I’m opening this ‘Whistle’ with a ‘Good’ news story!

Well done to Lyn and her terrific team at Wembury Primary School last week when they hosted a two day Ofsted inspection. All appears to have gone really well and the inspection seems to have chimed with our own thinking. Super news all round!

Continuing with the theme of Ofsted, Austin Farm Academy has now had its report officially published on the Ofsted Website.

Colin Randall has chosen to leave Austin Farm Academy after 9 years of dedicated service, to seek further challenges in his career and the school will welcome new leadership. Unfortunately, Mr Randall’s last day with us was 31st December 2021, meaning a proper goodbye was not possible. He wishes all children, parents and staff well. We wish him the very best in his future ventures.

Anthony Hutchings has, from 1st January 2022, assumed responsibility for Austin Farm Academy as Interim Headteacher, and will lead the first phases of Austin Farm’s improvement journey.  Anthony will continue one day a week at Glen Park Primary School.

It is with mixed emotions that I share that Nick Appleby has decided to retire from his post as Director of The Learning Institute (TLI) at the end of this academic year. I say mixed emotions since it will be sad to see him leave after nearly 20 years of involvement in the TLI – he was there at the very start. It is worth noting that TLI was born from partnership working between CCC, SDCC & ICC. It is therefore most fitting that all of these schools are now family members of WeST. The positive side of the emotion coin is that Nick has enjoyed a distinguished and varied career and will now be able to spend more time with his family.

It has been decided that at this point in the TLI’s journey, Richard Light will assume oversight of TLI in his role as Director of Education. In order to maintain suitable capacity, and the same ‘headcount’, WeST are now recruiting for a Director of Education.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO 

Changes to Teachers’ Pension Scheme from 1st April 2022

Teachers’ Pensions have informed us that the final salary (legacy) scheme is closing on 31 March 2022. From 1 April 2022 all active members will build up their pension benefits in the career average (reformed) section of The Scheme. Benefits built up in the final salary scheme up to and including 31 March 2022 are safe and will form part of the member’s pension when they retire.

We understand that members do not need to do anything, their Teachers’ Pension record will change automatically and from 1 April 2022 all pensionable service will be recorded in the career average scheme. Teachers’ Pensions will contact members directly to advise them of this change. Meanwhile, for further information please go to The Teachers’ Pension website by clicking HERE.

HR Update

Self-isolation for those with COVID-19 can end after 5 full days following 2 negative LFD tests

From Monday 17 January, people with COVID-19 may end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.  The default self-isolation period continues to be 10 days, and you may only leave self-isolation early if you have taken 2 rapid lateral flow tests and do not have a temperature in line with guidance.

Therefore, from this date (17th January), the Trust expects staff who are self-isolating with COVID-19 to take the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative on both day 5 and day 6 and do not have a temperature.  Individuals who are still positive on their rapid lateral flow tests must stay in isolation until they have had 2 consecutive negative tests taken on separate days, and it is crucial, if isolating with COVID-19, that you wait until you have 2 negative rapid lateral flow tests on 2 consecutive days.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. If an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on day 6 and day 7 to release from isolation.  It is essential that 2 negative rapid lateral flow tests are taken on consecutive days and reported before individuals returning to work (if leaving self-isolation earlier than the full 10-day period). E.g. if an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on both day 6 and day 7 to release from self-isolation, or positive on day 6, then a negative test is required on days 7 and 8, and so on until the end of day 10.

Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in returning to work at the earliest possible opportunity.

HR Strategic Objectives, Team Portfolios and Contact Information

Work continues apace in the HR Team with a strong commitment to deliver across three key objectives this year:

  • Objective 1: Deliver common payroll provider (MHR)
  • Objective 2: Deliver revised appraisal framework
  • Objective 3: Continue to develop and embed employee engagement, experience and wellbeing

In addition, our ‘business as usual’ constitutes a wide range of employee relations work, as well as an ongoing programme of regular policy reviews and ad hoc project work.

In order to provide additional resource for the period of the payroll project and whilst recruiting to a vacancy, I’m pleased to confirm the engagement of Debbie Blackwell as an interim HR Advisor.  Debbie will be supporting with casework across the Trust for a temporary period.

