Dunrossness
Primary School
Early Stages:
Nursery Handbook
2009/2010
“Living, Laughing, Learning”
The following information will let you know all about the
Nursery at part of our Early Stages Unit in Dunrossness
Primary School. We hope that you find this useful and look
forward to welcoming you to our nursery and school.
If, after reading this handbook, you have any further
questions then please contact us at school and we will be
pleased to be of assistance.
Dunrossness Primary School
Shetland
ZE2 9JG
(01595) 745440
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dunrossness.shetland.sch.uk
School Staff for 2009-10
Head Teacher:
Acting Principal Teacher/
Additional Support Needs Teacher:
Class Teachers:
Early Stages
Primary 2/3
Primary 3/4
Primary 5
Primary 6
Primary 7
Support Staff:
N.N.E.B:
Classroom Assistant
ASN Auxiliaries:
Playground Supervisor/
Admin assistant:
Clerical Assistant:
Janitors:
Visiting Teachers and Instructors:
P.E. and Swimming
Music
Art and Design
Knitting
Woodwind
Piano
Traditional Fiddle
Brass
Accordion
Guitar
Ms Lesley Simpson
Ms Gina Scanlan
Miss Fiona Duncan (Nursery)
Miss Laura Whyte (Primary 1)
Miss Valerie Hughson
Mrs Helen Moar
Mrs Maureen Blyth
Mrs Sandra Hay
Mrs Rachel Bell
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Carol Wadley
Violet Casey
Emma Graydon
Leona Smith
Kelly Edwards
Stella Smith
Mrs Jacqueline Jamieson
Mrs Miriam Birnie
Mr John MacKenzie
Mr Kevin Harper
Mrs Joan Smith
Mrs Annalie Irvine
Ms Fiona Burr
Mrs Marian Poleson
Mrs Jane Morton
Mrs Moira Peterson
Ms Eunice Henderson
Mr Roy Hughson
Mr Peter Wood
Mr Stevie Hook
Canteen Staff:
Mrs Edith Hutchison (Head Cook)
Mrs Kate Goudie, Mrs Jane Flaws, Miss Katherine Henderson.
Who’s who?
Miss Fiona Duncan
Nursery Teacher
Mrs Carol Wadley
Nursery Nurse
Miss Laura Whyte
Primary 1 Teacher
Ms Gina Scanlan
Principal Teacher
Ms Lesley Simpson
Head Teacher
Mrs Violet Casey
Classroom Assistant
Mrs Miriam Birnie
Secretary
Mr John Mackenzie
Janitor
Our Vision
Dunrossness Primary School: A happy school where everyone is
supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
Our Aims
1. To provide a safe, secure, happy and healthy learning
environment where respect is given to all and shown by all;
2. To shape values, promote independence and responsibility and
develop skills for life;
3. To encourage, motivate and support everyone in our school to be
the best they can be;
4. To inspire, reward and celebrate success and achievement in all
areas of learning;
5. To be an integral and responsible element of the whole
community that we are all proud to belong to.
The Curriculum for Excellence
The Scottish school curriculum has recently been reviewed and we
have a new “Curriculum for Excellence”. This curriculum aims to
develop four capacities for successful learning. These are:
Successful Learners
With:
 Enthusiasm and motivation for learning
 Determination to reach high standards of achievement
 Openness to new thinking and ideas.
Confident Individuals
With:
 Self-respect
 A sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being
 Secure values and beliefs
Ambition.
Responsible Citizens
With:
 Respect for others
 Commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic,
social and cultural life.

Effective Contributors
With:
 An enterprising attitude
 Resilience
 Self-reliance.
As part of this development the boundaries between each of the
stages of schooling are being blurred, helping to create a curriculum
for all children from 3-18 years.
A child’s journey through Nursery and Primary school will now be
organised under the following stages:
Early - In pre-school and in Primary 1
First - By end of P4, but earlier for some
Second - By end of P7, but earlier for some
These new stages will provide scope for challenge and depth. There
will be no pressure to speed through the levels but nor will there be
any ceilings. The focus is very much on individual progress and
achievement.
