Headteacher Update

As we reach the end of the first half term, it is remarkable how quickly the weeks have passed. This term, we have placed a strong emphasis on the presentation of work in books, and there has been a noticeable improvement. The children should be very proud of their efforts.

This week, we held the Pupil Parliament elections, providing pupils with a valuable opportunity to learn about democracy, one of the British Values we have been exploring in assemblies. The election results will be announced after the half term break.

Following the recent communication regarding parent engagement, I would like to appoint a parent class representative for each class. If you are interested in taking on this role, please let me know.

It was a pleasure to see so many parents at the Harvest Festival and Sharing Afternoon this week.

Miss King is leaving us today to go on Maternity leave; I would like to wish her the best and look forward to hearing about her new arrival. 

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable half term break, and we look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Monday, 3rd November

Denise Coady

SOUTH EAST SURREY DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION

Affiliated to the British Dyslexia Association SESDA Reg. Charity no. 281076

Teachers, Support Staff, Parents

Dyslexia or Something Else?

Exploring how dyslexia is diagnosed and alternative reasons for literacy difficulties

Speaker:   Sarah McCahon

Sarah is a Special Needs Consultant and an Assessor.

Monday 3rd November 2025 at 8pm

                                     Members   £3.00          Non-Members £6.00

Please notify SESDA by email if you are attending this meeting

This meeting will be held in All Saints Church (Not in Canada Hall)

                                          Battlebridge Lane,  Merstham RH1 3LH

Details from SESDA Helpline: 01737 556173

Or email; sesdadyslexia@hotmail.com

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.