Next week’s value is Wisdom

“Happy is the person who finds wisdom.  And happy is the person who gets understanding.  Proverbs 3:13

Dear parents/carers

Who can believe it’s the final week of half term? It feels like only a very brief time since we returned to school after the Easter holiday!

Year 2 children have been busy with their KS1 SATs papers this week and, whilst the papers have yet to be formally marked, the impression is that children have done well. Congratulations to Year 2 children and to their teachers who have prepared them for their tests.

This week has been a busy week for school leaders. Mrs Buckley attended a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Conference, in London, on Tuesday, whilst I updated my Level 3 Advanced Safeguarding Certificate, in Kingston upon Thames. Continuing professional development is important for all our staff and we endeavour to participate in the most current and relevant training, ultimately, to maintain safety, welfare and excellent educational provision for our children.

It is worth reminding parents that, on the issue of safeguarding, Mrs Buckley is the school’s main Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and that I am her Deputy. If any parent has a concern about the safety or welfare of a child or family, please don’t hesitate to approach either Mrs Buckley or myself for a confidential discussion. If you have a concern about the safety of a child or family and prefer to contact Children’s Services direct, you can call the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which responds to initial enquiries about children, young people and adults. The MASH is based at Guildford Police Station and combines Children's Service social workers, Adult's Service social workers, and health and police staff.

Phone: 0300 470 9100      Out of hours phone: 01483 517898 to speak to the emergency duty team.                              

Email: emails are dealt with during normal office hours                                                                       

For concerns for a child or young person: csmash@surreycc.gov.uk                                                                   

Secure email: if you want to report concerns for a child or young person using secure email, contact: csmash@surreycc.gcsx.gov.uk                

For concerns for an adult: ascmash@surreycc.gov.uk

On Wednesday and Thursday, I attended a residential course for Headteachers of all Good Shepherd Trust Schools. There was a great deal of interesting discussion and some effective sharing of ideas, under the chairmanship of the Trust’s new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tony Billings. 

Back in school on Thursday, children were treated to a visit from representatives of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI). Children learned about lifeboats and the procedures deployed to save lives at sea. Children were thrilled to see an actual lifeboat and some took the opportunity to try on the water-proof gear, which would be worn during a sea rescue.

Next week is half term followed by INSET Day on Monday 4^th June. Children should return to school for the second half of the summer term, on Tuesday 5^th June 2018.

Have a brilliant weekend and a safe and happy half term!

Janis Radcliffe

Headteacher