Outdoor learning

Making the most of the weather
Mighty oaks children will be taking part in outdoor learning twice a week now on the Tuesdays and Thursdays in the base camp and forest area.
Because of this we ask kindly if your children could have a long sleeve top and trousers spare with them, the areas are safe that we go to, but we do have stinging nettles in there. Please note these are maintained and looked at regularly but kept for a purpose in the wild plant areas for insects and pollination.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety Governors Involvement

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.

80th anniversary VE Day

Nursery will be celebrating the 80th anniversary for VE Day on Thursday. Please come dressed in the colour red white and blue to join in the celebrations.

Curriculum Governors Involvement

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.

Finance and Personnel Governors Involvement

On the 2nd 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.

Easter Raffle 2025

This year’s Easter Raffle is now live on ParentPay.

Tickets are £1 each. Please ensure you buy all the tickets you want as only one transaction can be made.

Last day to buy tickets is Tuesday 8th April. The raffle will be drawn on the morning of Wednesday 9th April.

Good lucky everyone!

Red Nose Day

Don’t forget today is Red Nose Day
Children can come in dressed in red or Red Nose Day charity clothing if they wish to.
The day will be filled with fun activities for the children as we all take part in such a wonderful event.

Red Nose Day 2025 – Friday 21st March

Newdale will once again be taking part in Red Nose Day on Friday 21st March.

Children are invited to dress down for the day and wear red if they wish. Please note, Year 4 need to wear their school uniform for their trip.

Donations can be made through the following link:

https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=17876