prospectus updated June21

TRAVEL TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Except when travelling by school bus, parents are responsible for seeing that
their child arrives safely and on time. This also applies to the return journey.
Parents are expected to ensure the good behaviour of children while going
to and from school. While this is not the responsibility of the school, the
school have the right to act when a child misbehaves while going to or from
school on foot, bicycle or transport.
Pupils are the responsibility of the teaching staff during the school day.
During this time every effort will be made to provide a safe, supervised
environment for each child.
PARKING & TRAFFIC CONTROL
All parents must observe the traffic system by going left around the
roundabout and park in properly designated areas.
‘Set Down’ areas are only for leaving children off and not for parking. If
parents wish to leave children into school they must park in the parent
parking area and use the back gate.
MID ACADEMIC CHANGES
If there is any change in the above information, due to unforeseen
circumstances during the school year, all parents will be informed in writing
of the nature of such a change.

Prospectus 2021

28 1

Fivemiletown Controlled Primary School, VISITS TO SCHOOL & INTERVIEWS WITH STAFF

166 Ballagh Road Fivemiletown Primary School is part of the community and relies on the
Fivemiletown support it receives. Participation by parents and others from the
BT75 0QP community has a direct impact on the educational value of the school
and is greatly appreciated by Governors and staff. Links between the
Telephone No: (028) 8952 1456 school and parents are actively promoted.
Fax No: (028) 8952 1594
Under the Governors’ Policy on Visits and Interviews parents are always
Email: [email protected] welcome in school (Covid –19 restrictions allowing). It is also the policy
Website: www.fivemiletownps.co.uk of staff to keep parents informed as much as practically possible about
school events and their child’s progress.
PRINCIPAL: MRs F Pryce
CHAIR OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS: Mrs C Baxter 1. Before Enrolment

Fivemiletown Primary School is a Controlled, Co-educational day school Parents of prospective pupils are welcome to contact the school to
within the Southern Region of the Education Authority for children be- arrange a meeting or telephone call with the Principal.
tween the ages of four and eleven.
The school runs an afternoon for prospective parents. At this meeting
We put the needs of the children as the first priority so that their school parents are given an introduction to the school and its policies.
life can be a happy and enjoyable experience. We provide a welcoming,
attractive and stimulating environment which supports learning and which 2. After Enrolment
celebrates academic and non-academic achievements. The curriculum is
balanced and broadly based but focuses on the key areas of learning: During the first year parents are invited to discuss their child with the P1
Mathematics and Numeracy, Language and Literacy and I.C.T. We aim teacher.
to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, intellectual and physical
development of all of the pupils. The school normally holds formal interviews in October / November when
parents are given the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress/attitude
This Prospectus is designed to give you an insight into our school and its to work and behaviour. In addition to this if, at any time, a parent wants
role. It has been designed to give you the basic information we think you to arrange an interview with the class teacher, they can do so by first
need to inform you about the work of the school and will answer many of contacting the Principal.
your questions.
Parents of children transferring to Post Primary Education will be invited
Our website is also a source of information about the life of the school to a workshop in January / February, to provide advice and guidance on
and you are very welcome to contact the school. the completion of the transfer report form.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in our school. Parents will be invited to the school to attend such activities as Special
Services, Concerts and Open Days.
Yours sincerely,
Under no circumstances should staff be contacted at home or
F Pryce 2 approached outside school.
Principal
Only parents or legal guardians have the right to request an interview
with staff concerning a child. Under no circumstances should children be
approached by any adult, other than school staff or their parent or
guardian, while in school relating to any incident which occurred in
school.

To avoid disruption, should there be a need to visit a classroom, parents
should knock and wait until the teacher comes to the door.

