Childcare facility are offering extended provision, details of
which are available on request. Families are able to make use of their allocated
hours in different ways. Full details are available through contacting Fiona Shearer
(Early Years Senior Practitioner) or Deborah Burr (Head Teacher).
Pupil Belongings and Valuables
In each classroom the children have a space for hanging up their coats and gym
bags and for storing packed lunch boxes. Parents should note it is their responsibility
to ensure packed lunches have a cold pack included. Each child will also have their
own named tray for storing their belongings in class. The wearing of jewellery is
actively discouraged in the school as it can get lost or add to injuries. The wearing of
a watch is acceptable. Children who have pierced ears and need to wear earrings
should wear studs as opposed to hoops or dangly earrings.
Children should not bring electronic games, mobile phones or other expensive items
into school. This policy is supported by the Local Education Authority. Parents/carers
may always contact their child/ren via the school office in an emergency. It should
also be noted that neither schools nor the Education Authority take any responsibility
for any loss or damage to mobile phones brought into school.
6 |Introduction to Hill of Banchory School
School Equipment
The school provides all the books and equipment that your child will need to use in
school. However, many children do like to bring their own pencil case and
equipment. We would suggest the following pencil case contents – HB lead pencil(s),
a ruler (marked in centimetres), a rubber, some colouring pencils and a glue stick.
Children will also require a school bag to carry their belongings and equipment to and
from school.
Children receive a plastic wallet at the beginning of the school year for keeping any
home learning activities and reading books in. This helps to keep these resources in
good order. Please note, should reading or library books be lost or damaged, parents
are requested to pay £5.00 towards the cost of a replacement.
Arrival at School & Playground Information
Children should not arrive at school more than 15 minutes before the start of the
school day. From the playground pupils can always access an adult in school if
required. They will have access to the toilet but not to the school unless the weather
is very wet. If that is the case they will be instructed by staff to come into the school
where they will be supervised in their classrooms. During inclement weather it is
better if your child arrives at school just in time for the start of the day at 9:00am. The
beginning of the day is very busy as teachers are preparing work in their classrooms.
If you need to speak with a teacher, please contact the school office and staff will
arrange an appointment for you.
Break and lunchtimes are supervised by Pupil Support Assistants.
During lunch/break times children will be expected to play outside unless the weather
is excessively wet or windy. Children should be sent to school with appropriate
outerwear to suit the time of year. We discourage children from making ice slides in
the playground or throwing snowballs for health and safety reasons.
Please ensure your child knows who he/she is going home with before they come to
school in the morning.
For health & safety reasons, dogs are not permitted in the school grounds.
Exceptions are made for Guide/Assistance Dogs and recognised visits to support the
curriculum, when a full risk assessment is carried out.
If your child has an accident in the playground first aid will be given for minor cuts
and knocks but for anything that could be more serious, we will contact a parent (or
the emergency contact) so that medical attention can be sought. We will attempt to
notify you by telephone of any serious injuries and for this reason it is important we
have up to date contact details such as mobile phone numbers. However, where
contact is not possible, we may seek treatment from professionals where it is
deemed necessary. Attempts will continue to be made to contact you.
Introduction to Hill of Banchory School | 7
School Office & Communications
The school office is staffed as far as possible as follows:
Monday & Tuesday: 8:45am – 12:40pm and from 3:00 – 4:00pm
Wednesday – Friday: 8:45am – 12:40pm and from 1:40 – 4:00pm
During break and lunchtime the office is closed.
Both the school and nursery have answering machines for leaving messages. All
messages are collected and we aim to respond to the message as quickly as
possible and certainly within 24 hours.
At Hill of Banchory School, we use the Groupcall system for the majority of parental
communications which sends out information to parents to your personal
mobile/email address, thus cutting down on the amount of paper issued from school.
8 |Our Vision, Values and School Ethos
Our Vision, Values and School
Ethos
At Hill of Banchory Primary School we strive to ensure that all children develop the
attributes, knowledge and skills they will need to become life-long successful
learners. In our school, we believe that everyone benefits from an ethos of high
aspirations and ambition for all.
The aim of our school is to work in partnership with pupils, staff, parents, the wider
community and other agencies to ensure that every learner can be the best they can
be by enabling them to be safe, healthy, active, nurtured, achieving, respected,
responsible and included. Everyone has a voice at our school and everyone’s
opinion matters.
Attainment, achievement and participation are recognised and celebrated. As a
Rights Respecting School, we expect all to demonstrate respect for themselves and
others, welcome diversity and individuality and share a strong commitment to the
values of honesty, compassion and justice.
The positive ethos in the school is our foundation on which we build our curriculum.
We offer a broad range of learning experiences, taking in to account the needs and
interests of our pupils. Children’s opinions and ideas are listened to and valued
through our Learning Committees. Our pupils, staff and community partners are
encouraged to be involved in developing the work of the school and have a positive
impact on school improvements. There is a mutual sense of trust, respect, shared
values and aims. Our Vision, Values and Aims poster can be viewed in the
Appendices section of this document.
At Hill of Banchory School we aim to provide our young learners with opportunities to
experience and develop the skills and attitudes needed to become Responsible,
Respectful and Independent young people. Through working in partnership with
parents and the local community our ethos promotes a positive approach to
participating and engaging in learning, nurturing every child to reach their full
potential and enabling them to have the skills and confidence to embrace the world in
which we live. Through these shared expectations, we hope all our children will
become:
Responsible Citizens
- Encouraging an understanding of our roles, rights and responsibilities within our
community and the wider world
- Providing opportunities to make informed and responsible choices and decisions,
respecting the beliefs and values of others
Effective Contributors
- Promoting confidence in our young people to enable them to communicate their
ideas and opinions in a variety of settings
- Providing opportunities for our children to engage with others, using their initiative to
create and develop ideas collaboratively
Our Vision, Values and School Ethos | 9
Successful Learners
- Providing quality learning experiences which inspire and motivate our young people
to become successful learners
- Encouraging all to reach their full potential through stimulating and independent
learning
Confident Individuals
- Providing a safe, secure and supportive environment where children feel confident
to tackle new challenges
- Encouraging pursuit of a happy, healthy and active lifestyle, promoting positive self-
esteem and wellbeing
We aim to deliver excellence and equity in learning and teaching and expect all
learners to be assessment capable and actively engaged in their own learning, willing
to try new challenges, persevere and support each other to find their next steps in
learning so that we can aim high together and achieve even more.
10 |Curriculum
Curriculum
Within our school, we aim to provide a curriculum that is both inclusive and ambitious
for all – a curriculum which is both academically challenging and also provides
opportunities to develop skills for learning, life and work.
Our curriculum will be based around the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence
– to ensure our pupils are successful learners, confident individuals, effective
contributors and responsible citizens. Our curriculum will also reflect the principles of
curriculum design to ensure breadth, depth, personalisation & choice, challenge &
enjoyment, progression, coherence and relevance. We will, therefore have a
curriculum which we will adapt continuously over time to meet the needs of our
pupils.
Following the principles of Curriculum for Excellence, achievement of children and
young people is celebrated in its broadest sense. This means looking beyond
formally assessed learning, to recognise activities like volunteering and participation
in arts, sports and community-based programmes. This approach complements the
nurturing and aspirational outcomes of Getting It Right for Every Child, and our aim in
Aberdeenshire to overcome inequality by Raising Attainment for All, promoting Equity
and Excellence in schools, and Closing the Gap. Further information on the schools
approach to Curriculum for Excellence including information for parents, can be
found on the school website at: : http://www.hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
Curricular Areas
• Literacy and English Language: Listening, Talking Reading and Writing.
