The Curriculum Governors met on 24th March. They spent time speaking with KS2 girls about Life Learning and were heartened to hear that pupils feel safe in school and have a strong sense of belonging at Newdale. Governors then heard an update from the ‘Stronger Foundations’ Associate Governor, who reported on policy developments and monitoring carried out this term.

They also worked with the Maths Lead, talking to KS2 pupils about their maths learning, and were pleased to see clear progress over time. Governors are keen to follow how the focus on ‘STEM Sentences’ develops over the summer term.

They were further reassured by feedback from recent external monitoring undertaken by the School Improvement Partner and two Partnership Heads. All external visitors recognised the calm, respectful learning environments across the school and the strong drive to support inclusion.

Governors who are part of the Finance and Personnel Committee met on 23 March 2026. They spent considerable time analysing the staff wellbeing audit results and identifying any actions required in response to the findings. Governors were very pleased to note that both teaching and support staff feel happy and safe working at Newdale.

The committee reviewed the draft staffing structure for the next academic year and agreed that the inclusion agenda should drive staffing decisions. Governors also approved a budget of £3–£5k to support the development of the newly established SEND provision for the coming year.

At Newdale, we use the Arbor Management Information System (MIS) to help manage pupil information securely and efficiently. Arbor now includes optional AI‑powered tools that help staff complete tasks more quickly — such as data analysis, drafting messages, or finding information inside the system.

Below explains clearly how AI processes data, where it goes, and how Arbor keeps your child’s information safe.

1. Your Child’s Data Remains Protected

Arbor confirms that any student or staff data processed by Arbor AI is not stored, not retained, and not used to train AI models. [support.ar…cation.com]

Only the minimum information required to complete a specific task is processed.

2. How the AI Process Works

When a member of staff uses an AI feature in Arbor:

1. Arbor checks permissions
   Arbor first checks what information the staff member is allowed to access within the MIS. [support.ar…cation.com]
2. Only necessary data is sent for processing
   Arbor sends only the data needed for that specific task to the AI model (for example, attendance numbers for a summary). [platform.s…areone.com]
3. AI produces a result
   The AI generates an output — such as a summary, draft message, or data insight — and sends it straight back into Arbor MIS.
4. Data does NOT leave Arbor systems permanently
   Arbor operates within UK‑hosted environments and maintains strict agreements to ensure data is handled securely and legally. [platform.s…areone.com]

3. Fully Compliant With UK Data Protection Laws

Arbor states that all AI features comply fully with:

• UK GDPR
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)

This ensures data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. [support.ar…cation.com]

4. No AI Decisions Affect Students Automatically

AI in Arbor is used only as a support tool.
It helps staff by providing suggestions, summaries, or draft information.

All decisions affecting students — including attendance, safeguarding, behaviour, or academic matters — are always made by school staff, not by AI.

5. What AI in Arbor Can Do

Examples of helpful tasks Arbor AI supports include:

• Drafting messages for staff to review
• Creating quick summaries about attendance or learning
• Helping staff find information quickly
• Offering guidance when setting up school processes
  [platform.s…areone.com]

These tools save staff time so they can focus more on children and learning.

6. What AI in Arbor Does Not Do

• It does not make decisions about children
• It does not store or keep copies of your child’s information
• It does not use school data to train external AI systems
  [support.ar…cation.com]