While we returned to the academic year with, understandably, a degree of trepidation as to what lay ahead, we can already cast our eye back over the last month and see the strength of our work. We have developed a collective confidence which has gone some way to reassure our parental community and support stronger than anticipated attendance.
Our hard work, thorough planning, attention to detail and adherence to guidelines has also gone a long way to suppressing the spread of infection. Although infection rates across the country have risen significantly over the last two weeks, our schools have experienced very little disruption. Managing this risk has not been easy but by collectively pulling together with everyone following our established protocols we are all doing our bit to stay safe and maintain purposeful learning. Thank you for your continued support.
I’m delighted to signpost Callington Community College's recent accolade of being
awarded the nationally recognised ‘Music Mark’. This award recognises the value CCC places on music and the access to, and engagement in, high quality music education.
I would also like to congratulate Ivybridge Community College on their under 15's Triple Academy Sporting Achievements . If you are interested in reading more on their success, please click on the link here: https://www.ivybridge.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1033
Turning to other Trust wide activity, we continue to further develop and share the WeST Strategic Plan. The focus this week is the Governance and Leadership strand. In transforming this key thread into tangible objectives, we recognise that communication is pivotal to our Governance and Leadership structures /processes throughout the Trust. With that in mind, key deliverables include developing a communications strategy. Phase 1 of our work will concentrate on internal communication as this will provide a solid foundation for later building on our external communication. We will also be looking to develop a governance handbook to support the Trust Board/LGB interface.
Short term objectives
1. Developing a communications strategy – initial phase to focus on internal communications:
a. Review of internal stakeholders and Governance /Leadership structures /dissemination of information & two-way feedback loop
b. Feedback mechanisms
c. Channels and tools to aid effective communication
2. Trust Board/LGB interface - WeST governance handbook
Take care best wishes,
Rob Haring – CEO
The photos show the system before having lagging installed. As stated from an Estates perspective, this is exciting stuff. The simplistic layout, two new boilers with a capacity for a third if required, allows for future expansion. 
The boilers are also much more efficient than the old system so the school gas costs will also reduce. Most of you have not been inside our plants rooms, which from a building infrastructure perspective, is the equivalent of the heart in our bodies. 
Director of Secondary School Improvement: This is a pivotal role within our Executive Leadership team and will shape the work of our secondary schools and their staff to harness their professional expertise, with the goal of securing excellent outcomes for our children. For more information please visit: 
The EEF has just launched a series of evidenced-informed materials detailing such approaches based around the idea of ‘5-a-day’. You can read the introduction to this approach 
The NHS COVID-19 app
A warm welcome to all our new starters:
As the first cohort to complete this Learning Institute level 3 apprenticeship, we were delighted that all four of our apprentices gained the highest grade at what was an exceptionally trying time for all of us in schools. This was a testament to their resilience, dedication, and hard work throughout the 18-month programme – characteristics they all model and encourage in the pupils they work with.
Upcoming Train to Teach Events