Finance and Personnel Governor Involvement

The Finance and Personnel Governors met on 9th February. They listened to a data update from the assessment lead and then focused in particular on Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) eligible pupil data. They were reassured that PPG children have a strong focus this year through targeted interventions and pastoral support.

The Governors examined this year’s budget closely, along with the year‑end predictions for next year. They discussed the ongoing pressures created by the high number of pupils with complex needs and the impact this continues to have on the budget.

They also reviewed the proposed staffing structure for next year and were satisfied that it reflects what the school can afford while remaining aligned with the needs of the school.

Arbor

Please can we remind any parents that have not yet signed up to the Arbor app to please do so to ensure you are receiving regular communication from school. The app has replaced our previous text message service so is therefore being used to share any updates and important information with parents.

An email was sent at the start of this half term with instructions on how to set up the app. If you require this email to be sent again, please get in touch with the school office.

Thank you

Curriculum Governor Involvement

The Curriculum Governors met on 3rd February. The Child in Care Lead Teacher began by giving a detailed overview of the current situation in school and the extensive work taking place to support children who have experience of the care system. Governors then spoke sensitively with a child from this group and were pleased to hear that he feels safe and very well supported in school.

They also spoke with five other children and were reassured that they were receiving the support they needed to achieve and thrive.

The Governors received an update from a member of the Maths team and look forward to following up on several actions over the next few meetings.

Finally, the Governors reviewed performance data comparisons and were pleased to see that Newdale ranked highly in terms of the percentage of pupils achieving expected standards. Absence levels were also very favourable.

Donations

Reception classes are creating new play areas in our outside space. 

Can you help us with donations of the following items?

  • Construction vehicles: diggers, dumps trucks etc.
  • Builders costume/dress up items: yellow hats, hi vis, tool belts.
  • Small play traffic cones or coloured sports cones. 
  • Small plastic or metal play wheelbarrows.
  • Sand toys: buckets, spades, sieves & moulds.

All donations will be very much appreciated and can be dropped off at the school office or directly to reception classrooms before or after school. 

 

Thank you

Red Nose Day – Friday 20th March 2026

Newdale will once again be taking part in Red Nose Day on Friday 20th March 2026.

Children are invited to dress down for the day and wear red if they wish.

Details on how to donate will be shared closer to the date.

Please see link below regarding how to purchase a red nose.

The Red Nose | Comic Relief

Please note that school will not be selling red noses.

 

Thank you

It’s National Storytelling Week!

This week, we’re celebrating the magic of stories—how they spark imagination, build confidence, strengthen language skills, and create special shared moments between children and their families.

To help bring the joy of storytelling into your home, here are some simple and fun ideas you can try together:

 

  1. Read Together—Little and Often

Just 5–10 minutes of shared reading each day can make a big difference. Snuggle up with a favourite book, choose a new library read, or let your child select the story—they love having ownership!

 

  1. Tell Stories From Your Life

Children adore hearing stories about you! Share memories from your childhood, funny moments from your day, or stories passed down from your family. This models storytelling and builds connection.

 

  1. Create Your Own Stories

Encourage your child to invent characters, settings, or silly plots. You might start a story and let them finish it—or swap turns sentence by sentence!

 

  1. Storytime Without Books

Try storytelling using:
– Toys (teddies make great storytellers!)
– Pictures or family photos
– Objects in a “story bag” that your child can pull out to inspire ideas

 

  1. Listen to Audiobooks or Story Podcasts

Perfect for car journeys, winding down before bed, or quiet moments. Hearing expressive storytelling can help build vocabulary and imagination. CBeebies Bedtime Stories

 

  1. Act Out a Favourite Story

Choose a well-loved book and turn it into a mini performance! Children can act, draw, or use puppets to retell parts of the story.

 

  1. Visit the Library Together

Let your child explore and choose books that excite them. Many libraries also host storytelling sessions—perfect for this week!

 

Why Storytelling Matters

Sharing stories helps children to:

  • Build vocabulary and language skills
  • Develop creativity and imagination
  • Understand emotions and relationships
  • Strengthen listening and communication
  • Enjoy reading as a lifelong habit

 

We’d Love to Hear From You!

If you try any storytelling activities at home this week, feel free to share a photo, a drawing, or a note about what you and your child enjoyed most. Let’s celebrate the joy of stories together!

 

 

Popcorn Sale – Thank you!

School Parliament would like to thank everyone that supported the popcorn sale!

A School Parliament treasurer has been busy calculating the money from the sale which made a whooping £227.20 to go towards subsiding school trips and visits.

Thank you all for your support