27

Afterschool Club educational day school Fivemiletown Vision Statement
Our vision of Fivemiletown Primary School is one of a school that is
2pm—3pm a community where children, staff and families feel welcomed and
£2.00 per session have a sense of belonging and purpose. We will provide a caring
laiftetraccatnivbeeaandhasspticmphyuoalanotGidnlgerhneejonoavyutiarraobocsnleuamldeteeexnaompterfiwcrniheaiinccnchheiges.vueWpmpeoeprntrstoslv.eiTdaherneaincwgurearlinccdoumlwuimhnigci,sh and trusting environment in which mutual respect and co-operation
will be encouraged developing self-confidence and promoting a
Mathematics and Numeracy, Language and Literacy and I.C.T. We aim spirit of respect of others. The ethos of the school is firmly
embedded in Christian values.
This Prospectus is designed to give you an insight into our school and its At Fivemiletown Primary School we believe in the concept of
role. It has been designed to give you the basic information we think you lifelong learning and the idea that both adults and children learn
need to inform you about the work of the school and will answer many of new things every day. We believe that people learn best in
different ways and therefore aim to provide a curriculum and
26 pedagogy which embraces and supports the diversity of learning
styles and multiple intelligences of children.
Fivemiletown Primary School will offer a curriculum which is
balanced and broadly based and which promotes the spiritual,
moral, cultural, intellectual and physical development of pupils.
Our school motto is: ‘Learning how to learn’.
We work closely with Fivemiletown Nursery School and St Mary’s
Primary School in Fivemiletown.
Shared Education Partnership Vision Statement
Fivemiletown Primary, St Mary’s Primary and Fivemiletown Nursery
schools wish to build a shared environment within our schools
where pupils, staff, parents and governors have a mutual respect
for the diversity within our local and wider community.
Every person within the partnership will feel safe, valued and
respected as an individual.
The children will be at the centre of everything we do as we strive
to raise educational outcomes and lay the foundations of a society
built on respect for diversity in all its forms.

3

Fivemiletown Primary School, Controlled Primary School ATTENDANCE
166 Ballagh Road
Fivemiletown Enrolment Number: 203 The average attendance for the year 2019/2020 school year was 94.7% which
BT75 0QP Admissions Number: 29 points to motivated pupils and a supportive community. Rolls are marked in
Telephone No: (028) 8952 1456 each classroom in the morning and afternoon. This is then transferred to the
Fax No: (028) 8952 1594 PRINCIPAL: Mrs F Pryce computer database. It is a requirement that children bring a note to explain
CHAIR OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS: Mrs C Baxter their absence as the reason of absence must be entered into the database. The
Email: [email protected] school liaises with Education Welfare Officers (Attendance Officers).
In the event of a child being absent on a long-term basis, provided they are
RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN able, the class teacher can provide appropriate work initially. The school will
RELATION TO ADMISSIONS then contact the Education Authority for support.

The Board of Governors draw up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions MEDICAL
Sub-Committee, which includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria.
Any reference herein to the term the Board of Governors includes any sub-committee If any child suffers from a condition such as epilepsy or asthma or is receiving
appointed by the Board of Governors for the purpose of applying the admissions criteria prolonged medical attention, it is vital that the Principal is informed. The reason
set out herein. for this is to allow any special considerations to be taken into account and to
ensure that staff can deal with any forthcoming emergency in a more appropri-
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA ate manner. Changes during the school year should be made known to the
Principal.
During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria punctual applications will be
considered before late applications are considered. The application procedure opens on Children who are unwell should not be sent to school.
7 January 2021 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 29
January 2021 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application The school has a medication policy which is available on the school website
received after 12 noon (GMT) on 29 January 2021 will be treated as a late application. and from the school office.

Only children who will have attained compulsory school age at the time of their proposed The school has members of staff trained in first aid at work.
admission, will be admitted.
While there are times when children get cuts or bruises during play, it is the
In selecting children for admission, children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of policy of the Governors that where there is doubt a parent or carer will be
their proposed admission will be selected for admission to the school before any child not contacted to take the child to the doctor or the nearest hospital for treatment or
so resident. a check up.