• Numeracy and Mathematics: Number, Money and Measure, Information
Handling, Shape, Position and Movement.
• Health & Wellbeing: Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing,
Physical education, activity and sport, Food and health, Substance misuse,
Relationships, sexual health and parenthood.
• Social Studies: People, past events and societies, People, place and
environment, People, society, economy and business.
• Sciences: Planet Earth, Forces, electricity and waves, Biological Systems,
Materials, Topical Sciences.
• Technologies: Technological developments in society, Business technology
skills and knowledge, Computing science, Food and textiles, Craft, design,
engineering and graphics.
• Expressive Arts: Music, Drama, Art and Design and Dance.
• Religious and Moral Education: Christianity, World Religions, Development
of beliefs and values.
• Modern Languages: French and Spanish
Curriculum | 11
Curriculum Design
Our curriculum is designed on the basis of the following 7 principles:
• Challenge and enjoyment
• Breadth
• Progression
• Depth
• Personalisation and choice
• Coherence
• Relevance
Developing Young Workforce
As part of the curriculum, pupils will develop skills for learning, life and work. More
detail about these key skills can be found using the link below:
https://www.npfs.org.uk/skills-in-a-nutshell/
Throughout their time in school, from Early Years onwards, all pupils will have an
opportunity to engage with employers, through experiences like workplace visits,
career talks, employability events and courses, work experience and curriculum
based activities. They will also have the opportunity to learn about further and higher
education, and the work done by training providers, as well as different career
pathways into employment.
In S4-6, pupils will be given the opportunity to study for vocational qualifications,
including Foundation Apprenticeships, alongside the more traditional qualifications.
Further information for parents on Foundation Apprenticeships can be found at
https://www.apprenticeships.scot
Further information for parents can be found on the Aberdeenshire DYW website:
http://dywaberdeenshire.org/parents/
Curricular Levels
Early
The pre-school years and P1, or later
for some.
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 and Fourth
S1 to S3, but earlier for some. The
fourth level broadly equates to
Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework level 4.The fourth level
experiences and outcomes are
intended to provide possibilities for
12 |Curriculum
choice and young people's
programmes will not include all of the
fourth level outcomes.
Development of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Values
In our school we are committed to providing appropriate opportunities for the
development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural values through both the
ethos and the curriculum. This will be undertaken in partnership with parents and will
take account of the individual needs of pupils and the views of parents. Our school
welcomes and encourages diversity and individuality, while emphasising our
common commitment to moral values such as honesty, respect for others,
compassion and justice.
It is a fundamental principle of our school that all who are involved in the life of our
school has the right to be respected as individuals and carry the responsibility to act
in a considerate and respectful manner towards others. We implement the Council
policy for Equal Opportunities and ensure that all pupils have access to the full range
of educational experiences available within the resources of the school. We are
firmly committed to the elimination of any form of discrimination on the grounds of
age, race, religion, gender, sexuality or disability. See Aberdeenshire Council Policy
at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/jobs-and-carers/employee-benefits/equality-and-
diversity
Extra-Curricular Activities
At Hill of Banchory a range of extra-curricular activities is also provided. These can
include Friendship Stop, Homework Club, Badminton, Football, Netball, Choir, Art
Club, Gardening Club and Film Club. In addition, the Active Schools Coordinator
organises a variety of sporting events and clubs throughout the year. Contact Mark
Borzoni at [email protected] or go to
www.facebook.com/activeschoolsaberdeenshiresouth or
www.twitter.com/asaberdeenshire
1+2 Language Learning
The Scottish Government has introduced a policy ‘Language Learning in Scotland: A
1+2 Approach’. Children are growing up in a multilingual world and to allow them to
take their place as global citizens, they need to be able to communicate in many
settings. This approach entitles every child and young person to learn two languages
at school in addition to their mother tongue language.
In our School the first foreign language will be French. This language will be learned
from P1 (in Primary School) through to S3 (in secondary school). For more
information go to https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/language-
learning-in-scotland-a-1plus2-approach/
If you would like your child to access Gaelic Medium Education and they have not yet
started to attend a primary school you can make a request for an assessment of
need for Gaelic Medium Primary Education (GMPE). For more information, please go
to:
Curriculum | 13
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/information/gaelic-in-schools/
The parent or carer of any child or young person can make a request for their child to
attend to any school which offers GMPE. This will enable your child to be taught by
specialist staff. As there are currently no schools in Aberdeenshire which have GME
provision learners are transported to school in Aberdeen City.
Further Information
Further information on the schools approach to Curriculum for Excellence including
information for parents, can be found on the school website at:
http://www.hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
More general information on Curriculum for Excellence and the new Qualifications
can be found by clicking on the hyperlinks below.
Policy for Scottish Education:
https://education.gov.scot/scottish-education-system/policy-for-scottish-education
Early Learning & Childcare:
https://www.education.gov.scot/scottish-education-
system/Early%20learning%20and%20childcare
Broad General Education (Pre school – S3):
https://education.gov.scot/scottish-education-
system/Broad%20general%20education
Senior Phase and beyond (S4 – 16+):
https://education.gov.scot/scottish-education-system/senior-phase-and-beyond
National Qualifications:
https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/58062.3806.html?pMenuID=5605
14 |Assessment and Reporting
Assessment and Reporting
Pupils move through the curriculum at their own pace. A wide range of assessment
techniques are used in school depending on what is being assessed and the reason
for the assessment e.g.
• Observation of what the pupils “say”, “write” and “do”.
• Homework
• Self and peer assessments
• Marking of class work and other individual/class assessments
• Ongoing tracking and monitoring procedures in school
• Scottish National Standardised Assessments (P1, P4, P7 and S3)
Progress will be evidenced using a variety of approaches that best reflect the
learning that has taken place, and will track the skills that your child or young person
is developing.
Assessment is ongoing throughout the Broad General phase and is a continuous
process which influences the goals set for your child. As part of assessment, each
year children and young people in P1, P4, P7 and S3 will participate in the Scottish
National Standardised Assessments (SNSA). These national assessments are
completed online and provide teachers with immediate feedback on each child or
young person’s progress in literacy and numeracy. Children and young people do not
have to prepare or revise for the assessments, which take place as part of normal
learning and teaching. The assessments do not have any pass/fail mark and the
results are used to help teachers plan the next steps in learning for each child/young
person. Further information on SNSA is available at
https://standardisedassessment.gov.scot/
The results of children’s achievements are discussed with them regularly so that they
are involved in taking responsibility for their own learning. This may take the form of
oral discussion and/or written comment. In this way, it is hoped to assist the pupil
identify what has been learned and the next steps to their learning. Children regularly
set targets in their work.
Parents will be informed of progress:
• through pupil profiles/learning logs
• through parent consultation evenings and other meetings
• through curriculum/learning events/parent workshops
• by the annual school report
• Individual Education Plans and associated documents
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school at other times throughout
the year to discuss their child’s progress.
Secondary schools: Assessment & Reporting in the Senior Phase (S4-S6)
In the Senior Phase pupils embark on the National Qualifications.
Assessment and Reporting | 15
As pupils enter this phase they are set an aspirational target grade for each subject
they are studying. This forms the basis for learning conversations between staff and
pupils to discuss progress and identify next steps. This is shared with parents/carers
through TRACKING Reports.
Further Information on Assessment, Reporting & Profiling can be found on
Parentzone:
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/learning-in-scotland/assessment-and-
achievement
16 |Transitions (Moving On)
Transitions (Moving On)
We understand that transitions especially at Pre-School, P1 and S1 stages can be
anxious times for parents and pupils. This is also an opportunity for parents to meet
their child’s teacher/named person and to ask any questions or share any information
about your child’s needs which will help support them through any transition. At Hill of
Banchory School we have arrangements in place to support transitions and these are
outlined below.
