Health and Safety Governor Committee Update

Governors met on Friday 26th May as part of the Health and Safety committee. They spoke to children in year 3 and 4 regarding the behaviour systems used across our school. It was clear to Governors that the children like the systems we have in place and believe them to be fair. The children could clearly see the benefits of following the BeSMART code.

The governors also spoke with the site manager, Mr Thomas. They asked him about the checks he carries out linked to site safety/maintenance, water safety, road/ traffic management and electrical safety. Governors were satisfied that his understanding of policy and procedure is robust and that his training is of a high level.

Inspection of Newdale Primary School & Nursery by Ofsted

We have just told your child’s school that we will inspect it on 17 May 2023. The lead inspector will be Barry Yeardsley, HMI. We are writing to you because we would like to know what you think about the school. Please take a few minutes to read the leaflet that came with this letter. It explains why we inspect schools and what happens during an inspection.

Your views about the school are important to us

If you are a registered parent or carer of a pupil at the school (including pupils on sick leave or who are temporarily excluded), you can tell us your views about the school by completing Ofsted’s online survey, Ofsted Parent View, at: https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk.

Please link on the links below to view more information

Ofsted Letter to Parents

School inspections – a guide for parents

Finance and Personnel Governors Committee update

9.5.23

The Finance and Personnel committee met last week. Like all committees this one meets every half term.

This committee meets to ensure that the school expenditure is carefully considered to ensure the best interests of the child.

Governors were delighted to spend time talking to a parent of a child in year 5, who in her responses reassured governors that the best interests of the children are at the heart of all financial decision making.

Governors were updated on the potential staffing structure for next year and felt confident that the continued high standards of education will be sustained.

Governors are always happy to hear from parents. We love to pass on positive news and as ever are always keen to sort out any issues that parents have. All you need do is email into the school and a Governor will get back to you!

Kind regards,

Finance & Personnel Governors.

Year 6 Updates

Dear Parents/Carers,

Thank you for your continued support as we approach SATs and we are really proud of the hard work and resilience the children are demonstrating both inside and outside of school.

A polite reminder that SATs week will begin Tuesday 9th May – a letter with a permission slip has been sent home regarding a free breakfast club during this week. We strongly encourage the children to attend this so they have time to socialise and relax with their friends before going to their classrooms. At this stage of the year, we really encourage the children to get as much rest as possible so they have plenty of energy for the busy weeks ahead.

On ParentPay there are two upcoming events for year 6 – a Charles Darwin workshop and our trip to Telford Town Park. This trip will include bowling, adventure golf and pizza for the children. We ask if you could please give permission as soon as possible for numbers and bookings to be confirmed.

Many thanks and please get in touch if you have any further questions.

Mr McFarland and Miss Jones.

An update from the Newdale Governors 28/3/23

As proud governors of Newdale Primary School and Nursery, we attend regular committee meetings in school – where we look at how the school continues to provide such a high standard of education for your child, and where we have the opportunity to see and discuss school life from the perspective of the staff and the pupils.

Today, as part of one of these Governor committees, we looked at a sample of Literacy books and listened to a group of Year 6 children talk about their learning. All of these children commented on how they felt well prepared for their move to secondary school and excited about their next steps (and even more transition activities will be taking place in the summer term!).

We are continually seeking the views of children to ensure that the decision making has them at the centre. We are pleased that the children can speak so enthusiastically about their school, but we are keen to not only get the views of children and staff but also parents. We look forward to analysing the recent parent survey that many of you kindly filled in during parent consultation week. 

As Governors, we really do want to support our school in ensuring that we educate children to become ‘doers, believers and achievers’. If you would like contact Governors to celebrate something that has happened or make suggestions on what we could do differently,  please do email in on newdale.primary@taw.org.uk and we will make sure we respond.

 On behalf of the governing body,

Mrs Carole Williams, Mrs Beryl Mason and Mrs Karen Rowley

 

Year 6 – Preparing for SATs

14.3.23

Dear parents/carers,

We are already approaching the final term of your child’s primary schooling! The summer term is an exciting time, with SATs, end of year activities and transition to secondary schools and new beginnings.

Preparing for the SAT tests:

  • First and foremost, support and reassure your child that there is nothing at all to worry about. At Newdale, we prepare for SATs through regular, related activities – no child will do anything they have not already done during SAT week (except maybe eat some biscuits at breaktime!). Our experience has always been that the children all enjoy the opportunity to show off all their learning from their years at primary school.
  • Please ensure your child has the best possible attendance at school. Missed sessions can affect so much and make future learning activities harder. Every day in the run up and during SATs, really does count.
  • Support your child with homework – this can simply be encouraging them to have a go. Also encourage them to ask their teachers if they need help – that is what we are here for and we want to help.
  • Reading, spelling and arithmetic practise (e.g. times tables) are always beneficial – building resilience and stamina are key, especially in reading – the reading SAT is an hour long.
  • Talk to your child about what they have been learning and what books they are reading (for example the characters, plot, their opinions)
  • Make sure your child has a good sleep and healthy breakfast each morning, so they have a good start to every day.

We are already proud of the effort every child in year 6 has already put into their schoolwork this year. We know they are well on the way to being prepared for their next steps. While the ideas above will directly support SAT week, they are also key to a successful transition into secondary school.

Please remember to contact your child’s teachers with any queries.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Year 6 Thursday afternoon

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your cooperation this afternoon.

At home, the children can continue to work on their homework (we have given them their homework for next week as well). They could also access TTRS and Read Theory.

Below is a website which is great for the children to practice their Arithmetic. It will automatically mark and generate a score for the children.

https://mathsbot.com/primary/ks2

Thank you,

The Year 6 team.

World Book Day – Thursday 2nd March

Dear Parents and Carers, 

 This year’s World Book Day will take place on Thursday 2nd March with the theme “You are a reader!” 

 Due to the success of our last Book Swap Day, we will once more run a second-hand book swap shop. Children who bring in a book that they no longer want can swap it on the day (books in good condition only please).  

 As usual, we are all looking forward to seeing your child dressed up in costume as one of their favourite book characters. Teachers cannot wait to get involved too! 

 The World Book Day website has lots of ideas on how to do this with as much or as little effort as you would like. There are some excellent ideas to get you started: Dressing Up – World Book Day

However, children are equally welcome to come to school in their pyjamas all ready for a bedtime story if they prefer – just remind them to bring their favourite book too! 

 Your child will receive a £1 book token to spend on a FREE book, or to save £1 on another full price book of their choice. Full details are available at www.worldbookday.com where you can see the fabulous books that are on offer this year.  

 World Book Day is a super event to celebrate reading, but reading to and with your child is important every single day to ensure your child can learn to their fullest potential. We would love to see photos of you reading with your child – please stick them into your child’s reading diary if you can! 

Happy reading, 

 Mrs Thomas 

Literacy Coordinator