When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of In the absence of a parent or carer the staff will always do their utmost for
Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the the well being and safety of the child.
application form. Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their
child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the application form or BOOKS & EQUIPMENT
attached to it. Examples of such information include names of brothers and sisters in
attendance or previously attended. Parents are expected to ensure that all books and equipment borrowed by
children are properly cared for. This includes workbooks, textbooks and
The Board of Governors will apply the following criteria in the order indicated to identify exercise books. In cases where children repeatedly lose or damage books or
which children of compulsory school age should be admitted either at initial admission equipment, parents will be expected to fund replacements. Parents are
to education or on transfer from another school. expected to provide pencils, pens, and rulers. Children will need glue (e.g.
Pritt stick) and colouring pencils at home to complete some homeworks.
4
25

SCHOOL TIMINGS & HOLIDAYS 08.50 am In the event that there are fewer applicants complying with a particular criterion
Timings: 09.10am than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with
10.30 am – 10.45 am that criterion will be admitted and the next criterion will be applied to the
School opens 10.45 am - 11.00 am remaining applicants.
Classes start 11.50 am – 12.30pm In the event that there are more applicants complying with a particular criterion
Break P.1 - 4 12 noon – 12.40pm than there are places available or remaining those applicants complying with that
Break P.5 - 7 12.20 pm – 1pm criterion will go forward to be considered under the next criterion, and those not
Lunch for P1 – P2 2.00 pm complying with that criterion will be eliminated.
Lunch for P.3 & 4 3.00 pm
Lunch for P5– P7 2.00 pm 1. Children who, at the date of application have a sibling (child of the
P1 - P2 classes finish 3.00 pm family) currently enrolled at the school
P3 - classes finish on Monday,Tuesday & Wednesday
P3 - classes finish on Thursday & Friday 2. Children who are a Looked After Child (LAC)
P4 - P7 classes finish
3. Children for whom the school is the controlled primary school
(Please note that the timings shown are those which the school operated pre- nearest to their home as measured by walking distance*. (Walking
covid restrictions. In September 2021 there may be some variation depending distance from home will be measured on Google Maps UK).
on pandemic circumstances)
4. The remaining places will be allocated on the basis of the
We would ask parents collecting children at 2.00 pm to exercise control of proximity of the children’s home* to the school as measured by
pre-school children as the school is still in session. walking distance. Priority will be given to those living nearest to the
school. (Walking distance from home will be measured on Google
Parents collecting P.1 & P.2 children at 2.00 pm should wait at the front of the Maps UK).
school and the children will either be released from the front or side door.
If the final places to be allocated have identical measurements as
The school will be closed for the months of July and August and for all statutory identified by Google Maps UK, selection will be on the initial letter of
holidays. Information about holidays, including Christmas, Easter and Mid-term surname (as entered on birth certificate) in the order set out below
breaks will be sent to parents at the beginning of the school year and published
in the Board of Governors’ Annual Report and school web-site. ZTNAPUKHGWOMISQEYJXBVCLFRD

Due to bad weather, power failure or other emergency, the school may be This order was determined by a randomised selection of the letters of the
forced to close. If this happens the Senior Leadership Team will assess the alphabet (selection with a clear audit trail). In the event of surnames beginning
probability of a return to normality using what information is available at the with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in
time. If the decision is taken to close, parents or carers will be contacted to alphabetical order. In the event of two identical surnames the alphabetical order
make arrangements to collect their children. Usually this will be by the school of the initials of the forenames will be used, and if necessary the subsequent
text messaging service. Staff will remain on school premises until all children letters of the forenames.
have left. * ‘Home’ is the child’s permanent place of residence. It is not the child-minder’s
or a relative’s address.
24
5

