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LOCAL GOVERNING BODY TERMLY UPDATE

Autumn term 2025

What do governors do?

•      Ensure the clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school

•      Hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff

•      Oversee the financial performance of the school, making sure its money is well spent

What have Sandfield governors been doing this term?

Visiting the school to monitor teaching

This term, three of our governors visited Reception and Key Stage 1 to observe how writing is being taught to the pupils. They saw how writing is taught differently in each of the classes and the techniques used to keep the children engaged. The use of story telling was feature in all of the lessons that were observed. The governors also reviewed a number of exercise books and were impressed by the level of improvement in writing in the space of only one term! The governors were particular pleased to see the high level of engagement and enjoyment of all the pupils and their confidence in talking to us and wanting to show us what they had been working on.

Agreement of the School Development Plan 2025-2026

Every year Sandfield School sets out their plan to drive improvement so children have the best start in life. Their plan for 2025-26 was welcomed by the Governors as it builds on their success of becoming an Apple Distinguished School by integrating technology so that curriculum is purposeful and forward thinking. In addition, Sandfield is committed to early excellence and has set out plans which ensure children have strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Review and Agreement of School Policies

Every school has Policies which set out the rules that guide the decisions that are made in the school and ensure consistency. Sandfield has many Policies, which range from the use of social media to school admissions. It is the job of the Governors to review these to make sure they are practical, fair and up to date. A list of all of Sandfield’s policies can be found here: https://sandfield.surrey.sch.uk/policy-library/

Identifying and Appointing New Governors!

We are pleased to introduce you to three new Sandfield governors

Elaine Joyce

It seems I can't keep away from schools as I have been involved in school governance for a good few years since retiring from a career in teaching and education in London.  I really enjoy school life and particularly loved the feel of Sandfield when I visited. So many lovely children and staff! I hope my experience will contribute positively to the Governing Board and helps to support the exciting provision and experiences that make learning and teaching so good here.  When I am not busy with governance, I can be found gardening, going out and about with my walking or book groups and looking after the guinea pigs I was foolish enough to let my grandchildren persuade me to rescue!

Stephanie Creal

Stephanie is a primary school teacher with 15 years' experience in the state and independent sector, both in the UK and internationally. She originates from Sussex but now calls Guildford home, where she lives with her husband and two young children. Stephanie hopes that through serving on the board at Sandfield she will be able to support positive outcomes for children in the local community.

Hannah Clark

Hannah graduated in Law from Cardiff University and worked as a paralegal before moving to Guildford to become the Children's Pastor at St Saviour's Church in Guildford, where she has been working for nearly 3 years. Hannah recently got married in South Africa, and is living with her husband in Farnham.  Hannah is keen to use her legal experience, her passion for seeing children develop in different contexts, and her heart for the community in Guildford to support Sandfield School and its children.

To find out about all of the governors of Sandfield, please visit the school website: Sandfield Primary School Governors - sandfield.surrey.sch.uk

What Do We Have Planned?

Here are some of the activities we have planned over the next few months

·         Review of pupil progress: We will review how the pupils are progressing and provide feedback to the school around areas of improvement.

·         Review of the financial position: Governors are required to oversee the finances of the school and will continue to ensure that money is well spent.

·         Governor visits: Governors regularly visit the school monitor the delivery of agreed plans.

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Reception Class

It’s been a wonderful week filled with music, theatre and performances.

Reception have worked tirelessly to learn Christmas songs, Nativity pieces and other musical delights. They gave their very first Nativity performance to the school, as well as a special class musical showcase for teachers. We have been so impressed by their resilience, enthusiasm and the sparkle they brought to every performance!

PE day for Reception Class is on Mondays

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Year 1 & 2

We are so proud of the progress all our Key Stage 1 children have made in their writing this term. Their hard work, creativity, and determination have really shone through, and the quality of their work continues to amaze us. From imaginative stories to thoughtful descriptive pieces, the children are developing confidence and skill in expressing themselves. The “taxidermy writing” activity remains a firm favourite, sparking wonderful ideas and showcasing just how far their writing has come.

PE days for Year 1 & Year 2 are on Mondays and Wednesdays

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Year 3 & 4

Year 3 and 4 have been lucky enough to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens Wakehurst where they have experienced what happens to millions of precious seeds from all over the world at the famous Millenium Seed Bank. The children completed challenges to learn about the journey of each seed from arrival to storage in the vast freezers. Seeing scientists at work was really inspiring! They made some wonderful Christmas trees using leaves from the gardens and rolled beeswax to make a star. The wellbeing walk gave all the children a chance to use their senses and feel how nature can help us to relax. A wonderful day!

PE days for Year 3 & Year 4 are Tuesdays & Thursdays

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Christmas is Coming!

