Online Safety Update: Smart Speakers at Home

More families are using smart speakers like Alexa or Google Home. These devices can be fun and useful — answering questions, playing music, and even helping with homework. But like all technology, they come with risks that we need to manage carefully.

Things to be aware of

• Children may come across inappropriate or inaccurate content.

• Some devices allow purchases by voice.

• Smart speakers collect data, so there are privacy and security concerns.

 Talking with your child

Smart speakers can be a great chance to start conversations about safe and sensible use. Try asking:

• “What would you like to use it for?”

• “What would you do if it said something you didn’t like?”

• “How could we check if the information it gives is true?”

Tips for safer use

• Set boundaries: agree together when and how the speaker can be used.

• Check parental controls and turn off voice purchasing if possible.

• Limit linked data: avoid storing payment cards or contacts.

• Keep it in shared spaces, not in bedrooms.

• Update regularly: keep passwords strong and software up to date.

 If something goes wrong

Reassure your child, talk through what happened, and adjust settings if needed. Use these moments as opportunities to learn together.

For more guidance, visit the UK Safer Internet Centre: saferinternet.org.uk

Hello Yellow Day at Bletchingley Village Primary School

On Friday 10th October 2025, Bletchingley Village Primary School will be taking part in YoungMinds’ Hello Yellow campaign to support children and young people’s mental health.

How to Get Involved

• Pupils are invited to wear something yellow to school for the day.
• A small donation can be made in exchange for joining in the fun.
• All money raised will go directly to YoungMinds, helping to provide vital support for young people’s mental health.

Donate Online

If you would like to contribute online, donations can also be made via the school’s fundraising page:
https://fundraise.youngminds.org.uk/fundraisers/sarahfletcher/hello-yellow

Why It Matters

• 1 in 6 young people experience a mental health problem each year.
• By taking part in Hello Yellow, the school community is helping to raise awareness and funds to ensure young people get the support they need.
• Wearing yellow is a simple but powerful way to show that no one is alone with their mental health.

Let’s Brighten Up the Day

Together, let’s fill the school with yellow, raise vital funds, and show support for young people’s mental health.

Wear yellow. Donate. Make a difference.

Penalty Notices to Address Poor Attendance at School

A Penalty Notice may be issued as an alternative to the prosecution of a parent/carer for their child’s unauthorised absence from school (absence without the agreement of the school or not covered by a medical note) and will be used by Surrey County Council in the following circumstances :-

Just to remind parents/carers that if they take their children out of school without authority for 5 or more days (which do not have to be consecutive), then the following will apply:

1.           If you have not incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children in a rolling 3 year period since 19 August 2024, then the penalty notice will be charged at the rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.

 2.           If you have incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children since 19 August 2024, the rolling 3 year period will be activated from the date of the first penalty notice and the second penalty notice will be charged at the flat rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. There will be no reduction for payment within 21 days. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.

 3.           If you have incurred 2 penalty notices relating to this child/children in the rolling 3 year period since the first penalty notice was issued, then you will NOT receive a third penalty notice – Surrey County Council will have no option but to consider a prosecution, per parent/carer per child, in the Magistrates Court under s 444 Education Act 1996.

Surrey County Council is not responsible for authorising pupil absence and therefore cannot withdraw any Penalty Notice requests without the written permission of the Headteacher.