Transfer to Ante-Pre School and Pre-School Nursery
In order to support and ease transition into early years setting, we arrange a series of
induction events/meetings for you and your child. These events are planned to allow
you and your child to become familiar with the early years setting, to meet staff, to
meet with the other children and to find out about life in early years and what you can
do to support your child’s transition into the early years setting. A major part of this
process involves parents sharing information about their children’s needs and you
will be asked to complete a number of forms regarding e.g. your child’s specific
needs. Any other early years setting which your child attends will forward transition
information regarding your child’s needs and learning journey.
Delayed Entry to P1
Where parents have concerns regarding their child’s entry to P1, they should discuss
this with the nursery team in the first instance who will be able to offer support and
guidance.
Transfer to Primary 1
In order to support and ease transition into P1, we arrange a series of induction
events, visits and meetings for you and your child. These events are planned to
allow you and your child to become familiar with the school building, to meet staff, to
meet with the other children including your child’s buddy and to find out about life in
school and what you can do to support your child’s transition into P1. Induction
meetings are arranged for parents around May/June in order to share information
about starting school and how you can help your child at home.
There is also an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teacher later in the
summer term and to ask any questions or share any information. Parents are also
invited to join their P1 children for a school lunch in the summer term. Our
prospective P1s also have the opportunity to come into class for a series of induction
sessions around May/June. This allows the children to begin to get to know some of
their classmates as well as familiarising themselves with the school buildings and
classroom routines.
Transitions (Moving On) | 17
Transfer to Secondary Education
At the end of Primary 7 your son/daughter will normally transfer to Banchory
Academy (tel: 01330 700450). This change is made all the easier because of our
close relationship with the staff and pupils at the Academy. Much thought is given to
the planning of our pupils’ educational development at joint meetings of primary and
secondary staff within the Banchory Schools’ Cluster Group.
Following a review of our transition process, P7 pupils will attend a week-long link
visit to the Academy in June 2021. During this time Primary 7 pupils from all of
Banchory academy’s associated primaries gather to follow their First Year timetable.
During Term 3, a member of staff will work with pupils on a transition programme
designed to support our pupils moving on to the Academy. In addition, joint activities,
e.g. Try-a-Sport Day and Science Day, are held during the school session. These
have proved to be valuable educational experiences for staff and children alike. We
hope to retain the excitement of transition from Primary to Secondary while
endeavouring to ensure that it is a natural progression, which each child can look
forward to with confidence.
Where parents opt to send their child to any other secondary school, (following
placing requests) Hill of Banchory School supports any alternative transition
arrangements wherever possible.
Transitions Between Stages
For some children, the thought of moving onto their next class/teacher can also be an
anxious time. Again, we have structures in place to support these transitions.
Teachers share planning and work together on school improvement projects helping
to ensure a commonality of expectations and approaches. Time is arranged for
teachers to hand over information regarding the learning needs of the pupils
transferring from class to class. Around June of each year “step up” time is also
arranged where pupils can meet their next teacher and their classmates.
Opportunities throughout the year for children to work on joint projects, e.g.
enterprise challenges help to ensure that the children have opportunities to work with
other staff and pupils.
Visit Parentzone for more information about transitions:
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/my-child/transitions
1 Admissions
Nursery Admissions.
Early in each calendar year, all parents/carers should complete an application form
and summit this to the nursery of their choice. This can be your local school nursery
or any other early learning and childcare setting within Aberdeenshire. The
application form can be found here:
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/information/early-learning-and-childcare-
information/
18 |
Primary Admissions
New entrants to P1 are enrolled early in the calendar year for entry to school in
August. This is for children who will be five on or before the school start date in
August. Those that have their fifth birthday between the August start date each year
and the end of February the following year, may also be admitted. Go to:
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/information/primary-school-registration/
To view the school catchment area for your address, go to:
https://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/admissions/school-zones/
2 Placing requests & School Zones
For all advice and information on placing requests and guidance on school
catchment/zones go to:
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/information/choosing-a-school
Your child would normally attend a school within the school catchment area (zone)
close to where you live. However, you can request that your child attends a school in
another zone (out of zone). Please follow the links for more info:
Out Of Zone Placing Request Policy & Procedures
Support for Children and Young People | 19
Support for Children and Young
People
3 Getting it Right for Every Child
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is the national policy approach in Scotland
which aims to support the wellbeing of all children and young people, by offering the
right help, at the right time, from the right people. Certain aspects of this policy have
been placed in law by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.
Aberdeenshire’s schools play a key part in delivery of Aberdeenshire’s Children’s
Services Plan.
http://www.girfec-aberdeenshire.org/who-we-are/our-childrens-services-plan/
4 Wellbeing
Wellbeing of children and young people sits at the heart of the Getting it Right for
Every Child approach. Eight Wellbeing Indicators shown below, outline the
aspirations for all Scotland’s children and young people.
Its vision is that:
‘Our commitment to Aberdeenshire’s children and
young people, is to provide them with the right
support, in the right place, at the right time.
In helping them reach their individual potential and
goals, we will work together to make Aberdeenshire
the best place in Scotland to grow up’
You can find out more about our Children’s Services
Plan at:
20 |Support for Children and Young People
The Getting It Right approach means
services will work in partnership with
children, young people and their
parent/carer(s) and we want every
child at our school to feel happy, safe
and supported to fulfil their potential.
The approach gives a common
language and a way to gather
information about a child’s world,
making sure the child is growing and
developing, and has everything they need from the people who look after them both
at home and in the wider community. It also encourages practitioners to think about
who else might need to be involved (for example a teacher might need to contact
other professionals to make sure than an education improvement plan with the child
and family was meeting all the child’s needs).
5 Children’s Rights
The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 included new law to help make
sure children’s rights are promoted across Scotland. Children and young people’s
rights and participation are promoted in lots of different ways by schools in
Aberdeenshire.
This means we:
• Raise awareness of Children’s Rights, and how rights can be accessed
• Provide opportunities for children and young people to get involved in
decision-making
• Make sure children and young people’s views influence how we develop
services
• Support children and young people to express their views (where needed)
• Listen to children and young people’s views on what we do well, and what we
could do differently
Aberdeenshire Council has endorsed a Children and Young People’s Charter. You
can find out more about Children’s Rights and opportunities for participation at:
http://www.girfec-aberdeenshire.org/home/children-and-young-people/
Support for Children and Young People | 21
6 The Named Person
Prevention and early-intervention are seen as key to the Getting It Right approach in
achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. By providing support at
an early stage, most difficulties can be prevented from escalating.
One way the Scottish Government has decided this should be taken forward, is by
making a Named Person available to every child and young person in Scotland.
From birth to prior to starting school, the Named Person Service is provided by your
Health Visitor. The Education Service provides the Named Person Service for all
children on entry to Primary One, until aged 18 (or beyond where a young person
remains at secondary school). In Aberdeenshire the Named Person will be either the
Primary Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher and in Secondary School, the
Named Person will be that young person’s allocated Principal Teacher of Guidance
(with a few exceptional circumstances).
The purpose of the Named Person role is to make sure children, young people and
parents have confidence that they can access help or support no matter where they
live or what age the child is. Acting as a central point of contact, the Named Person
can help children, young people or parents/carers get the support they need, if and
when they need it.
The Named Person can help by:
• Providing advice, information or support
• Helping a child, young person, or to access a service or support
• Discussing or raising a wellbeing concern about a child or young person.
