Newsletter

Meet our Governors

Chair: Mr Mark Reynolds

I joined the Ash Grange Governing Board in 2018 (where does the time go!) when my daughters were in Key Stage 1. I was motivated by a desire to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and excel during their time at Ash Grange.

Our governing body is made up of members from all walks of life, each bringing unique perspectives and skills. Together, we work to provide every child with engaging and meaningful educational opportunities while fostering their well-being and happiness. The board consists of current and former parents, the Headteacher, a staff governor, and governors from our local community.

I am the current Chair of Governors, a role I have held since September 2025, and it is a privilege to work with the school as it continues to evolve and offer the best learning experiences, supporting children in reaching their full potential.

One of my other key responsibilities is serving as the Safeguarding Link Governor. This allows me to work closely with the Headteacher and safeguarding leads to ensure that robust systems are in place, that statutory duties are met, and that the welfare of every child remains at the heart of our decision‑making. 

Keep Britain Tidy

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our Keep Britain Tidy – Spring Clean! We pledged to collect 20 bags, and your dedication and commitment to keeping our community clean and green have made a real difference.

Every single bag collected has helped improve our local area, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. We’d also like to say a special thank you to everyone who donated, helping us raise a fantastic £249.50. Your generosity will go a long way in supporting our ongoing efforts to care for the environment.

Let’s continue working together to keep our surroundings tidy and beautiful all year round! If you’d still like to do your part, you can borrow litter pickers. Just let the office know.

Attendance

We would like to remind you that a Leave of Absence Form must be completed online or in the office for all medical and dental appointments. For any other circumstances, please complete the form at least two weeks before the requested date. Additionally, please provide evidence to support your request. Forms should be submitted in advance, not on the day of the appointment.

Where possible, we kindly ask that appointments be scheduled outside of school hours to minimize disruption to learning.

Please refer to our Attendance Guide for Parents on our website under 'Attendance 2025-26'. This is a termly reminder to ensure all parents/carers have the most up-to-date attendance information.

Attendance Information:

If you take your child out of school without the approval of the school, you will be liable to receive a penalty notice per parent/carer and the following will apply:

1. If you have not incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/these children 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/ these 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/ these 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.

All guidance explained here refers to the School’s Attendance Policy on our website, which was developed in response to UK Government Law and the statutory attendance guidance — Working together to improve school attendance—from August 2024.

March Attendance

Despite March bringing a mix of changeable spring weather, our children have continued to show fantastic commitment by coming into school each day ready to learn. We are incredibly proud of their positive attitudes and resilience, and we’re pleased to share this month’s attendance results:

• Reception H: 90.92% average attendance, 17 children with 100% attendance
• Reception M: 93.13% average attendance, 14 children with 100% attendance
• Year 1: 94.58% average attendance, 17 children with 100% attendance
• Year 2: 95.50% average attendance, 20 children with 100% attendance
• Year 3: 94.00% average attendance, 19 children with 100% attendance
• Year 4: 94.83% average attendance, 18 children with 100% attendance
• Year 5: 95.48% average attendance, 18 children with 100% attendance
• Year 6: 91.92% average attendance, 18 children with 100% attendance

To celebrate excellent attendance in March, all children who achieved 100% attendance will receive a certificate. They will also be invited to choose a special reward: either a free snack from the snack bar or an item from the prize box, such as a ruler, rubber, or small accessory, as a token of our appreciation.

A huge well done to everyone for their continued enthusiasm, determination, and positivity. We encourage pupils to keep up these fantastic habits and aim for even more great attendance. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Recycling at Ash Grange

We are collecting hard to recycle items to help save our planet!

At Ash Grange, we collect milk bottle lids, biscuit wrappers, cheese wrappers, used stamps, old coins and bras. The bras will be sent to girls and women in Africa.

If you have any of these items and want to recycle them, there is a collection point in the Eco Shop at the entrance of the school. You can leave these in the appropriate drawer in the Eco shop, and we will recycle them!

Additionally, you can bring clothing for recycling to the office any time!

Thank you for helping us make the world greener and support communities!

Textile Recycling

A reminder that the collection bank is available all year round. You can donate clothing (including branded uniform), pairs of shoes, accessories, soft toys, and sheets at any time. Items can be dropped at the office or, for larger amounts, you can arrange access to drive down and unload.

All donations are reused or recycled, helping reduce textile waste while supporting our school.

What can be donated:

• Clothing (including branded uniform)
• Pairs of shoes
• Accessories (hats, scarves, gloves, handbags, belts, etc.)
• Soft toys

Donations can be placed in any plastic bag.