Minutes of the Kirklandpark Primary School Parent Council held on 
21st November 2007.

In Attendance

Parents - Paulo Quadros, Lynda McJannett, Ray Maclean, Alex Henderson, Ruby Liddell, Penny Innes. Fiona Kennedy, Karen Sterritt.

Staff - Elaine Kirkwood, Linda Hunter, Stella Falder

Co-opted Member - Sandy Grant

Apologies -  Alex Henderson

Head Teachers Report

Elaine discussed the recent successful Parents Evenings. Although a few parents were unable to attend, arrangements have been made for alternative teacher/parent meetings making almost 100% involvement.

The school received commission of approx £800 from book sales on the evenings. This money has been spent purchasing Group Novels and Paired Readers. It is hoped that the book sale will be repeated during summer parent evenings.

Elaine discussed How Good is Our School (3) Quality Indicators outcome following staff involvement during recent inset day. Over a 3 year period all 9 Performance Indicators are required by SLC to be monitored. The target was to complete 5.9 and 9.3 but through working groups of staff KP covered 10 points. Copies of the document were given out to Parent Council members. Elaine cover the self evaluation process against which staff had awarded themselves a score of 1- 6 with 6 being excellent, a figure which Elaine felt should always be being strived for. Good Practice and Action Points were recorded. Elaine will treat the document as a working document which will be used to make up school profile.

Learners experiences 2.1 of document, were discussed first including strengths, P.C. agreed with 5 as a score. Realistic expectations of children’s abilities from staff, class lessons being enhanced by out of school visits were noted as was the action point - challenge more able pupils, more child led research and involving children in setting their own targets for achievement. Environmental topics will be used to encourage children’s ideas and these will be monitored. Both Paulo and Fiona discussed homework and positive attitude of children noting ‘learning’ is continuing out of school. 

The Curriculum 5.1, was the next topic discussed with self evaluation scores awarded as 4. Elaine pointed out that 5-14 Curriculum is being adapted to characteristics of  Curriculum for Excellence which is new. Programs and courses are updated regularly and opportunities for learners to innovative are being encouraged. Elaine discussed how a recent enquiry from 2 P6 children had led to Children in Need event which recently took place in school. £245 was raised purely through children’s efforts.  Elaine discussed a staged transition period with changes in language and environmental studies underway. The Development Plan will also incorporate Eco School and Health Initiatives etc.

Staff discussed making Environmental Studies more active and the science topics require improvement. Working parties will be established to take this further. Ray pointed out recent discussions with teacher over homework changes and Elaine pointed out that the variation between P1 and P2 is due to introduction of Storyworld scheme. Elaine noted that these changes reflect changes from traditionally teachers teaching ’subjects’  to now teaching children to ‘learn’. However Elaine also stated that the children’s homework should always be consolidating work learned within school. Fiona referred to the changes she has noted in the depth of homework as the children progress through the school and noted the concept of self-learning as an appropriate method which is now essential up to University level.

Elaine felt that the main area where KP would score a 6 would be in relation to the school ethos noting the secure environment which enables children to become confident learners.

Meeting Learners Needs section 5.3 was the next topic and scored 5. Good points of practice were covered with Elaine asking P.C. for their opinions. Elaine advised P.C. that support staff are targeted at classes throughout the school were children have additional support needs to make best use of staff. There are many different reading schemes used within the school (Sunshine readers, Storyworlds, paired readers etc) Tasks within classrooms are set to children in groups of similar ability. Children with individual need plans are updated once a term. 

Section 5.2 related to Delivery of Education. This was scored mainly as a 5 on specific themes but with a 4 on clarity and purposefulness of dialogue. Points discussed as per document. Lessons are aimed at active learning ‘This is what we are going to learn today - this is what we have learned today’ principle. Internet access for P 4 – 7  will be available in the classes however P 1 – 3 it is not possible .All children have 2 periods a week in computer suite and are being encouraged to explore other mediums such as digital camera, camcorder etc. Elaine is looking into SMART board being introduced, arranging for staff training sessions and will them take forward. A working party will be looking into Active learning - ICT publisher, Powerpoint presentations etc and how these can be used more by children.

