Stay Connected with Newdale – Arbor App Update

Following our announcement on Friday 19th December about the Arbor App, we’re pleased to let you know that log-in details have now been emailed to parents/carers this afternoon.

To get started, please follow the steps outlined in the email. The message may appear in your inbox or your junk folder, so please check both.

If you haven’t received the email or if your email address has changed, please contact the school office so we can update our records. Once your details are correct, we’ll resend your log-in information.

Please see below parent/carer guides for using the Arbor App

KS1 – Year 1 and 2 Hockey club Monday

We have an exciting club this half term with our hockey specialist TA Mrs Goodwin. She is offering hockey club each Monday to Year 1 and 2 this half term to provide a fun session whilst upskilling children.

There are still a few spaces available and it is not too late to sign up for the rest of the half term. Please see Parent pay for more details.

Hope to see you there!

 

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.

 

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.

Year 2 Nativity – Friday 12th December

We cannot wait for parents and family to see our Y2 Nativity this Friday. We kindly ask that if you have a pushchair, or a young child, that you sit towards the back of the hall or at the side as this would make it easier for you should you need to pop out if they become unsettled. We also ask that you arrive promptly as the show will start at 1:30pm. Doors will open at 1:20pm.

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.