Blackhall Primary School

Blackhall Primary moved to it’s current site in 1979. The school currently has approximately 450 pupils and 50 members of staff.

The main building is designed as a number of flexible spaces in which the needs of a wide curriculum can be easily provided for class, group and individual learning activities. Additional classrooms are located adjacent to the main building, as is our fabulous new Gym Hall.

In addition to our class areas we have a library, a computer suite, a music and drama studio and a multi-purpose hall which serves as a gymnasium, dining room and second Gym Hall.The building is on two levels and has wheelchair ramps and a lift which allow access to all areas of the building.Outdoors, we have developed our grounds to include a wildlife garden, pond, sensory garden, a courtyard, a quiet area, trim tracks, a vegetable plot, fruit trees, a landscaped early years play area and a playing field, including a climbing wall.

The starting point for learning at Blackhall Primary is our positive ethos and climate of respect and trust based upon shared values across our school community, including our parents and families. We are committed to delivering high quality care, where our learning and teaching ensures the best possible school experience for every child at Blackhall. We have created within Blackhall a stimulating learning environment in which children feel included, secure, confident and valued.

Our vision is for all children and young people in Edinburgh to enjoy their childhood and fulfil their potential.

We believe that children and young people do best when:

• They are able to live safely and happily within their own families with the right kind of support as needed
• They attend first class, inclusive schools and early years settings which meet their needs

We will do all we can to strengthen support for families, schools and communities to meet their children's needs.

Our mission is to place children, young people and families at the heart of our service and provide support when it is needed throughout childhood and the transition to adulthood.

All members of staff contribute through open, positive, supportive relationships where children and young people will feel that they are listened to. We promote a climate in which children and young people feel safe and secure. We model behaviour which promotes effective learning and wellbeing within the school community by being sensitive and responsive to each pupil.

Children and young people are encouraged to contribute to the life and work of the school and, from the earliest stages, to exercise their responsibilities as members of our community. This includes opportunities to participate responsibly in decision-making, to contribute as leaders and role models, offer support and service to others and play an active part in putting the values of the school community into practice. We aim to make the school buildings and playground attractive, comfortable, safe and secure and we expect the children to keep it that way.

A well balanced and challenging programme of learning has been planned which takes into account individual needs and ability. These experiences enable each child to develop knowledge and understanding, skills and qualities such as independence, good work habits and consideration for others. We aim that staff shall be given every opportunity and encouragement for their own professional development.

Gaining recognition for their achievements and the skills for life and skills for work that are developed through them, can benefit all of our pupils. It can increase their confidence, raise their aspirations, improve their motivation for learning and keep them engaged in the process of lifelong learning. We celebrate achievement in school regularly and would encourage parents to keep us informed of any accomplishments from their child’s wider life experiences.

Good home-school relations are therefore important for all concerned.We welcome you to our school community and hope that you will take every opportunity to involve yourself in the life of our school and your child’s learning. We aim to continually improve in all that we do.

At Blackhall Primary, we believe in inclusion and that everyone is equal. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn, to try new things, to make mistakes and to be able to learn from them and to be successful. We should be respectful to each other. We should try to keep healthy and fit. Everyone has a voice and our opinions should be respected and heard. We have the right to feel safe at school and should be able to ask for help and know that they will receive it. Bullying, of any kind, is not allowed and will have consequences. We believe in good sportsmanship and being good ambassadors for the school.