At Lochgoilhead Primary School and ELC Unit we recognise the vital role of all parents and carers who are involved in raising children of all ages and stages. Through their role as carer, role model and teacher, parents are the greatest influence on a child’s life. At Lochgoilhead Primary School and ELC Unit we promote family engagement. Building positive partnerships between families, our ELC setting, school and community improves our children’s education and helps parents to learn the skills to support their children.
We aim to:
- Work together on issues we all think are important;
- Respect and value each person’s contribution, welcoming and encouraging people who may have less experience or confidence;
- See positive results for children and families;
- Involve the community of Lochgoilhead, working with people outwith the school to contribute knowledge, skills and experience.
- Regularly self-evaluate to consider what is going well and what barriers we need to address to engage families.
We communicate important information by phone, letter or email. We have an official school Facebook page with regular updates about school events.
Homework
Homework is given from Primary 1 onwards. In P1-P3 daily reading is expected, plus one piece of numeracy homework per week. Parents are asked to sign their reading diary after listening to their child’s reading and give encouragement with the numeracy. In P4-P7, one piece of literacy and one piece of numeracy homework is usually given. Children in the upper stages of primary are expected to develop independent learning skills, but parents can still support their child by checking that homework has been completed to a high standard. A weekly homework club gives children further opportunities to complete their work on time.
The school values the important part that parents/carers play in their children’s education and sees partnership with parents/carers as an effective way of enhancing children’s achievements and promoting better school ethos and communication.
Opportunities for parental involvement
Examples of opportunities for parental involvement are as follows:
- Coming along to Stay and Play sessions in the ELC Unit
- Sharing knowledge and expertise in some aspect of the curriculum (e.g. topic talk, history, science, health)
- Sharing knowledge of practical activities in science, maths, social subjects, health education (e.g. first aid) or technology
- Accompanying a class on educational visits/trips
- School concerts – making costumes, props, supervision of children
- Road safety – Cycle Training
- Joining in Family Engagement workshops run by the school
- Running an after-school club
- Helping to maintain the garden and school grounds
If you wish to be a regular parent helper, PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks must be completed. Please discuss this with the Head Teacher.