Headteacher Update

Headteacher Update

The children have settled back into their normal learning routines, now all the assessments have finished,  and classrooms have been busy with engaging lessons across the curriculum. Staff are now reviewing assessment outcomes alongside evidence from pupils' work to inform their final teacher assessments, which will be shared with families in the end of year reports.

Next week promises to be an exciting one, with Year 2 visiting Brighton, Year 3 exploring the Horniman Museum and Year 5 taking part in a singing workshop at Merstham Park School. We are grateful to our staff and volunteers who make these enriching opportunities possible.

I would also like to remind families to complete and return the Free School Meals and Pupil Premium forms that have been sent home. Changes to the national eligibility system mean that more families may qualify for support, and accurate information helps ensure the school receives the funding needed to support our pupils. Please note that Surrey's supermarket voucher scheme concluded after the May half-term break, but information about summer support for families can be found below.

Support with food costs for families - Surrey County Council.

Cost of living boost with free bus travel for children and targeted food tariff cuts - GOV.UK. 

Apply for a Surrey LINK bus card - Surrey County Council.

If you need extra support over the Summer with food, please contact Nicola Brown, before the end of term on n.brown@bletchingleytlt.co.uk

As the weather becomes warmer, please ensure your child comes to school with a named water bottle, a sun hat and sunscreen already applied. 

We were very grateful to receive a donation of glue sticks from one of our parents this week. As many of you will be aware, school budgets continue to be under increasing pressure, particularly towards the end of the academic year. Donations of basic classroom resources such as these are always greatly appreciated.

May I also remind parents and carers that bicycles and scooters should not be ridden on the school playground or along the paths within the school grounds. We have had a couple of incidents this week where children have been unable to stop safely while travelling down the hill, which poses a risk to both them and others using the pathways. We would appreciate your support in reinforcing this message with your children to help keep everyone safe at the beginning and end of the school day.

Finally, there is currently a significant amount of lost property in the school foyer. Items will be displayed in the playground next week for collection before any unclaimed belongings are recycled or added to our pre-loved uniform stock. Naming all items of clothing and equipment is one of the simplest ways to help us return lost items to their owners.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Denise Coady

Safeguarding and Online Safety

Top Sun Safety Tips for Children

• Avoid peak hours: Keep children out of direct sunlight between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, when UV rays are at their strongest. 
• Protect babies: Babies under 6 months old should be kept completely out of direct sunlight. 
• Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or after swimming/sweating). 
• Cover up: Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. 
• Hats and sunglasses: Provide a wide-brimmed sun hat to protect their face, ears, and neck, and use sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection for their eyes. 
• Hydration: Ensure they drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and sunstroke. 

 

Well Done to Our
STARS OF THE WEEK!

Reception – Emily

Y1- Nathaniel 

Y2- Neve

Y3 – Evie

Y4- Caleb

Y5- John

Y6- Xander

Hedgehogs - Charlie

 

Congratulations to those children who have been role modelling our school values this week and received a values leaf!

Caring

Year 1- Kyla

 Year 2 - Ralph

Year 3- Roman

Year 4 - Aya

Year 5- John

Year 6  - Cemre

Hedgehogs- Lily-Rose

 

                                                                 Respect

Year 1 -  Allegra

Year 2 - Arlo

Year 3 - Tommy

Year 4- Caleb

Year 5 - Abby

Year 6  - Grace  

Hedgehogs- Henry

  

Self Discipline

Year 1 - Rosa

Year 2 – Mason

Year 3 - Jack

Year 4 - Cara

Year 5 - Hugo

 Year 6 - Trixie

Hedgehogs- Walter

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.