Carrigboy National School

Enrolment Policy
Carrigboy National School
Reviewed 2021

Introduction
The Board of Management of Carrigboy National School hereby sets out its Enrolment and Admission Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 2018 and the Board trusts that by so doing, parents will be assisted in relation to enrolment matters. The Chairperson of the Board of Management or the Principal Teacher will be happy to clarify any matters arising from this policy.

Decisions in relation to applications for enrolment are made by the Board of Management of the school.

General School Information

Carrigboy National School, Durrus, Bantry, Co. Cork.
Telephone Number - 027 61399

The Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross is the Patron of the school.
At present, the teaching staff is comprised of four classroom teachers, two learning support/resource teachers, one full time
S. N. A and one part time S.N.A. The full range of classes is taught in the school and classes are of mixed gender.
The school depends on the grants and teacher resources provided by the Department of Education and Science and it operates within the regulations laid down, from time to time, by the Department. The school Policy has regard to the resources and funding available.

Class starts at 9.30 a.m. and finishes at 3.10 p.m. Infant Classes finish at 2.10 p.m.

Rationale

This policy aims to ensure that the appropriate procedures are in place to enable the school
" To make decisions on all applications in an open and transparent manner consistent with the Ethos, the mission Statement of the school and legislative requirements
" To make an accurate and appropriate assessment of the capacity of the school to cater for the needs of applicants in the light of the resources available to it and
" To put in place a framework which will ensure effective and productive relations between students, parents and teachers where a student is admitted to the school.

Aims

The school shall have in place appropriate channels of communication and procedures
" To inform parents about the school, it's programmes, activities, and procedures
" To enable applications for admission to the school to be handled in an open, transparent manner
" To put in place criteria under which applications shall be considered
" To ensure that these criteria are informed by our Ethos, our Mission Statement and current legislation
" To specify what information is required by the school at the time of application.

General Information:

" This policy is set out in line with the provisions of the Education Act 1998.
" It is our intention to formulate a policy which is clear and unambiguous and which takes into consideration the particular needs of the school, of the parents and of the pupils attending therein.
" A Catholic ethos permeates all areas of school life and curriculum.
" All children are welcome in our school but in the case of over subscription, priority will be given to:
1. Children with a brother/sister presently in the school.
2. Children resident within parish boundaries.
3. Children of staff members.

Specific Procedures for the Enrolment of children into Junior Classes:

1. Open Day takes place in February - (notification through playschool, church and publicly displayed notice).

2. Parents are invited to attend. A video, entitled: -'Tips for Parents' is available to borrow. Parents will be given an information pack containing everything they wish to know about the school.
3. All parents are required to sign enrolment form - Birth Certificate is required. Name on the Roll Book has to be the same as that on the Birth Cert.

4. All new pupils begin school in September. Pupils must be 4 years of age according to Rule 64(1). (No pupil under the age of 4 and over the age of 16 can be enrolled).

5. Parents enrolling children in Carrigboy National School are expected to abide by the rules, policies and procedures (Code of Behaviour and Discipline). Parents must read, sign and agree to abide by the Code of Behaviour and Discipline.

6. Parents enrolling children will get a written reply confirming enrolment within 21 days of receiving completed applications. The Board may within that time request further information. Application will not be deemed complete until all requested information is received.

7. The Board of Management will try to ensure all possible resources are in place before a pupil enrols, for example; where a pupil has needs that even with additional resources available from the Department of Education, the school cannot meet such needs and/or provide the pupil with the appropriate education or when in the opinion of the Board of Management the pupil poses an unacceptable risk to other pupils, staff and/or school property.

General Procedures:

Parents are responsible for the dropping off and the collection of children. Children should not arrive on the school premises prior to 9.20am. On dropping off children - parents should not drive into the schoolyard. Parents should park along the footpath and not park across the entrance to the schoolyard.

Collection of Infants at home time.

It is expected that parents make arrangements for collection of infants at 2.10pm.
School finishes at 3.10pm for all other pupils.

" While we have an open door policy, if you need to speak to a teacher concerning your child's progress or any other problem you may have, you are required to make an appointment.

