In last week’s ‘Whistle’ I took the opportunity to revisit our value of collaboration. At the tail end of last week I was privileged to visit one of our primary schools, and, when doing so dropped in on a class talking about this summer’s Commonwealth Games which will be held in the city of Birmingham. The teacher held up the mascot of the games which is based on a bull. I was put on the spot when the teacher asked me the question as to why the mascot might be representative of a bull. I offered the answer that this is probably linked to the heritage of the city regarding the famous Bullring shopping centre at the heart of the city. I share this anecdote for two reasons.

  1. I thought it an excellent example of a theme conveyed in our recent curriculum excellence programme. Possessing knowledge allows you to make connections more readily and acquire further knowledge.
  2. Continuing with the Commonwealth games theme, another situation has made me think about the cycling team and specifically the team pursuit in which the winning time isn’t when the first team member crosses the finishing line, but the time of the last team member. The resonance with WeST, I suggest, is that we are a collective team and that it is the combined performance of all our schools that allows us to do the best for all our children, not just our strongest school. In this regard I also believe there to be a link to our value of integrity.

Year 11 FSM children

Given the current cost of living pressures and the number of our families facing genuine hardship we have decided to issue food vouchers for all of our current Year 11 FSM children who, since the examinations have finished, are no longer coming into school. 20 days of vouchers per child to be issued in two batches of ten days.

Ukrainian children

As I have been visiting our schools over the last few days, it has been extremely heartening to see the welcome that our schools have extended to our new Ukrainian arrivals. You have been magnificent! A special thank you to Suzie Winter for her organisation of the ‘welcome’ boxes. I thought it useful to inform you that, to the best of my knowledge, we currently have 25 Ukrainian children in our schools – we wish them every success.

Both of the above examples demonstrate our value of compassion.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Last year the murder of Sarah Everard and the ‘Everyone’s Invited’ website raised the profile of sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) at a national level. This led to the publication of Ofsted’s review in sexual abuse in schools and colleges and subsequent changes to the DfE’s guidance, which will become statutory from 1 September 2022 when it is incorporated into the new version of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Closer to home the murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod and the shootings in Keyham brought reality of men’s violence against women and girls (VAWG) into the heart of our communities. In response, Plymouth City Council instigated a commission to report on VAWG in the city and make recommendations about how all sectors could work together to make Plymouth a safer place for all people, but especially women and girls. Richard Woodland, Director of Inclusion, represented the ‘voice of education’ on the commission. The main report can be found here as well as short, but powerful video outlining the key findings and recommendations.

WeST is a signatory to the Plymouth Charter on Men’s Violence Against Women and Girls. Over the coming months we will be working with staff to ensure that we meet the recommendation being made that,

“Schools should actively promote a culture safety and equality for all by adopting a consistent and robust approach to tackling male violence against women and girls. This whole school approach goes beyond the quality assured relationship and sex education that is already mandated. It will ensure that all school staff and young people are helped to explore the factors that cause male violence against women and girls and the meaning of healthy relationships and respectful behaviours. Parents and carers will be supported and involved.”

Spaces still available for September 2022!

There are still a few places available in Plymouth and Exeter for anyone who is considering studying for a foundation degree with The Learning Institute and Westcountry Schools Trust, working in partnership with the University of Worcester.

The Learning Institute has been delivering foundation degrees accredited by the University of Worcester for almost 15 years.  The current degrees - Early Years Professional FdA, Inclusive Education FdA, Learning and Education FdA, and Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People FdSc - are delivered using a blended learning approach. 

For students starting this September, taught sessions will take place once a week (Wednesday, 1pm – 7.30pm), with a mix of face-to-face and live online delivery over two academic years.  Face-to-face sessions will take place in a number of venues including Morley Meadow Primary School (Plymstock) and Willowbrook School (Exeter), with students from all four foundation degrees learning together.  Degree-specific sessions take place online, bringing together students from all of our centres.  This blended learning approach enables students to share best practice with peers from a diverse range of working environments.  

Alongside their study, students will be working or volunteering with children and young people for at least seven hours a week, linking theory to practice and gaining valuable insight and experience.  These courses are designed to fit in with your existing commitments, allowing you to study for a degree without having to give up work or ‘go’ to university.

Find out more

If you would like to find out more, please email degrees@learninginstitute.co.uk, call 07956 056447 or visit https://www.learninginstitute.co.uk/our-courses.

Opinion Survey: Providing Positive Role Models

This is a voluntary opinion survey assessing the provision of positive gender role models within education. Whether you directly or indirectly effect a child’s educational experience, your opinion is wanted. This research is approved by the University of Plymouth and anyone working within the schools trust is encouraged to participate. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

Follow this link: Providing Positive Gender Role Models (office.com)

New CPD Opportunities 

Brand new degree-level short courses relating to education, early years and children's services!

