What a first half of the Spring Term it has been!

Firstly, thank you to everyone for going ‘above and beyond’ and doing all that you have to ensure that the children in our schools have continued to experience daily school life in as normal a fashion as possible. Given the pressures posed by the omicron variant of COVID, this has been a colossal task. Thank you.

Secondly, I am very pleased to share that we have recently made two terrific appointments for Executive Director of History and Assistant Director of Education. We are hopeful that both new colleagues will take up their post following the Easter Break. Thank you to all those who gave of their time to support the selection processes – particularly those teachers who volunteered to have their lesson observed!

Thirdly, I’m writing to inform you that our Trustees are undertaking a review of our existing governance structures. As with other aspects of our work, the process of reflective review is a healthy undertaking.

We will be starting with a process of consultation around options for future arrangements to enable WeST to deliver effective governance for both the current and future growth.

I know that several Chairs of Local Governing Boards have been approached for early views. Again, thank you.

We will keep you informed as to how this work evolves through the Spring Term.

I am pleased to again draw to your attention to our WeST staff survey. I recognise that this might not percolate to the top of your priority list, but it is extremely important that our collective staff feel that they have a genuine voice, it is sought in an authentic manner, and it is heard. 

Enjoy the break and I hope that storm Eunice passes without significant disruption or damage.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

To complete your survey visit: https://forms.office.com/r/xE4pjdRe5F

Or scan this QR code:

We are pleased to launch our Spring staff survey for all

colleagues at WeST to provide feedback! Initially the short survey will be open 16th February - 4th March.

The survey also provides an opportunity to share your perspective and feedback on a full review of our appraisal process. This review will reframe our arrangements with the intention to increase value and fitness for purpose. 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!

 

Flu Jabs for WeST Colleagues

WeST are pleased to confirm that a total of 386 flu jab vouchers were provided this winter. The scheme was operated through Boots Corporate Health as the chosen provider. The scheme has been well received by and forms a key part of living our values in compassion for staff welfare. Given the success of this programme, we hope to explore opportunities for flu jab vouchers in 2022/2023 for staff. Any feedback would be welcomed by the HR team at: hr@westst.org.uk. 

Teaching and support staff financial wellbeing webinars

Staff can access free online webinars which are being run for both teaching and support staff on topics related to their financial wellbeing and long-term security.

The webinars will cover key areas including the many changes that have happened within both the Teachers’ and Local Government Schemes, as well as a better understanding of the benefits and long-term financial security provided to them from working within the education sector.

https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/financial-advice/webinars/teachers

*Disclaimer – The Trust is sharing this information from a third party, but does not endorse or hold any opinion related to the provider

Update your Personal Details and Download your Payslip 

In April 2022, the Trust are moving to one payroll provider, Midland HR (MHR).

Many staff members currently access payslips through employee self-service. Copies of payslips and P60s stored there will not be transferring across from your current provider to MHR. Access to old payroll systems via employee self-service will cease once we have gone live.

Therefore, please ensure that you have downloaded copies of your individual payslips and P60’s from your current payroll provider, prior to April 2022. You may wish to print these or retain an electronic copy, saved to your own area.

Updating your personal details is really important. If you are yet to update details about any change (such as full name, address, contact number and personal email address) please can you ensure your data is up to date at the earliest opportunity. This will include informing your local school administrator for local systems and informing payroll systems.

If you have any questions relating to this, please contact the HR Team on 01752 891754 ext 1765 or emailing hr@westst.org.uk.

Introduction to Mindfulness

4.15pm to 5.30pm, Thursday 3 March

WeST HQ

(at Morley Meadow Primary School)

This is an opportunity to find out:

  • What mindfulness is
  • What mindfulness is not (!)
  • How mindfulness might be helpful in supporting your well-being
  • How you could begin a journey towards using mindfulness to support your pupils / colleagues
  • If the 8-week .b Foundations course might be for you (there will be a course running on Thursday afternoons, 4.15-5.45pm starting March 10)

To book a place on this taster session please scan the QR below or copy and paste this URL to access an MS Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H74x0ghpjEO5_sDOHVTP6kReAnkfXnZDgs6uabBrt_RUMFFOSDFRVEFKMFZXTzBCOU4xQUtSUzZZUi4u

Qr codeDescription automatically generated

 

You can call 0800 174 319 to speak to a professional counsellor or information specialist in confidence 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Just quote that you are an employee of ‘Westcountry Schools Trust’.