A summary of HR Team members and their respective portfolios is attached along with a reminder of the contact information for our HR Inbox and Helpline.  Please submit any general HR-related queries via our Inbox or Helpline. This will assist us in directing queries to the appropriate member of the team and responding to you in a timely way.

Many thanks, 

HR 

 

 

 

 

 

WeST are continuing to work with our employee assistance provider, Care First, and excited to bring a new service for staff to access - My Possible Self App.

My Possible Self (MPS) is a mental-health focused app you can use anywhere, anytime! The app includes clinically proven content from the Black Dog Institute at the University of New South Wales, Australia and consists of a range of self-help modules. The modules use established forms of therapy including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), problem solving therapy, positive psychology and interpersonal therapy and has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in just eight weeks.

The app features will help you recognise and record your moods and behaviour, providing strategies alongside the wider employee assistance services.

My Possible Self is available for Android™ and iOS devices, as well as a web app through your favourite browser. Head on over to the website or you can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Exclusive access for WeST staff with the code:

Link: https://portal.my-possible-self.com/westcountryschools/my-possible-self/register

Passcode: W3sTCo22

Starter Experience Survey

Once again we would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new starters to WeST. We hope you are beginning to settle in.

As part of the Trust aim of continual improvement, we would be interested to know about your experience of the selection process that led to your first day with us and your initial first couple of weeks.

We would therefore appreciate it if you would spend a few minutes completing the anonymous form that can be found here or via the QR code above by 31st January.   Please also look out for an email over the next week or so with the link in if it is easier for you to access from there.

If you would like to discuss this or encounter any problems opening the form please contact the HR Team at hr@westst.org.uk or on 01752 891754 Ext 1765.

Financial Support

Money worries can affect anyone at any time. The New Year is often a time people consider their financial wellbeing and we’d like to highlight some options.

Did you know that Money Helper provides a range of online guides and calculators? Its free to use and facilitated by the Department for Works and Pensions. They also offer online, WhatsApp, and telephone support for a personal and confidential discussion.

Visit: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en  

Support available includes:

  • Advice and guides to help improve your finances
  • Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
  • Support over the phone and online

The resources cover a wide range of financial areas from debts and borrowing, to financial planning, to housing, cars, insurances, and more! In addition they have a specialist pension and retirement area with a range of tools and information. Visit: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement?source=tpas#

If you are looking for specific company pension information you may wish to visit:

https://www.peninsulapensions.org.uk/ (LGPS)

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/cornwall-pension-fund/ (LGPS)

https://www.teacherspensions.co.uk/ (TPS)

Did you know that you may be able to access grant support too? Or perhaps you may know a former staff member from education who needs a little support? There are a range of schemes providing financial grants for personal circumstances which don’t need to be repaid. Full details of current schemes are on the Staff Portal. 

Have your say in a survey regarding violence against women and girls in Plymouth! Help shape the agenda of the new Commission, set up to help improve safety in the city.

Deadline 13 Feb https://bit.ly/3KbBEPb

HR Employment Policy Updates

We are pleased to confirm the following employment related policies have completed the ratification process and are now live for all staff across the whole Trust. These documents are available from the staff portal where you can access a range of employment documents and information as a colleague of WeST. The revised documents are:

  • Recruitment and Selection Policy
  • DBS Checks Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Pension Discretion Policy
  • Pay Policy
  • Low Level Concerns Policy

Please also note our revised ‘Delegated Authority to Act’ document (attached) which applies across our HR suite of policies. The suite of documents are key to how we operate as a Trust and what you can expect as a staff member within WeST. Please take a moment to review the information on the staff portal.

To reflect this update, we attach a copy of the employment policy list for reference. As you can see we have a number of further policy updates in the pipeline to share soon. Should you have any queries regarding employment policies please liaise with the HR team at: hr@westst.org.uk

Well-being questionnaire

Hello, my name is Julie Eames and I am a teaching assistant at a West primary school. I am currently in my final year of a BA(Hons) primary education degree. I would really appreciate your help with my research project.  Through my project I am hoping to gain a greater understanding of well-being in primary education. Please could you complete the attached questionnaire via the link; it should take no longer than 15 minutes. To clarify this questionnaire is to support my development journey as a Marjon student please see the attached participation document which will provide you with further details.  

