The Curriculum Governor Committee met yesterday. They enjoyed listening to a group of girls talk about the sporting opportunities in our school and were pleased to hear that the offer is equal for both boys and girls.

Governors attended the Year 3 interhouse football competition on the astro and were delighted to see the inclusive nature of this event and the buzz of excitement from the children.

Governors had a focus on the role of the teaching assistant in our school and looked in particular at the key worker project that we run. They were impressed with the impact of this project on our children.

Governors reviewed the latest report from the school improvement partner which was linked to writing across the school.

On the 2^nd April 2025 the Finance & Personnel Governors enjoyed talking to representatives from the School Parliament. They were impressed with what the children had been up to and future plans.

They discussed the financial position of the school and imminent significant expenditure e.g. a new surface on the bottom playground.

Governors have a strategic role in ensuring staff well being is properly considered. They spent time analysing the recent staff wellbeing audit and were heartened to read such positive comments e.g. 100% of staff at Newdale feel they work in a safe environment. The Governors are keen to hear what ideas staff have to ensure ‘work life balance’ is kept at a good level and plan to explore this more with staff next time the committee meets.

The Curriculum Governors met this week. They wanted to check that the girls at Newdale have as much opportunity in sport than the boys. Thankfully this was proved to be the case, and they look forward to talking to a cross section of girls about sport next time. They also put a lens over Geography and Science. Children spoke with enthusiasm and knowledge about both subjects. The Governors also spoke to two key workers and their attached children. It was fabulous to see such positive relationships and the impact of this project on children’s well-being.

The Health & Safety Governors met this week and enjoyed a comprehensive update from the E safety lead in school. They also enjoyed asking questions of the SENDco and talking to one of the pupils who receives additional support. The governors randomly selected a child to check that record keeping is robust across the school and also randomly selected a staff personal file to ensure that all checks are robust for our teams. They ended by scrutinising the termly playground inspection report and were reassured that continuous monitoring is happening and that any actions are followed up.

The Finance & Personal Governors met last week in school. They spent some time considering the end of year budget and projections for the following year. Staffing for next year is already being considered with the biggest pressure being on funding around SEND. Governors are pleased that SEND support is taken so seriously across the school. They are keen to see how future development in this area develops over time.

The Curriculum Committee Governors met on the 11^th December 2024. The enjoyed listening to the Upper Phase Leader talk about her role and the impact she has across Year 5 & 6.

They viewed the new Pupil Premium Strategy and questioned the lead on expenditure and the impact expected over the year.

As ever, the Governors really enjoyed talking to the children about their learning. This time, the theme was Religious Education. The Governors agreed that the children all enjoy this subject and were able to confidently articulate their learning so far this year and from previous years.

Finally, the Governors spent time looking at parent and pupil voice information linked to our Breakfast and Afterschool club. Governors were reassured that the offer we have is robust and looked on favourably by both parents and children. During the next meeting Governors are going to look at our Science curriculum.

The Finance and Personnel Committee met on Monday 2^nd December. They carefully looked at the financial aspects of our school and supported in prioritising forthcoming necessary expenditure. This included spending linked to special educational needs support. The Governors enjoyed talking to a group of children who attend our Breakfast and Afterschool club provision. They were happy to hear that the children spoke positively about both offers. The children suggested that money should be spent on more lego and minifigures! This will be investigated! Donations are gratefully received!

I am writing to invite parents, guardians and carers of registered pupils to put their names forward for election to serve as parent governors of this school.  There is one vacancy. The term of office of the elected candidates will start on Thursday 13^th March 2025 and will last for 4 years.

Please read the notes on the back of this letter and if, after doing so, you would like to put your name forward as a candidate please complete the Candidate Nomination Form (Form 2) and the Disqualification Declaration Form (Form 3) and return them to me by Friday 29^th November.  It may be that you would wish to propose another parent to serve as a parent governor.  Please note that in this case the parent in question should complete the nomination form after you have discussed the possibility.

• Candidates need to submit a personal statement in support of their nomination, not more than 500 words giving:
• Evidence of skills and experience the governing body desires.
• And / or their commitment to undertake training to acquire or develop skills to be an effective governor
• If seeking re-election details of their contribution to the work of the GB during previous term of office.
• How they plan to contribute to the future work of the GB

They may not indicate that they are endorsed or supported by any particular group.

Only parents who now have and will have children registered at the school on the nomination closing date of Friday 29^th November and term of office start date Thursday 13^th March 2025 are eligible to stand for election.

If it is necessary for there to be an election I will provide further details of the arrangements.

Please find below the forms as links below.

Information Notes

Candidate Nomination Form

Governor Declaration Form

Miss Cook, Headteacher