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Attendance School Day and Uniform Nutrition School Documents Inspection Report School History
Attendance School Day and Uniform Nutrition School Documents Inspection Report School History
Care and Community
Pastoral Care Policy
The Board of Governors, Principal and Staff of The Diamond Primary School recognise that they have a responsibility towards all our pupils and are committed to do everything possible to care for each pupil’s physical and emotional well-being. They will endeavour to provide a learning environment which is welcoming, safe and secure. Pastoral oversight of children rests initially with the class teacher. The Principal and Senior Staff also exercise an overseeing role with regard to the well-being of pupils. Specific procedures are also in place to assist the school in its pastoral care as outlined.
School Motto
We are all DIFFERENT. We are all UNIQUE. We are all SPECIAL.
- The school invites parents to provide detailed information about each child, including health problems, emergency contact numbers, the family doctor etc. This information is held, confidentially, on the school’s administrative computer system.
¨ Children who have been ill during the night should NOT be sent to school.
¨ In the event of illness, injury or accident, if parents/emergency contact numbers are unobtainable, an ambulance will be called. In all cases it will be the school’s policy to act in the best interests of the child.
¨ Adequate provision is made for supervision of children at all times.
¨ The school has a Child Protection Policy and a Safeguarding Team which has the responsibility for Child Protection Issues.
¨ In the interests of Health and Safety, aerosol sprays [deodorant, hairspray etc.] are NOT permitted in school or for swimming lessons. Roll-on deodorants are permitted.
¨ The advice of EANI on all matters in respect of health and safety is adhered to, e.g. safe storage of cleaning materials, proper use/maintenance of electrical equipment. Parents are invited to contact the Principal if they have any concerns about their child’s/children’s safety.
¨ All staff are familiar with the school’s emergency evacuation procedures. A Fire Drill involving all children is conducted each academic year.
¨ First Aid resources are centrally located in the school. Several of our staff are trained as First-Aiders.
¨ The school co-operates fully with all relevant external agencies, social services, the school doctor and nurse.
¨ In the interest of the safety of our pupils, cars should not be driven into the school yard at any time and turning at the school gates is NOT permitted.
¨ The school’s Discipline Policy indicates the standards of behaviour expected from children attending the school.
¨ An Anti-Bullying Policy is in place at the school.
PRESCRIBED MEDICATION POLICY
The Board of Governors and staff of The Diamond Primary School wish to ensure that pupils with medication needs receive appropriate care and support at school. The Principal will accept responsibility, in principle, for members of the school staff giving or supervising pupils taking prescribed medication during the school day where those members of staff have volunteered to do so. [There is no contractual requirement to administer medicines and it remains at his/her discretion].
Please note that parents should keep their children at home if acutely unwell or infectious.
¨ Parents are responsible for providing the Principal with comprehensive information regarding the pupil’s condition and medication on Forms AM2 [Administration of Medicines at School] and AM4 [Record of Medicine Administered to an Individual Child].
¨ Prescribed medication will not be accepted in school without complete written and signed instructions from the parent.
¨ Non-prescribed medication will only be administered if written consent has been given by the parent/guardian.
¨ Only reasonable quantities of medication should be supplied to the school.
¨ Each item of medication should be delivered to the Principal by that parent in a secure and labelled container as originally dispensed.
Each item of medication must be clearly labelled with the following information:-
* Pupil’s name
* Name of medication
* Dosage
* Frequency of administration
* Date of dispensing
* Storage requirements [if important]
* Expiry date
¨ The school will not accept items of medication in unlabelled containers.
¨ Medication will be kept in a secure place, out of the reach of pupils.
¨ The school will keep records of medicine that has been administered which is counter-signed by another adult witness. [Forms AM4/AM5]
¨ If children refuse to take medicines, staff will not force them to do so, and will inform the parents of the refusal, as a matter of urgency, on the same day. If a refusal to take medicines results in an emergency, the school’s emergency procedures will be followed, in line with the Health and Safety Policy.
