Welcome back to the second half of the Autumn Term – I hope everyone managed to enjoy the half term break and take the opportunity to relax and spend time with family and friends. We return to what we normally recognise as a very hectic time in the school calendar - this year will certainly be no different! As you read this ‘Whistle’ there are probably only 30 teaching days until we reach the Christmas break. It therefore goes without saying that we need to make every day count. A reminder here that for all of our Devon and Plymouth schools, our last day of teaching is Thursday 16th December since Friday 17th December is our designated Jubilee day. Monday 3rd January 2022 is a Bank holiday, so we return to the Spring Term on Tuesday 4th January 2022, thus representing a longer than normal Christmas break.

It was a privilege to meet all of WeST’s Early Career Teachers (ECT’s) on Wednesday afternoon as they engaged face to face in their structured professional development programme with Ruth Woodhouse and Nicola Dowling. Thank you to all of the coaches and mentors who are embracing the new Teach First materials and providing such wonderful support at school level. We wish this super cohort of 38 primary and secondary colleagues every success in their career.

I am delighted to share that the Beacon Federation, comprising Ermington Primary School, Manor Primary School and Ugborough Primary School, received the ‘green light’ from the RSC to join WeST. Subject to public consultation and appropriate ‘Due Diligence’, we very much hope that these schools will become part of the WeST family from 1st January 2022. In our now customary style, we are currently ‘mooring alongside each other’ and beginning to collaborate ahead of the official join date. Should you meet our new colleagues in network meetings please do extend a warm welcome.

Everyone should now be familiar with the WeST staff survey. Your voice is vitally important as we seek feedback as to what is going well and what we can do to collectively improve further. I promise that the survey is not a shallow exercise, every form really does matter and the views it contains are carefully considered. So, if you are yet to complete the survey, please do so, it will only take a few minutes.

Have a great six weeks.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To complete your survey visit:  click here

Or scan this QR code:

Time is running out on your chance to share feedback in the staff survey!

The short survey features 15 questions to share your perspective. You can access this link on any internet enabled device or use the QR code. Results will be anonymous and every entry will be reviewed centrally. A summary of the results will be published in future editions of the Wednesday Whistle.

Please take part and let us have your feedback on engagement and wellbeing matters at WeST!

WeST Winter Flu Jabs

Have you requested your voucher and booked your jab?

 

The Trust are proud to confirm we have partnered with Boots pharmacy to deliver a limited number of flu vaccinations to staff who do not already meet the NHS free vaccine eligibility.  We encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab via one of these pathways. We still have a VERY LIMITED number of vouchers remaining!

 

You are eligible if:

· Aged 50 or over

· Have certain health conditions.

· You are pregnant

· You live with someone who is at high risk of coronavirus

· You receive a carer's allowance for an older or disabled person who is at risk.

· Have a weakened immune system due HIV, AIDS, Steroid Treatments or Chemotherapy

· Being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

· Neurological conditions, such as MS, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinsons.

You can have the NHS Flu Vaccine at:

· Your GP Surgery

· A Pharmacy offering free NHS Jabs

· Your Midwifery Service (if pregnant)

More information on the importance of getting a flu vaccination & eligibility is available from NHS Free Flu Jab Eligibility

For more information, contact HR@westst.org.uk

Vouchers can be sent directly to you via email or text message. 

Vouchers are redeemable at any participating Boots Pharmacy: Store Locator

Redeemable from now to 31st January 2022, on a first come, first served basis.

Availability maybe be limited as flu season progresses and ongoing supply can not be guaranteed.

To Request a Voucher complete the online Form: Flu Voucher Request or Scan QR code

Ivybridge Community Big Band launches Monday 8 November

Do you play an instrument? Ivybridge Community College are looking for staff members and students who play Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Guitar, Bass Guitar or Drums to play in our new ensemble. Ivybridge Community Big Band will rehearse in the Music Department at Ivybridge Community College from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on alternate Mondays starting on 8 November. You might be playing regularly, or you might be a bit rusty, but as a guide this would be suitable for any musician of Grade 4 standard or above who can read music to a reasonable standard. You would join an ensemble that includes staff and students from the college and Westcountry Schools Trust, along with ex-students and members of the local community. It’s completely free to take part due to a grant to our Music Centre from Devon Music Education Hub.