Sandfield Choir

Last week, the Sandfield Choir had the wonderful opportunity to perform festive songs at The Salvation Army’s Christmas lunch for the elderly. The children sang beautifully and with great enthusiasm. Mrs Davey was incredibly proud of their efforts.

We were also delighted to welcome a very special guest in the audience: the Mayor of Guildford!

🎄 A Special Gift for Sandfield

We are delighted to share that Waitrose has kindly gifted Sandfield a beautiful Christmas tree for our school hall. Mr Osmand and Miss McIllroy, accompanied by eight enthusiastic KS2 children, walked to collect the tree.

What a surprise awaited them — the tree was an enormous nine feet tall! With its grand size and festive charm, it now stands proudly in our hall, bringing joy and sparkle to the season.

The tree looks truly wonderful and provides the perfect backdrop for all our Christmas celebrations.

A huge thank you to Waitrose for their generosity, which has helped make our school feel even more magical this festive season.

If you would like the tree at the end of term, please send us a message via MCAS. First-come, first-served!

Updated Sport Fixture Events - Spring Term 2026

Please click here for the confirmed Sport Fixtures for the Spring Term. Please note that squad members will be notified directly if they have been selected to represent Sandfield.

Please click here to see all the latest sports news and fixtures.

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Year 5 & 6

We enjoyed a wonderful day exploring Wakehurst Place on Tuesday. We created festive Christmas tree decorations using leaves and beeswax stars and took part in an engaging quiz around the Millennium Seed Bank, discovering fascinating facts about plant conservation. A sensory walk through the beautiful grounds helped us appreciate nature  and it's calming effect on the body.  We even spotted a few pheasants along the way!  A big thank you to the parents who kindly volunteered and supported us throughout the trip.

PE days for Year 5 & Year 6 are Thursdays and Fridays

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Children in Celebration Assembly were:

Year R: Thalia and Romina

Year 1: Alistair and Ojas

Year 2: Onish and Henry

Year 3: Lia and Lola-Rose

Year 4: Sophie, Jonathan and Maya

Year 5: Boris and Sebastian

Year 6: Charlotte CA and Krrieya

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School Meals

Don't forget to order your child's school meal for next week!

Christmas lunch is also now available to book, please have a look at the menu! The deadline for booking your child's Christmas lunch is Monday 8th December. Please note that the vegetarian option has changed to a Quorn roast. Children that would prefer a packed lunch that day may have treats included!

Please click here for the latest news from Cleverchef

Absence Reporting

If your child is unwell or will be absent for an appointment for medical, dental treatment etc. please remember to use the Attendance Module in your MCAS App. You can also attach proof of appointments, hospital letters and so on there.

Please use the Message Module for any general messages to the school office.

Request for Absence Under Exceptional Circumstances

The Absence Request Form must be completed if you would like to request any other type of leave for your child.

REMINDER: Parent Consent

Please can we ask everyone to have a look at all your consents and give or revoke consent to these and complete anything missing by Monday 5th January 2026.

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TONIGHT!

Mufti Day in return for Jolly Jingles, chocolates or a bottle of wine

From 5:00pm onwards: Join us for an evening of holiday cheer featuring:

· KS1 & KS2 Christmas Disco (KS1 from 17:00, KS2 from 18:00)

· A magical visit with Father Christmas

· Bar area with drinks and snacks

· Tombola with exciting prizes

Entry is by ticket only. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO BUY ON THE GATE TONIGHT.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate.

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Please check the School Diary on your MCAS app for day-to-day information.

Monday 5th January 2026

8:30am - Welcome back - Spring term begins for all children

Trip Contribution Deadlines

Year 3 & 4: Wakehurst Botanical Gardens on 03/12/2025 - deadline 17/11/2025

Year 5 & 6: Wakehurst Botanical Gardens on 02/12/2025 - deadline 17/11/2025

Year 1 & 2: Haslemere Museum on 11/11/2025 - deadline 07/10/2025

Year 5 & 6: Henley Fort WW2 Experience on 05/11/2025 - deadline 07/10/2025

All term dates and INSET dates, Club information, Wrap Around Care Information is on the Parents Calendar

Please click the link here for all Term Dates and Inset Dates

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Parent Information Board

Request for Absence Under Exceptional Circumstances

Administration of Medicines in School

Change of Address Form

Cleverchefs Allergy/ Intolerance Form

Community News & Events & Parent Workshops and Support

Consent for a Child Under 18 to Collect Your Child

Permission to Walk Home Alone (Year 5 & Year 6 Only)

Pupil Leaving Sandfield Statutory Form

Pupil Health Care Plan

CONTACT US!

All parents please use the Message module on your MCAS app to contact the school.

To report an absence and upload documents for medical appointments etc. use the Attendance module on your MCAS app.

T: 01483 566586

E: parents@sandfield.surrey.sch.uk