¨ It is the responsibility of parents to notify the school in writing if the pupil’s need for medication has ceased.
¨ It is the parent’s responsibility to renew the medication when supplies are running low and to ensure that the medication supplied is within its expiry date.
¨ The school will only follow the instructions outlined on the medication label and will follow the doctor’s instruction.
¨ School staff will not dispose of medicines. Medicines, which are in use and in date, should be collected by the parent at the end of each school year. Date expired medicines or those no longer required for treatment will be returned immediately to the parent for safe disposal.
¨ For each pupil with complex medication needs, the Principal will ensure that a Medication Plan/Care Plan/Protocol is drawn up, in conjunction with the appropriate health professionals.
¨ Staff who volunteer to assist in the administration of medication will receive appropriate training/guidance through arrangements made with the School Health Service, if necessary.
¨ The school will make every effort to continue the administration of medication to a pupil whilst on trips away from the school premises, even if additional arrangements might be required. However, there may be occasions when it may not be possible to include a pupil on a school trip if appropriate supervision cannot be guaranteed.
¨ All staff will be aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
Drugs Education Policy
We at The Diamond Primary School take a serious view of drug abuse and see it as totally unacceptable on school premises. We would respond to any incident by implementing procedures as outlined in our School Policy for Drug Education.
Discipline Policy
At The Diamond Primary School we seldom experience discipline problems as the children are well mannered, co-operative and come to school already disciplined. We find that by trying to make our lessons as interesting as possible, slanting them to the capabilities of the children and giving them just the right amount of work to do, discipline problems are relatively infrequent.
We aim:
¨ To develop in pupils a sense of self-discipline and an acceptance of responsibility for their own actions.
¨ To create the conditions for an orderly community in which effective learning can take place, in which there is mutual respect between all members and where there is proper concern for the environment.
At The Diamond we feel these aims are best achieved in the framework of a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere, in which pupils are able to give of their best, both in the classroom and extra curricular activities, and are encouraged and stimulated to fulfil their potential.
This, in turn, demands a positive policy of encouraging good attitudes, reward and praise [where possible] and setting a good example.
The Staff
The attitude of the Staff at The Diamond is of great importance. They obviously determine the environment in which a good staff/pupil relationship can develop. The staff lead by example and set the right example to pupils in matters of dress, punctuality and commitment. They consider themselves responsible at all times for the behaviour of pupils within sight or sound of them.
The Pupils
All pupils are expected to behave in a responsible manner to themselves and their property as well as to other people and their property, showing courtesy, consideration and due respect at all times.
¨ When the bell rings at the end of Break and Lunch times, the children will line up – immediately and quietly; they will be actively supervised by each teacher.
¨ Going for drinks, visiting toilets, washing hands etc. will not be encouraged after the bell rings.
¨ All pupils are encouraged to WALK quietly in the corridor.
¨ Good table manners and quiet conversation will be stressed during eating of packed lunches and school dinners.
¨ Immediately before 3:00pm [2:00pm – infant classes] the pupils in each classroom will be instructed to lift all scraps of paper, crayons etc. from the floor, and leave the room as tidy as possible.
¨ At 3:00pm, children will leave the premises in an orderly manner. Pupils will be supervised by their teacher as they leave the room, proceed to the cloakrooms, collect their coats and leave the building.
¨ In the event of a fire the bell will ring and children will proceed to the playground in a methodical manner and take up position in their allocated space.
¨ Pupils are encouraged to place all litter in the bins provided and to recycle when possible using the school bio-bins and the paper bins.
¨ All clothing must be named.
¨ Toilets must be used properly. As far as possible, only one pupil at a time from each classroom will be given permission to use the toilets.
¨ Fighting, bullying, or the use of bad language will not be tolerated in school.
¨ All pupils from P5 to P7 should change for P.E. lessons. These P.E. should be brought to school each day that PE or games is taking place and taken home at the end of the day.
