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.

Our Curriculum Governors met this week and looked carefully at our curriculum development. As part of this they talked to a group of Year 2 writers with their books. It was lovely to see how proud they are of their work. The Governors also analysed the ‘Key worker’ project and the impact that has on children.

Finally, they looked at assessment of the core subjects of Maths and English and how target setting is shared with parents. Next time they look forward to another focus on how we are supporting our SEND learners.

Governors met today to discuss the finances and personnel of the school.

They firstly analysed in more detail the feedback from the staff wellbeing audit with representatives from staff teams sharing collective feedback. Governors valued their comments and stated that they would action what was feasible to continue with the priority we have on staff well-being.

Governors then listened to the PE lead talk about delivery of the curriculum, plans for swimming and the impact of the sports premium money.

The school budget was signed off after looking carefully at the complex staffing structure we have in place linked to a high percentage of the team on, or going on maternity leave.