Nursery Handbook

Below is an online version of our Nursery Handbook, including useful information on the day to day running of the Nursery along with highlights of Nursery Policies and the curriculum.

NURSERY AIMS- Amasan sgoil arach

At Mallaig Primary School Nursery our objective is to encourage the full development of the children in our care, in line with the recommendations of the 3-5 curriculum and the National Care Standards in such a way that they feel valued and accepted as individuals.

 

We aim to accomplish this by:

Presenting a welcoming atmosphere for all those associated with Nursery

 

Providing a secure caring environment within which children can learn successfully through both structured and informal play.

 

 Building relationships built on mutual trust and share with families their child's continuing development

 

 Encouraging the emotional, social, physical, creative and intellectual development of children.

 

 Promoting the health and welfare of the children.

 

 Encouraging confidence, independence and the establishment of self esteem

 

 Ensuring that sound links are established between other departments of the reception schools and the wider community

 

 Encouraging children to explore appreciate and respect their environment.

 

 Ensuring preparation for the introduction of early stages of basic numeracy and literacy

 

 Recognising and catering for the individual needs of all children

 

 Providing opportunities for children to make choices and stimulating interest and imagination.

 

 Extending children's abilities to communicate ideas and feelings in a variety of ways

 

 Promoting awareness and respect for the lifestyles and cultures of others.

 

 Providing opportunities for staff development as part of an ethos of continuous improvement

 

 Providing a Gaelic environment which encourages the children to become involved in the Gaelic language through participation in the nursery curriculum. *

 

 * Gaelic Medium only

 

 

The Nursery is an integral section of Mallaig Primary School and is situated behind the canteen/gym hall with easy access to toilets, gymnasium, a dedicated outdoor play area disabled facilities and the Primary 1 classroom to which the children from the English Nursery will transfer on completion of their years in Nursery.

 

Parents of 3 and 4 year olds who are interested in a Nursery place for their child are welcome to visit and may telephone the Head Teacher for an appointment.

 

 

Towards the end of their pre school year in Nursery, the children will spend time in the Primary one classroom carrying out activities designed to allow them to get to know their teacher and the other children in their composite class.

 

Highland Council Guidelines

Highland Council has an equal opportunities policy and children cannot be refused admission to nursery because they are not toilet trained.

 

Policy on changing a child-

· Staff should inform colleagues that they are going to change a child.

  When possible, staff should make sure that they are in sight and hearing of others.

· Only nursery staff should be involved in changing a child

· A parent who is visiting the nursery can only change his/her own child

 

The school comes under the auspices of the Community Medical Service. It is important that you inform us of any medical conditions your child may have - asthma, allergies etc. In the event of illness occurring or an accident taking place during school hours, then parents will be informed as soon as possible and asked to sign an accident form. You should also leave with us an emergency contact number. If we are unable to reach you, then appropriate medical advice will be sought from the local GP.

 

We keep these to a minimum as attempts are made at all times to encourage children towards self-discipline in social skills. Safety is, however, of paramount importance so we must take action if a child is engaging in an activity which could be seen to be a hazard either to him/herself or to another child.

 

Where this occurs (eg inclement weather, power cut etc) then you, or your emergency contact, will be contacted by telephone. No child will be permitted to leave the building without being in the care of a designated adult. A service is available for parents to access a recorded message from the Head Teacher regarding school closures during adverse weather. For this information parents dial the Highland Council's access number - 0870 054 6999 and then enter Mallaig Primary School's PIN number - 04 2560. You may also access this information by logging on to www.winter.highlandschools.org.uk and clicking on Lochaber.

 

Visits out with the school are an important aspect of a child's education and we will try, whenever possible, to take children to places of interest throughout the year. We issue permission slips for parents to complete before taking the children on any of these trips. Stringent risk assessments are carried out prior to any outings.

 

 

From time to time incidents can occur within the school setting which cause concern and could indicate that a child is suffering from some form of abuse.

In terms of Highland Child Protection Committee Inter-Agency Protection Guidelines, Education Service staff must report such incidents to Social Work Services, which can lead to a joint Social Work/Police investigation.

 

Regular assessment takes place in Nursery and often photographs are used as evidence of the learning that is taking place. At the beginning of the session we will ask you to sign a consent form to allow us to take photographs of you child. These will be used for display purposes and also to build up a profile of your child's learning in nursery.

  

ACCOMODATION AND RESOURCES- Togalach agus goireasan

APPLICATIONS- Bileagan- iarrtais

TRANSFER- Gluasad gu bunsgoil

TOILET TRAINING – Trèanadh taigh beag

HEALTH CARE-Slàinte

SCHOOL RULES- Riaghailtean na sgoile

UNPLANNED EARLY CLOSURES- Dùnadh tràth gun planadh

OUTINGS- Cuairtean

CHILD PROTECTION- Tèarnainteachd na cloinne

PHOTOGRAPHS- Dealbhan