Headteacher Update

Thank you to the parents who attended the recent Parents’ Forum. During the session, I shared the results of the Parent Survey along with our next steps, and it was a valuable opportunity to hear views and have open, face-to-face discussions. I will be sending a written response to the survey to all parents shortly. As attendance at the forum has been quite low, I will be trialling an online meeting during the Summer Term to make it easier for more parents to join. Further details will be shared after Easter.

This week our Pupil Parliament had the exciting opportunity to visit the Palace of Westminster. It was an amazing day and the pupils learnt a great deal about how laws are made. They behaved impeccably and were a real credit to the school. The guides were particularly impressed with their knowledge and confidence when asking and answering questions. Next week, the group will be sharing their experiences with the rest of the school in assembly through a PowerPoint presentation they are currently preparing. I will also share this in next week’s newsletter so you can see highlights from their visit.

This half-term is certainly flying by and continues to be a busy one. Teachers are looking forward to meeting with you at the upcoming parents’ consultation meetings over the next couple of weeks to share your children’s progress.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Denise Coady

You won't know 'til you ask (DSIT)

 The UK government has launched the 'Kids Online Safety' campaign to help parents and carers support their children to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

The campaign brings together practical, trusted guidance on how to start meaningful conversations about online life, understand the types of content children may encounter, and build critical thinking skills so young people can question what they see and make safer choices.

It also offers advice on using tools such as parental controls, recognising potential risks, and knowing where to seek help or report concerns. The overall aim is to make online safety an ongoing, open dialogue within families rather than a one-off conversation, helping children feel supported as they explore apps, games and social media.

You can find the resources here:
https://kidsonlinesafety.campaign.gov.uk/

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.