¨ All P.E. equipment has to be returned to the appropriate containers in the store. The store must be kept tidy and will be checked regularly.
¨ The children must never do anything that will injure themselves or others. If a child deliberately hurts another child, the child will be asked to stay in at lunchtime to complete a written apology. In the case of smaller children a different suitable task will be given.
¨ A note is requested from parents if a child is to remain indoors during break/lunch.
¨ The Principal must be informed by letter if a child is to be withdrawn from school during the school day.
¨ P5, P6 and P7 pupils who are not going swimming, must also bring a note to the Principal.
¨ If a child does not get classwork done within a reasonable time given, the child will be asked to complete the work at lunchtime, or at home.
¨ If a homework is not completed, or not properly completed without a written explanation from the parent, the child will be asked to repeat the piece of work in conjunction with the next homework.
¨ If school property is destroyed deliberately, the parents will be notified and may be asked to replace the damage.
¨ Children must never leave school grounds, classrooms or the dining hall without permission.
¨ We would ask that pupils do not bring toys or personal belongings, e.g. mobile phones, into school [unless requested by the teacher for curricular purposes]. Valuable time is wasted trying to locate such items when they have been mislaid or lost and also trying to comfort pupils when such items are broken.
Rewards
In our discipline system at The Diamond Primary School the emphasis is always on the positive approach of encouragement and praise, rather than on the more negative one of criticism and punishment. Criticism will always include advice on how to improve and will be constructive.
Praise will be given in various ways and shall include the following:-
¨ A quiet word or encouraging smile.
¨ A written comment on pupil’s work, either in general terms, ‘well done’ or in a more detailed way - using the pupil’s name where possible.
¨ A visit to the Principal for commendation.
¨ A public word of praise in front of a group, class or whole school [assembly].
¨ School reports to comment favourably, not only on good work and academic achievement but also on behaviour, on involvement and on general attitudes.
¨ A letter to parents informing them specifically of some action or achievement deserving praise.
¨ Teacher/Head Teacher Award.
¨ Celebration of pupil’s achievement inside and outside school.
Sanctions
¨ Immediate checking of misbehaviour – strong rebuke or warning.
¨ A minor penalty relevant to the offence, such as picking up litter for those who drop it.
¨ Repeated or extra work where work is poorly presented or clearly below child’s potential.
¨ Detention at lunchtime under supervision. [No blanket detention will be given].
¨ Loss of privileges.
¨ Parents will be informed if the school is concerned about their child’s behaviour.
¨ In the case of persistent bad behaviour a record will be kept and the parents will be informed of the school’s concern and invited to the school to discuss the problem.
¨ Educational Psychologist.
¨ Suspension.
¨ Expulsion.
In addition to the above the school operates a ‘Card’ system whereby a Yellow Card represents a warning and a Red Card equals a disciplinary measure.
Persistent yellow card behaviour may result in the teacher using a progress card to closely monitor behaviour.
Positive Behaviour Management Scheme
A class contract is in place in every classroom in school. This provides reminders of appropriate and acceptable behaviour. Each child has a copy of this contract too. The BEAM system of provides opportunities for children to be rewarded for keeping the behaviour contract, whilst the card system is in place to encourage improvements when the contract is broken.
Rationale:
¨ Pupils at The Diamond Primary School are well known for their good behaviour and positive attitudes. They display excellent manners and always endeavour to do their best.
Aims:
¨ To maintain the good behaviour, endeavour, attitude and manners of the pupils at The Diamond Primary School.
¨ To actively encourage all children to strive towards better behaviour, endeavour, attitude and manners.
¨ To allow those who are always well behaved to be rewarded.
¨ To encourage those who may struggle to behave to try harder to achieve rewards.
¨ To reward and therefore encourage good behaviour, endeavour, attitude and manners regardless of a pupil’s academic ability.
The BEAM behaviour system is followed by all teachers in the school but each also has their own individual incentives and ideas.
