The DEIS Plan Year 1 2018 2021 A

The DEIS Plan – Year 1 2018 -2021 (A 3 -year action plan starting in September 2018)

1. Departmental Advice – May 2018 – Karina Holton 2. Located – Teachers Server/DEIS 10 -year summary report 2008 -2018

Embedded Practice

7 Areas of Priority 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Literacy Numeracy Attendance Involvement of Parents Involvment of Others Retention Supporting Educational Transitions

Literacy Targets Reading The number of children from 1 st – 6 th class scoring on or below the 12 th percentile in the Drumcondra Reading Test to increase by 1 percentile rank every year for the next 3 years. The number of children from 1 st-6 th class scoring on or below the 12 th percentile in the Drumcondra Reading Test to increase by 2% in positive attitude towards reading based on school survey every year for the next two years. By using running records as an assessment tool, increase the children’s reading level by one stage over three years in our priority literacy group. Oral language Using the New Primary Language Curriculum, to progress the children in our target group for literacy through two milestones over the 3 -year cycle

Literacy Actions Reading Introduce reading stations in all classes from 1 st-6 th class using the support of the SET Team to promote a love of reading, facilitate reading development and fluency, teach word attack skills (Use Picture Clues, Sound Out the Word, Look for Chunks in the Word, Connect to a Word You Know, Reread the Sentence, Keep Reading, Use Prior Knowledge) and develop comprehension skills among the target group. Explicitly teach comprehension skills (analysing, confirming, evaluating, synthesising and prediction) and study skills (skimming, scanning, note-taking and summarising) in all classes from 1 st-6 th class using the support of the SET Team. Encourage a positive attitude towards reading among the target literacy group through termly in-class reading initiatives and the promotion of the use of the class library/school library/mobile library/local library. Using specifically tailored running records the reading level of children in the target literacy group will be assessed using the support of the SET Team. Using these running records the children’s reading is differentiated and children progress through their reading stages at their own pace using the staged reading approach (stages 1 -20).

Literacy Actions Parental Provide a workshop for parents to outline the literacy initiatives within the school and provide support to help parents assist their children with literacy at home. Provide English Language classes for parents to assist them in helping their children in the area of literacy at home. Oral language All classes from JI-6 th class will use the PDST publication Five Components Of Effective Oral Language Instruction. Each class will display speaking and listening charts and the organisation of the teaching of oral language across the school will be outlined in the whole school plan for English.

Numeracy Targets Maths: The number of children from 1 st – 6 th class scoring on or below the 12 th percentile in the Drumcondra Maths Test to increase by 1 percentile every year for 3 years. Mental Maths: To improve the children’s mental maths ability in the targeted numeracy group by 30%

Numeracy Actions Maths All teachers to explicitly teach ten minutes of mental maths strategies (Daily 10) in each year group, as per School Maths Plan e. g. counting on, doubles plus one, making ten, making multiples of ten, factors etc. All teachers to explicitly teach the maths vocabulary of the Primary School Curriculum as outlined in our Maths school plan (Junior Infants – 6 th Class) and in our Ready Set Go Maths plan (Junior & Senior Infants). Provide in class support and withdrawal sessions for the targeted numeracy group using the SET team. Complete a teacher designed test for oral mental maths (formulated using the PSC Maths number strand) to test the targeted numeracy group’s mental maths skills at their own level.

Numeracy Actions Positive attitude towards Maths To explicitly teach exam techniques to all classes from 1 st to 6 th class prior to standardised testing in term 3 JI and SI teachers to use and teach RSGM as an early maths intervention Train a Maths support teacher in Maths Recovery and introduce this in the academic year 20182019 (1 st & 2 nd Class) Incorporate IT into Maths lessons to improve mental maths To hold numeracy meetings with parents to assist them in helping their children with numeracy at home.

Attendance Targets Attendance Improve the attendance in the month of January as part of an attendance drive by 1. 5% over the next three years – from 94% - 95. 5% Punctuality Improve punctuality by 5% over the next three years.