DUTY TO VERIFY SCHOOL UNIFORM

The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as The appearance and general conduct of pupils makes an impression in the
it may determine to support or verify information on any application form. community. The school uniform helps children identify with the school and
eliminates competition among young people to ‘out dress’ one another. Parents
If the requested evidence is not provided to the Board of Governors by the deadline are asked to co-operate by ensuring that the school uniform is worn.
given, this will result in the withdrawal of an offer of a place. Similarly, if information is
supplied which appears to be false or misleading in any material way, the offer of a The school has its own distinctive uniform, which consists of a school sweatshirt
place will be withdrawn. worn with a red shirt or polo shirt with a collar. Trousers or skirts must be plain
navy. If jogging pants are worn they must also be plain navy without stripes or
WAITING LIST POLICY logos. Tights and socks should be navy. A blue/white gingham dress may be worn
with white socks.
The school’s policy on the consideration of applications to primary one after the open
enrolment admissions procedure concludes is detailed below. The official stockist of the sweatshirt and polo shirt is: - ‘SCHOOL DAYS’,
(formerly Select Kidz) Shore Road, Enniskillen.
Should a vacancy arise after this date all applications for admission to the school that
were initially refused, new applications, late applications and applications where new Shoes should be of a comfortable design, low heeled, toe covered and all black in
information has been provided will be treated equally and the published criteria colour.
applied. This waiting list will be in place until the end of the academic year.
No jewellery, except a watch, to be worn. If earrings must be worn they should
The school will contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the school by this be studs. For safety reasons your child must be able to remove them for P.E.
method.
For PE & games all children need navy jogging bottoms and shorts. Children in
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if P.4 – 7 also need white Tee-shirts. Children must wear appropriate footwear for
you wish your child’s name to be removed from the list. PE and games. To reduce noise levels during indoor PE activities, light soft-soled
gym shoes or plimsolls should be worn. PE shorts, shoes and if appropriate
ADMISSION TO P2-P7 tee-shirt should be sent to school in a named drawstring bag.

The same criteria used to admit pupils to primary one will be used for applications to For safety reasons pupils must not wear earrings or other body piercing jewellery
join primaries two – seven. during PE and long hair should be tied back.

APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONS TO PRIMARY 1 Bearing in mind our weather and the probability that children may be outside for
some activities, parents are reminded that they should come to school with
Year Total Applications Total Admissions adequate outdoor clothing.

2018/2019 26 26 Pupils in Primaries 1 - 2 do not need a school bag. They will be provided with a
plastic school bag for their homework.
2019/2020 32 32
Pupils in Primaries 3 - 4 use book bags rather than school bags. These can be
2020/2021 33 33 obtained from ‘School Days’ our uniform supplier.

6 Packed lunches should be sent in a separate bag.

All items of clothing, including PE wear, should be clearly marked with child’s
name. Children are responsible for their own possessions. The school or school
governors are not responsible for lost property. While staff will do their utmost to
help find possessions their time is limited.

23

22 7

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES FOOD IN SCHOOL
Fivemiletown Primary School serves the town of Fivemiletown and the surrounding rural area. The school has introduced a ‘Better Breaks’ policy and children learn about
During 2013/14 the school underwent a refurbishment and extension programme. We now health through science and through visits and talks from speakers from the
have five newly refurbished classrooms and two newly built classrooms as well as two Health Service. In the Foundation Stage the children participate in a healthy
excellent resource areas and a library. There are a further two classrooms in the adjoining eating break initiative and are taught the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
‘National School’ part of the building and a resource and central library area. The school has a School Meals are available to purchase.
general office, a Principal’s office and a multi-purpose hall. Money for School Meals and for the Snack scheme is collected at the
The school has put a lot of thought, energy and time into the whole area of improving the beginning of each week. Milk money is collected termly. All payments should
school outdoor environment in order to provide a stimulating and fun place for children to enjoy be correct, as facilities for change are limited. All money brought in to school
break and lunch time as well as opportunities for curricular activities including P.E. There is a should be in a sealed envelope with the amount, child’s name and reason
grass pitch, two tarmac playgrounds, two obstacle courses and an imaginative play area. clearly written on the outside.
During 2018/19 a new outdoor play area was developed with the help of an Awards for All Application forms for free school meals are available from the school and on-
grant, funds raised by the school PTFA and support from local businesses. line.