All teachers follow the BEAM system of reward (Behaviour, Endeavour, Attitude, Manners) and the card system for discipline.
Pastoral Care Policy
The Board of Governors, Principal and Staff of The Diamond Primary School recognise that they have a responsibility towards all our pupils and are committed to do everything possible to care for each pupil’s physical and emotional well-being. They will endeavour to provide a learning environment which is welcoming, safe and secure. Pastoral oversight of children rests initially with the class teacher. The Principal and Senior Staff also exercise an overseeing role with regard to the well-being of pupils. Specific procedures are also in place to assist the school in its pastoral care as outlined.
School Motto
We are all DIFFERENT. We are all UNIQUE. We are all SPECIAL.
- The school invites parents to provide detailed information about each child, including health problems, emergency contact numbers, the family doctor etc. This information is held, confidentially, on the school’s administrative computer system.
¨ Children who have been ill during the night should NOT be sent to school.
¨ In the event of illness, injury or accident, if parents/emergency contact numbers are unobtainable, an ambulance will be called. In all cases it will be the school’s policy to act in the best interests of the child.
¨ Adequate provision is made for supervision of children at all times.
¨ The school has a Child Protection Policy and a Safeguarding Team which has the responsibility for Child Protection Issues.
¨ In the interests of Health and Safety, aerosol sprays [deodorant, hairspray etc.] are NOT permitted in school or for swimming lessons. Roll-on deodorants are permitted.
¨ The advice of EANI on all matters in respect of health and safety is adhered to, e.g. safe storage of cleaning materials, proper use/maintenance of electrical equipment. Parents are invited to contact the Principal if they have any concerns about their child’s/children’s safety.
¨ All staff are familiar with the school’s emergency evacuation procedures. A Fire Drill involving all children is conducted each academic year.
¨ First Aid resources are centrally located in the school. Several of our staff are trained as First-Aiders.
¨ The school co-operates fully with all relevant external agencies, social services, the school doctor and nurse.
¨ In the interest of the safety of our pupils, cars should not be driven into the school yard at any time and turning at the school gates is NOT permitted.
¨ The school’s Discipline Policy indicates the standards of behaviour expected from children attending the school.
¨ An Anti-Bullying Policy is in place at the school.
PRESCRIBED MEDICATION POLICY
The Board of Governors and staff of The Diamond Primary School wish to ensure that pupils with medication needs receive appropriate care and support at school. The Principal will accept responsibility, in principle, for members of the school staff giving or supervising pupils taking prescribed medication during the school day where those members of staff have volunteered to do so. [There is no contractual requirement to administer medicines and it remains at his/her discretion].
Please note that parents should keep their children at home if acutely unwell or infectious.
¨ Parents are responsible for providing the Principal with comprehensive information regarding the pupil’s condition and medication on Forms AM2 [Administration of Medicines at School] and AM4 [Record of Medicine Administered to an Individual Child].
¨ Prescribed medication will not be accepted in school without complete written and signed instructions from the parent.
¨ Non-prescribed medication will only be administered if written consent has been given by the parent/guardian.
¨ Only reasonable quantities of medication should be supplied to the school.
¨ Each item of medication should be delivered to the Principal by that parent in a secure and labelled container as originally dispensed.
Each item of medication must be clearly labelled with the following information:-
* Pupil’s name
* Name of medication
* Dosage
* Frequency of administration
* Date of dispensing
* Storage requirements [if important]
* Expiry date
¨ The school will not accept items of medication in unlabelled containers.
¨ Medication will be kept in a secure place, out of the reach of pupils.
¨ The school will keep records of medicine that has been administered which is counter-signed by another adult witness. [Forms AM4/AM5]
¨ If children refuse to take medicines, staff will not force them to do so, and will inform the parents of the refusal, as a matter of urgency, on the same day. If a refusal to take medicines results in an emergency, the school’s emergency procedures will be followed, in line with the Health and Safety Policy.
¨ It is the responsibility of parents to notify the school in writing if the pupil’s need for medication has ceased.