You can visit the Care first lifestyle website which offers additional resources and online services at:

Website: www.carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk

User Name: Westcountst

Password: Wellbeing1234

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.

Teaching Assistant (fixed term - maternity cover): The Breakwater - Plymouth Inclusion Centre - This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly established Breakwater alternative provision, and exciting collaboration between Plymouth secondary schools and Plymouth City Council. Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust and Westcountry Schools Trust are working in partnership to provide bespoke support to small groups of pupils in Year 7 and 8. If you believe you can demonstrate the dedication, skills and passion required, we look forward to receiving your application. For more information, please go here. Appointment to our Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover) position will be on a rolling basis; the Trust may call to interview and appoint a suitable candidate from the point of their application. 

Sherford Vale School are looking for a Nursery practitioner. Sherford are looking for an excellent Nursery practitioner who is flexible. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to demonstrate - a secure level of understanding of the EYFS, and Safeguarding policies/procedures, SEND practice and processes and be IT competent. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Midday Monday 28th February 2022.

Chaddlewood Primary School are looking for a Mealtime Assistant. As a mealtime assistant you will assist and supervise children in the dining hamm and playground. You will promote their welfare, health and safety and encourage good conduct and behaviour.  For more information, please go here. 

Stowford School are looking for the following vacancies: 

Meal Time Assistant with a strong knowledge of how to support learning and provide care for children. Closing date: Monday 28th February 2022.

Teaching Assistant to work as part of the school team to provide high quality education and care for our children. To act as a role model for others, setting high expectations for behaviour and learning. To assist in planning, implementing the differentiated curriculum and in developing, implementing and evaluating the individual learning plans and/or individual behaviour plans, under the general direction and supervision of the teacher. Closing date: Monday 28th February 2022.

Wraparound Care Assistant to work as part of the school team to provide high quality education and care for our children. To act as a role model for others, setting high expectations for behaviour and learning. The role is to assist in providing a caring and secure environment for children from 3 -11 years old through individual and group activities. Closing date: Monday 28th February 2022.

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

Callington Community College is seeking to appoint a full-time teacher of Classics and Spanish from September 2022 to join our successful Languages Department. Spanish has a strong tradition at the College and Callington are seeking to further strengthen and develop the presence of Languages within the College with the recent introduction of Latin to KS4. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Monday 7 March 2022. 

Coombe Dean School are looking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join its Senior Leadership Team of five. This includes a Senior Deputy Headteacher and three Assistant Headteachers. The specific roles and responsibilities of the successful candidate will be determined once appointed. For more information on this role, please go here. Closing date: 9am on 28th February 2022.

South Dartmoor Community College are looking for the following vacancies:

Finance Assistant - Based at South Dartmoor Community College and the Atrium, the Finance Assistant will be working within the Finance Team, providing support to the schools and Westcountry Schools Trust. You will provide general administrative and finance support to the Senior Finance Officer. Closing Date: Monday 28 February 2022 at 8.00 am.

Senior Finance Officer - The Senior Finance Officer will be working in a fast-paced environment, overseeing the College’s Finance Team in order to prepare timely monthly management accounts and other financial reporting. You will report directly to the School Business Accountant, and provide support in the preparation of the school’s monthly management accounts. Closing Date: Monday 28 February 2022 at 8.00 am.

Caretaker - 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: Monday 28 February 2022 at 8.00 am. 

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

Hele's School are looking for the following vacancies: 

Cleaner - to Commence at Hele’s as soon as possible. Further details of the role are available here. Closing date: Friday 4th March 2022. 

Finance Officer - Hele's School are looking to appoint an exceptional candidate, who possesses energy and creativity and can provide effective and efficient cover to support colleagues in our Finance department.  We would welcome applications from suitably qualified persons. There may be an opportunity to extend to a permanent position. Closing date: 8am Monday 7th March 2022. 

Creative and Performing Arts Administration Support Assistant - Hele's School are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Creative and Performing Arts Technician 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. Closing Date: 9am on Monday 28th February 2022. 

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