There is an outdoor classroom in the school grounds which is particularly beneficial for reading NO NUTS PLEASE
activities. Many parents are now aware of the increasing number of children who suffer
allergic reactions, particularly to nuts and nut products. A child with a nut
Pupils are provided with opportunities to care for and maintain their local outside environment. allergy can be affected even if, for example, there are nuts in someone else’s
They grow and eat their own vegetables, look after their vegetable plots and raised flower beds lunchbox or nut oil on someone else’s hands following eating some cereal bars
and regularly ensure the school grounds are free from litter. The children are continually or handling a container which held nuts like a Crunchy nut cornflake cereal
encouraged to be innovative in their approach to address ‘Green Issues’. Teachers are box. We have a number of children with nut allergies in the school.
encouraged to use the outdoor facilities as much as possible in all areas of learning. We appreciate that this may be viewed as a nuisance by some parents but are
sure that everyone will realise that the health of the attending children is
Every classroom either has an interactive whiteboard or Smartboard and with the support of paramount and will co-operate with our ‘No Nuts’ policy.
our PTFA we are well equipped for using and promoting ICT. All classes have controlled a 1. Any packed lunches or snacks brought to school must not contain nuts, or
access to the internet available for all children to carry out research and work using nut products. PLEASE NOTE: Many chocolate spreads DO contain nuts e.g.
computers. Nutella. Please check ingredients carefully.
2. Recyclable materials e.g. cardboard from products containing nuts must not
The school building and grounds are designated as a ‘No Smoking’ zone. be brought into school for junk art.
3. Unfortunately due to issues arising from the labelling of products, birthday
We are justly proud of the present level of accommodation and facilities in the school. cakes must not be sent into school.

8 21

COMMUNITY LINKS SCHOOL AIMS

Fivemiletown Primary School is part of the community and relies on the support Our overarching aim is to provide every pupil with the opportunity to experience success in
it receives. Participation by parents and others from the community has a direct learning and to achieve as high a standard as possible.
impact on the educational value of the school and is greatly appreciated by We aim;
Governors and staff. Links between the school and parents are actively  To provide a cheerful and friendly atmosphere
promoted.  To provide a wide and varied curriculum to cater for varying abilities and interests
 To enable children to communicate clearly and confidently
The school has strong links with St Mary’s Primary School, Fivemiletown  To enable children to acquire information by using a variety of resources and to
Nursery and Fivemiletown College.
record information in a variety of ways
The Parent/Teacher/Friend Association is an active part of the school.  To teach children to observe
Throughout the year a variety of fund-raising events are organised and all  To encourage children to value their environment
money raised is used to further enhance the learning opportunities and experi-  To encourage children to value others
ences of the children of the school. Anyone willing to help the P.T.F.A. should  To teach children to apply their various skills with understanding, accuracy and speed
contact the school.  To develop self-confidence

CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY 9
Education in Fivemiletown Primary School is provided free of charge for all
lessons and activities connected with the child’s entitlement under the
Education Reform Order. A copy of the Charging and Remissions policy
determined by the Board of Governors is available to parents on request.
The school will, as it has done in the past, appeal to parents from time to time for
a voluntary donation e.g. for theatre trips. The school may organise ‘optional
extras’ e.g. residential trips, afterschool activities, instrumental tuition. Charges
will be made for these.
Written parental consent will be required before a child participates in school
trips.

20

CURRICULUM PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING (PDMU)
It is the policy of the Board of Governors of Fivemiletown Primary School that all the
pupils will receive a balanced and broadly based curriculum. The curriculum is seen as Fivemiletown Primary is a caring, responsible school with the children at the
being a common curriculum for ALL the pupils of Fivemiletown Primary School and the core of our activities. We strive to respond to the personal, emotional, social
school considers the needs of all its children when allocating resources. and educational needs of our pupils through our interaction with them in the
The curriculum is set out in 6 areas of learning: classroom and beyond.

