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. 

The Health & Safety Governors met last week. They spent time considering our invacuation procedures and were pleased to hear that our site was going to be reviewed and audited by someone more specialist in this field. They look forward to their findings and observing a drill in action this June.

Governors went on to analyse behaviour across the school and as part of this carried out pupil voice with a set of boys and then a set of girls from year 6. Governors were heartened to hear that the children could speak very confidently about the BeSMART code and describe the varying types of bullying that could exist. (Thankfully not in Newdale!).

Governors looked carefully at the E Safety survey and were fascinated with the data and asked that it would be shared more widely with the parent community.

The Curriculum Governor Committee met yesterday. They enjoyed listening to a group of girls talk about the sporting opportunities in our school and were pleased to hear that the offer is equal for both boys and girls.

Governors attended the Year 3 interhouse football competition on the astro and were delighted to see the inclusive nature of this event and the buzz of excitement from the children.

Governors had a focus on the role of the teaching assistant in our school and looked in particular at the key worker project that we run. They were impressed with the impact of this project on our children.

Governors reviewed the latest report from the school improvement partner which was linked to writing across the school.

On the 2^nd April 2025 the Finance & Personnel Governors enjoyed talking to representatives from the School Parliament. They were impressed with what the children had been up to and future plans.

They discussed the financial position of the school and imminent significant expenditure e.g. a new surface on the bottom playground.

Governors have a strategic role in ensuring staff well being is properly considered. They spent time analysing the recent staff wellbeing audit and were heartened to read such positive comments e.g. 100% of staff at Newdale feel they work in a safe environment. The Governors are keen to hear what ideas staff have to ensure ‘work life balance’ is kept at a good level and plan to explore this more with staff next time the committee meets.