There is no obligation for children and young people or parents to accept any offer of
advice or support from the Named Person. Non-engagement with a Named Person is
not in itself a cause for concern. The Named Person Services is currently delivered
on a national policy basis.
For more information you can contact your child or young person’s Named person
directly, or go to:
https://www.gov.scot/policies/girfec/named-person/
At Hill of Banchory School the Named Person for your child/young person is Deborah
Burr (HT) or Shona Patterson (DHT) or Lisa Judson (DHT)
7 Educational Psychology
The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) provides a service across Aberdeenshire
from pre-birth to 24 years old. We work with children, young people, families,
educational staff, local authority colleagues and a wide range of other professionals
including health professions, social work, early years partner providers and post school
training and education providers.
When there are concerns about a child or young person’s learning or wellbeing, an
Educational Psychologist can support others to problem solve their way through
potentially difficult and complex situations. Consultation with people who know the
22 |Support for Children and Young People
child best forms the basis of Educational Psychology assessment. Its purpose is to
explore and understand the concern,and support people to come up with solutions that
will work in that particular context.
The EPS also offers a range of services that help improve learning and wellbeing for
all children and young people. We do this through action research, development work
with schools, training, and contributing to strategic developments.
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/eps/
8 Enhanced Provision & Community Resource Hubs
Aberdeenshire Council is committed to supporting children and young children to be
educated in local schools through providing the right support in the right place at the
right time. By enhanced provision we mean that a local primary and secondary
school has an enhanced level of resources, such as access to a sensory room and
life skills area; and support for learning staff who have an enhanced level of expertise
to meet a range of needs.
Further enhancement is available through the community resource hub, for a small
minority of children with severe and complex needs, who regardless of chronological
age are making very small steps in learning and are at the early levels of learning.
The enhanced provision centres and community resource hubs can offer outreach
support to mainstream schools, short term assessment placements, flexibility (e.g.
blended places) and access to a variety of therapies.
For more information on all of our resources and policies go to:
http://asn-aberdeenshire.org/
9 Support for Learning
At times in their lives all children may require support for learning for a range of
reasons. Some children may need a lot of support all the way through school. Others
may need only a small amount for a short time.
A child is said to have additional support needs if they need more, or different,
support to what is normally provided in schools or pre-schools to children of the same
age. Reasons for requiring support might include:
• Missing school because of an illness or long-term condition
• Having a physical disability
• Being a young carer
• Communication difficulties
• Being particularly able
• Changing school a lot
• Being looked after or in care
• Difficulty in controlling behaviour
• Having a difficult family situation
• Suffering a bereavement
• Being bullied
Each school cluster has an allocation of Teachers of Additional Support for Learning
(ASL) who are employed to support pupils with additional support needs. They work
across each cluster in primary and secondary. In partnership with school staff,
Support for Children and Young People | 23
parents and other professionals (if appropriate), they identify barriers to learning,
assess children’s needs and support learning and teaching through a relevant
curriculum.
Pupil Support Assistants (PSAs) assist teachers in promoting achievement and
raising the standards of pupil attainment. They provide general support in relation to
the needs of the class and individuals’ care, health and wellbeing and safety and to
ensure a secure and safe environment.
10 The Child’s Plan
The Getting It Right approach makes sure children and young people are provided
with a range of support, which is proportionate and put in place to meet assessed
need. This is reflected in Aberdeenshire’s staged approach to assessment and
planning for individual children and young people, shown below.
For a small minority of children or young people, there might be higher levels of
wellbeing need or risk identified. These children may require a level of targeted
support, which needs to be coordinated on a single or multi-agency basis through a
Child’s Plan.
Where a child or young person needs one or more targeted supports, the benefit of a
Child’s Plan will be discussed with them and their parents/carers. An assessment
using the National Practice Model (My World Triangle/Resilience Matrix) would help
to identify any wellbeing needs (Safe, Healthy, Active, Nurtured, Achieving,
Resected, Responsible, Included), and highlights strengths and pressures in the
child’s situation. Families are fully involved as key partners in these discussions.
The Child’s Plan will outline what action will be taken by the child, their family and
professionals, and detail how these supports aim to help improve the child or young
person’s Wellbeing and overcome any difficulties.
A Lead Professional will be identified to co-ordinate and manage any Child’s Plan.
Information is available on the Aberdeenshire Getting It Right for Every Child
Website:
http://www.girfec-aberdeenshire.org/
24 |Support for Children and Young People
11 Child Protection
Child protection is the responsibility of all who work with children and families
regardless of whether or not they come into direct contact with children. All workers
must be fully informed of their responsibilities in respect of keeping children safe. All
services working with children, young people and families are expected to identify
and consider the wellbeing of children and to share concerns appropriately.
Within our School we have a designated member of staff appointed to be responsible
for Child Protection matters. If there is the possibility that a child could be at risk, the
school is required to follow the Child Protection Procedures laid out for Education.
This may mean that the child is referred to Social Work, the Police or the Children’s
Reporter. In our school the designated staff are: Deborah Burr (HT), Shona Patterson
(DHT) or Lisa Judson (DHT).
Remember – if you suspect a child is at risk, do not rely on someone else to notice.
If you would like to speak to someone, seek help or pass on information or concerns:
You can speak to designated staff in our school
Social Work Monday to Friday during office hours contact your Children & Families
local Social Work Office (01330 700417).
Evenings & Weekends call the Out of Hours Service on 03456 08 12 06
Police Emergency 999, Non-Emergency 101
Signs of abuse can range from poor personal hygiene and hunger to unexplained
injuries or self-harm.
If a young person tells you they are being abused:
• stay calm and listen to them
• never promise to keep it a secret – tell them you must let someone else know
• remind them that they are not to blame and are doing the right thing
• report it, but leave any investigation to child protection agencies
Protecting Aberdeenshire’s children and young people is everyone’s business, go to:
http://www.girfec-aberdeenshire.org/child-protection/
12 Further Information on Support for Children and Young People
The following websites may be useful:
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
http://www.girfec-aberdeenshire.org/
Aberdeenshire Council
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/additional-support-needs/
26 |Parent & Carer Involvement and Engagement
Parent & Carer Involvement and
Engagement
The term “parents” refers to anyone with parental responsibilities and others who
care for or look after children or young people.
Both globally and nationally it is recognised that parents are the single most
important influence on their children’s development, learning and achievement. The
involvement and engagement of parents in their children’s learning is recognised as
a key element in raising attainment, through support, help and encouragement given
at home and whilst at school.
Parental Involvement and Engagement Strategy The Parental Involvement and Engagement
Strategy demonstrates the commitment by Aberdeenshire Council to improve the
quality and the extent of all parents’ involvement in their child’s learning and the
important role they play in their child’s education.
The plan sets out a vision for parental involvement and engagement for the next
three years and covers a journey that a child takes from pre-birth to age 18. It
highlights the leadership of those who make the difference day in and day out.
http://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/dataset/parental-involvement-and-
engagement-strategy-and-action-plan/resource/02c6596e-8cba-42c7-b28a-
eed64086ea42
13 Parental Engagement
Parental engagement is about parents’ and families’ interaction with their child’s
learning. It can take place in the home, at school or in the community: where it takes
place is not important. The important thing is the quality of the parent’s engagement
with their child’s learning, the positive impact that it can have and the interaction and
mutual development that can occur as a result of that interaction.