Language and Literacy The school has introduced a ‘Better Breaks’ policy and children learn about
Mathematics and Numeracy health through science and through visits and talks from speakers from the
The Arts including Art and Design, Drama and Music Health Service. In the Foundation Stage the children participate in a healthy
The World Around Us (Geography, History and Science and Technology) eating break initiative and are taught the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding
Physical Education (Physical Development and Movement in P.1 & P.2) Safety education is included in our PDMU programme. This is reinforced by
Cross-curricular skills: talks from the Fire and Police Services. Road, farm, home and water safety are
Communication covered at various stages in the child’s progress through school. .
Using Mathematics
Using Information and Fivemiletown Primary School has a Drug and Substance Misuse Policy. We
Communications Technology believe in providing a Drug Education programme that is appropriate to the
Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities: experience of children in our school. The emphasis of our drug education
Thinking, Problem solving and programme is on the dangers involved in the misuse of tobacco, alcohol and
Decision making medicine. As our programme responds to need, we will include other
Self-Management substances when appropriate. This programme is delivered mainly through
Working with Others health education and the science curriculum. All other subjects contribute to
Managing Information this, where and when appropriate.
Being Creative
More details on the Northern Ireland curriculum can be found on the N.I. curriculum The programme we provide helps equip our pupils with the skills to respond and
website (www.nicurriculum.org.uk) react appropriately to situations that are hazardous to their health.
Underpinning our teaching is the belief in building the children’s self-esteem, in
Personal skills and capabilities underpin success in all aspects of life and the Northern helping them value themselves and others, in giving them a sense of their
Ireland Curriculum aims to foster these explicitly so that children are helped to develop responsibility to themselves and others. We recognise this is a partnership
self management skills and the ability to interact effectively with others. Staff create a between the school and the parents, where we work together toward educating
caring, ordered, family atmosphere within the classrooms to enable children to learn in a and preparing our children for each stage of their lives.
stable, friendly environment. As a staff we feel that this is essential for the
development of the child morally, physically and mentally. We encourage children to Circle time is used in all classes.
take responsibility for their own learning, to be involved as far as possible in reviewing
the way they learn, and to reflect on how they learn - what helps them learn and what The children undertake a variety of studies related to community relations and
makes it difficult for them to learn. Lessons are planned with clear learning intentions. are encouraged throughout school life to treat each other with respect and to
understand those who have different views and outlooks. We have strong links
10 with St Mary’s Primary School in Fivemiletown as well as Fivemiletown Nursery
School.

Throughout the year the school supports a variety of charities including
sponsoring a child (Avon), in Tanzania through World Vision.

19

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR The Governors and staff of Fivemiletown Primary School recognise that children learn best
Good behaviour is necessary for effective teaching and learning to take place and when learning is interactive, practical and enjoyable. Learning should be a rewarding and
an outcome of education which society expects. All pupils are expected to behave enjoyable experience for everybody equipping children with the skills, knowledge and
in a responsible manner both to themselves, to others and to their environment, understanding necessary to be able to make informed choices about the important things in
showing consideration, courtesy and respect for other people at all times. their lives. The process by which children learn is recognised as important not only for
developing understanding of concepts but also for the personal social and emotional
The school discipline policy is based on developing a positive attitude towards a development of the whole child.
simple set of rules. These set out what children should do, not what they should We acknowledge that people learn in many different ways and we offer opportunities for
not do. children to learn through a range of methods. A range of teaching strategies are therefore
Five core rules have been established for the school: used to accommodate the varying learning styles of children. Approaches taken start less
formally in the early years progressing to more formal learning in the senior classes.
 We show respect for property Children are encouraged to develop their own skills, discipline and personalities as they
 We listen to each other progress through the school. We aim to focus on the learning of the individual.
 We want a safe and clean school The form of feedback (including marking) used is seen as an integral part of teaching and
 We always do our best learning and a reflection of the pastoral care policy of the school. In Fivemiletown Primary
 We care for ourselves and other people. School positive rather than negative language will be used to communicate expectations and
feedback to children.
These are reinforced by a system of rewards. There is also a scale of sanctions. HOMEWORK
Fivemiletown Primary School sees a value in children engaging in homework as a means of
School rules are brought to the attention of parents through the school’s Positive revising work done, discovering information unavailable in school, and involving parents in
Behaviour Policy which can be found on our website. A hard copy may be their children’s studies and in the development of good work habits. Against this must be
obtained from the school office. balanced each child’s need for recreation and the development of private interests and
hobbies. The amount of homework should not normally exceed that which can be done in
The Positive Behaviour Policy incorporates the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy. The under 30 minutes in the P1-P3 classes and 50 minutes in P4-P7 classes. This does not
school actively strives to prevent bullying. The school has put a lot of thought, include the time spent on reading. Parents are asked to ensure that the set homework is
energy and time into the whole area of improving the school playground completed and signed.
environment in order to provide a stimulating and fun place for children to enjoy During 2020/21 the school has used online programmes such as Mathletics, Purple Mash,
break and lunch time. Oxford Owl, Collins Big Cat and Google Classroom in order to allocate homeworks and to
provide online learning when necessary.
Core rules for the playground have been established.
 We care for ourselves and other children
 We respect the supervisors and do as they say
 We help children to do things that they can’t do on their own
 We look after the equipment and play with it in the right zone
 We share and wait for our turn
 We line up safely and quietly.

