Carrick Knowe Primary School

Carrick Knowe Primary School is situated to the west of Edinburgh. We are a non-denominational school with approximately 380 pupils as well as 120 children enrolled in the nursery.

Carrick Knowe Primary School is a non-denominational school that serves an area in Corstorphine, which is situated in the western suburbs of Edinburgh. The school was opened in December 1954. There is a wide social mix with around 20% of pupils in receipt of free school meals and clothing grants. The school stands in extensive grounds, which include playing fields, allotments, a large poly tunnel all set among established trees and woodland areas.

The leadership team consists of one Head Teacher, one Depute Head Teacher, two Principal Teachers and a Business Manager. There are 15 classes and a support for learning base in the school. Pupil voice and parental engagement in the school is very strong. The school has a very active Parent Council who are involved in all aspects of school life. There is also a very active Parent Teacher Association who raise considerable sums of money for the school. Communication with parents is also very strong and our school website plays a key role in this. The website is updated regularly with latest letters and provides families with regular updates of children's' learning and achievements through class blogs.

Here at Carrick Knowe we are exceptionally proud to have achieved our Bronze and Silver Eco School awards as well as being awarded FOUR GREEN FLAGS! In order for us to have achieved such high recognition we, as a school, have worked very hard. Below are the principles behind Eco-Schools and outline the goals that Carrick Knowe has completed and some that we continue to develop.

The Eco-Schools programme is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. It is a recognised award scheme that accredits schools who make a commitment to continuously improve their environmental performance. The aim of the Eco-Schools programme is to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of the school for both pupils and for staff, and to engage the wider community.

We believe that positive relationships between staff and pupils leads to better behaviour and better learning and so we strive to ensure an ethos whereby everyone in the school community feels valued, included, respected and trusted. Good behaviour is necessary in school to enable us to function smoothly and efficiently. At CKPS we aim to provide a happy, caring, safe, nurturing and secure environment for the pupils in our care and expect pupils, parents and staff to show mutual respect for others and their property. We recognise that positive behaviour is part of the personal and social development of our pupils and is necessary not only for their safety and well-being, but for their learning and attainment too. Positive behaviour contributes to school effectiveness generally and has a positive influence on pupil, teacher and our wider community morale, making the school a happy place to be for all.

We take, wherever possible, a non-punitive approach to resolving issues between pupils, preferring to restore good relationships where there has been conflict or harm. Through our curriculum and through whole school assemblies (including Celebrating Success, Growth Mindset and Resilience), we have a school ethos along with policies and procedures that reduce the possibility of such conflict and harm. By doing so, pupils’ understanding of the consequences of inappropriate behaviour is developed as they come through the school, resulting in fewer incidents. Pupils are listened to and supported to reflect on incidents.