Newdale Primary School & Nursery Playground Donation Request

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope this message finds you well and that your children are reporting that they are enjoying this half term so far.

At Newdale we are committed to enriching our children’s playtime with imaginative, active, and collaborative outdoor experiences. To help us enhance our playground, we are kindly asking for donations of specific items that will support creative and physical play.

We would be grateful for donations of the following items (new or gently used):

  • Sandpit tools (spades, buckets, moulds, etc.)

Balance bikes

  • Push along construction vehicles: diggers, dumper trucks,
  •  Brooms, dustpans, and brushes
  •  Thick long ropes (for tug-of-war or creative play)

Long skipping ropes

  •  Clean tyres (car or bike, suitable for safe play)
  • Traffic cones
  • Scramble nets
  •  Smoothed-off planks of wood (no splinters or nails)
  •  Plastic or part metal wheelbarrows
  •  Plastic snow shovels
  •  Large metal or plastic kitchen utensils (e.g., fish slices, serving spoons)

These materials will help us create a more dynamic and engaging outdoor space where children can explore, build, and play safely.

To donate:

 Please call the school office on 01952 387720 to discuss your donation and arrange a suitable drop-off time.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference and is appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us make our playground a place of joy, creativity, and adventure.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

PODS Parent & Carer Session

Newdale are excited to be taking part in the PINs project this year and to welcome back PODS – the Parent Carer forum – for a follow up ‘Cake and Cuppa’ event in our school hall.

This is an informal opportunity to meet with the team and ask any questions about how PODS may be able to help you. The team can discuss neurodiversity and what support is available for your child, even without a diagnosis. Mr McFarland, SENDCO, will also be available to answer any questions.

This will take place in the school hall and you are then welcome to leave by 3.10pm to collect your child from their classes.

Please follow the link below to find out more information about PODS and the services they offer.

Home – Together We Can Make a Difference

The session will be held on the following date and time. Please confirm your attendance via Parent Pay.

Wednesday 19th November 2.30 – 3.30pm.

We will also be organising an after school information session linked to Autism and ADHD for parents in the Spring term.

Finance & Personnel Governors Involvement

The Finance and Personnel Governors met on the 23rd October. They looked carefully at school finances and paid attention to the 3 year projection plan that had been prepared by the school finance officer. Governors had a staffing update and could see how the rising numbers of complex needs was adding pressure to the budget over time. Governors reviewed the staff well being audit findings and looked forward to some of the staff who are currently on Maternity leave returning in January. They were reassured that these staff returning would relieve pressure across the school.

LAIV Nasal Influenza Immunisation (Flu Spray) 2025/26

Please see attached letter. Please use either the link or QR code at the bottom of the first page to access the online consent form to either consent or decline for your child to have the flu spray. The online form will close at 9am on Thursday 30th October.

 

Newdale Flu 2025 School letter

NSPCC PANTS workshop

We’re excited to let you know that our school will be hosting a PANTS workshop for parents/carers delivered by the NSPCC on Thursday 6th November from 2:30-3:00pm. This important session helps children understand the PANTS rules, which teaches them how to stay safe from abuse in a simple, age-appropriate way.

Before the workshop, children will take part in a PANTS-themed assembly, introducing them to the key messages in a fun and engaging way. Then, they’ll receive a very special visit from Pantosaurus, the NSPCC’s friendly dinosaur who helps make learning about safety memorable and enjoyable.

We’re also pleased to share that we’ll be launching more PANTS activities in January, continuing to build on the children’s understanding and confidence around this vital topic.

The workshop and follow-up activities are part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and empowering our pupils with knowledge that helps keep them safe both in and out of school.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the PANTS campaign, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with school.

Please see below flyer attached for details regarding the workshop. If you would like to attend, please book a free place via ParentPay.