Attendance Actions The HSCL and teachers will promote attendance throughout the year and will run an attendance drive in the month of January. To continue to use the ‘Attendance Support Programme’ Teachers will monitor attendance weekly and contact parents of children who are absent for three days or more in a week HSCL will monitor attendance in conjunction with the attendance policy Termly prizes will continue be given to children who have missed no days in each term. An annual attendance award will be given to children who have missed one day or no days in the school year. Whole Class attendance rewards will be given each term e. g. pizza party / bowling To ensure parents are familiar with the school’s new Attendance Policy-communication through making reference to the policy in written correspondence regarding attendance and punctuality. If parents are planning to take leave of absence (incl. extended holidays) during the school year, they must meet with the HSCL and the class teacher to discuss the Attendance policy and EWS guidelines. The EOP funded after school clubs will be offered to children in our targeted attendance group for free as an incentive to promote attendance. The children who had consistently poor attendance in the academic year of 2017 -2018 and have been referred to the Tusla will now be monitored by the EWS. To continue working with the Educational Welfare Officer, Nyree Fitzpatrick with regard to attendance issues and particular families. The EWS returns will continue to be sent to TUSLA at the end of each ráithe. The school will update the school blog with the school calendar details to ensure parents are aware of school closures. Attendance will be noted on each child’s individual school report and will be graded under the categories of excellent, good, fair and poor. The number of days missed will be recorded on the school report also.

Attendance Actions Punctuality: HSCL will promote punctuality amongst children, parents and staff at the start of the year; at morning assembly in the yard, at staff meetings and at parent’s coffee mornings. Teachers will record incidences of late coming and early leaving on Databiz. Teachers will monitor punctuality daily and contact parents of children who are late for three days in a week. Teachers will inform HSCL Coordinator about children who regularly come to school late. Entrances to the school will be locked at 9 a. m. every morning. Late arrivals to school will have to present themselves at the school office and to fill out their details in the ‘late book’ and children will be issued with a late slip The HSCL will be in the office to meet with late arrivals each morning and monitor late arrives on the DATABIZ system. Parents of children who arrive late regularly will be invited to attend a meeting with the HSCL and class teacher.

Involvement of Parents Targets HSCL organises Adult Education Courses To monitor parental attendance at Adult Education Courses and target appropriate parents for specific courses. Involving parents in their child’s learning To monitor the number of parents who attend support meetings (e. g. restorative practice, numeracy, literacy, mental health, etc. ) over 3 years, starting in 2018 -2019 and maintain a minimum of 20 attendees. HSCL organised volunteer committee To increase the number of parents on the volunteer committee by 5% over the next three years. To increase the number of events that parents can be actively involved in, in the school by three events over the next three years; Book Week, Maths Week & Science Week. To open Garda vetting to all the parent volunteers/Action Team Partnership committee members.

Involvement of Parents Actions Attendance on courses, talks and presentations. HSCL and principal will organise courses for parents and promote attendance The HSCL will contact the parents most suitable for the courses to encourage their attendance and participation The HSCL coordinator will remind parents of upcoming events through use of the HSCL notice board, blog, text messages and letters. HSCL organised volunteer committee Encourage parents throughout the school to volunteer to become active members during school events throughout the year through use of the HSCL notice board, text messages and letters. Seek specific parents to volunteer for coffee mornings in an effort to encourage more reluctant volunteers. At the start of year coffee morning and at coffee mornings throughout the year, HSCL and members of Parents Committee will highlight school events throughout the year and the importance of parent volunteers in the success of these events. They will regularly remind and invite parents to volunteer at upcoming events. Action Team Partnership • To work collaboratively with the ATP Committee to achieve our goals (2018/2019)

Involvement of Parents Actions Involving parents in their child’s learning All parents will be formally invited to attend September classroom meetings by letter and text message and directly by class teachers who will actively inform parents about the importance of the meetings and formally invite them. Parents of target group children for numeracy and literacy be formally invited to attend numeracy and literacy support meetings by letter and text message and directly by support teachers and class teachers who will actively inform parents about the importance of the meetings and formally invite them. All parents of children who are in receipt of Maths and English learning support will have the opportunity to attend a numeracy and literacy workshop detailing how they can help their child at home. The HSCL will record the names of parents and their child’s name who attend these numeracy and literacy workshops. HSCL organised volunteer committee Supply parents with the garda application form and assist with the application process Compile a list of successful garda vetted volunteers Meet with volunteers prior to school events to outline the tasks Parents’ Association Set goals in the areas of: 1. 2. 3. 4. Numeracy Literacy Welcoming School Behaviour

Involvement of Others Targets Wider school community Promote and provide information to 10 families in relation to outside agencies available in Dublin 15 e. g. CAMHS, Pieta House, Psychological Advice Clinic, Corduff primary Care Centre, Roselawn Health Centre, Mountview Family Resource Centre, N. Y. P, Jigsaw, Genesis Psychotherapy and Family Therapy Service Fitness and activity To successfully apply for and be awarded our second Active flag over the next 3 years. Green schools To successfully apply for and be awarded our fourth Green Flag over the next 3 years.

