Latest News

Swimming is back on this week

Wed 13 Sep 2023

Dear Parent/Carer,

Fabulous news, the swimming pool is up and running and ready to use as of this week.

This is a reminder of your child's swimming day...

Thursdays are Yr 1, Yr 2, Yr 3, Yr 5

Fridays are Reception, Yr 4 and Yr 6

Swimming will continue weather permitting hopefully until the end of November 2023.

Best wishes

The office team

Parent Governor Vacancy

Tue 12 Sep 2023

GOVERNING BODY PARENT ELECTIONS

Wednesday 14^th June 2023

Dear Parents/Carers

The constitution of our Governing Body means it is made up of 8 different members:

2x staff, including me as Headteacher, 1 Staff member, 3 Parent members, 1 Local Authority member and 2 Co-opted community members (1 vacancy).

Due to one of the current parent governors changing category there is a vacancy for a parent governor. We always want the governing body to be fully representative of our diverse community, currently we have 1 male and 6 females, one representative from our French community and 6 from the British communities; it would be wonderful to have more males and representatives of our other nationalities.

Parents are invited to submit nominations using the enclosed nomination forms. Each person must be proposed and seconded by another parent. If you wish to stand as a candidate for this position, please complete and return the following by email or in person, in a sealed envelope to the school office (marked “Parent Governor Nomination Form”) to arrive no later than noon on Friday 5^th October 2018. No nomination will be accepted after that date/time.

This should include:

1. A completed Nomination Form (collect from the office)

2. A small photograph of yourself;

3. A short statement about yourself, not more than 100 words (including reasons why you wish to become a school governor and how you can contribute to the work of the governing body).

If we received one nomination the person will be appointed without a ballot. If the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies, parents/carers will be informed that a secret ballot will be held.

The timetable for the election is set out below.

Wednesday 14^th June 2023 Parent letter with nomination forms sent out.

Wednesday 28^th June 2023 Last day/time for returning nominations

In the event of the number of nominations exceeding the number of vacancies:

Thursday 29^th June 2023 Ballot paper sent to parents

Thursday 13^th July 2023 Return and count of ballot papers.

Nominations must be submitted to Mrs Curtis by 12 noon Wednesday 28^th June 2023. There isfurther information about the role and responsibilities and the support provided in the role below. If you require any further details please contact the office or book an appointment with me,

It is important that you understand the responsibilities of a governing body; each member is a part of it but does not act alone. The governing body is the strategic leader of the school and has a vital role to play in making sure every child receives the best possible education, with three core strategic functions:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff;
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

These functions are reflected in regulations that came into force in September 2013 and in the criteria Ofsted inspectors use to judge the effectiveness of governance in schools.

Some of the key activities of the governing body are to:

· Understand the school – pupil attainment and progress; pupil behaviour, attendance and safety and teaching quality and staff development

· Set the school’s strategic direction – the vision, ethos and values; set priorities for school improvement and consider governance structure

· Commission action – agree improvement targets and strategies; agree allocation of resources and agree how to monitor and review progress

· Performance manage school leaders – appoint Headteacher and support their leadership; hold school leaders to account for progress and ensure financial probity and efficiency

· Ensure governing body is fit for purpose – clarify role and purpose; review constitution and ways of working and ensure members have the necessary skills

Any parent/carer considering standing should be a parent, or carer, of a registered pupil at the school at the time of election and will agree to DBS checks as required and you will have:

· an interest in all the children’s futures

· a desire to make a difference

· a willingness to accept responsibility

· an ability to work in a team, ask questions, listen and learn

As a parent governor you hold the unique position of having a parental viewpoint. Through the children you will have first hand experience of the curriculum and how the school is perceived. You will be able to bring this perspective to the strategic management of the school. As a parent governor you do not have to vote in a particular way because you have been pressed to do so by parents. Objectivity, however, is essential. You are not there to promote the interests of your own children but all children. Parent governors are elected by other parents and it is important to establish a rapport with the parental body that elected you, whilst continuing to maintain a strategic approach to school governance.

You are disqualified from being elected or appointed as a parent governor if you are an elected member of the local authority or are paid to work at the school for more than 500 hours in any twelve consecutive months.

