Induction of New Pupils and Infants Policy

 Introduction

This policy was formulated in response to increasing applications for enrolment into the school.  It also formulates a framework for ease of induction of new pupils/infants into the school system.  The policy was devised by the staff in consultation with parents and Board of Management.

Rationale

This policy is in place so that

a)      Infant children are not traumatised by the transition to ‘big school’

b)      The school is seen as a welcoming and inclusive environment

c)      All new pupils have clearly defined guidelines on school routines

d)      All parents are kept informed of school policy and procedure re: induction

Roles and Responsibilities

This policy is made available to all staff who share in the implementation of the school’s induction policy.  The Principal monitors the whole school implementation of policy

Aims and Objections

• To smooth the integration of new and infant children
• To enable the school provide the most appropriate learner environment through knowledge of the academic and social level the child is at
• To enable optimum inclusiveness

Relationship to school ethos and equality

The idea of inclusiveness is central to the ethos of the school

Scoil Naomh Eoin.  Induction of new and Infant Pupils

Policy Content

Infants

• The school enrolment form is the first step in the induction process.  Parents provide all the relevant information necessary for the school to have appropriate child friendly induction procedures in place.  There is a meeting in May where prospective parents can visit the school and meet the staff.  Parents can ask questions and also get invaluable tips on how to prepare their child for school.  The school holds an open hour in early June when all parents with infants who have satisfied the enrolment criteria visit the school and meet with both the infant teacher and their new classmates.  Parents can become acquainted while the new infants engage in free play with specially selected play equipment and games.
• New parents are furnished with the school’s:
  • Antibullying Policy
  • Healthy Lunch  Policy/Uniform Policy
  • Discipline Policy
  • School Booklet
  • School Fees

Other policies are available on request

• Junior Infants are required to attend for a half day only (12.00 finish) for the first 2 weeks of the new school year.  This greatly assists the smooth integration of infant pupils into the regular school system.
• New parents are requested to furnish transport operators with clear instructions regarding
  • Child’s name
  • Pick up point
  • Drop off point
  • Emergency numbers
  • Senior/ middle classes are encouraged to show kindness and act as mentors to new infant children

 

Scoil Naomh Eoin.  Induction of new and Infant Pupils

 

New Pupils

If space is available new pupils are accepted into classes other than Junior Infants satisfying all other enrolment criteria.  The following simple procedures to aid inclusion are promoted by the school.

• Every class is encouraged to facilitate the integration of new children through kindness, inclusion e.t.c.
• Parents are required to furnish the school with copies of relevant documentation such as school reports from previous schools, psychological reports (if applicable) e.t.c.
• Class appropriate standardisation tests are administered
• Children are assigned to appropriate age-related classes
• All new children are made familiar with the rules of the school
• Every practicable effort is made to facilitate children through the provision of a Language teacher/Resource Teacher
• Home-school links are encouraged and lines of open communication with parents are put in place

 

Success Criteria

a)      Newly inducted children who are happily adjusted and making progress

b)      Parent satisfaction

c)      School yard supervision and in class teacher observation

All stakeholders have a role to play in the implementation of this policy from pupils/parents right up to Board of Management.

This policy has been in operation in the School since September 2007.

Scoil Naomh Eoin.  Induction of new and Infant Pupils

Ratification/Communication

The policy was ratified by the Board of Management in 2007 and communicated to all parents.

Timetable for Review

This policy will be reviewed and if necessary, amended in September 2008.

References

The Essential Parents Guide to Primary school years – Brian Gilsenan

Your Child in the Primary School – I.N.T.O

Your Child’s Learning – D.E.S Primary School Curriculum

Implementation and Review

The policy is currently being implemented and will be reviewed in the light of future enrolment trends.