¨ It is the parent’s responsibility to renew the medication when supplies are running low and to ensure that the medication supplied is within its expiry date.
¨ The school will only follow the instructions outlined on the medication label and will follow the doctor’s instruction.
¨ School staff will not dispose of medicines. Medicines, which are in use and in date, should be collected by the parent at the end of each school year. Date expired medicines or those no longer required for treatment will be returned immediately to the parent for safe disposal.
¨ For each pupil with complex medication needs, the Principal will ensure that a Medication Plan/Care Plan/Protocol is drawn up, in conjunction with the appropriate health professionals.
¨ Staff who volunteer to assist in the administration of medication will receive appropriate training/guidance through arrangements made with the School Health Service, if necessary.
¨ The school will make every effort to continue the administration of medication to a pupil whilst on trips away from the school premises, even if additional arrangements might be required. However, there may be occasions when it may not be possible to include a pupil on a school trip if appropriate supervision cannot be guaranteed.
¨ All staff will be aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
Drugs Education Policy
We at The Diamond Primary School take a serious view of drug abuse and see it as totally unacceptable on school premises. We would respond to any incident by implementing procedures as outlined in our School Policy for Drug Education.
Discipline Policy
At The Diamond Primary School we seldom experience discipline problems as the children are well mannered, co-operative and come to school already disciplined. We find that by trying to make our lessons as interesting as possible, slanting them to the capabilities of the children and giving them just the right amount of work to do, discipline problems are relatively infrequent.
We aim:
¨ To develop in pupils a sense of self-discipline and an acceptance of responsibility for their own actions.
¨ To create the conditions for an orderly community in which effective learning can take place, in which there is mutual respect between all members and where there is proper concern for the environment.
At The Diamond we feel these aims are best achieved in the framework of a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere, in which pupils are able to give of their best, both in the classroom and extra curricular activities, and are encouraged and stimulated to fulfil their potential.
This, in turn, demands a positive policy of encouraging good attitudes, reward and praise [where possible] and setting a good example.
The Staff
The attitude of the Staff at The Diamond is of great importance. They obviously determine the environment in which a good staff/pupil relationship can develop. The staff lead by example and set the right example to pupils in matters of dress, punctuality and commitment. They consider themselves responsible at all times for the behaviour of pupils within sight or sound of them.
The Pupils
All pupils are expected to behave in a responsible manner to themselves and their property as well as to other people and their property, showing courtesy, consideration and due respect at all times.
¨ When the bell rings at the end of Break and Lunch times, the children will line up – immediately and quietly; they will be actively supervised by each teacher.
¨ Going for drinks, visiting toilets, washing hands etc. will not be encouraged after the bell rings.
¨ All pupils are encouraged to WALK quietly in the corridor.
¨ Good table manners and quiet conversation will be stressed during eating of packed lunches and school dinners.
¨ Immediately before 3:00pm [2:00pm – infant classes] the pupils in each classroom will be instructed to lift all scraps of paper, crayons etc. from the floor, and leave the room as tidy as possible.
¨ At 3:00pm, children will leave the premises in an orderly manner. Pupils will be supervised by their teacher as they leave the room, proceed to the cloakrooms, collect their coats and leave the building.
¨ In the event of a fire the bell will ring and children will proceed to the playground in a methodical manner and take up position in their allocated space.
¨ Pupils are encouraged to place all litter in the bins provided and to recycle when possible using the school bio-bins and the paper bins.
¨ All clothing must be named.
¨ Toilets must be used properly. As far as possible, only one pupil at a time from each classroom will be given permission to use the toilets.
¨ Fighting, bullying, or the use of bad language will not be tolerated in school.
¨ All pupils from P5 to P7 should change for P.E. lessons. These P.E. should be brought to school each day that PE or games is taking place and taken home at the end of the day.
¨ All P.E. equipment has to be returned to the appropriate containers in the store. The store must be kept tidy and will be checked regularly.