14 Communication
The school uses a range of approaches to share information about your child’s
learning and progress. These include:
• Use of Groupcall to text and email
• School Website
• Social Media
• Newsletters
• Events calendar
• Seesaw app
• Open days/mornings/afternoons
• Focus groups with Head Teacher
• School reporting calendar
Parent & Carer Involvement and Engagement | 27
The school calendar highlights planned opportunities where we welcome you into
school for events, and opportunities to talk about your child’s progress, wellbeing and
behaviour (see Further Information).
15 ParentsPortal.scot
In support of Aberdeenshire Council’s ambition to offer more digital services to its
residents, Aberdeenshire primary and secondary schools are rolling out a new
national online service called parentsportal.scot. This is designed to replace the
paper ‘schoolbag run’, giving a child’s registered contacts access to a range of
school-related online services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
At the heart of the system, is a secure account through mygov.scot, which is
referred to as ‘My Account’ or ‘MyAberdeenshire’ account. ‘MyAberdeenshire’ is
already used to allow parents/carers to make online payments or receive notifications
if a school closes unexpectedly. Parentsportal.scot and
‘MyAberdeenshire’/mygov.scot will work together, making this a convenient one-
stop-shop, to access all Aberdeenshire digital services.
Initially, parentsportal.scot will allow parents/carers to see basic information about
your child(ren)’s school and twitter account as well as:-
• make a link to your child(ren)
• complete the annual data check process electronically (child’s main contact
only)
• update their own as well as your child(ren)’s details at any time
• to register and access for online school meal payments using one sign in
(iPayImpact)
How do I sign up? - If you already have a myAberdeenshire account to pay for
school meals through iPayImpact, you can sign up using the same sign in details at
https://parentsportal.scot/home/ You do not need to register or set up a new
mygov.scot account.
If you do not have a myAberdeenshire/mygov.scot account or are looking for more
information and videos on how to access to parentsportal.scot, please go to
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/parents-portal/
16 Learning at Home
Learning at home is the learning which happens in the home, outdoors or in the
community. Your home is a great place to support learning. Your child can try out
new activities or practice familiar learning, at home and in their wider community.
At our school we provide materials for you to work with your child to develop key
skills at home. For explanation of this please go to our homework policy
www.hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
28 |Parent & Carer Involvement and Engagement
17 Parent Forum and Parent Council
The Parent Forum is a collective name for all parents, carers or guardians in the
school.
HOB Connect (Parent Council) is a group of parents selected by the Parent Forum to
represent the views of all parents, carers and guardians in the school. The Parent
Council works with the school to support learning and teaching, school improvement
and parental and community engagement.
Contact the Parent Council Chairperson (Mrs Niki Mackenzie) or Head teacher for
more information about getting involved in the Parent Council or email:
Our school has a range of priorities that we work on each year which are explained in
our School Improvement Plan (SIP). Parents often have helpful and creative ideas
about how to improve their child's school and what can be done to improve the
quality of children's learning. In our school we will consult with parents in a number
of ways. These may include:
• working groups/focus groups which any interested parent is invited to be part
of
• questionnaires and surveys
• consultation with the Parent Council
18 Volunteering in school
There are many opportunities for you to support learning in school. These may
include:
• volunteering to share the skills and knowledge you have
• supporting children and young people in the classroom
• supporting or lead extra-curricular activities
• directly supporting with specific skills (paired reading for example)
More detail about this can be found using the link below:
http://jobs.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/volunteer-with-us/ or contact your Head teacher.
19 Collaborating with the Community
We work with many local organisations, community groups and businesses to ensure
our children and young people benefit from further resources, experiences and
opportunities. If you are interested in working with the school, please contact the
Headteacher
20 Addressing Concerns & Complaints
Aberdeenshire Council recognises the vital role that parents play in supporting their
child’s learning and is committed to fostering positive relationships with parents. No
matter how strong partnerships are, or how good our policies are, sometimes things
Parent & Carer Involvement and Engagement | 29
can still go wrong and there may be occasions where parents wish to express
unhappiness or dissatisfaction with council services, policies or staff behaviour.
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/contact-us/have-your-say/have-your-say-guide/
When a complaint is made it must be handled in accordance with the Complaints
Handling Procedure which provides two opportunities to resolve issues internally. In
order to maintain positive relationships, it is usually better for all if parental concerns
or complaints can be resolved at school/ early years setting level as quickly as
possible.
If a concern or complaint cannot be resolved at frontline resolution (Stage 1) then it
will progress to Investigation (Stage 2) and a detailed investigation into the matter will
be carried out. Complaints that are complex, serious or high risk and require detailed,
lengthy investigation may be dealt with at the Investigation Stage from the outset.
Once the two internal stages of the Complaints Handling procedure have been
exhausted, the complainant must be directed to the Scottish Public Services
Ombudsman (SPSO) to carry out an independent external review of the process.
The SPSO is the final stage of the complaint procedure.
Once the SPSO reaches a decision they may contact the council with
recommendations for improvement and will provide dates by which the
recommendations must be implemented. The council is required to report back to the
SPSO and evidence that the required action has been taken.
30 |School Policies and Useful Information
School Policies and Useful
Information
School Policies such as the Homework Policy; Promoting Positive Relationships; our
Mobile Phone etc. are published on the school website and can be found by clicking
the parents tab at the top. Please go to: http://hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
All Aberdeenshire Council Education policies can be found here:
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/about-us/service-
structure/education-and-childrens-services-policy-framework/
21 Attendance
The school follows the Aberdeenshire Attendance Policy:
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/19805/attendance-policy_april-2015.pdf
Procedures for following up on pupil absence are based on the Education (Scotland)
Act 1980 which requires by law that parents/carers ensure that children attend school
regularly. The Home/School Liaison Officer has a key role to play, providing a vital
link.
When the morning bell rings at 9:00am, children line up in the playground at their
assigned door and are brought into school by a teacher. If your child arrives late at
school they should come to the Reception Office. They will be given a late card so
that their teacher knows they have been marked on the register.
If your child is unwell, please keep your child at home and contact the school by text
via the Groupcall absence/attendance number (07860 029078). Please give details
of the reason for absence and likely duration of the absence, or you can telephone
the main school number (01330 700380) and leave a message (select Option 1 to
record an absence). If your child is absent from school without explanation you will
receive an automated text message – you must either respond to the text or give the
school a phone.
We ask that parents make every effort to arrange their child’s doctor/dentist
appointments for after the end of the school day. If you have to remove your child
from school during the day you must notify school in advance in writing and should
sign your child out and back in at the Reception Office.
22 Holidays during term time.
The Scottish Government has deemed that holidays taken during term time for
primary and secondary children should be recorded as unauthorised absence unless
there are special, exceptional circumstances. Should you wish to remove your child
from school to attend a family holiday you must inform the Head Teacher. This will be
recorded as unauthorised absence though there may at times be exceptional family
circumstances previously discussed with the Head Teacher. Parents are advised to
limit the number of holidays taken during term time, to minimise disruption to a child’s
education. For annual holiday dates for Aberdeenshire schools please see the
section at the back of this book, contact the school office or go to:
School Policies and Useful Information | 31
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/parents-carers/school-term-dates-and-in-
service-days/
23 Dress Code
All children wear school uniform and this gives our pupils a sense of identity and
feeling of pride about their school. School uniform consists of:
• Red uniform sweatshirt/cardigan embroidered with the school logo.
• White polo shirt embroidered with the school logo.
• Black or grey trousers (not leggings)/skirts/pinafores or red/white gingham
dress.
• Black/dark shoes (children should not wear high heels as these cause safety
concerns).
• The wearing of denim and/or trainers is discouraged.
• For PE, all children are required to wear PE kit which consists of shorts, T-shirt
(not football team tops) and plimsolls or trainers (Astros are only acceptable
for outside use but not in the school hall). Shoestring strap tops are
discouraged for safety reasons as they can catch on gym apparatus. PE kit
should be kept in school during the week.
