Headteacher Update

It has been another busy week at school. Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the Sealife Centre in Brighton earlier this week.

On Monday we held our half-termly Governors’ meeting. The purpose of these meetings is for governors to both support and challenge the leadership team regarding the School Improvement Plan and the progress the school is making.

As some of you know, we are currently unable to use the Lodge due to water damage. I would like to thank parents for their patience while we deal with this issue. The insurance claim is currently being processed, and we hope work will begin soon so that After School Club can use the space again as soon as possible.

Next week we have our parent consultations. Tuesday evening will be for parents who prefer a face-to-face meeting, and Thursday evening will be for telephone appointments. If you have not yet made an appointment, please do so through Arbor.

Have a lovely weekend

Denise Coady

Online Safety Update for Parents

Understanding and Responding to Cyberbullying

The internet is a big part of children’s lives, helping them learn, play and stay in touch with friends. However, like offline spaces, problems can occur online. One issue children may encounter is cyberbullying (online bullying).

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying happens when someone uses technology to hurt, threaten, embarrass or upset another person. This can happen through messaging apps, games, social media or group chats.

Examples include:

• Sending unkind or threatening messages

• Spreading rumours online

• Sharing embarrassing photos or videos

• Leaving negative comments repeatedly

• Excluding someone from online groups or chats

Signs your child may be experiencing cyberbullying

Children do not always tell adults when something upsetting happens online. Possible signs include:

• Becoming upset after using a device

• Avoiding apps, games or online spaces they previously enjoyed

• Appearing anxious, withdrawn or unusually quiet

• Reluctance to go to school or talk about friendships

What to do if your child is being cyberbullied

1. Stay calm and listen
Give your child time to explain what happened. Reassure them that the bullying is not their fault and that they did the right thing by telling you.

2. Encourage them not to respond
Responding can sometimes make the situation worse.

3. Save evidence
Take screenshots or keep messages so the behaviour can be reported.

4. Block and report
Most apps and games have tools to block users and report harmful behaviour.

5. Inform the school if needed
If the bullying involves other pupils or is affecting your child’s wellbeing, the school can support and follow their anti-bullying procedures.

6. Seek further help if needed
If there are threats or your child feels unsafe, further support may be needed.

What to do if your child may be cyberbullying others

It can be upsetting to discover your child may have sent hurtful messages online, but it is important to treat this as a learning opportunity rather than only a punishment.

1. Stay calm and talk with them
Ask them to explain what happened and why. Try to understand the situation before reacting.

2. Help them understand the impact
Children may not realise how serious online messages can be. Talk about how their words might make someone else feel.

3. Encourage them to take responsibility
Where appropriate, encourage your child to apologise and make things right.

4. Set clear expectations
Explain that online behaviour should follow the same rules as offline behaviour: be kind, respectful and responsible.

5. Monitor and guide online behaviour
Support them in making better choices online and remind them that messages, comments and images can stay online and be shared widely.

6. Work with the school if needed
If the incident involves other pupils, the school can help resolve the situation and support all children involved.

Helping prevent cyberbullying

You can help your child stay safe online by:

• Talking regularly about their online experiences

• Encouraging kindness and respect online

• Reminding them to speak to a trusted adult if something worries them

• Learning how to block, report and manage privacy settings on apps and games

Not long to go now ... the Bletchingley Spring Fair is nearly here!

Join us on Saturday 21st March | 10.00 - 3.00 | Village Hall, RH1 4PA for a lovely day celebrating local arts, crafts, food and drink.

Browse unique stalls and support local makers.

Supporting stalls: Homemade cakes and Marmalade – Spring Hamper with a delicious Cream Tea for Two - Guess the Name of the Easter Bunny (soft toy) - Guess the Number of Sweets in the Jar - Luxurious Chocolate Cake plus lots more!

Spring Café will be open throughout the day with refreshments, savoury/sweet treats and light lunches. 

Admission: £1 Adults | Children free entry with accompanying adults.

Bring a friend, spread the word and come along for a cheerful spring day at the Village Hall.

Women in school Afternoon 26^th March

We are looking forward to welcoming female relatives into school for a special sharing and activity afternoon in the classroom.

Adults are welcome to arrive from 1:30pm, please sign in at the school office on arrival and then make your way to the classroom.

Each class will have a set time to visit the hall for tea and cake before returning to the classroom to continue the activities.

If you wish, you are welcome to leave from 2:45pm.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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.