Working together and respecting others through fair play has made play time en-
joyable and friendships have been strengthened.

Children are taught internet safety.

18 11

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS The flow diagram below outlines the procedure for any parent who wishes to
make known to staff any concerns they may have about the safety of their (or
The vision of the Department of Education is ‘to ensure that every learner fulfils his or her another) child.
potential at each stage of development’. Fivemiletown Primary School shares this vision and a
copy of our ‘Inclusion incorporating S.E.N.’ Policy can be seen on the school website or a I have a concern about my / a child’s safety
copy requested through the school office.
Some of the children attending the school will have special educational needs. These may I can talk to the class teacher and / or Principal
arise from the child’s physical incapacity or his/her learning abilities. As it is the intention of
the school to maximise the potential of each of the pupils, the school will endeavour, within its If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the
resources, to meet these needs. The current Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is Mrs Chair of the Board of Governors
F Pryce. Mrs C Baxter
All teachers will have responsibility for providing remedial support. This help will be provided
in the child’s own classroom and when appropriate will be supplemented through withdrawal At any time, I can talk to the social worker, telephone 028 87723101 (during
work. A record of the action taken by the school will be kept in accordance with the Code of normal working hours 10am – 4 pm) ask to speak to the Duty Social Worker or
Practice for the identification and assessment of learning difficulties and parents are kept out of hours i.e. after 4pm or at weekends, telephone the Out of Hours Social
informed. Worker team on 028 87722821 Or The Police. The telephone number of the
If, despite this assistance a child requires further support, a statement of that child’s needs will local CARE Unit is: 028 38315274.
be issued by the Education Authority and these needs will be met by the board either through
extra assistance in Fivemiletown or by a placement in another appropriate school. The The school is aware of the abuses that can occur in society and integrates
process of determining that a child has special educational needs in accordance with the law personal safety programmes into the curriculum.
is a lengthy one and involves close co-operation among the teachers, school medical authori-
ties, educational psychologists and the parents. The Educational Officer (Special Needs) will
make the final decision about the appropriate form of education. The Educational Officer
(Special Needs) will be pleased to provide information and guidance about the procedure to
be followed, after they discuss the child’s needs with the Principal.