Thank you for your support. 

Julie Eames

Recruitment update:

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

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking for the following vacancies:

Director of Education - We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Director of Education. The key purpose of the Director of Education is to effect consistent improvement across WeST Schools in order to secure the very best outcomes (better progress than that achieved nationally) for children. In addition, a core focus of this role is the achievement of disadvantaged pupils across the Trust. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Noon, Monday 21 February 2022.

Executive Director of History - The Executive Director of History is a key role that will promote and implement strategies for raising attainment and progress in History predominantly across all WeST secondary schools, but also promoting cross-phase alignment/approach. Working with the School Improvement Team, Headteachers and History Subject Leaders, the role involves both strategic leadership of subject development across the trust, alongside day-to-day support of History departments. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 31 January 2022. 

HR Administration Apprentice - This role is suitable for someone who is looking to join the HR profession and begin their HR career. As an HR Administration Apprentice, you will be providing an efficient administrative support Trust wide and helping to deliver an effective, timely and professional HR service. In addition to your role, you will be working towards the HR Support Standard Level 3 qualification, to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to be an efficient, solutions-focused HR Administrator. The successful candidate will have an interest and motivation to work within the Education sector, with a commitment to the Trust’s visions and values. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am Monday 14 February 2022.

The Learning Institute is looking to appoint an End Point Assessor for the Teacher Standard. This is an opportunity to work within a team of assessors to formally assess trainees about to enter the teaching profession, and would suit someone who has worked with trainee teachers, or as line manager to teaching staff.  It involves making judgements against the teaching standards at lesson observations and in an interview situation. Payment is made per apprentice, and work would be allocated according to availability. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this role your current employment should either be part-time or afford you the opportunity to be released to undertake assessment activities. Details and application form can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact Trevor Davies on trevor.davies@learninginstitute.co.uk. Closing date: midnight on 16th January 2022.

Glen Park Primary School are looking for a skilled and creative EYFS Teacher to join their excellent Early Years team to cover a period of maternity leave for four days a week. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent classroom practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage and possess a willingness to work in partnership with parents. For more information on this role, please go here. Closing date: Monday 31st January.

Woodford Primary School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious and self-motivated Cleaner to provide a key role in maintaining the cleanliness of our school site, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for the whole school community. The hours will be 2 hours per day Monday to Friday during term time with a more flexible approach during the 3 week periodic clean (1-week spring break/2-week summer break) under the supervision of the Site Manager. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 21st January 2022. 

Plymstock School are looking for a Behaviour Support Assistant – Required as soon as possible. Working alongside the Student Behaviour Improvement Manager, to deliver an effective service.  This includes co-ordinating, supervising and supporting students who have been removed from lessons and to co-ordinate the school community detention system, including managing break and lunchtime detentions and those students referred to after school support sessions. Grade C – SCP 5 – 7 (£19,312 to £20,092) 31.25 hours per week x 39 weeks (Actual Salary £13,968 - £14,532) For more information on the above roles, please go here. Closing date: 9am Wednesday 26 January 2022. 

Hele's School are looking for the following vacancies:

Assistant Principal: Support and Intervention. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and collegiate Senior Leadership Team and to play a key role in driving forward our quest for sustained excellence. You would be joining a forward-thinking and supportive school, where colleagues are wholly committed to securing the best academic and personal development outcomes for our young people and the best opportunities for our staff. Closing date: 9am on Thursday 27 January 2022. 

Creative and Performing Arts Administration Support Assistant to support the Drama, Art and Music departments with admin, marketing and events management and to help secure the place of the Arts at the heart of Hele’s School and the wider community.The successful applicant will be joining an inspirational team, led by the Head of Creative and Performing Arts. Closing Date: 9am on Monday 31st January 2022. 

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

Coombe Dean School are looking for the following vacancies:

Teacher of Technology. The postholder is immediately accountable to the Subject Leader for Technology & Enterprise who will undertake the postholder’s appraisal review. As a single subject specialist you will be responsible for tasks that you are best placed to complete, including; exam reviews, risk assessments, curriculum planning/schemes of learning. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 24th January 2022 9am. 