The Learning Institute, in partnership with the University of Worcester, is offering 16 new degree-level short courses for those who work or want to work with children and young people in education, early years and children’s services.

Delivered over 12 weeks, the short courses are a great way to gain skills and knowledge quickly without having to commit to a full degree programme.

With topics including mental health, SEND, child development and coaching, the short courses are an excellent choice for anyone who is considering a career change, wants to update their skills and knowledge for their current role, or wants to try out higher education.

Funding is available for applicants who live in England through a Higher Education Short Course loan from Student Finance England, even if they have had a student loan for previous university study.

Who are these short courses suitable for?

The short courses are particularly suitable for those employed in education settings such as schools, further education colleges and early years settings; and children’s services such as family support and youth services. Short courses can help you to upskill in a new area or refresh knowledge and skills you have not used for some time.

If you are already a qualified professional such as a teacher, short courses offer continuing professional development opportunities to help you build your portfolio and progress in your career.

The courses are also suitable for those considering a change of vocation or a totally new career. Perhaps you are part of the wider school community and would like to work within the education sector. Maybe you are now tempted to ‘dip your toe into the water’ of higher education. Short courses allow you to try out a new subject without having to commit to a full degree.

What could I study?

Our short courses have all been designed with employers to ensure that they provide the knowledge and skills needed in the education, early years and children’s services sector.

How will I be taught?

All of our short courses begin with a full day in-person launch conference, where you can meet the other students on your course and related courses.

The conference will be followed by weekly evening live online teaching sessions, each lasting 2 hours 15 minutes (times and days vary among courses).

You will also complete weekly online learning activities, which are designed for you to access flexibly to fit around your work and commitments.

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about these new short courses, please email shortcourses@learninginstitute.co.uk, call 07956 056447 or visit https://www.learninginstitute.co.uk/short-courses.

Joyful June 

Recruitment update:

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

A Senior Finance Officer - Initially the post holder will be working with a school business accountant to support 5 primary schools within the trust. This involves the preparation of timely monthly management accounts and other financial reporting, and ensuring financial systems and processes comply with Trust regulations and achieve value for money. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Monday 18 July 2022. 

HR opportunities: 

  • The HR Assistant/Officer will demonstrable experience of HR, payroll and recruitment administration with a desire to develop their HR practice and assist with routine casework across the Trust. 
  • The HR Officer/Advisor will have demonstrable generalist HR experience and will hold their own portfolio of primary schools, providing advice and support on a broad range of employee relations matters, helping to ensure timely progression of queries and cases. 
  • The HR Systems and Data Officer will deliver a professional and high-quality HR-related systems and people data service for the Trust. 

For more information, please go here. Closing date: 18 July 2022. 

Ermington Primary School are seeking to appoint a Year 2 Class Teacher. Ermington can offer you an excellent working environment with friendly and supportive colleagues, as well as children who are keen to learn within a school that has an excellent reputation as part of the Westcountry Trust for inclusive educational practice. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 6 July 2022. 

Glen Park Primary School are seeking to appoint a skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join their very supportive, hardworking and successful team in KS1/2 from September 2022 at Glen Park Primary. Glen Park are looking to appoint an individual who is a team player, able to use their initiative in the classroom and help support PPA release and the delivery of intervention programmes for individual and small groups of children. For more information, please go here. Closing date: noon on Friday 1 July. 

Sherford Vale School are looking for the following vacancies: 

An exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Deputy/Assistant Headteacher. The Deputy/Assistant Headteacher will be required to support the Headteacher on a day-to-day basis with the leadership of the school and with the delivery of the WeST strategic direction. We are pleased to offer this opportunity for a Deputy or Assistant Headteacher to reflect relevant skills and experience. We are flexible and support development opportunities. We are able to offer a permanent or secondment opportunity. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Monday 4 July. 

A part-time Family Advocate to support the needs of their children and families. Sherford are looking for a candidate, to join their team from September 2022, who has a strong teamwork ethic and who is flexible. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to demonstrate: a secure level of understanding of Education Welfare Support; SEND needs; Safeguarding policies and procedures; working knowledge of Statutory Regulations and Law and child-centred intervention programmes. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Midday Thursday 30 June 2022. 

Stowford School are looking for the following vacancies: 

An Administrative Assistant to provide administrative and reception support at Stowford School as part of a busy admin team. You will respond to queries from parents, children, visitors and colleagues in person and via email, letter or telephone. Provide advice and information on standard procedures/policies and raise complex matters to senior leaders as appropriate. Closing date: 9am on Monday 4 July. 