In response to these changes here at Dunrossness we have created
an integral unit that will cater for children from the time they enter
the Nursery at three until the end of Primary One. Learning will be
based on the Early Stages outcomes and experiences from the
Curriculum for Excellence and we will no longer be using the 3-5 and
5-14
levels.
Further
information
can
be
found
at
www.ltscotland.org.uk/curriculumforexcellence
At the very heart of our curriculum planning lies the holistic
development of children and their skills across the curriculum,
building on their previous learning experiences, knowledge and skills.
Children will learn through first hand experiential activities within
play-based situations. In their play, children practise and consolidate
their learning, play with ideas, experiment, take risks, solve
problems and make decisions individually and in small or large groups.
The development of children’s self-image and feelings of self–worth
and self–esteem are central to this process.
The curriculum within the Early Stages is progressive and aims to
meet the needs of all children including those who are at an early
stage of development and those who are more able. The curriculum
will be appropriate to the individual child’s stage of learning rather
than focussing solely on age-related outcomes to be achieved.
Children will be helped to move on to the next stage in their learning
when they are developmentally ready and at their own pace.
In line with the Curriculum for Excellence, learning within the unit is
organised under the following headings:








Literacy and Language
Numeracy and Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Health and Well-being
Religious and Moral Education
Expressive Arts
Technologies
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is embedded
within all the above areas and is seen as an integral part of all the
curriculum programmes.
Much of the learning is planned using a cross-curricular approach to
help ensure meaning and relevance and to give fun and enjoyment.
CURRICULUM
Mathematical Development
From the time your child joins us they will experience a gentle
approach to number recognition, building on knowledge already
acquired. This will lead on to simple addition and subtraction. Work
on colour, pattern, shape, measurement time and money is part of
the curriculum and the children will be given opportunities for
problem solving.
Reading Development
Preparation for reading through developing visual and auditory
recognition is provided through a variety of play activities. The
children are encouraged to build an enjoyment of stories and rhyme
through a variety of books, songs and games.
Talking and listening skills are developed through play, structured
activities and the daily routine of the nursery class.
From the very first stages of their time in the unit, children will
have the opportunity to bring home books from the class library for
you to share.
We also have “Storysacks” which include stories and resources for
you to enjoy together with your child. During terms 3 and 4, these
can be borrowed and changed regularly and help to include you in
your child’s reading development.
Throughout all of the subjects, children will be given the opportunity
to play and experiment with a variety of materials and media. Staff
will carefully plan for both free and structured play along with more
focussed group activities.
WHEN WILL MY CHILD COME TO THE UNIT?
Every child is entitled to a free 2 ½ hour session 5 days per week at
a school nursery class or partner provider from the term after their
third birthday. You are under no obligation to send your child for all
five sessions and this can be discussed with the staff at the unit.
The start date for each child is dependent on their date of birth:
Birthday
Term beginning
1 March 2006 – 31 Aug 2006
August 2009
1 Sept 2006 – 31 Dec 2006
January 2010
1 Jan 2007 – 29 Feb 2007
April 2010
Where spaces are available, start dates may be more flexible. This can be
discussed with staff at the unit.
Children of three years of age are offered an afternoon session
within the unit.
Pre-School Year
All children in their pre-school year are offered a morning session
within the unit.
Timings
Pre-school: 9.15am – 11.45am
Nursery: 12.45pm – 3.15pm
TRANSPORT
Parents are responsible for taking their child to and from Nursery
and Pre-school. No additional transport is provided. If a family is
having financial or physical problems in doing this then help may be
available from the Shetland Childcare Partnership.
The safety of children on the way to and from Nursery is the
responsibility of the parent or guardian. Children must be
accompanied into and collected from Nursery by an adult. Staff
should be informed if someone else is picking up your child.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
All children within the nursery and school are now asked to wear a
school uniform. This not only helps to foster a sense of pride and
identity within the school but is also a practical way of dressing your
child for their time in the unit. On a daily basis they will have access
to paint, glue, water and sand and “good” clothes soon get ruined!
