Please note that the first day of the September term is Monday, 6th September 2010 at 8.40am.

All new Year 3 children should arrive at 10am.

Thank you.

4 May 2010 Letter from the Surrey Heath Confederation of Schools

re: Year 6 National Assessment Tests (SATs), May 2010

To view the letter, click here -->  SHC_SATS

13 Jan 2010 Letter to parents from Mr. P. Appleyard, Chair of Governors

Dear Parents,

I am writing to you following the difficult start to the year at all schools in our area.

I have spoken to a few parents recently and feel this is an opportune time to describe the process undertaken during any "emergency" at school. In any school, the Headteacher has ultimate authority, but acts in consultation with a number of other people including the Chair of Governors. On several mornings already this year, we have spoken by telephone soon after 5 o’clock.

Our conversations, to determine whether the school should open on a given day, consider:

1. a) The situation on roads close to the school, where most pupils live. To ensure that this is accurate, we also speak to local staff and colleagues from other schools in the immediate area.
2. b) The situation on roads used by staff travelling to school. While some staff live very close to the school, others do travel from further afield. We need to establish how many staff will be able to get to school safely, by the start of the school day.
3. c) Pupil safety. We consider safety within the school, as well as safety on the journey to school.

Last week, no schools in Camberley were open on Wednesday and Thursday. Just one school was able to open on Friday. We put out a call at the weekend and a number of parents responded by volunteering to come to the school and clear pathways around the school, as well as at Crawley Ridge Infant School. We were very grateful to them and delighted to be able to open on Monday.

Unfortunately the weather had another trick up its sleeve and yesterday we awoke to more snow. Well oiled procedures were put into place, with Mrs. Martin talking to staff and neighbouring schools. The decision was taken that the school could open following an outstanding effort by all staff, from Mr. Phillips clearing paths while it was still dark, to teaching staff and assistants who set off from home very early (on foot or by car). Some arrived early enough for the gates to open at the normal time. Others, sadly, spent much of the day in their cars.

When the first children arrived at school, the advice given was that the school was open but not yet fully staffed. It was still snowing at the time and, in the circumstances, some parents took the decision to return home with their children. Remember that we clearly state absences caused by the present weather conditions will be authorised (although please confirm in writing when your child returns to school).

As stated above, we considered that the pavements, while slippery, had not become much less safe than they had been the previous evening. Most Crawley Ridge pupils live less than a mile from their school and so should be able to reach the school on foot under all but the most extreme conditions. Since many children have now been out playing in the snow for a week, they are becoming rather adept at walking on slippery surfaces.

Those children who did attend on Wednesday (nearly 50%) were able to enjoy a full school day, although not following their normal curriculum. I spent several hours at the school and saw children doing art, ICT, PE, music and literacy (story telling). The kitchen staff also made it through the snow and provided hot dinners.

When we closed the school last February, we were taken to task for doing so. This time, I have heard questions about the wisdom of opening on Wednesday. In answer, I would state once again that you must choose whether it is safe for your child to go to school but, where sufficient staff members are available, the school’s first duty is to provide your children with an education, as well as ensuring they are in a safe environment while their parents are at work (or at play). On Wednesday we had sufficient staff to do this.

Every school in Camberley made a Herculean effort to open yesterday, as can be seen by visiting their websites. For example, Prior Heath’s site had almost minute-by-minute updates describing their ultimately futile efforts and the regret on the Ravenscote website was palpable.

I am sure that you would all like to join me in thanking all members of the Crawley Ridge team for their efforts.

I sincerely hope that we do not have any more snow this year, and look forward to sports day being cancelled later this year because of a heat wave.

Sincerely,

Paul Appleyard

Chair of Governors

SWINE flu Update

Surrey is monitoring the current swine flu situation closely and the school is receiving advice from Surrey and from partner Health agencies.

In school we continue to follow good practice for reducing the spread of viral infections.

Your children are already aware of basic hygiene issues and we will be reminding them with posters placed around the school.

CATCH IT: always use a tissue to to catch your cough or sneeze
BIN IT: put your tissue in a bin
KILL IT: wash your hands well and regularly
 
We hope you will reinforce these important messages regularly with your child at home.
 
Please click on the link below for further advice and for a handwashing poster
http://www.surreyhealth.nhs.uk/getting-help/swine-flu