Uniform can be ordered directly from Image Scotland via a link on the school
website. Alternatively, order forms are available from the school office. Parents
should note their responsibility to ensure all clothing and belongings brought to
school should be named or marked in some way, as it is difficult for children to
distinguish their own clothing from that of others. Please also consider the
changeable nature of weather conditions and provide your child with appropriate
outerwear and footwear to suit.
With regard to safety, the wearing of jewellery is actively discouraged in our school
and is not permitted during PE lessons. If your child has pierced ears, please ensure
he/she can remove and replace their own earrings. Any child wearing earrings that
cannot do this will be asked to put surgical tape over them for PE lessons and
parents should provide a named roll of surgical tape for this purpose.
32 |School Policies and Useful Information
24 Clothing Grants
Some families may be entitled to a school clothing grant of £100 per eligible child per
financial year. More information about this can be found at:
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/parents-carers/assistance/school-clothing-
grants/
25 Transport
In order to qualify for free Home-to-School Transport, Primary school pupils must
reside more than 2 miles from and attend their zoned school whilst Secondary school
pupils must reside more than 3 miles from and attend their zoned school.
These distances are the shortest available route from the pupil’s house to the school
gate and can take into account main roads (including dual carriageways), tracks and
paths. Pupils will be assigned a collection point, in villages and towns and where safe
to do so, pupils may have to walk up to 1 mile to the nearest collection point. Pupils
who reside in rural locations are usually collected at the nearest adopted road to
them (track end or roadside). School transport vehicles will not use private
unadopted roads or tracks. It is the parent’s responsibility to escort the pupil to and
from their collection point Application forms for free transport, Form PTU100 can be
obtained from the school office.
26 Privilege Transport
Transport provision is also made available for pupils who are not ordinarily entitled to
transport. Privilege transport is provided on school transport services subject to spare
seating capacity. There are 3 types of privileged transport available.
In-zone Privileged transport
Pupils who attend their zoned school but are under the qualifying mileage can apply
for In-zone privilege transport. If there is suitable seating capacity available and an
existing route then the application should be approved, if there is not and there is a
safe walking route available to the pupil, then it may be rejected. Please also note
that if seating capacity is needed for a pupil who is entitled to school transport, In-
zone Privilege pupils may be give written notice and removed from transport.
In-Zone Privilege Transport – Safety
Pupils who attend their zoned school but do not qualify due to their residence being
under the qualifying mileage can apply for In-zone privilege transport. If there is no
safe walking route available to the pupil, they are guaranteed a seat on transport by
applying for an In-zone Privilege pass. A pupil who is guaranteed in-zone privilege
transport would not be removed to make room for a pupil who is entitled to school
transport.
Out of Zone Privilege Transport
There is no transport entitlement to pupils who attend a school which they are not
zoned for. Pupils may apply for Out of Zone Privilege transport; pupils are required to
School Policies and Useful Information | 33
meet the nearest available school transport vehicle to them, and it is the parent’s
responsibility to bring the pupil to the nearest collection point. Out of Zone Privilege
transport pupils may be removed, with written notice, at any time for In-Zone Privilege
and Entitled transport pupils.
Application forms can be obtained directly from your child’s school. For further
information, see the Council website:
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/school-transport/school-
Local Bus/Registered School Bus Services
Some services operate as registered bus services. These operate on a fare paying
basis and pupils will be required to pay fare to the driver or purchase a season ticket
for travel.
27 Early Learning & Childcare Transport
Transport to early learning and childcare settings will not be provided by
Aberdeenshire Council, unless there are relevant exceptional circumstances. Where
there are significant additional support needs, transport may be provided. In such
instances this requirement should be discussed with the Head Teacher in conjunction
with the Early Years Quality Improvement Manager.
28 Special Schools and Enhanced Provision
Aberdeenshire Council may provide free transport where necessary for pupils who
attend a school with enhanced provision proposed by the Authority. In certain cases,
pupils may be encouraged to make their own way to school by public transport, and
where this is authorised, bus passes are issued. Where a pupil’s address falls in the
delineated area of a resourced school, and is within reasonable walking distance, the
Authority will take advice from the Community Child Health Service before deciding if
free transport should be provided
29 School Closure & Other Emergencies
Head Teachers decide if and when schools should close due to bad weather or
another emergency. In bad weather they will decide this after receiving information
about local weather conditions. This decision can be made during any time, day or
night. These guidelines outline the procedures for dealing with school closures
during bad weather or other emergencies.
If children are at school…
School transport contractors have been told not to allow children to walk home
alone from drop-off points under any circumstances during extreme weather
conditions. If you can’t meet or arrange for your child to be met, the school transport
will return them to a designated location.
Public service vehicles – drivers of these vehicles follow a specified route and keep
to timetables – they cannot make special arrangements.
34 |School Policies and Useful Information
If your child attends a Nursery, Primary or Special School, which is to close early, the
school will contact you by telephone. If this is not possible the school will contact your
named ‘emergency contact’. No child will be released from school without contact
being made. It is important contact details are current and the people named are
available – particularly during bad weather.
If your child attends a Secondary School, because of the large number of pupils in
Secondary Schools, parents will be contacted via text/email to inform them of
closure.
If you are concerned about local weather conditions contact the school. You may
wish to collect your child yourself and are free to do so provided you make
arrangements with the school.
Before the start of the school day…
During bad weather some staff may not be able to get to school or bus routes may
not be safe to travel on – so the school may have to close. Headteachers will advise
parents and carers using the following communication tools:
Outwith school hours, your local radio station is a good place to find out information
on school closures. The following radio stations receive updated information every 30
mins from our website:
• Northsound 1
FM 96.9
• Northsound 2
MW 1035 kHz
• BBC Radio Scotland
FM 92.4 - 94.7MW 810 kHz
• Moray Firth Radio
FM 97.4 MW 1107 kHz
• Waves Radio
FM 101.2
• Original 106 FM
Twitter
http://twitter.com/aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire Council Website
https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/Apps/schools-closures/
You also have the option to sign up to receive email alerts when your school(s)
updates their closure status:
https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/myAberdeenshire/
School Information Line
Tel: 0370 054 4999 then PIN code 022840. If you cannot get through first time,
please do not put this number on redial. This will only lead to the line being busier.
School Policies and Useful Information | 35
30 Storm Addresses
When there has been severe snow storm during the day it may be prudent for pupils
who live some distance from the normal bus routes not to attempt to reach their
homes but to spend the night in alternative accommodation nearer school. It is the
parents responsibility to inform school about any pupils who may be at risk in such
situations and to provide the name and address of a relative or friend who is willing to
provide overnight accommodation.
31 Change of address and Parental Contact Details
To enable us to make easy contact with parents, the school would appreciate if any
changes of address, telephone number of circumstances is notified in writing to the
School Office. It is also important that the school has details of an Emergency
Contact should it prove impossible to get in touch with parents in the event of an
emergency.
32 Anti-bullying Guidance
What is Bullying?
Aberdeenshire Council Education and Children’s Services define bullying as the
following:
Bullying takes place when the actions of an individual or group of people cause harm
to someone by taking advantage of an imbalance of power within a relationship
(whether perceived or real). Bullying behaviour can be persistent and/or intentional,
but often it is neither.
Bullying can be verbal, physical, mental/emotional or cyber and is behaviour and
impact. It can be intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect, persistent, or a one off
incident. The impact is on a person’s ability to feel in control of themselves.