As an effective parent governor you:

· help to decide the priorities for improving the school

· make yourself available to parents and listen to other parents’ opinions and take account of them as you contribute to governors’ decisions

· work in partnership with the Headteacher, senior leadership team and cooperatively with other governors to raise standards and improve outcomes for all children

· prepare for meetings by reading papers beforehand

· take responsibility for your own learning and development as a governor including attending training

· attend full governing body and relevant committee meetings promptly, regularly, and for the full time

· read briefings and newsletters for governors; present a balanced view of issues representing different sections of the community

· promote the interests of the school in the wider community

· be loyal to the decisions made by the governing body

· respect the confidentiality of governing body affairs

· never promise to ‘solve a problem’ on your own

· never press your own child’s case at the expense of others

· declare an interest and withdraw from any meeting where you, a partner or close relative or associate stands to gain, or where you are so close to a matter discussed it is difficult to be impartial

· have regard to the broader responsibilities as a governor of a public institution in regard to promoting accountability for the actions and performance of the governing body

All governors receive support and training from the Local Authority and in the school.

Nominations must be submitted to Mrs Curtis by 12 noon Wednesday 28^th June 2023.

Yours sincerely

Mrs M Curtis

Hometimes

Tue 12 Sep 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,
There have been a number of unwelcomed comments to staff re classes coming out late which in fact are not late.

Reception to Year 2 finish their learning day at 3.15pm, that is when they leave the classroom and staff begin dismissing the children - they will not be on the playground dead on 3.15pm, it is at least a 5 minute process.

Years 3 to 6 finish their learning day at 3.20pm, that is when they leave the classroom and staff begin dismissing the children - they will not be on the playground dead on 3. 20pm, it is at least a 5 minute process.

As you know children take time to gather things and get to places so please be considerate of this, staff can only go as fast as the children go.
Kind regards,
Mrs Curtis

Burrowing Bees

Mon 11 Sep 2023

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please be aware the burrowing bees are back. They are located across the length of the grass on the front playground. The area has been cordoned off so please ensure you keep your child/children away from this area.

KS2 Autumn/Winter Sports Clubs

Mon 11 Sep 2023

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are pleased to announce that trials for our Autumn/Winter Sports Clubs will begin the week commencing Monday 18^th September. Please find below a timetable of when these trials will take place. There will be opportunities for children to represent Ash Grange in District competitions in these sports, should they be selected for fixtures.

Day	Sports Club	Time
Monday 18^th September	Y3-6 Football	3:20 - 4:15pm
Tuesday 19^th September	Year 3-6 Netball Year 3-6 Athletics and Cross Country	3:20 - 4:15pm 3:20 - 4:15pm
Wednesday 20^th September	No clubs
Thursday 21^st September	Year 5-6 Gymnastics	3:20 - 4:15pm
Friday 22^nd September	No clubs

Please take note of the following key information before trials take place:

Children do not need to 'sign-up' to attend a trial. They will need to bring their PE kit, water bottle, and suitable footwear to school with them on the day of the trial. Please meet Mr. Barnett in the Hall after you have changed into your PE kit.
All clubs are open to both boys and girls.
Children can attend a maximum of 2 trials / clubs.
Children and parents will be informed of the results of the trial the following day.
The trial will take place on the same day and time that the club will run each week. Please ensure that your child is able to commit to this date and time every week before trying out for the club. Failure to attend training sessions may result in your child being removed from the club.
For all afternoon trials, parents should collect children from the main school entrance at 4:15pm.
These clubs will run until February half-term. From February half-term onwards, there will be the opportunity to sign up for Y3-4 Gymnastics, Y3-6 Rounders, and Y3-6 Athletics.

Thank you in advance for your support with this. If you have any questions, please email peteacher@ash-grange.surrey.sch.uk

Kind regards,

Mr. Andrew Barnett

Physical Education Teacher

Year 1 Topic

Mon 11 Sep 2023

Dear Parent/Carer,

As part of the Year 1 topic, Enchanted Woodland, we are going to visit a woodland area in Ash ranges on Wednesday 13th September. We will be learning about the different types of trees and plants that grow, making some rubbings from tree bark and learning about the physical and human geographical features of Ash.

Please can your child wear comfortable trainers and ensure that they bring a sun and a water bottle. Please can you also put sun cream on them before school.

We will be taking our school snack and water bottle with us and will be back in time for lunch.

