At Newdale, we encourage the children in our care to be independent learners and to develop a “can do”, resilient attitude. We therefore love to hear from the children as to how they think they can improve their learning environment. This is true of all children in our school, SEND children included.
The school has a well-established School Parliament. Each term every class in school nominates a girl and a boy to be on the School Parliament . As this is nominated by peers, it is completely non-discriminatory and open to everyone. Teachers keep track of who has been on School Parliament so that everyone gets a chance at some point during their school career. School Parliament meet with a member of our pastoral team regularly to discuss school issues and also run a weekly assembly, with the help of a member of staff.
The main school body is also given the opportunity to voice their opinion on the way the school is run every term. Subject Leaders carry out surveys with the children on what they think is good and needs improving about in the way we teach these subjects. A termly anti-bullying survey is also carried out, to help ensure that our school community feel happy, safe and secure in their environment. Again, children with SEND will be included in all of these and questions will be reworded as appropriate to ensure full understanding of what is being asked.
In addition, the school’s pastoral team play a key role in ensuring that the pupil voice is heard. Children can visit the team at any time of day to air their concerns or just for a chat! The team have a “Worry Box” outside their room, in which children can leave notes. The most recent addition to the pastoral team is Buddy Bear. Buddy is frequently seen around school and likes to ensure children are happy. If children find it difficult to talk to someone directly, Buddy also has her own email address which children can use to contact her on and Buddy will reply as quickly as possible with advice.