5.4 Assessment for Learning was self-evaluated as 5. Peer assessment, open-ended questions, traffic lighting, WALT etc have changed the whole style of teaching in recent years. Elaine reviews National Assessment results both within the school and against other school. Teachers have opportunities to observe each other and also spend time discussing transitions at the year end. Action points were discussed as per document, Elaine advised P.C. that the Interim report cards are SLC based but in conjunction with Parent Evenings work as good practice. 

Improvement Through Self Evaluation 5.9 scored 4, Elaine felt that this was a fairly new field but that improvements were ongoing and that over the 3 year period during which the HGIOS document was aimed at, would get better. Good practice, action points and strengths were discussed as per document. P.C. agreed with 4 rating.

7.2 Staff Development and Teamwork was rated 5. Staff at KP are very supportive of each other and this improves the environment in which children learn. There are good lines of communication and use is made working parties. Learning support from Jean McMullan has been reduced to half a day  due to lack of staff. Recruitment is underway for a Support Staff Team Leader and Karen commented on the importance of this role for support staff. 

7.3 Staff Development and Review, management and support of staff scored 5, with Elaine noting teaching staff and support staff working well together. PDR, annual reviews for teaching staff are held every year in June and Elaine also hold an interim review Dec/Jan. All staff also share all course information.

9.1 Leadership, vision, values and aims again scored 5. Good practice, action points and strengths were discussed as per document. Elaine also noted Well Done Board, assemblies, newsletters, eco committee, pupil council and fundraising for charity. Paulo requested a more detailed method ?of joining  info to parents, parent council meeting minutes to be posted on notice board at reception. Elaine discussed the active role of the Pupil Council, the dinner band initiative which has now been introduced throughout SLC schools was a KP Pupil Council initiative to improve lunch choice problems. The Bring and Buy sale which was initiated by 2 P6 girls was also helped by pupil council and raised £141 approx which will be donated to the 2 charities chosen by pupils. Elaine also reminded P.C. of the work of Pupil Council with parking issues - banners etc.

Penny queried parental involvement in meetings such as P.C. which was felt had a fairly low take up. The ways in which parents can be and are involved were discussed, PA, discos, parent helpers on outings, sports days, handing in gifts for Tombola/Secret room. A questionnaire may be devised by P.C. to find out what would make more parents interested in the educational side of school as well as running of school. It was also felt that the size of the present P.C. was a fair representation of parents with 3 from infants and 3 from junior/seniors although, there was concern in regard to this representing the school as a whole.

Matters Arising from Previous Meeting

Children’s Visibility Jackets are now on display in reception.

Keith Burrell will be contacted for more details re painting of new netball lines in playground and other games. It is hoped that PA will fund purchase of specific paint required and possibly enlist willing parents - this will hopefully be completed during summer term - Ruby mentioned the hiring of painting equipment could be looked into.

Paulo has written to Wester Overton to establish links and waits to hear from them.

7 P.C. members will attend Internet Security Meeting on 16th Nov. Elaine will notify Wester Overton.

Other Business

Paulo has now made a start on Website using parents comments to set up.  The main purpose will be to network parents, pupils and teachers by providing information positively with back-up info being held in reception for any family who do not have access to internet. This is not presently being funded by PA. Paulo discussed and excellent website which has been set up by Bridge of Allen school (Paulo has web address if anyone would like it) Paulo commented tha this site is a little serious and would prefer to aim for something more ‘fun’ at KP. The web address will be www.parentcouncil.org.uk with info on FAQ’s, minutes of meetings, school insurance, members of P.C. and PA. internet security and games, quizzes for children etc. The purpose of the site it is stressed is to support the school. It is also aimed at breaking down the barriers between parents/children sharing sites. Elaine will forward date of next Pupil Council meeting to Paulo and Ray who hope to attend to discuss this further.

Parent Council will look further into devising a questionnaire to send to parents requesting feedback on how they can be more active and encourage parents to share their views.

Paulo has requested all parent members email him at kpchair@parentcouncil.org.uk he will then collate all addresses for future communication.

Dates for next meetings were agreed - 16.1.07 and 20.2.07. Stella to arrange school let.