Freddie the Fish: A Splash of Learning About Water Pollution

This week Swallows explored an engaging and eye-opening activity called Freddie the Fish. Through storytelling and hands-on learning, the children discovered how everyday actions can impact our rivers, lakes, and oceans.

In the story, Freddie starts off swimming happily in a clean, clear environment. However, as different substances are gradually added to his water - representing pollution from homes, farms, and industries - his habitat becomes murky and unsafe. This simple but powerful demonstration helped the children clearly “see” how pollution builds up and affects aquatic life.

The activity sparked thoughtful discussions in class. Swallows were surprised to learn that common actions like washing chemicals down the drain, littering, or using too much fertilizer, can eventually make their way into waterways. More importantly, they began to think about solutions. Rather than just saying “don’t pollute,” we brainstormed practical ways to reduce harm, such as:

• Using eco-friendly products at home
• Picking up litter in their community
• Conserving water wherever possible
• Being mindful of what goes down sinks and drains

Together, small changes in our daily habits can make a big difference in protecting our environment for Freddie and all living creatures.

Staff News

At the end of this academic year, our Inclusion Manager and SENDCo, Mrs Ireland, will be leaving us as she takes early retirement. Mrs Ireland has been an incredibly valued member of our team, bringing expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment to our children and families at Grayswood. We will miss her greatly, and we know many of you will join us in thanking her for all she has given to our school.

We are pleased to share that following a successful recruitment process, Mrs Chambers will be joining us in September as our new Inclusion Manger and SENDCo, and we look forward to welcoming her into the Grayswood School community.

Could You Be Our Next Parent Governor?

Grayswood CE Primary School is looking for a new Parent Governor. A background in finance would be a huge bonus, but not essential. If you would like to join us and become more involved in the future of our school, please contact adminoffice@grayswood.surrey.sch.uk

How and why visual supports are used in our classrooms

For many pupils, spoken instructions move quickly and then vanish. Visual supports provide a permanent reference that stays still, allowing children the extra processing time they need to understand what is happening now and what will happen next.

Why Visuals Work

Visual aids translate abstract concepts like "time" or "routine" into concrete, predictable images. They reduce the "auditory clutter" that can overwhelm many pupils, particularly those with neurodiverse needs like Autism or ADHD, helping them feel safe and regulated enough to focus.  Visual aids are essential for some, but helpful for all.

How We Use Visuals for Daily Transitions

Visuals provide an invaluable tool for supporting learning.  Some examples include:

• Illustrated vocabulary lists; 
• Photographs of activities that the pupils have taken part in, to aid recall;
• Pictures to support emotional regulation such as deep breathing;
• They can be used to demonstrate good examples, and to aid in the organisation of information.

Stars of the Week

17th April: Tobias B, Ella, whole of Swifts class

24th April: Rayna, Thea, Mila T, Grace S, Fergus, Penny, Nina, Henry, Joy, Hugh S, Nancy G, Eden N, Holly, Toby S, Felix

School Value Awards

17th April: Olive KB, Rose B, whole of Kingfisher class, Theo, Lucy

24th April: Velvet, Audrey F

Just to remind parents/carers of our attendance policy. If you take your child/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.