Bullying can be verbal, physical, emotional or cyber. It can be intentional or
unintentional, direct or indirect, persistent, or a one off incident. People who
experience bullying behaviour feel vulnerable and/or socially isolated.
What will the school do about it?
Schools should promote consistency of response to instances of bullying behaviour
using a 6 step approach. They will:
1. Record the Incident
2. Speak to the individuals involved having frank and honest dialogue
3. Speak to parents
4. Utilise Restorative approaches
36 |School Policies and Useful Information
5. Monitor the situation
6. Review and increase response accordingly
Aberdeenshire Council Education and Children’s Services Anti-bullying Policy is due
to be reviewed and updated in 2019/20.
More information can be found in our School’s anti-bullying guidance on our school
website. http://hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk/
Copies of this school guidance can also be accessed via the School Office.
33 School Meals
Primary School Lunches
Lunch time is an important aspect of the school day. Not only does it provide
children with a nutritionally balanced meal, it enhances their social and personal
development.
How does my child choose their lunch?
In class first thing in the morning children select their meal using the Smart Board.
Meal options are displayed and a choice is made by touching the chosen option
shown on the Smart board. The teacher will explain to children the menu options
available on the day, but it is helpful for parents of the younger children to discuss
this with them before they arrive in school.
The School Catering Service provides good value meals at our schools using
carefully sourced quality ingredients. There is always a wide selection of options
available from the menu. The menu and helpful information can be found via this link
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/meals/primary-school-meals/
Children with medically prescribed dietary requirements
Parents should be aware that they can access special dietary support information by
viewing https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/meals/primary-school-
meals/ to access OurShireMenus content portal.
Children who require medically prescribed dietary support, with parental/guardian
assistance, should be identified during the admission process. Procedures are set in
motion to offer support for these children by completing Admission Form D available
from the school administration office. The School Management Team and the
Catering staff will be happy to discuss your requirements.
School Policies and Useful Information | 37
Special Events and Celebrations
The children enjoy eating together and we encourage learning and wellbeing during
lunchtime. Occasionally we celebrate special dates and encourage all children to
participate.
If your child is going along on a school trip the school catering service can provide a
nutritious packed lunch for the occasion and this includes children who qualify for
free school meals.
How Much does a Primary School Meal Cost?
The current price of a Primary school meal can be found via the following link -
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/meals/primary-school-meals/
How do I pay for School lunches?
Lunches are provided free of charge for pupils from P1 to P3. Paying for School
lunches is very easy to do online.
It is very important to keep this account in credit as failure to do so triggers a time-
consuming debt recovery process for the School and Catering service. We aim to
support the wider Authority to be debt free and require your support in this by
ensuring you top-up your account before sending a child for school meals.
Online payments system
We are encouraging parents/carers to register for online school payments due to
COVID-19 to eliminate handling of cash. Parentsportal.scot is the recommended way
to register to access all school payments including school meals.
Parentsportal.scot is securely linked to a myAberdeenshire account and to register
follow this link https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/parents-portal/
Please ensure there are always sufficient funds on your child’s account prior to
sending them for school meals. There is a formal debt recovery process for accounts
that fall into debt.
If you are having difficulty making payments please contact the school office as we
are here to support families and will do whatever we can to assist you.
Free School Meals Information
Am I entitled to free school meals?
Click on the link to find information that explains the free school entitlement and how
to go about it. Free School Meals
If you have difficulties obtaining access to free school meals please speak with your
school and we will work together to provide assistance.
38 |School Policies and Useful Information
If you require any further information regarding School Catering send a message to
this email address - [email protected]
34 Healthcare & Medical
Every child’s health and welfare is very important to the school. Parents who have
any concerns should let school know by telephoning or writing in. Alternatively
parents can inform the Health Visitor or their own GP. Parents are requested to let
the school know of any hospital appointments.
Parents/carers are requested to keep children at home for 24-48 hours if the child
has diarrhoea, flu-like symptoms or is clearly unwell.
Always seeks a GP’s advice before sending a child back to school. Please remember
that other children can be vulnerable to infection.
The school is fortunate to have a nurse in attendance to undertake Health Interviews
and provide advice on health matters for pupils. The school doctor will play a vital
role in monitoring a child’s health and well-being.
Although our medical staff provide help and advice as appropriate, all pupils must be
registered with a doctor in general practice who should be consulted about health
matters as they arise. Parents should provide us with the name and telephone
number of their child’s doctor and an up-to-date emergency contact for themselves in
case it becomes necessary for a child to be sent home during school hours because
of illness.
Aberdeenshire Community Dental Service inspect P1 and P7 children in schools as
part of the National Dental Inspection Programme. Written parental consent is not
required for dental inspections, but parents will be informed in writing approximately
one week before the inspection date.
Most pupils will at some time have a medical condition that may affect their
participation in school activities. For many this will be short term; perhaps finishing a
course of medication to combat an infection.
Other pupils have medical conditions that, if not properly managed, could limit their
access to education. Such pupils are regarded as having health care needs. Most
children with health care needs are able to attend school regularly and, with some
support from the school can access most school activities. However, school staff may
need to take extra care in supervising some activities to ensure that pupils are not
put at risk.
Planning formats may include either:
• Individual Pupil Protocol (IPP) (Med form 7).
• Health Care Plan written by Health professionals for very specific medical
needs.
A risk assessment should also be completed.
The above can help schools to identify the necessary safety measures to support
pupils with medical needs and ensure that they and others are not put at risk.
School Policies and Useful Information | 39
Please find the link below to our policy and guidance: Supporting Children and Young
People with Healthcare needs and managing medicines in Educational
Establishments
http://asn-aberdeenshire.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Supporting-Children-
Managing-Medicines-Educational-Establishments.pdf
Sunscreen - As children are outdoors for learning and for play, parents should apply
this prior to sending children to school or nursery. School staff do not supply, nor do
they apply, sunscreen creams.
If your child has long term medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, which may
require on-going support, this should be fully discussed with the school. In certain
cases specific training of staff about a child’s treatment may need to be given. In
addition, some children have conditions which may require occasional staff
intervention e.g. severe allergic conditions such as anaphylaxis.
35 Schools and Childcare – Coronavirus
Information for parents, carers and young people on return to school arrangements in
Aberdeenshire schools and early learning facilities.
• New term arrangements
• Contingency planning
• School meals
• School transport
• Family Information Service
• Shine a Light on Lockdown
If you are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, please watch our video explaining out
schools and childcare arrangements. You can also contact us via
contactSCOTLAND-BSL, an online British Sign Language interpreting service.
36 Exclusion
The foundation for schools, learning establishments and education authorities is a
whole school ethos of prevention, early intervention and support against a background
which promotes positive relationships, learning and behaviour. Where pupils who
display behaviour, whereby attendance at the school would be likely to be seriously
detrimental to order and discipline in the school or the educational well-being of the
pupils there, and where other forms of support have proved unsuccessful, the Authority
exclusion policy may apply. For further information on exclusions contact the school or
go to:
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/3901/policy_disc_exclusion.pdf
40 |School Policies and Useful Information
37 Educational Visits
We offer various educational visits during the course of the school year. We believe
that ‘hands on’ experiences greatly enhance a child’s education, while also helping to
make the necessary links between learning in school and life outwith school. Staff
members and parent volunteers provide supervision to standards laid down by
Aberdeenshire Education & Children’s Services. We give parents as much
notification as possible with regard to visits their children will participate in.
38 Instrumental Tuition
From Primary 4 onwards, tuition is available for a range of musical instruments. All
disciplines are taught in the secondary schools however not all disciplines are
available in primary schools due to limited resources. Orchestral string instruments
are not normally available to beginners at secondary level. Tuition is subject to
availability.