For further information email: swhitehorn@ivybridge.devon.sch.uk

The rehearsal dates for this term are:

Monday 8 November 2021 – 7.00pm to 8.30pm – Music Rooms C3.05/C3.07

Monday 22 November 2021 – 7.00pm to 8.30pm – Music Rooms C3.05/C3.07

Monday 6 December 2021 – 7.00pm to 8.30pm – Music Rooms C3.05/C3.07

Discounts for Education Staff

Online at: https://www.discountsforteachers.co.uk/

All WeST colleagues are eligible to sign up for FREE to the Discounts For Teachers service online to get access to hundreds of exclusive discounts with online retailers. They have a number of exclusive offers running in recognition of the current circumstances and to reward key workers. Please share with all colleagues to access this fantastic opportunity.

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:- 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking for a Trust Marketing Manager with responsibility for the Learning Institute (TLI). Working as part of WeST’s Core Services Team with particular responsibility for the Learning Institute, this role will be responsible for developing and delivering the marketing strategy for both the Learning Institute and The Trust. In addition, they will advise on and support communications channels and brand integrity, working with the CEO’s team and the Learning Institute to provide vital PR and marketing expertise. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 17 November 2021. 

Morley Meadow Primary School are looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant (EYFS) Part-time Temporary Contract – Salary Grade C. 17.5 hours per week until July 2022. Morley Meadow Primary School are seeking to appoint a skilled Teaching Assistant to join their very supportive, hardworking and successful team at Morley Meadow Primary based in our EYFS class.  Further information is available through the website here. Closing date: Friday 5th November 2021. 

South Dartmoor Community College have the following vacancies: 

Exam Officer - The successful candidate will be hardworking, self-motivated and enjoy working in a team as well as under their own initiative. Previous experience within this area would be advantageous. Closing Date: Monday, 08 November 2021 at 8.00 am.

Premises Manager and H&S Co-ordinator - The successful candidate will be hardworking, self-motivated and enjoy working in a team as well as under their own initiative. You will work with the Director of Estates in ensuring a clean and safe environment is maintained for our staff, students and visitors. Closing Date: Monday 08 November 2021 at 8.00 am.

To find out more about these roles, please go here. 

Chaddlewood Primary School are looking for the following vacancies:

Mealtime Assistant - As a Mealtime Assistant you will assist and supervise children in the dining hall and playground promote their welfare, health and safety and will encourage good conduct and behaviour. You’ll be part of a small team monitoring the children and engaging them in positive play, whilst ensuring good order of the dining areas and outside places at all times. All enquiries to Lynn Ebsworth (Business Manager) on 01752 337450. 

Primary Operations  Manager - The successful candidate will join and be fully supported by an experienced senior leadership team, united around clear school priorities. The Business Manager will be instrumental in shaping our future strategy of income generation and leading on all the areas of a busy school office. Application packs are available from the school website, please visit Chaddlewood Primary School to download further job details. Closing date: Monday 15 November at Midday. 

Plymstock School are looking for the following vacancies: 

Operations Manager – Required as soon as possible. Plymstock are seeking a highly skilled Operations Manager with strong organisational and people management skills. The successful candidate will be efficient at prioritising and managing their own workload and that of their teams. The Operations Manager will be responsible for the Premises Manager, Network Manager, HR Manager, Community Sports Centre Manager, Catering Manager, Office Manager, Administration and Mealtime Assistant Teams. This post is permanent, full-time and all year round (52 weeks per year)  Salary – Grade H - Plymouth SCP 30 - 34  £33,782 - £37,890 Closing Date: 9am – Monday 8 November 2021. 

Examination Invigilators – required as soon as possible. Plymstock are seeking Exam Invigilators to assist in the setting up of venues within the school and to ensure the fair and proper conduct of examinations. Under the direction of our Exams Manager, the Invigilators will closely follow and enforce examination procedures and regulations. This role is based on a zero hours contract. Pay Group - £9.00 per hour plus holiday pay of 12.07% (pay award pending) Closing Date: 9am – Monday 8 November 2021. 

For more information on the above vacancies, please go here. 

Callington Community College are looking for 3x Teaching Assistants. You would be joining a committed team of teaching assistants who play an important role across both schools. The role involves supporting students with Special Educational Needs within the classroom rather than 1:1 work. This could involve facilitating student’s emotional regulation; working with those on the autistic spectrum or supporting students with low levels of Literacy and Numeracy to access the secondary curriculum. You should be capable of developing excellent relationships with the students and therefore a proven record of successfully working with young people is essential. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Friday 19 November 2021 9.00 am.