¨ The children must never do anything that will injure themselves or others. If a child deliberately hurts another child, the child will be asked to stay in at lunchtime to complete a written apology. In the case of smaller children a different suitable task will be given.
¨ A note is requested from parents if a child is to remain indoors during break/lunch.
¨ The Principal must be informed by letter if a child is to be withdrawn from school during the school day.
¨ P5, P6 and P7 pupils who are not going swimming, must also bring a note to the Principal.
¨ If a child does not get classwork done within a reasonable time given, the child will be asked to complete the work at lunchtime, or at home.
¨ If a homework is not completed, or not properly completed without a written explanation from the parent, the child will be asked to repeat the piece of work in conjunction with the next homework.
¨ If school property is destroyed deliberately, the parents will be notified and may be asked to replace the damage.
¨ Children must never leave school grounds, classrooms or the dining hall without permission.
¨ We would ask that pupils do not bring toys or personal belongings, e.g. mobile phones, into school [unless requested by the teacher for curricular purposes]. Valuable time is wasted trying to locate such items when they have been mislaid or lost and also trying to comfort pupils when such items are broken.
Rewards
In our discipline system at The Diamond Primary School the emphasis is always on the positive approach of encouragement and praise, rather than on the more negative one of criticism and punishment. Criticism will always include advice on how to improve and will be constructive.
Praise will be given in various ways and shall include the following:-
¨ A quiet word or encouraging smile.
¨ A written comment on pupil’s work, either in general terms, ‘well done’ or in a more detailed way - using the pupil’s name where possible.
¨ A visit to the Principal for commendation.
¨ A public word of praise in front of a group, class or whole school [assembly].
¨ School reports to comment favourably, not only on good work and academic achievement but also on behaviour, on involvement and on general attitudes.
¨ A letter to parents informing them specifically of some action or achievement deserving praise.
¨ Teacher/Head Teacher Award.
¨ Celebration of pupil’s achievement inside and outside school.
Sanctions
¨ Immediate checking of misbehaviour – strong rebuke or warning.
¨ A minor penalty relevant to the offence, such as picking up litter for those who drop it.
¨ Repeated or extra work where work is poorly presented or clearly below child’s potential.
¨ Detention at lunchtime under supervision. [No blanket detention will be given].
¨ Loss of privileges.
¨ Parents will be informed if the school is concerned about their child’s behaviour.
¨ In the case of persistent bad behaviour a record will be kept and the parents will be informed of the school’s concern and invited to the school to discuss the problem.
¨ Educational Psychologist.
¨ Suspension.
¨ Expulsion.
In addition to the above the school operates a ‘Card’ system whereby a Yellow Card represents a warning and a Red Card equals a disciplinary measure.
Persistent yellow card behaviour may result in the teacher using a progress card to closely monitor behaviour.
Positive Behaviour Management Scheme
A class contract is in place in every classroom in school. This provides reminders of appropriate and acceptable behaviour. Each child has a copy of this contract too. The BEAM system of provides opportunities for children to be rewarded for keeping the behaviour contract, whilst the card system is in place to encourage improvements when the contract is broken.
Rationale:
¨ Pupils at The Diamond Primary School are well known for their good behaviour and positive attitudes. They display excellent manners and always endeavour to do their best.
Aims:
¨ To maintain the good behaviour, endeavour, attitude and manners of the pupils at The Diamond Primary School.
¨ To actively encourage all children to strive towards better behaviour, endeavour, attitude and manners.
¨ To allow those who are always well behaved to be rewarded.
¨ To encourage those who may struggle to behave to try harder to achieve rewards.
¨ To reward and therefore encourage good behaviour, endeavour, attitude and manners regardless of a pupil’s academic ability.
The BEAM behaviour system is followed by all teachers in the school but each also has their own individual incentives and ideas.
All teachers follow the BEAM system of reward (Behaviour, Endeavour, Attitude, Manners) and the card system for discipline.