For further information go to:
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/ims/
39 Public Liability Insurance
Aberdeenshire Council holds third party liability insurance, which indemnifies the
Council against claims from third parties, e.g. parents on behalf of pupils who have
suffered injury, illness, loss or damage arising from the negligence of the Council or
its employees. In these circumstances all claims are handled on behalf of the Council
by external Insurers and Claims Handling Agents and compensation is dealt with on
a strict legal liability basis. This means that there is no automatic compensation, the
Council has to be found negligent in order for any compensation to be offered by our
Insurers and / or Claims Handling Agents.
Whilst the school will exercise reasonable care for pupils’ property, it is inevitable that
property will be lost or damaged from time to time. Pupils’ property which is worn or
brought to school or left in bags/cloakrooms is at their own risk. This includes but is
not restricted to personal items such as jewellery, phones/tablets watches and
bicycles. Aberdeenshire Council cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage
unless caused by negligence of the school or staff.
40 School Off Site Excursion Insurance
Aberdeenshire Council has in place a School Excursion Insurance policy, whereby
both pupils and teachers are covered for offsite activities / trips both within the UK
and abroad (offsite meaning off the school premises). The policy covers medical
expenses, loss of baggage, cancellation (as specified in the policy) , curtailment and
change of itinerary (along with other sundry benefits) etc. for worldwide trips and
adventurous activities (including winter sports), subject to policy terms and conditions
being met.
If personal items such as jewellery, phones/tablets, watches etc. are taken on a
school trip then these are taken at an individual’s own risk and are not covered under
the policy, unless damage or loss is caused by an Aberdeenshire Council employee.
School Policies and Useful Information | 41
Personal / individual cover is seen as a parental responsibility and it is your decision
as to whether you feel it is appropriate to obtain this.
Please be advised, however, that the Duty of Care aspect below is not insurance
related:
Duty of Care
The Authority has a duty of care in respect of pupils in its charge during school hours
and as such has to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all primary and
secondary pupils. This general duty of care continues if the children go home by way
of school transport and ends when the child gets off the bus, at which point the
parents then become responsible.
41 Data we hold and what we do with it.
As you are aware the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR (EU)
2016/769 came into force on Friday 25
th
May, 2018. This change to the law gives
parents/carers and young people greater control regarding how their personal data is
used.
Digital technology has advanced greatly over the years and the Data Protection Act
was also updated last year to take this into account and make it fit for purpose (Data
Protection Action 2018).
Aberdeenshire Council is committed to full compliance with these regulations. When
you are asked for information by Education & Children’s Services, we will tell you why
we are collecting the information, how long we will hold it and the legal basis for
gathering this information. A Privacy Notice has been issued to all schools relating to
the information we hold on yourself and your child/ward.
42 The information we collect from you
Aberdeenshire Council collects personal data and information about your child in
order to provide your child with a school education.
We will normally only share information (other than in child protection situations) in
order to provide services for your child as part of his/her school education. We collect
special category data about your child and process this because it is in the
substantial public interest.
The information held by Aberdeenshire Council is used to assess, plan, coordinate,
deliver and quality assure the education services to your child. The Council does not
use an automated process for making decisions about your child or the services
required; decisions are made with you. We will keep this information for a period of 5
years from the maximum school leaving age of your child, as required to by The
Pupils’ Educational Records (Scotland) Regulations 2003, unless we have a legal
responsibility to keep the information for a longer period of time.
42 |School Policies and Useful Information
43 Your Data, Your Rights
You have legal rights about the way the Council handles and uses your data. More
information about all of the rights you have is available on our website at:
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/online/legal-notices/data-protection/. Alternatively
you can contact the Council’s Data Protection Officer by emailing
[email protected] or in writing at: The Data Protection Officer,
Town House, 34 Low Street, Banff, AB45 1AY.
You also have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s
Office, (www.ico.org.uk). They are the body responsible for making sure
organisations like the Council handle your data lawfully.
The Council is required where it is data controller under the GDPR to act in a
transparent manner by providing information to individuals about how it will
collect and use their personal data. Privacy Notices are an essential part of
complying with this requirement. The Privacy Notice must provide information
to individuals in a concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible way
and must be written in clear and plain language. There are a number of
examples available on
http://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/dataset/education-privacy-notices.
44 Parental Access to Records
Access Requests are the formal process by which individuals can seek information
held about them (or their children) by the council. The requests can be broad, in
terms of everything that is held, or quite specific - everything held by a specific
department, establishment, team or individual. We have a legal requirement to
provide the information under the Data Protection Act 2018. An Access Request is
wider than an Educational Record in that it will include all personal data held about a
child not just their educational record. Further information can be found at:
https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/
The Pupils’ Educational Records (Scotland) Regulations 2003 means that you can
get access to your child’s records. Details of the regulations and process for
obtaining information specific to pupils are available by contacting the school directly
or can be found at:
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/my-school/general-school-
information/My%20child's%20record
45 Information Sharing
In terms of effective communication, including sharing relevant and proportionate
information, where appropriate, Aberdeenshire Council in accordance with the Data
Protection Act 2018 and Human Rights Act 1998 adheres to this as part of our
current routine practice.
46 ScotXed
ScotXed is a term used to represent the Scottish Government’s Education Analytical
Services, which is part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Directorate.
School Policies and Useful Information | 43
ScotXed have legal powers to request data with regards all children and young
people being educated in Scotland’s schools, with the information collected about
pupils and staff in schools used to help to improve education across Scotland. They
do not collect the names of your child/children and they do not receive any contact
details the school may have for you (e.g. telephone number, email address), and no
information is published or made publicly available that would allow your
child/children to be identified. More information on what and why they need data
about your child/children, along with how they collect and store it is available in their
Education Statistics Privacy Notices for parents and carers:
https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed/SchoolEducation/ESPrivacyNotices
If you have any concerns around the national ScotXed data collections, you can:
• Contact the Data Protection & Information Assets team at the Scottish
Government on [email protected], or
• The Head of Education Analytical Services, Mick Wilson, on at
• You can write to them at Education Analytical Services, Area 2A-North,
Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ.
• Alternatively, complaints may be raised with the Information Commissioners
Office at [email protected].
44 |Further Information
Further Information
The links below take you to the most up to date information on these topics.
Nursery Information
You can access the Nursery handbook at:
https://aberdeenshire.sharepoint.com/sites/ecshillofbanchoryschool/Hill%20of%20Ba
nchory%20SLT%20Files/Nursery/2020%20-%2021%20Nursery%20handbook.pdf
or via the link on the school website: http://www.hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
and look under the Nursery tab.
School Improvement Plan
Can be viewed on the school website:
http://www.hillofbanchory.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
Members of Parental Groups
HOB Connect (Parent Council) www.hobconnect.org/ or
HOB PTA: [email protected]
Stats for Attainment
The Scottish Government have developed a “School information dashboard” that
provides a range of statistical information about each publicly funded school in
Scotland. This includes school attainment information about Curriculum for
Excellence Levels Achieved (for primary and secondary schools )
The dashboards can be consulted here
Hill of Banchory School Term Dates
https://aberdeenshire.sharepoint.com/sites/ecshillofbanchoryschool/Hill%20of
%20Banchory%20SLT%20Files/Office%20Docs%20&%20Profomas/Holiday%20
Dates%20%20%202020-2021.pdf
Aberdeenshire Council School Holiday Calendar
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/school-info/school-term-dates/
Map of catchment area
https://gis.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/maps/map.aspx?geolocate=true&resolution=2&initia
lDialog=localKnowledgeDialog