The uniform consists of a navy blue sweatshirt, cardigan or fleece
and a red polo shirt, all embroidered with the school logo. Uniform
can be ordered from Mrs Birnie in the school office.
It is a good idea to put on clothes that your child can manage
independently for going to the toilet. Accidents can happen and if
you feel this is a possibility with your child, please send in some
spare clothes in a bag with your child’s name on it.
EQUIPMENT
In addition to the equipment provided within the unit we ask that
you equip your child with the following:
P.E kit. This should include t-shirt, shorts, and plimsolls.
Plimsolls should be left in school.
Morning nursery only: please dress your child in their P.E. kit
(under their clothes if it’s cold) on Friday mornings as the
children will have P.E. first thing at 9.15am and will change back
into their day clothes after this.
Suitable outdoor clothing. Where possible, this should be in
school every day to allow for outdoor play in most weathers.
Please make sure that all clothing is clearly marked with your child’s
name. Thank you!
Please do not bring expensive or very special toys, which may be lost
or damaged, as the school cannot be responsible. It is school policy
that no toy guns or weapons are permitted.
SNACK/MILK
Milk and water are available every day at morning and afternoon
snack time. Children are encouraged to pour their own drink and
wash up their cup.
Fresh fruit or vegetables are offered as part of snack every day. All
children are encouraged to take part in snack time and to try the
range of food on offer. No child is ever forced to eat something
they don’t like. A Contribution of 30p per day is requested from
all parents to cover the cost of snacks, baking, trips, etc.
ALLERGIES
It is vital that we are informed of any food allergies that your child
may have. Please do this on the official registration form.
ILLNESS IN SCHOOL
If your child is taken ill at school we will try to contact you if
he/she needs to be sent home. We ask that you give us the phone
number of a grandparent, aunt, friend or neighbour for us to contact
if need be, in case of emergency or accident. It is important to keep
us informed if you and your emergency contact are both going to be
away and for you to have a contingency plan in place which you have
shared with us.
Please keep the school informed of any change of address, telephone
number and your work phone number. This will help speed up the time
taken to contact you in the case of an emergency or unexpected
closure of the school due to snow, etc.
SICKNESS AND DIARRHOEA
Children suffering from this should remain at home until fully
recovered. It is recommended that children should not return until
48 hours after the symptoms have ceased to help prevent distress
and the further spread of infection.
MEDICINES
Medicine is best administered to your child at home. If, however, it
is essential that your child should take medicine to school then a
medical consent form must be completed at the school office prior
to administration.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
We believe that the more involved you are as parents, the more
successful your child’s learning experience within the unit will be.
We will provide you with a termly report on your child’s progress and
will meet with you on a formal basis twice a year. However, we are
always available to answer your questions and would be pleased to
arrange an informal chat to discuss any questions or concerns you
may have.
Sometimes children are asked to bring in items connected with
topics they are studying (photographs, toys, etc). We welcome
parental input in this area, and, if your job, hobbies or pets could
help us generate interest in a topic, please let us know and we’ll
arrange for you to come in and give the class the benefit of your
expertise.
We also invite parents into the unit for a variety of events including
our Christmas Concert, our Early Stages Unit Assembly, Sports Day
and our Open Day in June. All details of events will be communicated
throughout the year.
We often need parental help on outings and for some activities
within the unit and in the wider school and its clubs. If you feel this
is something you may like to be involved in and you are willing to go
through a compulsory Police Check (through Disclosure Scotland),
please contact us and we will talk you through the process.
PARENT COUNCIL
Chairperson:
Vice Chairperson:
Treasurer:
Clerk:
Mrs Margaret Tregonning
Mrs Caroline Smith
Mr Hansen Black
Mrs Sherri Malcolmson,
4 Horseshoe Close, Virkie
Tel: 460847
Elected Staff Member:
Co-opted Member:
Councillors:
Ms Gina Scanlan
Mrs Edna Mainland
Mr Allison Duncan, Mr Rick Nickerson
and Mr Jim Budge
POLICIES
Our book of Nursery Policies is displayed on the Parent Information
table outside the Nursery. Please feel free to look through this at
any time. Any comments you have to make on these policies will be
very welcome.
