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In Westruther, we place great emphasis on promoting an ethos where pupils are happy in the school. We achieve this by providing a structured and stable environment in a relaxed atmosphere.
We believe that parents are partners in their child’s education and value their opinions and support. We encourage everyone who wishes to make a contribution to our pupils’ education or welfare to come into school and to participate in its activities.
About the School
Westruther School is housed in a traditional stone building with a new extension. The original building consists of one large carpeted room with a well-equipped art area used as the P1-3 classroom and a small adjacent room that is used for nursery. There is a small hallway which is used for the tuck shop. The staff room/office is located off this hallway. The P4-7classroom is located to the left of the main entrance and the P1-3 classroom is located to the right of the main entrance. All coats and bags for P1-7 are stored in the hallway. Entrance to the nursery is located to the right of the main door. Nursery shoes are in their hallway. The playground consists of a large enclosed area of tarmac and a small grassy area. Beyond the grassy area is a play park owned by Scottish Borders Council. Pupils are not permitted into this area during the school day. Westruther enjoys close links with the local community and a high level of parental involvement. The school has a Parent Council.
School Vision, Values and Aims
At Westruther Primary School our vision is to deliver an exciting and varied curriculum which meets the needs of all individuals and to encourage all members of the school community to aim high on their journey to excellence.
This vision is embodied in our school’s aims to:
Our values guide the way we work. Together we will celebrate individuality, consider others and care for our environment, encourage independent thinking through creativity, work innovatively in our teaching and learning.
School Ethos
Westruther Primary School has a happy welcoming atmosphere that is conducive to good learning and teaching experiences. We maintain a friendly and caring environment where children and staff work together achieving high standards in all aspects of school life.
Transport
Children who live more than two miles from school are brought in by taxi or arrangements are made to compensate their parents for travel costs. Privilege lifts are available only if there is a space. Discipline on board is a matter for the driver though the school will support any complaints from the taxi company.
Pupils who cycle to school should leave home at a time that ensures their arrival at school after 8.45am. Pupils should cycle directly from home to school. We recommend that pupils cycle to school under the supervision of an adult. The supervision and safety of all pupils is the responsibility of their parents until 8.45am or until their arrival at school.
Pupils cycling to school should wear bright and reflective clothing and cycle helmets to maximise their safety. Bright safety jackets can be borrowed from the school. Bikes may be left in the school car park or can be locked in the shed on request, though all are left at pupils’ own risk.
Parents dropping pupils at school should pull into the school car park. We encourage parents to walk, cycle and to share transport to minimise the number of cars in the area. Where the distance from home is too great to walk to school, parents may wish to consider parking in the village hall car park and walking the short distance from there. This will give pupils some fresh air and exercise before school and will encourage healthy lifestyle attitudes in pupils.
School Meals
Our meals are cooked in a re-generated oven on the premises and cost £1.80 daily. Balanced, nutritional meals are provided, including a vegetarian option. Choices for the following week should be indicated on the lunch envelope (handed out on a Friday) and returned to the school office on the following Monday, along with the relevant payment. Pupils who bring packed lunches eat beside those who have school meals.
Some pupils may be eligible for free school meals. Application forms for these can be obtained from the headteacher. When completed these forms are sent to the Director of Education, Scottish Borders Council, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose TD6 0SA.
Parent Council The Parent Council has been up and running since 2006. Elections are held at regular intervals and all on the Parents’ Register are eligible to stand as a candidate if they so wish.
Partnership with Parents
We provide regular and detailed information to parents which allows them to be well informed of all aspects of school life and its curriculum through our personal learning plans. Parents are given overview plans and curriculum learning outcomes to
enable them to monitor and support their child’s learning A summary of the school improvement plan and standard and quality report showing progress over the previous school session is issued to all parents annually.
Parents contribute to the school by becoming members of the different groups that are formed for the purpose of school development.
The Wider Community We maintain good links with pre-school groups, other primary schools and Earlston High School. Mothers and Toddlers join our nursery in the village hall one afternoon each week to promote a smooth transfer to nursery and build relationships between staff and pre-school pupils and their families.
Our curriculum provides all pupils with an awareness of the community in which they live, the school’s place in the community and their role as a citizen.
The school is fortunate in having the support of the community in many of its activities. Fund-raising events are attended by the majority of local people. Their generosity helps greatly in making fund-raising efforts successful.
School Dress Code In line with Scottish Borders Council Policy, Westruther School has a dress code that all pupils are expected to follow.
Westruther School sweatshirt or sweatcardigan;
Westruther School red polo shirt;
navyskirt/trousers/shorts/culottes/pinafore
(black school trousers may be worn if parents are unable to find navy school trousers locally)
or blue and white school dress (in summer);
navy or black shoes;
plain navy, black or white socks;
for gym: white T-shirt
navy/black shorts (or joggers in winter)
Pupils should wear black gym shoes at all times in the school building and these should also be worn for gym in the village hall. All items should be clearly marked with the pupil’s name.
Westruther School items can be ordered through the school at no extra cost throughout the year. Name tags can also be ordered from the school.
Pupils who forget PE items will be provided with them from school. Parents are asked to wash and return all borrowed clothes.
Behaviour and Discipline At Westruther Primary School the children are encouraged at all times to show consideration and respect for others. Should problems occur they are dealt with at school level but parents will be informed if it is felt necessary.
In a small school such as this, most of our rules relate to safety and everyone’s well-being. Pupils are taught to have respect for each other, for the school and its environment. When general problems occur in the school, the pupils are involved in looking for the solution.
When necessary, individuals will be disciplined by verbal reprimand or the forfeiting of a privilege or break. Similarly, a reward in the form of praise from the staff or a sticker or star may be given for setting a good example to others or for special effort in their work.
Serious problems of any kind will be dealt with after discussion with parents. Incidents of bullying are rare as Westruther is a ‘telling’ school. Pupils are encouraged to report any problems or misdemeanours to any member of staff. Parents are asked to encourage their children to report any serious incidents.