" Uniform - all children attending are expected to wear full uniform unless directed otherwise.
The School uniform consists of a
Navy - Pinafore/ Skirt
Pants/ navy denim
(blue denim not acceptable)
Red -t-shirt with collar (sports shirt)
Navy - Jumper or Cardigan
Navy - Socks/tights (girls)

Winter Uniform Policy

Pupils are obliged to bring coats and hats to school every day from November Mid-term Break until the Easter Holidays. This decision was made in the best interests and care of the pupils. Coats and hats will be worn at the discretion of the teachers. Pupils will not be forced to wear coats and hats on warm days. But as weather conditions can change from the time the pupils come into school until break times, teachers will have options and pupils won't be denied the opportunity of going out to play in the yard if they have brought their coats and hats.

" Healthy Lunches - In line with the Department of Health guidelines, regarding "healthy school lunches", the school runs a "healthy lunch policy". This means that fizzy drinks, crisps, sweets and chewing gum should not form part of your child's school lunch.

" Books/ Requisites - all children are expected to arrive at school with all materials/books required.

Relationships & Sexuality Education (R.S.E.)
RSE is a part of an overall ongoing programme of Social, Personal and Health Education. The teaching methods will be child centred and appropriate to the child's age and stage of development. It will extend in scope each year and revise key topics in deeper ways.

The aims of the R.S.E. Programme are as follows:

1. To assist parents/guardians in their role as primary educators so that they may guide their child's development physically, emotionally and socially.
2. To enhance the personal development and self-esteem of the child.
3. To help the child develop healthy friendships and relationships.
4. To promote an understanding of, and a healthy attitude to relationships and sexuality.
5. To promote a knowledge of and a respect for the creation of life.
6. To enable the children to develop healthy attitudes and values towards their sexuality in a moral, spiritual and social framework.

Many aspects of the R.S.E./S.P.H.E. programme are covered through:
" The "Alive O" religion programme, which deals with exploring relationships and moral values.
" The "Stay Safe" programme, which helps the children, learn how to protect themselves from physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
" The "Anti-Bullying" Charter, "Substance Abuse" Programme, "Healthy Eating" guidelines etc. Sixth class experience a course in "Human Biology" which deals with aspects of development including personal growth, relationships and sexuality. A qualified instructor from the Health Service Executive will conduct this session.

" Complete copies of the S.P.H.E/R.S.E. policies are included in the starter pack for all new entrants.

" Exemption from Study of Irish should be in accordance with Department Of Education Circular 12/96.

Administration of medicine in school is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. No responsibility for the administration of medicine will take place until such time as the teachers have received proper training.
(Teachers will not take responsibility for incorrect administration of medical treatment. Teachers sign a disclaimer to this effect).

School has a responsibility to report truancy/attendance to the relevant authorities. The National Education Welfare Board will be informed if any child misses a total of 20 days during the school year.

Parents must inform the school of any legal court orders pertaining to the child.
Parents are encouraged to communicate regularly with school in relation to child's progress / lack of progress etc.

Section 2
Transfer of pupil from another school to Carrigboy National School - All of the above apply.
The principal of Carrigboy N.S. will inform the principal of the former school of the move and of the commencement date of enrolment.
The principal of Carrigboy will seek record of pupil's attendance from principal of former school.
Documentation pertaining to child's educational progress and special educational needs if applicable will be sought from parents.
In the case of a ten year old being enrolled for the first time, parents are expected to account for any education received by the child prior to this interview.
In case of transfers - school requests meeting with both parents and the child.

All transfers must be approved by the Board of Management on a case-by-case basis.

Special Needs

If a child with Special Needs resides within the parish and if it is the wish of the parents that the child be enrolled in Carrigboy N.S.- preparations should be put in place:
1. A member of the Board of Management contacts the parents of the child at least one year prior to 4th birthday.
2. Parents are requested to attend a meeting where they will outline medical, social, emotional and physical difficulties being encountered by the child. Parents will also be asked to identify any human special resources (physical) required by the child and to furnish all medical reports.
3. Parents agree to assessment by an educational psychologist.
4. Based on the information received the school will outline its ability to meet the educational needs of the child. Where extra resources are required, the Department of Education and Science will be notified.
The Board of Management would encourage parents not to enrol their child until the necessary resources are put in place.


Review
Policy to be reviewed yearly by staff and Board of Management to make sure it is up to date with c