Attendance Winners 23rd – 27th February 2026

Winner of Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3

Mrs Evans / Mrs Sturrock = 100%

Winner of Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6

Mr Jackson = 100%

Attendance Winners 5th – 8th January 2026

Attendance Winners 5th – 8th January 2026

Winner of Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3

Miss Lowe = 96.37%

Winner of Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6

Mrs Everall = 96.67%

Can you help our school on Census Day – next Thursday, 15th January 2026

Can you help our school on Census Day – next Thursday, 15th January 2026

Next week, we will be submitting important information to the Department for Education (DfE). This data directly affects the level of funding our school receives. As you know, the more funding we receive, the better the provision we can offer for your children.

One key part of this funding is the number of children who take up Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) on Census Day. All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day—whether that’s a hot dinner or a school sandwich. Some families choose to send a packed lunch instead, but on Census Day it really helps the school if as many children as possible take up their free meal.

To support this, we have planned a popular menu choice: big breakfast, along with our well‑liked school sandwich option.

We would be extremely grateful if you could encourage your child to try a UFSM meal next Thursday. Your support makes a real difference to the funding we receive and, in turn, to the opportunities we can provide for all our pupils.

Many thanks,

Miss Cook

Free School Meals

Many of our families are already benefiting from applying for Free School Meals, and we encourage you to check whether you may also be eligible.

It is a common misconception that Free School Meals are only linked to school dinners — there is so much more to it. If you qualify, your child is also entitled to reduced prices for school trips, breakfast club, and after‑school clubs. In addition, there are a range of other forms of support your child may receive, both at home and in school, to help them with their learning and wellbeing.

Families with children from Reception to Year 6 can apply for Free School Meals if they receive certain benefits and have an annual income of £16,190 or below.

To find out more or to apply, please follow the link below to the Telford & Wrekin website, where you can access further information and download the application form. Alternatively, our school office team will be happy to support you with the application process.

Telford & Wrekin Council | Free School Meals

Miss Cook

Polar Express Trip Reminder

Year 1 will be visiting the Polar Express Train ride at Telford Steam Railway on Tuesday 16th December. This is an immersive re-creation inspired by the iconic 2004 Polar Express film. When the children arrive at the railway station, they will firstly be given a tour of a locomotive. They will then be invited to some pre-show entertainment. As they travel to the ‘North Pole’, iconic scenes from the film will come to life. The children will have the chance to have a golden ticket and will be given hot chocolate on the journey. They will also be given the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell to take home. The children will be leaving school at 2:30pm and arriving back to school at 5:30pm, please collect from your child’s classroom. They will need to come to school in their uniform and bring a pair of pyjamas to dress into (they may wish to bring a dressing gown too). They will need a coat and a sensible pair of footwear (e.g trainers).

Grapes and Young Children: A Safety Tip for Parents

Why Grapes Can Be Risky

Grapes are delicious and healthy, but their size and smooth shape mean they can block a child’s airway if swallowed whole. Because they are slippery, they are also hard to remove with first aid techniques.

Why Little Ones Are More Vulnerable

  • Toddlers don not yet have all their teeth and are still learning to chew well
  • Their swallow reflex is still developing
  • Their airways are smaller, so blockages happen more easily

That is why it is safest to cut grapes lengthways into halves or, even better, quarters before serving them.

How Long Should Grapes Be Cut

Children under five are at the highest risk, but even older children may still have small airways. While school‑age children are usually better at chewing and swallowing, there is not a set age when grapes suddenly stop being a hazard.

A Simple Habit That Helps

If you are packing grapes for nursery or school, always chop them into quarters. It is a quick step that makes snack time safer — and lets children enjoy grapes without worry.

🎄 Christmas Fayre Prize Appeal 🎄

We’re looking for parents who run their own business or work for a company that might be willing to donate a prize for our Christmas Fayre on Wednesday 3rd December.

Examples could include:

  • A beauty voucher (e.g. manicure or treatment)
  • A bottle of wine or spirits from a local shop
  • Sporting event / or vouchers

If you’re able to contribute, please contact the school office on 01952 387720 or email newdale.primary@taw.org.uk.

Your support will help make our Fayre a wonderful event for everyone and raise much needed funds to support the children —thank you!

Y3 Christmas Experience Trip 8th December 2025

Please log onto ParentPay to consent and pay for your child to attend a school trip on 8th December 2025.

CEOP
Parent View - Give Ofsted your view on your child's school
© Newdale Primary and Nursery School 2022
Shropshire web design by kiskadoo