Teaching Assistant Vacancies: 

  • Teaching Assistant (Permanent) (Closing date: 9am on Monday 4 July 2022) 
  • Teaching Assistant (Fixed Term to 31/08/2023) (Closing date: 9am on Monday 4 July 2022) 
  • Wraparound Care Assistant: 8.00am – 9.00am Monday to Friday (5 hrs per week) (Closing date: 9am on Monday 4 July 2022) 

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

Morley Meadow Primary are looking for the following vacancies:  

Morley Meadow are seeking to appoint a dedicated Mealtime Assistant who encourages children to play positively and wishes to make lunchtimes an enjoyable time for all. Are you enthusiastic, organised, trustworthy and self-motivated and keen to join our friendly team? Closing date: Monday 11 July. 

A dedicated individual to join ‘The Beehive’ Before and After School Club which provides out of school care for children aged between 4–11 years from 07:40 – 08.40 and 15.20 – 18:00 during term time. You will need to be able to work well in a team but have lots of ideas and the initiative to create and lead some activities on your own. The ability to be flexible with hours would be an advantage to cover illness of staff as necessary. An NVQ2 is desired for this post. Closing date: Monday 11 July. 

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

Plympton St. Maurice Primary School is looking for the following vacancies:

Administrative Assistant - As the first point of contact to the school the successful candidate should have excellent communication skills and be able to deal with telephone calls, parents and visitors in a positive, calm and friendly manner. The role is busy and varied and you will need to have the ability to prioritise and work well under pressure. Closing date: 12 noon Friday 25 July. 

Plympton St Maurice is looking to appoint an experienced, highly skilled, enthusiastic teaching assistant who wants the best for every child. All applicants ideally should:

  • Have experience of delivering high quality Read Write Inc sessions
  • Have experience of working in Early Years / Key Stage 1
  • Be hard working and committed to school improvement
  • Enjoy working with others and have a good sense of humour
  • Bring new ideas to our school.

A Mealtime Assistant to start 5 September 2022. The hours of work will be 12.15pm to 1.15pm daily, Monday – Friday. Visits to the school by prospective candidates are most welcome; please contact the school office on (01752) 337427 or karen.allen@psmps.co.uk. Closing date: 8 July 2022. 

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

Callington Community College are looking for the following vacancies:

Science Technician - The post holder requires a good standard of practical knowledge and experience and will have some responsibility for resources, such as equipment and materials.  The post may include some administration support and data entry. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am Thursday 7 July 2022. 

Minibus Driver - The Minibus Driver represents the public face of Callington Community College. It is important that the post holder therefore conducts themselves in a professional and knowledgeable manner. For more information, please go here. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am Monday 11 July 2022. 

Coombe Dean School are looking for the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Science - This is a perfect opportunity for an individual embarking upon their career or an established teacher with a proven track record of high quality teaching, keen to work in an environment that will offer significant opportunity for professional development. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 6 July 2022. 

Community Sports Officer - An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual with a passion for sport and fitness to run Coombe Dean School’s Community Sports Centre, as the Community Sports Officer, developing the usage of their sport & leisure facilities in the wider community. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 6 July 2022. 

Eggbuckland Community College are looking for the following vacancies:

Apprentice Careers Support Administrator, to work in their Post 16 office, on a fixed term contract for 18 months from September 2022 until 31 December 2023. Hours of working will be from 8.30am to 3.05pm Monday to Friday (35 mins unpaid break), including 20% development time to attend training, etc. Closing date: 9am, Monday 4 July 2022. 

College Minibus Driver for a 15-seat minibus, from September 2022 on a fixed term contract until 31 August 2023. Hours of working will be for 2.5 hours mornings and 1.5 hours afternoons, Monday to Friday.  Job share will be considered. Duties include fuelling, safety checks, cleaning before and after use, cover for emergencies. Relevant D1 category licence is required and Driver CPC qualification preferred, but not essential as training can be provided. Closing date: 9am, Monday 4 July 2022. 

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

Plymstock School are looking for the following vacancies: 

Student Behaviour Support Manager – Required from September 2022. Plymstock are looking for a talented individual, to manage and continue to develop their caring and supportive learning environment for their young people, including the school vision of high expectations of achievement and behaviour. Your experience of pastoral care will place our learners’ welfare at the heart of the school. Grade D, SCP 8 – 14 - 36.25 hours pw x 39 week pa. Closing date: 9am – Monday 4 July 2022. 

Behaviour Support Assistant – Required from September 2022. This role will support the effective running of their Striving for Excellence behaviour support system. 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 – 31.25 hours pw x 39 weeks pa. Closing date: 9am – Monday 4 July 2022. 

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

South Dartmoor Community College is seeking to appoint a Reading Lead & Library Co-ordinator. 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. For more information, please go here. Closing Date: Monday 4 July 2022 at 8am.