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COMPLAINTS

PASTORAL CARE & CHILD PROTECTION If you have a concern about your child, you should raise it or talk to the teacher as soon as
possible. If your concern is related to a matter other than in the classroom, you should
The Governors and staff are deeply conscious of their duty of care towards the children. In speak to the Principal. We take all concerns seriously and make every effort to resolve the
line with the policy of maximising the potential of each pupil, the school recognises that it matters as quickly as possible.
has a responsibility to do everything possible to care for each pupil’s physical and
emotional well being and will endeavour to provide a comfortable and safe environment for In the cases of serious complaints, the concern should be specifically detailed in writing
learning. and given to the Principal to enable the matter to be examined and a reply to be made. A
copy of the Complaints procedure is available on the school website and from the office.
The school has an effective Pastoral Care Policy, which is updated when necessary.
Complaints procedure at a glance:
Pastoral Care is seen as an integral part of the curriculum and our aims include enhancing
pupil’s self-esteem and confidence; developing communication skills; and enhancing pupils’ Stage One Write to the Principal
personal safety skills.
Stage Two Write to the Chair of the Board of Governors
Due to the nature of primary education, it will be the responsibility of each class teacher to
look after the pastoral needs of the children in his/her class. The class teachers create ASSESSMENT & REPORTING
caring and happy learning environments and will attempt to resolve the worries of pupils
and to relieve their anxieties. The Principal will be grateful for information about any Assessment is an integral part of the learning process and pupils of all ages are
circumstances that may be causing distress or anxiety. continuously assessed by their class teacher as a normal part of their work in school.

When a child is sick or injured the school will, in the first instance, attempt to contact the On a more formal basis children are assessed using Standardised Tests and in accordance
parent so that the child may be brought home. If this is not possible, the person/persons with the NI Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). These tests
nominated on the Confidential Information Form will be contacted. Someone should provide teachers and parents with a better idea of the child’s academic development
always be available in case of emergencies. If it is felt necessary, the doctor or hospital will compared with a large sample of other children. Reports are sent home and parents are
be contacted. In all cases it will be the school policy to act in the best interests of the child. encouraged to come to the school to discuss their child’s progress and obtain information
on how they can further assist their child. Parent interviews will be arranged with class
Within our Pastoral Care Policy the school has child protection arrangements. All staff teachers on an annual basis but parents are welcome throughout the year to discuss any
coming into contact with the children are vetted and conversant with the standards of care concerns with the class teacher. Such meetings must be arranged through the Principal.
expected of them. The school has also a clearly defined ‘Code of Practice’ and Child
Protection Policy for all staff. A copy of the full policy is available on the school website. A
hard copy is available from the school office on request. Our safeguarding team is made
up of: The Principal: Mrs F Pryce, the Designated Teacher for Child Protection Mrs H
Graydon and the Deputy-Designated teacher: Mrs M Coulter. The Designated
Governor for Child Protection is Mrs B Weir.

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & ASSEMBLIES SPORTING ACTIVITIES
The importance of Physical Education is recognised by the school and the
The school’s philosophy and ethos is genuinely and strongly based on Christian principles. school has endeavoured to continue to ensure that the children have access to
Fivemiletown Primary School is a Controlled Primary School and non-denominational physical activities during Covid-19 restrictions. Grassland areas pleasantly
religious education will be available to all children. This is intended to meet spiritual and surround the school and there is also a large area of tarmac suitable for PE
moral needs as well as academic. We endeavour to ensure that the values and standards and non-contact games. All pupils are encouraged to participate in sports and
taught in RE are applied throughout school life and in the wider community. games during delegated class times and the PE programmes of study are
followed as Covid-19 restrictions allow.
Prior to Covid-19 restrictions Ministers of the local Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Prior to the pandemic pupils were expected to partake in contact sports, for
Methodist churches supported our collective worship by conducting whole school assembly example tag rugby or football, where a risk of ‘no fault’ personal injury cannot
on Wednesdays. The ministers met prior to the commencement of each term to plan the be excluded despite the best efforts of teachers and coaches.
programme. This collegiate approach was greatly valued by the Governors and staff and Swimming lessons were made available to members of the Senior Classes
ensured that the children benefited from a meaningful programme. Unfortunately, due to (P.5 – P.7) in Fivemiletown College. After school activities were provided at
Covid-19 restrictions this has not been possible during the academic year of 2020/21. We particular times during the school year.
hope that by September 2021 we will be able to return to our habit of whole school assem- It is hoped that by September 2021 we will be able to return to pre-covid 19
blies including the input of the local ministers and visiting speakers representing charities / activities.
organisations .

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from part or all of RE or collective worship.

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