Many thanks,

Mrs Price

Year 1 Classteacher

Macmilan Fundraiser

Mon 11 Sep 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,
A huge thank you to everyone who bought lollies and kindly donated to the Macmillan Mighty Hike fund; we raised a whopping £2,228 and were the highest fundraisers in our group. We did it yesterday and what a wonderful day we had for it, the weather was perfect and we all completed it together. There is a before and after photo for you to enjoy!
Thanks again from us all,
Mrs Curtis and the gang of mad ones

Covid Policy

Fri 08 Sep 2023

Covid

If your child has a case of Covid our policy is that they are off school for a minimum of 3 days or longer if the child is still suffering the symptoms. Current cases are taking 7 days to run their course.

Newsletter

Fri 08 Sep 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

Happy end of first week at Nursery and School. It has been a wonderful week the children have settled into their new classes so well and are thoroughly loving all the new learning. The new routines and locations have been mastered, including the children playing in Key Stage groups at breaktimes and lunchtime. So Y1 and 2 play together with Reception joining in over the coming weeks. Years 3 to 6 play together. The children play in 2 big areas: Zone 1 - Front Playground and Climbing Frame, Zone 2 – Pitch, trim Trail, Funzone Playground and Covered Way. The Key stages rotate areas each week, staff move with the children so there is always a familiar face near by. For new parents please note that you need to stay on the top playground not moving to the collection areas for classes until the gates open at 3.10pm each day, so that the classes can continue lessons. Also children are not allowed to play on the equipment before or after school, it is for in school time only.

At the start of the year we review a number of documents and policies and share these with you through the website.

Our Home/School Agreement has been reviewed and updated with all we agree to do at school and what you agree to do as a member of our school community. Use this link to read the document.
Funzone Terms and Conditions – all families using this facility must sign the Terms and Conditions. The new access code for the pedestrian will be published to those who have signed the conditions on Thursday 14^th September.

Year 6

This class only have the privilege of walking home, children believed they needed a phone in order to do so, this is not accurate.

The children were given their monitor badges today for their special responsibilities this term. These need to be ironed or sewn on to the top of the left sleeve of their jumper or cardigan in the style of cubs/brownies.

Earrings

A number of children have had their ears pierced over the holidays. Once they have passed the initial 6 week period when they need to keep the same earrings in, their earring choice must be in line with the school policy, This is a simple stud which is smooth and has no catch points around the edge, hoops and dangly earrings are not permitted for safety reasons.

Gardening

Our gardening club started today. Children from Years 1 to 6 come at lunchtime to join the Head Gardeners in the gardens. Today was Harvesting Day and there are some lovely images attached for you to see. The club runs every Friday.

Clubs

Mr Barnett is writing today to let you know about the club offer for the first half of the year. Key Stage 2 children can select 2 clubs, they may want to come to all the trials to see which club they like the most. Trials happen the week beginning 18^th September.

In addition to this there will be some lunchtime clubs for Sports and Choir that all ages can enjoy.

Homework

This is being set today and all classes from Y1 to 6 have homework to complete over the week. If you have any difficulties accessing the sites please some to office and they will support you to access them. Project homework has one piece for the half term. The class page on the website has lots of information too.

Covid

There is a new strain and we have had some poorly people this week. If your child has a case of Covid our policy is that they are off school for 3 days until the symptoms have passed and they are well enough to return. Current cases are taking 7 days to run their course.

Hidden Treasures

Guildford Heritage Open Days – Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September across Guildford

There are over 50 interesting, historical and beautiful venues open this weekend for free across Guildford. For details, please visit Guildford Heritage Open Days 2023 - Heritage & History in Guildford and surrounding villages, Guildford - Visit Surrey and download the Hidden Treasures leaflet.

Saturday only, Guildford Town Centre – the Story of Guildford Trail

Have fun on the trail and enjoy finding out about our town’s history!

Learn about Guildford’s fascinating history and collect stickers along the way as part of our Heritage Open Days event.

Stickers can be collected from venues marked on the map with a red dot on Saturday 9 September. Each venue is open from 11am until 4pm, with some opening slightly earlier or later.

The Family Trail Sticker books are available to pick up from Guildford Tourist Information Centre.

