Stay Connected with Newdale – Introducing the Arbor App!

We’re excited to be launching the Arbor Parent App on Monday 5th January.

The app is designed to make communication between school and home easier and more effective.

What can you do with Arbor?

Receive instant in-app messages, replacing our current text and email system

Update your contact details to allow school to always have the most up-to-date information

View your child’s attendance percentage, allow parents to keep track of attendance at a glance

Coming Soon!

As everyone becomes familiar with Arbor, we’ll be adding even more features, including:

Parents’ Evening booking

Getting Started
All parents will receive an email with their login details and a link to get started on Monday 5th January 2026.

 

PE day change for after Christmas

Please be aware that our PE days change in the New Year in Reception.

Monday PE will be outdoor multiskills and games working on ball and racket skills.

Wednesday will be indoor sessions focusing on foundational movements and games.

 

Finance & Personnel Governor Involvement

On Wednesday, our Finance & Personnel Governors met in school. A key focus of their discussion was the Pupil Premium Strategy, which will be shared on our website very soon.

The Governors spent time looking at how our leaders and staff teams are working to support our most vulnerable learners. Like many schools across the country, we are seeing a growing number of children with SEND needs. This naturally means we must ensure we have the right expertise and enough staff capacity to meet those needs.

The Governors reviewed both current and future staffing requirements across the school and nursery and considered how this affects the way finances are allocated. They were reassured that staffing is being directed to where it is most needed, and that our inclusive school continues to provide a strong offer for all children.

Curriculum Governors Involvement in School

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.

Nursery volunteers

Have you ever thought about volunteering in a nursery or wondered what it’s like to work in a nursery setting? Now’s your chance!

Newdale Nursery is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our fantastic team in our 2-year-old provision.

Volunteering is flexible – whether you can spare just an hour a week or a couple of days, we’d love your support!

If you’re interested, please complete an application form and return it to the school office, or email it to newdale.primary@taw.org.uk by Monday 5th January 2026.

Volunteering Application Form

We look forward to receiving your application.

Miss Cook

The school is committed to safeguarding children and young people.  All successful candidates are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This role will be engaging in regulated activity with children. Our child protection and safeguarding policy can be found on our school website or requested via our office. https://www.newdaleschool.org.uk/home/key-info/policies/

We are committed to equality and diversity.

This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English as stated in the person specification.

 

Reception Christmas Event

Children in Reception classes are welcome to come to school in a Christmas jumper tomorrow for the sing along and craft session. If you do not have a jumper, then tinsel or Christmas hats or hair bows are a welcome alternative.

This will take place in the afternoon, but children can come to school wearing their jumper with their usual skirts or trousers for the whole day.

There will be no forest school session tomorrow afternoon due to the Christmas event.

 

Thank you

The Reception team :)