Health & Safety governors update

The Health & Safety Governors met last week and focussed on many important agenda items including the quality of our wraparound care offer, site security and staff training. It was lovely to talk to children who often attend Breakfast club and Afterschool club. They enjoy attending these clubs and could talk confidently about what they get to eat and the range of activities on offer.

Governors were reassured that the site is continually monitored for safety. Governors enjoyed reading comments from parents following the recent site security survey.

Very often, during this committee Governors spot check staff to check levels of understanding linked to safeguarding. They questioned a teaching assistant this time and were impressed with the confidence of the staff member when it came to answering a range of questions.

Curriculum Governors Involvement Update

During the Curriculum committee this week, Governors reviewed the art curriculum offer across the school and enjoyed listening to the children share their artistic ideas and sketch books. Governors were impressed with their enthusiasm for this subject and the clear enjoyment they link to art trips out of school. Governors recognised that the subject leader had a robust knowledge of his subject and was instrumental in supporting staff in the delivery of this curriculum area.

Governors also focused on the curriculum offer for pupil premium and SEND children across year 1 and 2. It was reassuring for Governors to hear and see that teachers are skilfully adapting the learning to meet the children’s specific needs.

Finance & Personnel Governors Committee

Governors scrutinised the ‘work life balance audit’ and were pleased with the very positive level of responses. Governors took great pleasure in knowing that having such a positive, dedicated staffing team, ensures the children’s needs are being met. Governors understood the pressures around the school and nursery budgets and contributed to the discussions for future spending. Governors listened to a presentation by the Assistant SENDco and was reassured that detailed planning, communication, and next steps continue to be carefully considered.

Haberdashers’ Adams information session at Newdale

I would like to invite you to join me at Newdale Primary School on Wednesday 28th February from 5:00-5.45pm for an information session about Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School. This session aims to provide you with an insight into our school’s ethos, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the various opportunities that Haberdashers’ Adams has to offer.

During this session, you will have the opportunity to:
• Learn about the advantages of a grammar school education
• Find out more about our transition to becoming fully co-ed as we welcome our first Year 7 girls this year
• Gain insights into our extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports teams
• Find out more about the admissions process and entrance test

We understand that choosing the right secondary school for your child is an important decision, and we are committed to providing you with all the information you need to make an informed choice.

Please RSVP by Monday 19th February via this form https://forms.office.com/e/3JMchzBMNN.

Children are welcome to attend too.

If you are unable to attend this session but would like more information about Haberdashers’ Adams, please feel free to email me at outreach@adamsgs.uk

I look forward to meeting you and sharing with you all that Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School has to offer.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Hibbs
Head of Outreach, Haberdashers’ Adams

Safeguarding, Heath & Safety Governors Committee

The Safeguarding, Health & Safety governors met last Thursday and really enjoyed listening to the views of girls from reception, Year 2, 4 and 6. Governors asked many questions about lunchtime and break time activities. Children responded confidently about what there is to do both indoors and outdoors. They knew what to do should a ‘dangerous situation’ arise and what to do should they come across damaged resources. Year 6 are going to report back to Miss Cook about ideas for interactive games that they could use in their outdoor area. Governors reviewed the food standards documentation and look forward to pupil voice and menu analysis as part of the next committee meeting.

Governors feedback linked to the Curriculum meeting

Governors were delighted to talk to enthusiastic Geographers from Reception to Year 6. Children were very knowledgeable about topics such as volcanoes, earthquakes, Mount Everest, capital cities and details around maps.

Governors could see clearly that the children in our nursery provision have a high-quality offer with exciting resources and stimulating environments.

Governors want to celebrate the swimming offer with you – please see below the report created by Miss Jones our PE lead.

Swimming Update January 2024

Governors had an in depth look at the After School Club provision and were impressed with the overall offer including the carefully thought-out snack menu, planned trips and exciting activities for the children. Governors agreed to release more funding to further resource our After School Club.

 

Finance and Personnel Committee Update

Finance & Personnel Governors met today and were impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm that the School Parliament children have within their role. Governors encouraged them to expand on future plans by looking at the possibility of an ex cabinet member visiting school to talk to the children.

The school SENDCO outlined the expenditure connected to EHCP’s and the future plans for the new year. Governors also discussed policy, procedure and spending plans for across the school.

Safeguarding, H&S Governors feedback

The governors who are members of the Safeguarding, H&S committee met last Thursday. The safeguarding champions visited and discussed their role in the school and their exciting plans for this year. Other agenda items included the management of asthma on our school site. Governors went to observe the currently closed Quiet area of the playground and look forward to seeing the repairs being carried as rapidly as possible.

Governors feedback linked to the Curriculum meeting

Governors were impressed with the phonics teaching offer when they visited and participated in, a variety of the Read Write Inc (RWI) phonics sessions in reception during the Curriculum meeting yesterday. Governors felt reassured by the positive learning atmosphere, excited by the children’s engagement and impressed with the quality of teaching.

During the rest of the meeting, Governors received updates on the strategies related to Pupil Premium and PE funding for the school. They were impressed by the upcoming proposals and events planned for the rest of the year.

Additionally, the governors had the opportunity to discuss the induction process with the new year 1 teacher and were confident in the process.

Join our school governing body

Are you passionate about education and eager to make a positive impact on our school community?

Newdale is looking for dedicated individuals to join our School Governing Body.

About us

Newdale is committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for our children. We aim to deliver the highest quality education while fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Role of a School Governor

As a School Governor, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our school. Governors work together to carry out their core functions:

  1. Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
  2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff
  3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

The National Governance Association also recognises the following as the fourth core function of governance:

  1. Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard

What we’re looking for

We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of skills and experiences. Whether you’re a parent, local resident or have expertise in education, health or other fields, your perspective is valuable.

Why join us?

  • Make a difference to the lives of our children
  • Contribute to the development and success of our school
  • Gain insight into an educational setting
  • Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team

Please click on the link below to view the full role description of a School Governor.

Governor role description

If you are interested in becoming a School Governor at Newdale Primary School, please get in touch with us via the school email address Newdale.primary@taw.org.uk

Your involvement can help us continue to provide an exceptional learning environment for our children.

We look forward to welcoming you to our school community.

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