Finance and Personnel Governors met on Wednesday 16^th July. They concluded their focus on PE by looking at the planning format and then talking to a group of Year 4 – 6 children about the offer. They were happy to hear the children talk so positively about the PE offer at Newdale.

Governors spent time looking at the finances for the school and nursery. They recognised the difficult balance between securing enough staff to support higher than usual numbers of special educational needs, against the income the school receives. They understand that systems across the setting will undoubtedly have to change in order to accommodate this need.

The Curriculum Governors met this week and thoroughly enjoyed listening to a group of Mighty Oaks Nursery children talk about their experience in setting. They also gained a detailed insight into the planning, the training, the team and the challenges from the Nursery teacher, Mrs Pablos. The Governors can clearly see that the dedication of staff is ensuring the provision is continuing to operate at a high level. They are keen to support the increasing number of SEND that is apparent in the setting.

The Governors also had a focus on the curriculum area of Geography. Year 1 children came to show off their books and talk about all they had been studying. Governors believe that talking to children and staff is the best way to be assured about quality of provision and they look forward to carrying out more of this next year.

The Health & Safeguarding committee met in school on Tuesday of this week. They spent a lot of time looking carefully at the policy and advice around Martyn’s Law linked to site security and terrorism. Governors observed a whole school and nursery drill that loosely replicated what a lock down would be. Governors look forward to hearing feedback from a professional who is going to assess the Newdale site and feedback any points for development linked to security. Governors carried out their regular ‘spot check’ of staff to reassure themselves that the staff at Newdale are well trained and confident in knowing what to do should any safeguarding issues arise.

Our Curriculum Governors met this week and looked carefully at our curriculum development. As part of this they talked to a group of Year 2 writers with their books. It was lovely to see how proud they are of their work. The Governors also analysed the ‘Key worker’ project and the impact that has on children.

Finally, they looked at assessment of the core subjects of Maths and English and how target setting is shared with parents. Next time they look forward to another focus on how we are supporting our SEND learners.

Governors met today to discuss the finances and personnel of the school.

They firstly analysed in more detail the feedback from the staff wellbeing audit with representatives from staff teams sharing collective feedback. Governors valued their comments and stated that they would action what was feasible to continue with the priority we have on staff well-being.

Governors then listened to the PE lead talk about delivery of the curriculum, plans for swimming and the impact of the sports premium money.

The school budget was signed off after looking carefully at the complex staffing structure we have in place linked to a high percentage of the team on, or going on maternity leave. 

The Health & Safety Governors met last week. They spent time considering our invacuation procedures and were pleased to hear that our site was going to be reviewed and audited by someone more specialist in this field. They look forward to their findings and observing a drill in action this June.

Governors went on to analyse behaviour across the school and as part of this carried out pupil voice with a set of boys and then a set of girls from year 6. Governors were heartened to hear that the children could speak very confidently about the BeSMART code and describe the varying types of bullying that could exist. (Thankfully not in Newdale!).

Governors looked carefully at the E Safety survey and were fascinated with the data and asked that it would be shared more widely with the parent community.

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.