Curriculum Governor Involvement

The Curriculum Governor Committee met on 13th May. Governors enjoyed a tour of the two‑year‑old provision and the pre‑school provision, noting that children were highly engaged and very well supported by the Nursery team. The environments were described as excellent and thoughtfully designed.

Governors then reviewed a random selection of home–school communication diaries. They observed strong engagement from home, either from the child (KS2) or the parent (KS1), and agreed that the time Teaching Assistants spend completing these diaries each day is a valuable use of time.

Anna Taylor (Nursery HLTA) attended the meeting with three EYPPG children, who demonstrated their maths learning. Governors were reassured that the strong foundations being built in Nursery will be highly beneficial as the children transition into Reception.

Governors requested that Science be the focus for the next meeting.

Finance and Personnel Committee Governors Involvement

The Finance and Personnel Governors convened on Thursday 7th May to review several important areas relating to the school’s ongoing development and future planning.

Governors examined the provisional staffing structure for the next academic year, giving particular attention to how it aligns with the increasing number of pupils with complex needs across the school. They also reviewed the financial implications of the proposed structure. As is the case for many schools nationally, Governors noted the growing challenge of delivering fully inclusive provision within budgets that do not reflect the true cost of meeting these needs.

The meeting continued with a review of the Headteacher’s appraisal targets and the progress made towards achieving them. Governors then spent time exploring the new Ofsted Toolkit, considering the guidance available and identifying the preparation required over the next 12 months.

 

Finally, Governors agreed that a small increase in fees for Nursery, Breakfast Club and After School Club was necessary in order to keep pace with rising inflationary costs

 

Y6 SATs

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

We would like to remind you that Year 6 SATs week will take place next week. This is an important time for the children, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout the year.

Our aim is to ensure that all children feel confident, calm, and well-prepared so they can do their very best.

Your support makes a huge difference. Here are some simple but effective ways to help your child feel ready:

 

  1. Prioritise a Good Night’s Sleep
  • Aim for an early bedtime each night
  • Ensure your child gets plenty of rest so they feel refreshed and focused
  • Try to keep a consistent bedtime routine

 

  1. A Healthy Start to the Day
  • Provide a nutritious breakfast each morning
  • Children are welcome (and encouraged) to attend our Breakfast Club, which will be available during SATs week

 

  1. Positive Encouragement
  • Remind your child that these tests do not define them
  • Use positive affirmations, such as:
    • “Just try your best – that is enough”
    • “You have worked hard and you are ready”
  • Keep conversations calm and reassuring

 

  1. Be Prepared
  • Ensure your child arrives at school on time each day
  • Make sure they have had breakfast and are ready to begin promptly

 

  1. Manage Worries
  • Encourage your child to talk about any worries
  • Reassure them that feeling a little nervous is normal
  • Let them know that staff are here to support them every step of the way

We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 pupils. SATs week is simply an opportunity for them to show what they have learned. Our focus is on ensuring the children feel supported, confident, and positive.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Y6 SATs Breakfast Club

Dear Parents/Carers,

During SATs week, we will be running our free Year 6 SATs Breakfast Club each morning to help pupils start the day calmly and confidently.

If your child prefers familiar foods, we kindly suggest that they have breakfast at home beforehand so that they feel settled and ready for their assessments. They are still welcome to eat at Breakfast Club, but this will ensure they are already well‑fuelled for the morning.

Please return the permission slip by Wednesday 6th May 2026 so we can plan numbers and catering.

As part of our approach to SATs, and with everyone’s wellbeing at the forefront of our minds, we will be going on our Nature Walk on the afternoon of Wednesday 13th May during SATs week. This will give the children a chance to relax, reset and enjoy some time outdoors after their assessments that day.

If the weather is good, please ensure your child has sun cream and a sun hat.

Thank you for your support.

The Year 6 Team

✨ Get Ready to Boogie! KS2 School Disco! ✨🎉

Calling all Key Stage Two superstars! (Y4, Y5 and Y6)🕺💃
It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and get ready for an evening full of fun, music, and laughter!

📅 Date: Thursday 21st May
📍 Location: Newdale School Hall
Time: 5.30 – 7.00pm

Join your friends for an exciting disco with great tunes, cool lights, and plenty of chances to show off your best dance moves! 🎶

There’ll be:
🥤 Drinks included
🎨 Face painting fun
📸 A Photo Booth with awesome props
🎵 Fantastic music and a lively atmosphere

Please note: there will be no snacks, so come ready to dance!

Don’t miss out—this is going to be one of the highlights of the term!

👉 Bring your biggest smile and lots of energy!

Please book via ParentPay by Wednesday 20th May at midday.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎊

Parent Survey

Dear Parents and Carers,

At Newdale Primary School and Nursery, we greatly value feedback from our parents and carers. We kindly ask that all families complete our annual parent survey by Friday 5th June 2026 using the link below.

https://forms.gle/8q5MmKxwDGCQXTJH8

If you would like further information about any of the questions before completing the survey, please visit our school website or Facebook page, or speak to a member of our team who will be happy to help.

To say thank you, families who include their child’s name in the survey will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win one of our fun summer prizes!

All named entries will be entered into the draw, with winners receiving a summer toy for the whole family to enjoy.

Thank you in advance for your time and support.

Kind regards,
Miss Cook

Stay & Share – Wednesday 22nd April

We would like to invite you to our Stay and Share session on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 at 2:45pm.

Please enter your child’s classroom through their usual drop-off/pick-up route:

Reception, Year 2, Year 3, Year 5 and Year 6 – enter via the playground classroom doors

Year 1 and Mrs Everall’s class – enter via the decking area

Mr Stubbs’ class – enter via the stairs by the Visitor Car Park

Playground gates will open at 2:45pm.

Due to limited space, we can only accommodate one parent/carer per child. Please confirm your attendance through ParentPay, so staff know how many parents to expect.

For this event, the children will remain in their classrooms. If you have more than one child in school, you will be able to move between classrooms and spend time with each of them individually.

Please book your place via ParentPay, the event is free to attend. Places to be booked by the end of day Tuesday 21st April. 

We look forward to seeing you, and the children are excited to share their learning with you!