Involvement of Others Actions Wider school community We will continue to update the parent’s notice board in the lobby by displaying useful services and information for parents/children. 1. Fitness and activity Fingal Sports club through Fingal County Council will provide Athletics for 5 th & 6 th Class students and Strength and Conditioning training for 3 rd and 4 th Class children. Westmanstown GAA will provide GAA training from Junior Infants to 2 nd class including Sonas & Bród, our special classes. A selection of children from 3 rd to 6 th class will have an opportunity to take part in the Fingal Athletics League in Porterstown Park and Morton stadium in Santry. This is in conjunction with Fingal County Council. We will continue to strengthen links with Swim Ireland so that pupils will have the opportunity to participate in a 12 -week swimming programme where granted. The school will apply for an Active School’s inspection in 2018 -2019 in an effort to retain and renew our Active School Flag. The school will help create a ‘buzz’ around fitness through the hosting of ‘Active Week’ in Term 3. During this week the Active committee will host assemblies, Drop Everything and Run, Sports awards, active homework and active breaks. We will establish an Active Schools Committee and ask for new staff members to join. New class reps will be elected in each class and will attend regular meetings as part of the Active Schools Committee. We will continue to use ‘Playworks’ as a whole school yard approach to enhance fitness, play and positive behaviour.

Involvement of Others Actions Green Schools We will establish the Green school committee and ask for new staff members to join. New class reps will be elected in each class and will attend regular Green Schools meetings as part of the Green Schools Committee. Regular meetings will be held where the committee discuss what work needs to be done. Green Awards will be given out weekly to promote our school as a green school. We will promote our current codes and we will hold a ‘Green Schools Day of Action’. This will ensure that we retain our current three green flags. The school will continue to work towards getting our fourth Green Flag with the cooperation of all staff and pupils and with the assistance of the Green Schools Committee.

Retention Targets DEIS Priority children To run four free after school clubs for children on the priority DEIS list through the EOP funding. To identify and review educational targets for children in these clubs to aid them in their areas of weakness e. g. handwriting or mental maths. Homeless families • To maintain a database of families who have been made homeless and to assist them in accessing support within the school and in the community

Retention Actions DEIS Priority children Create a ‘Priority DEIS List’ of children who are in need of extra supports. These children will be offered free clubs to help them with their homework and give them opportunity to explore other interests (Dance, Sport, Art, Lego & Drama) Teachers will be approached to run after school clubs and complete reviews of the progress of the children in the DEIS priority group. These teachers will complete termly reviews outlining specific targets to be met by the children with the support of the teacher.

Retention Actions Homeless families HSCL Coordinator will make contact with all agencies related to homelessness and compile a list of contacts and appropriate information and guidance to offer any families who are homeless in our school. The HSCL will remind teachers to be observant and listen to children for any signs that a family may be homeless. The HSCL will meet with families who have been made homeless and offer as much assistance as possible.

Supporting Educational Transitions Actions Transitions from Pre-Schools To increase our enrolment numbers in Junior Infants to 108 students by 2021 Transition to Post-Primary Schools To increase parental attendance at 5 th class Post Primary information meetings by 10%

Supporting Educational Transitions Targets Transition from Pre-School To encourage prospective families to visit the school. To provide information to parents about the school as well as giving them an insight into activities and events their children will participate in during their time in Junior Infants. To strengthen relationships with local Pre-schools. Our first enrolment evening will take place in October, our second enrolment evening will take place in November and the third enrolment evening will take place in February. This will give parents who are interested in attending our school the opportunity to meet with the principal and staff. We will advertise our enrolment evenings in the local newspaper and display a banner welcoming prospective parents to attend these events. The HSCL/ Principal will write to all local preschools in October informing them of our enrolment evening for prospective new pupils. We will send a poster about our school for pre-school staff to display. We will invite all new Junior Infant parents to attend our annual Junior Infant information evening in May.

Supporting Educational Transitions Targets Transition to Post-Primary Schools The Principal, 5 th class teachers, local Post Primary school representatives and HSCL Coordinator will host a meeting for all 5 th Class parents each May to go through the application process for Post Primary places. Parents of children who have not secured a second level place will be contacted by the HSCL and provided with assistance in their application. Phone calls will be made to 6 th Class parents in September 2019 to ascertain whether or not they have completed the application process for Post Primary school and to encourage any parent who has not applied to do so urgently. 6 th Class teachers will meet with year heads/class teachers from local second level schools to ensure 6 th class pupils have a smooth transition into Post Primary school. 6 th Class teachers will teach the ‘NEXT STEPS’ programme every June to prepare children for the transition to second level. Children who are attending LCC will attend an i. Pad course in preparation for the move to secondary school. Education Passports will be prepared for pupils in 6 th Class.