Bridge Building

As many of you know Guildford Borough Council are commencing bridge works for the Ash station. There are 2 events which you can attend on Thursday 21^st September 3-8pm and Friday 22 September 3-8pm to find out more information. The location is the Small Hall at the Ash Centre, Ash Hill Road, GU12 5DP. For up to date information go to: www.guildford.gov.uk/ashroadbridge

The calendar is all on the website so you can see what is happening when. An additional email about music opportunities also came out this week,

Kind regards

Mrs Curtis

Headteacher

Music Opportunities

Thu 07 Sep 2023 Mrs Curtis

Dear Parents/Carers,
Musical Opportunities at Ash Grange - We have a wide range of musical experiences for the children to enjoy and through which they develop their musical skills over their years at Ash Grange.

Lessons with their Class Teacher enables them to sing, compose, perform using the extensive collection of instruments we have in our dedicated music room.

Assemblies have a singing element every week so the children memorise songs and sing for pleasure. Every fortnight the children have pieces of music to appreciate, to build their understanding of genres and learn about different styles of music.

Surrey Arts provide our individual music lessons and ensembles:

Surrey Arts: The start of a musical journey

Everyday we hear music through our phones, or on radio, television, film, social media, advertising or gaming. Apart from the many benefits of learning to play an instrument - such as having a positive effect on all aspects of a child’s learning - it can create amazing opportunities and be an exciting journey leading to a variety of careers. Inspiration to learn can come from hearing a piece of music, seeing someone perform or even finding an instrument in a school cupboard.

Surrey Arts have helped to start the journeys of thousands of young people for over 50 years and teach in schools and music centres across the county. We help young people to develop their playing skills, express themselves and create music.

We are passionate about ensuring all young people can benefit from learning to play an instrument, so we provide a range of support such as;

Enabling families to pay for lessons and activities in instalments to spread the cost
Providing concessions available for families on low incomes, Looked After Children and Surrey Young Carers to help support costs.
Link with a number of local charitable trusts which offer financial support to encourage young people to learn music.
Providing low cost instrument hire, and free hire to those on a concession.

In addition to lessons, there are also other opportunities to play and develop skills in one of Surrey Arts’ 40 ensembles which cater for all different abilities and instruments all over the county.

In a recent survey comments from customers were very complimentary about the quality of service Surrey Arts provides:

‘The teachers are really enthusiastic, patient and friendly and obviously inspired by sharing their musical skills with others. My son looks forward to his lessons every week. Thank you!’

· ‘Lessons are fun, inspiring, varied, encompass a wide range of music, are well organised & carefully structured, are tailored to each child’s ability and interest.’

· ‘Amazing teacher - really well organised and wonderful service.’

Children have the opportunity to sign up for brass (trumpet, trombone and French horn), wind (flute, clarinet and saxophone), drums and guitar with Surrey Arts. These lessons will take place within the school day and there is also the facility to loan instruments from Surrey Arts to enable children to practise their new skills at home.

Year 3 Enrichment

When children are in Year 3 they participate in a Tune Up programme, a chance to really master musical instruments, composing and performing. This is a weekly lesson for 10 weeks of each term with a specialist teacher from Surrey Arts that the school provides. Lessons begin this year at the end of September.

Choir

This is a weekly club that all can join from Year 2 upwards, we learn songs to perform to the school and local community. We run a school choir every year in preparation for Christmas events, but this year we will be running it throughout the autumn term so we can widen our repertoire and share more of the children’s talents. The weekly club will run on at lunchtime and the children will be told all about it next week.

Workshops

We organise experts to come and share their music with the children in assemblies and in workshops linked to projects, last year we had Rock Bands and Drumming workshops that we all enjoyed.

If you know of any musical groups, or are part of any musical groups or play a musical instrument and would be willing to come and share this experience with the children, please let me know.

Our Music Leader this year is Miss Cherrington, with my support in the autumn term as she settles into Ash Grange. Please ask us If you have any music questions.

Kindest regards,

Mrs Curtis

Headteacher

There are over 50 interesting, historical and beautiful venues open this weekend for free across Guildford. For details, please visit Guildford Heritage Open Days 2023 - Heritage & History in Guildford and surrounding villages, Guildford - Visit Surrey and download the Hidden Treasures leaflet.

Saturday only, Guildford Town Centre – the Story of Guildford Trail

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