CHILD PROTECTION
The security and well-being of all children is our ultimate priority.
We follow the agreed Shetland Islands Council Inter-Agency Child
Protection Procedures. A copy of these procedures is displayed on
the Parent Information table outside the Nursery for you to read.
Again, please feel free to look through this at any time.
Ms Simpson is responsible for Child Protection issues in our school
and will contact the relevant agency in the event of a child
protection concern.
DATA PROTECTION
All data held regarding your child will be treated in a strictly
confidential manner. As a parent, you are able to access any
information held about your child as laid out in our Open Access
Policy. If at any time you would like to look through your child’s
information folder, please ask a member of staff who will access it
for you to look through.
CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
In the event that you have a concern or a complaint about any area
of our service, please discuss this in the first instance with the
Nursery Teacher, Miss Duncan. Should you feel that the complaint is
unresolved after this action, you should speak to the Head Teacher,
Ms Simpson. If this does not bring about a suitable conclusion, you
can then contact the Quality Improvement Officer for the school,
Mrs Maggie Spence. A copy of the full complaints policy is available
within the school and in the policy folder.
SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL – SCHOOLS SERVICE
Head of Schools
Quality Improvement Manager
Quality Improvement Officer
Mrs Helen Budge
Mrs Audrey Edwards
Mrs Maggie Spence
Schools Service
Education and Social Care Department,
Hayfield House,
Hayfield Lane,
Lerwick,
Shetland. ZE1 0QD.
Tel: 01595 744000
Thank you for reading the above information. If there is
anything you would like clarification on or something we have not
covered, please don’t hesitate to ask. We would like to continue
to improve this booklet and would be interested in any comments
you have on its contents, layout, etc.
Please remember the care and education of your child is a homenursery partnership and that means communication must be two
way. If there are any problems or issues you wish to discuss,
please contact us and we will do our very best to help.
The information contained in this handbook was true at the time of
printing and may be subject to change throughout the year. You will
be kept informed of all changes and amendments.
Dunrossness Primary School
2009/2010 Calendar of Events
AUGUST
Monday 17th
Tuesday 18th
Wednesday 19th
STAFF ONLY In-Service
STAFF ONLY In-Service
School Commences for Pupils
SEPTEMBER
Monday 14th
Tuesday 22nd
Parent Council AGM
STAFF ONLY Extra In-Service Day
OCTOBER
Monday 5th
Tuesday 6th
Friday 9th
Monday 26th
Tuesday 27th
Wednesday 28th
Parents’ Evening
Parents’ Evening
School Closes 1pm – October Holidays
STAFF ONLY In-Service
STAFF ONLY In-Service
School Re-opens for Pupils
NOVEMBER
Thursday 12th
School Coffee Evening
DECEMBER
Wednesday 16th
Thursday 17th
Monday 21st
Tuesday 22nd
Christmas Matinee & Evening Concerts
Christmas Dinner
Christmas Parties
School Closes 1pm – Christmas Holidays
JANUARY
Wednesday 6th
Wednesday 27th
School Re-opens
School Closed – Up Helly Aa
MARCH
Monday 1st
Monday 15th
Tuesday 16th
Friday 26th
Occasional Holiday
Parents’ Evening
Parents’ Evening
School Closes 1pm – Easter Holidays
APRIL
Monday 12th
School Re-opens
MAY
Monday 3rd
Friday 28th
Monday 31st
School Closed – May Day Holiday
STAFF ONLY In-Service
School Closed – Occasional Holiday
JUNE
Tuesday 1st
Thursday 24th
Tuesday 29th
School Closed – Occasional Holiday
Open Day from 2pm
School Sports Day
JULY
Friday 2nd
School Closes 1pm – Summer Holidays