Are you entitled to Free School Meals and additional funding for the school?

Recent changes to FSM eligibility criteria mean that some families who were previously not eligible may now be entitled to receive free school meals for their child(ren). In addition, registering for FSM helps the school receive additional government funding (Pupil Premium), which is used to provide extra support, resources, and opportunities for all our pupils.

Why apply?
Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives universal free meals, it is still very important that you register if you meet the criteria. Doing so ensures the school receives the funding it is entitled to, benefiting your child and the wider school community.

How to apply:
Applications are quick and straightforward via the online form. Please use the following link:

Registration For Free School Meal Eligibility – Fill in form

You will need your National Insurance number. The process is confidential and handled securely.

Who may be eligible?
Families in receipt of certain benefits such as:

• Universal Credit
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• the guarantee element of Pension Credit

If you are unsure whether you qualify, we strongly encourage you to apply anyway or contact the school office for guidance—we are happy to help.

The Big Future is asking children and young people about their lives, their experiences and their hopes for the future. The Children’s Commissioner will be using what they say to build a national picture of what matters to children today and to ensure their views are heard by Government.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and can be accessed here: The Big Future

This includes:

• Identifying barriers to learning
• Coordinating additional support for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
• Working closely with teachers to ensure all children can access learning and make progress
• Supporting pupils' wellbeing
• Working with families and coordinating support from external agencies when needed

Our aim is ensure that every child feels valued, included and supported to achieve their full potential. 

If you have any concerns about your child's learning, wellbeing or potential additional needs, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance.

(Mrs. Chambers' working days are Wednesdays and Thursdays.)

Areas of support include:

• Parents having difficulty managing their child’s behaviour
• Families where children are not attending school regularly
• Families who are dealing with change such as parental separation or bereavement or other complex issues
• Pupils who help to care for a parent or sibling at home
• Pupils for whom issues at home are impacting emotional well-being.
• Support for families experiencing financial pressure e.g referral to food banks etc
• Providing referrals to agencies that offer support in areas such as chronic illness, domestic violence, alcohol and drug addictions, housing, social care, benefits systems and deb
• Parenting support - advice and a listening ear when needed

Working directly with pupils and their families.

Please contact: Sarah De Marcos at:  hslw@grayswood.surrey.sch.uk

Sarah De Marcos is also our ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and is a specialist member of staff who works with children specifically around their social and emotional needs. The aim is to have happy children both in school and at home by removing emotional barriers to learning and help your child reach their full potential. Sessions are weekly and either run as groups or individual sessions. 

Areas supported:

Loss and bereavement; Low self-esteem;  Social skills; Emotions; Friendship issues; Relationships; Anxiety etc

If you feel your child would benefit from support please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance.

(Sarah's working days are Mondays and Thursdays.)

Stars of the Week

18th September: Archie, Misha, Alfie, Jaxon, Oliver D, Grace B, Harry T, Henry, Tabby, Freddie C, Josie, Fleur, Freddie R

25th September: Rose E, Noah E, Harper H, Joshua, Charlie and Daphne S, Jamie

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.