The Curriculum Committee Governors met today to review a range of aspects linked to teaching and learning. As part of their visit, they spoke with a wonderful group of pupils from Years 1, 3, and 5 about their Literacy work.

The children shared how their learning is adapted to meet their needs. For example, they explained that they sometimes use word banks to support their writing, or that a teaching assistant may work with them before a lesson to help them feel more confident and prepared.

In addition, the governors placed a particular focus on Pupil Premium, reviewing the policy and spending plans for this year. They considered how funding is being used and the expected impact on pupils’ learning and progress.

It was fantastic to hear directly from the pupils and to see the governors’ oversight ensuring that strategies and resources are making a positive difference.

Health & Safety Governors Update

The Health & Safety Governors met yesterday to review a range of important areas across the school.

Asthma Strategy: Governors were delighted to see that Newdale has been awarded the title of Asthma Friendly School.

Safeguarding Spot Check: As part of their routine checks, governors tested staff understanding of safeguarding linked to training. The staff member selected answered all questions with confidence, demonstrating robust knowledge.

Pupil Voice: Governors always enjoy speaking with pupils about their experiences. This time, children from different year groups were asked about behaviour in school. They agreed that behaviour is mostly good, with occasional over‑excitement. Pupils spoke confidently about the importance of following the BeSMART code and explained the systems in place if children misbehave.

Parent Feedback: Governors are equally keen to hear from parents. At hometime, they spoke with as many parents as possible to gather views on Health & Safety provision. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts—your feedback will be analysed at the next meeting.

The partnership between school and parents is paramount, and governors are committed to ensuring that Health & Safety remains strong and effective for all.

The Finance and Personnel Governors met on the 23^rd October. They looked carefully at school finances and paid attention to the 3 year projection plan that had been prepared by the school finance officer. Governors had a staffing update and could see how the rising numbers of complex needs was adding pressure to the budget over time. Governors reviewed the staff well being audit findings and looked forward to some of the staff who are currently on Maternity leave returning in January. They were reassured that these staff returning would relieve pressure across the school.

The Curriculum Governors met yesterday and put a spotlight on the curriculum areas of RE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Children came to share their knowledge and understanding of RE and did a fabulous job. Governors have confidence that the new guidelines for RSE are on track to be implemented over this year. Governors went on a tour of our Nursery provision and were super impressed with the engagement of our youngest learners. Nursery environments look amazing and staff are clearly working tirelessly to ensure that the children gain the strongest of foundations before they move into school.

The Safeguarding and Health & Safety Governors met on 22^nd September 2025. They carried out a ‘pupil voice’ activity with some KS 1 children, discussing behaviour around school. The children were very clear about the BeSMART code and could tell the Governors all about why it is good to behave in school and about what happens when something might go wrong.

The Governors reviewed part of a safeguarding audit with the Headteacher and as a result set some new agenda items for next time.

They received information following a ‘spot check’ that was carried out linked to Asthma and Epi Pen use across the school and were happy with how all staff are undergoing the new Tier one Asthma training before Christmas.

Governors are looking forward to spending time around the school site collecting some first-hand parent voice in November.

Did you know you can support Newdale Primary School every time you shop online – without it costing you a penny?

We’ve joined Easyfundraising, a free fundraising platform that turns your everyday online shopping into donations for our school.

🛒 How it works:

1. Click this link: Support Newdale Primary on Easyfundraising
2. Sign up (it only takes a minute).
3. Start your online shopping at Easyfundraising and choose from over 8,000 retailers – including Tesco, M&S, John Lewis, Amazon, eBay, Argos, and many more.
4. Every time you shop, a free donation is made to Newdale Primary School.

It’s that simple! No catch, no extra cost.

📈 Why join?

• Help us raise money for trips, visits and resources.
• Shopping you already do can make a big difference.
• The more of us who sign up, the more we raise!

👉 Please sign up today and support our school:

Click here to join Easyfundraising

Together we can raise much-needed funds for our children’s learning and experiences – just by doing our usual online shopping!

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.