Headteacher Update

Dear Parents/ Carers

Another busy week has flown by, and it is hard to believe that next week is already the final week of the Spring Term. The children have benefited from a wide range of enriching experiences beyond the classroom, including a visit to Wakehurst Place, a Maths event at De Stafford School, and an exciting cinema trip by bus. These opportunities have greatly supported and enhanced their learning.

It was wonderful to see so many parents engaging with this week’s Parent Consultations, whether in person or via telephone. We hope that you found these discussions both useful and informative.

Staffing Update

We would like to share some staffing updates that will take place after the Easter break. We have waited to communicate these changes to ensure that all necessary processes and checks were completed.

Karen Rose, one of our SENDCos, will be leaving us at the end of term as she begins her retirement. I am sure you will join me in thanking her for her dedication and service to the school over the past two years, and in wishing her all the very best for the future. From Easter, Suzie Whittick will take on the role of full-time SENDCo, working Monday to Thursday.

Our Deputy Headteacher, Sarah Fletcher, will begin her maternity leave at the end of this term. Following Easter, this role will be covered through a job share by Laura White and Jess Cushman both experienced leaders. You will see them at the gate alongside me, so please do take the opportunity to say hello. We wish Mrs Fletcher all the very best for her maternity leave and look forward to sharing her news when we can.

We are pleased to welcome Clare Carpenter, an experienced Nursery teacher, who will be joining our Nursery team and overseeing both Rabbits and Badgers classes.

We are also delighted to welcome Lucy Gurney, an experienced Key Stage 2 teacher, who will be joining us to cover Mrs Whittick's teaching commitments. 

As you may be aware, we have been understaffed in the school office. After Easter, Rachel Baptiste will be joining us ensuring that the office is staffed at all times.

We appreciate that this is a number of changes at once. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, please do not hesitate to come and speak with me.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Denise Coady

Online Safety Update for Parents

Creating Healthy Screen Habits at Home

For primary-aged children, where and when devices are used can make a big difference to their safety, sleep, and wellbeing.

Experts at Internet Matters recommend keeping devices in shared family spaces, like the living room or kitchen, rather than bedrooms.

Why shared spaces matter

Using devices in communal areas means you can:

• Keep an eye on what your child is doing online

• Start conversations about what they’re watching or playing

• Step in quickly if something doesn’t feel right

Supervision is one of the most effective ways to keep children safe online, especially at primary age when they may not recognise risks.

Why bedrooms and bedtime are a problem

Allowing devices in bedrooms or at bedtime can lead to:

• Poor sleep
  Screens (especially before bed) can make it harder for children to fall asleep and disrupt natural sleep cycles.

• Too much screen time
  Without supervision, children may stay on devices longer than intended, reducing time for sleep, play, and family interaction.

• Increased exposure to risks
  Private use makes it easier for children to come across inappropriate content or make mistakes online without support.

Simple steps that work

• Keep devices in shared areas

• Create a “no screens in bedrooms” rule

• Charge devices overnight in a central place (like the kitchen)

• Turn screens off at least an hour before bedtime

These small changes help children build healthy habits, sleep better, and stay safer online.

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.