Dear Parents and Carers,

At Newdale, we deeply value the views of our pupils and their families. Your feedback is regularly shared with our school teams and plays a vital role in shaping our decisions and practices.

We gather pupil voice in every Governor meeting (Minimum of 21 meetings a year!), and our phase and subject leaders collect further input throughout the year. We strongly believe that the partnership between home and school is essential, with our children at the heart of all we do. Trust, openness, and honest communication are key to that relationship.

I have always prioritised an ‘open door’ policy, ensuring families have multiple ways to connect with us—class emails, staff available at drop-off and pick-up (including senior leaders), office support, and home-school communication books are just a few of those channels. Our aim is for you to be able to reach us easily and quickly, whenever needed.

We are incredibly grateful to the 100+ parents who completed our end-of-year survey. Your ongoing support is so appreciated.

We have now finalised our review of this year’s survey responses. While we recognise that it is not always possible to meet every individual expectation, please be assured that every team member works tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for your children. Having visited many schools, I can confidently say Newdale has a fantastic offer. This is consistently affirmed by external professionals, including our School Improvement Advisor, local authority visits, safeguarding audits, and of course, Ofsted. We are extremely proud to have achieved a double ‘Outstanding’ rating in May 2023—a distinction held by very few schools nationwide. It is external reassurance that we continue to operate at a high standard. I understand that Ofsted grades are not the centre of our priorities, we are focused more on what we do and the impact we have on children’s outcomes.

A few responses in the survey indicated some concerns.  One parent commented that I struggle to accept criticism and that my approach feels unprofessional. That feedback was difficult to read, but I believe firmly in accountability. If any member of the Newdale team falls short, I am always the first to apologise. Mistakes do happen, we are human, but I genuinely strive to be open, honest, and fair at all times. Seeking feedback twice a year is a reflection of that commitment, and I am always willing to learn and adapt.

I was surprised to see that some parents would not recommend Newdale to others. I would really welcome the opportunity to speak with any families who feel dissatisfied, to better understand and address their concerns. I believe that constructive dialogue is the cornerstone of improvement and progress.

We are always open to hearing your thoughts, but it’s important to remember that we are partners working together for your children, not on opposing sides.

Finally, thank you to the vast majority of parents who continue to be so supportive of Newdale. Your words and actions make a real difference. Please take a few minutes to read through the overall survey feedback.

Kind regards,
Miss Cook

Parent Survey Feedback For Parents Summer 2025

Dear Parents/Carers,

A huge welcome back everyone 😊. We are all very excited to start the new school year with you all. The children have settled in brilliantly. Please do ask them all about their first day.

We wanted to remind you of some of the ways that you can keep in touch with us, and we can keep in touch with you! We very much value your support to ensure your child enjoys every moment at Newdale. Communication between school and home is so important. Please ensure we have your correct contact details recorded.  We regularly send out key information via text message.  If you need to update your details, please email newdale.primary@taw.org.uk

• Staff are always available for you to informally chat with at the beginning and end of the day outside school. We have at least 5 staff out on duty around the site.
• We also have our home-school communication books as well as year-group emails.
• Our pastoral team are on hand to support families as well as children in school.
• Our SENDCo Mr McFarland is always keen to ensure children with SEND have the best support – please contact him should you need anything at all on newdalesendco@taw.org.uk.
• Before and After School Club staff are available should you need to speak with them.
• We hope you find our newsletters and other digital communications useful and informative, especially our Top Tips for e-safety.
• Please remember that all the information you need about what your child is learning is on our website – but do ask if you need any further information at all.
• We have recently updated our school attendance policy based on the new statutory requirements. Our attendance email is: attendance@newdaleschool.org.uk. Please visit our website for more information.

Year Group emails are as follows:

Reception                                            newdale.yearrteam@taw.org.uk

Year 1                                                   newdale.year1team@taw.org.uk

Year 2                                                   newdale.year2team@taw.org.uk

Year 3                                                   newdale.year3team@taw.org.uk

Year 4                                                   newdale.year4team@taw.org.uk

Year 5                                                   newdale.year5team@taw.org.uk

Year 6                                                   newdale.year6team@taw.org.uk

Just a few other reminders:

• We do not permit parents to use their mobile phones on site at any time for safeguarding reasons.
• Year 5 and 6 children are permitted to bring in mobile phones to use in an emergency if they travel independently to and from school. These phones MUST be handed in to the teaching assistant as soon as they arrive at school. They will be locked in the office and then returned at home time. We do not take any responsibility for any mobile phones that are not handed in. All children in all other year groups should not have a phone on site unless discussed and agreed with the teaching team.
• Year 3 children who are not registered as Free School Meals now have to pay for their dinners. If you need more details or believe you may qualify for Free School Meals, please call the office on 01952 387720.
• Nail varnish and what we deem as ‘extreme’ hair styles are not permitted whilst the children attend school.
• Small stud earrings are permitted, but should be removed on PE days. If this is not possible, they will be taped for PE in line with health and safety regulations. Please ensure all other types of earrings are left for weekend and holiday use.
• PE kits – We are continuing to allow children to come to school in PE kits on their PE days. Please see the website or email your year group teachers for information around this and anything else to do with the lessons your children have.
• Attendance – if your child is not well and will not be attending school, please email attendance@newdaleschool.org.uk or call the office on 01952387720. If you have appointments for your child, please can you contact the office with more information.

Please remember that classroom doors open at 8:35am and registers are taken at 8:40am.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Cook

At Newdale we aim to foster a love of reading and books from the earliest age. To develop this, Reception are looking for donations of books in good condition for their reading areas. Please, if you can, help us to develop the next generation of learners.

Thank you