Skilled Administrator to support their SEN & Exams teams. You should be able to remain calm under pressure and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience of SIMS would also be an advantage. The successful candidate must have Level 2 English and Maths. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 31st January 2022 9am. 

Callington Community College are looking for the following vacancies: 

Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational Teacher of History, with outstanding interpersonal skills. Callington expects successful candidate to be able to teach all levels throughout the school from Year 7 to A-Level Teacher of History. Closing date: Friday 21 January 2022. 

A talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding interpersonal skills, to teach Geography. Callington would expect the successful candidate to be able to teach all levels throughout the school from Year 7 to A-Level. Closing date: Friday 21 January 2022. 

For more information on all vacancies, please go here. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking for the following vacancies: 

Minibus Driver - the Minibus Driver represents the public face of Ivybridge Community College. It is important that the post holder therefore conducts themselves in a professional and knowledgeable manner. The post holder will drive the school minibus on local, pre-determined routes. The post holder will have sound driving skills with a full, clean driving licence including Category D1. Working hours are approximately between 7.00 am to 9.00 am and again at 3.15 pm to 5.15 pm. Closing date: 9am on Friday, 21 January 2022. 

Teaching Assistant - Teaching Assistants play an important role in assisting with support for students to enable them to access the full range of curricular opportunities (academic and enrichment) the College has to offer. The post holder will work under supervision and direction, usually within the classroom providing general support and assistance as part of a professional team, through the organisation and day to day maintenance of teaching resources and administrative support. Closing date: 9am on Monday, 24 January 2022. 

Casual Examinations Invigilators - hours of work by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year.  Ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Experience is not required, as training will be provided, although applicants will be asked to declare if they have invigilated previously and whether they have any current maladministration/malpractice sanctions applied to them. Closing date: 9am on Monday, 24 January 2022. 

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

South Dartmoor Community College are looking for the following vacancies: 

Exams 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. You will be a committed and loyal individual; with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students. Closing Date: Monday, 24 January 2022, 8.00 am. 

Head of Year (Non-Teaching) - This is a full time, permanent position, with the year group to be determined on appointment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Directors of Key Stages and the Assistant Head teachers for Progress and Culture to ensure all students within their year group fulfil their potential. Closing Date: Tuesday 25 January 2022. 

Teacher (Lead CAIRB – SEND) - The successful candidate will work closely with the school SENDCo in leading the day to day SEND provision across the school. They will also take the lead role in the Communication and Interaction Resource Base (CAIRB). The CAIRB is a 0-25 provision for students with Communication and Interaction needs, all of whom are Autistic. They will have experience of working with children with Autism and an awareness of the challenges these students face within a mainstream environment, in addition to a comprehensive understanding of whole school SEND needs and provision. Closing Date: Tuesday 25 January 2022, 8.00 am. 

Site Caretaker to work alongside the estates team. The successful candidate will be hardworking, self-motivated and enjoy working in a team as well as under their own initiative. You will work alongside the Premises Manager in ensuring a clean and safe environment is maintained for our staff, students and visitors. Previous experience within this area and a good standard of practical knowledge would be advantageous. Closing Date: Tuesday 25 January 2022, 8.00 am. 

Sports Centre - Assistant Manager to work alongside their Community Sports Manager at our Ashmoor Sports Centre based at the College. Ashburton is known as the ‘Gate Way to Dartmoor’, as you will see the complex is set in a picturesque rural setting. The Ashmoor Centre is used by students and the public; facilities include a Gym, Sports Hall, Dance Studios, Tennis Courts, Golfing Range, Cricket Nets, vast grass sports pitches and our new, floodlit 3G Football pitch. Closing Date: Monday 07 February 2022, 8.00 am.

For more information on all vacancies, please go here. 

Internal Vacancy - Facilities Manager Assistant 

The Trust are looking for a methodical and experienced individual to support the Facilities Manager with the operational delivery of hard facilities (compliance, maintenance and project works) and property management services. The successful candidate will support with the delivery of the transformation of WeST workplaces and estate buildings with the objective of driving change and improving performance through the provision of cost-effective stimulating workplace environments. The full job description and person specification are available at Recruitment@westst.org.uk. Completed expressions of interest should be submitted to Recruitment@westst.org.uk by 9am Wednesday 2 February.