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Swoosh – what a busy start to the new term!

We returned to the Spring Term and completed only 3 teaching day and we got the Ofsted call at Callington Community College for a section 5 graded inspection on Tuesday and Wednesday this week! Well done to Wendy and the entire team at CCC.

On the theme of Ofsted I think we are now able to celebrate the wonderful journey of our small yet mighty Holbeton Primary School. Holbeton was inspected just prior to the Christmas break and the strength of its improvement journey was certainly recognised by the inspection team – ‘Good’ overall with outstanding provision in EYFS! A fantastic achievement for Chris and the team.

I mentioned in last week's ‘Whistle’ about us entering a very busy period of recruitment. I’m delighted to specifically signpost here two Secondary headship vacancies; Plymstock School and Eggbuckland Community College. A host of other teaching and leadership opportunities are on the horizon.

Thank you to all those ITT colleagues who recently attended our internal WeST  recruitment meeting – it was terrific to meet with you.

Also, it was super to hear of our colleagues undertaking professional study through participation in a NPQ.

Best wishes

Rob Haring, CEO 

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 by 5 February. 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.

NOW OPEN TO ALL TRUST STAFF AND

FAMILY MEMBERS, REGARDLESS OF

ELIGIBILITY STATUS

WeST continues to support your wellbeing and is pleased to offer access to you and your family members this winter. All staff are encouraged to take up the offer of a flu jab.

There are a VERY LIMITED number of vouchers remaining and these are now being offered to all staff and family members, regardless of eligibility.

Vouchers can be sent directly to you via email or text message and are provided at no cost to you or your family member.

NOTE: Vouchers are redeemable until 31 January 2023, on a first come first served basis. 

Vouchers are redeemable at any participating Boots Pharmacy, click here for details: Store Locator (www.boots.com/store-locator)

To request a voucher please visit: Request Form or scan the QR code above. 

Message and invite sent on behalf of Detective Superintendent Ben Davies, Devon and Cornwall Police lead for Honour Based Abuse

Devon and Cornwall Police and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust are delighted to invite you to a multi-agency CPD day on Friday 24 March 2023 exploring the themes of Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. This event is aimed at front-line practitioners and managers and sees a return to ‘in-person’ learning in the first event of its kind in the South West. 

The full day event will feature a number of national experts and will seek to raise awareness; provide attendees with increased confidence in recognising the risk factors and equip attendees to support those affected by these issues. Numbers are limited so please register your interest early to avoid disappointment and feel free to share with others who may also be interested. 

The event is free and open to all… Please click the link to book your place as soon as you can.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/honour-based-abuse-continuous-professional-development-event-tickets-459904846777

The event will feature a number of guest speakers from the following organisations:

Devon and Cornwall Police – Detective Supt Ben Davies and DCI James Dowler

National FGM Centre,

Integrate,

Forced Marriage Unit

This is a fantastic opportunity to increase multi-agency working and approaches to HBA, FGM and Forced Marriage.

Sessions will include (*)

  • Understanding the cultural implication of FGM
  • Understanding the gender and racial inequalities which underpin FGM/HBA/FM
  • Spotting the signs and how to safeguard/support a survivor
  • Understanding forced marriage, the legalities and protection orders
  • Forced Marriage from a young person's perspective Integrate

Lunch and refreshments will be provided

*? Please note that session topics could be subject to change

AIM Group - New Courses

The AIM Group specialise in providing training opportunities for those who want to reach their full potential. 842 parents and staff across WeST have already signed-up for these free courses from the Aim Group. We are therefore excited to announce two brand new courses. 

Advanced Child Development (Neuroscience in children) Level Two Qualification [25 Questions] completed online over 4-6 weeks.

What Is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and its impact on behaviour.

It is an exciting field of research that has huge significance to anyone who supports babies or young children. This qualification is designed to give learners an introduction to the subject and to share with them some of the remarkable insights it has given us in terms of how the infant's brain develops, and how this is affected by a range of external influences.

Course Information

This is a brand-new qualification, launching in January which will look to provide learners with practical advice on how to promote healthy brain development in the critical first seven years of their life.

This course will also support how children develop vital self-regulation skills, such as learning how to deal with emotions such as fear, anger and sadness in the correct way.

If you are interested in undertaking this free online course or would like further information, then please complete the following link.

Westcountry Schools Trust: Neuroscience in Early Years Qualification Application Link > This will then allow The AIM Group to contact you to discuss and get you started on your chosen course. 

Are you looking for a flexible, achievable, and manageable way to retake your GCSE English and Maths?

This alternative GCSE retake can provide just that.

Online classes are designed to develop your confidence and the foundations to progress on to higher level English qualifications.
It can also enable you to use your skills in everyday life, both personally and professionally.

Functional Skills English Level 2: Eastleigh College: 

Reading | Writing | Speaking | Listening | Communication

Functional Skills Mathematics Level 2: Eastleigh College: 
Whole Numbers | Fractions | Decimals | Percentages | Using Common Measures | Shape and Space | Handling Information and Data | Solving Mathematical Problems

To register your interest please click this link > Westcounty Schools Trust: English and Mathematics Functional Skills Level Two Qualifications

For any other information, please visit The Aim Group's website by clicking here. 

Code of Conduct

You may have seen recent communication in your school/business unit regarding the new Trust wide Code of Conduct for all employees. This key document is designed to give clear guidance on the standards all employees are expected to observe. Employees working in Westcountry Schools Trust are role models, are in a position of influence and must demonstrate behaviour that sets a good example to all the students within the Trust. As a member of a school community, every employee has an individual responsibility to maintain these standards.

We appreciate that many colleagues would have reviewed the Code of Conduct in September 2022 however having consulted with staff members and leaders across the Trust, along with our union colleagues, we are sharing a new version of the document for January 2023. Therefore, all colleagues are asked to kindly review the new version and confirm agreement.

You can find information about this and other employment documents on the Staff Portal at https://www.westst.org.uk/staff with Username: staff@westst.org.uk and Password : west

At Westcountry Schools Trust we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a healthy work culture with access to responsive and quality advice, support and wellbeing services. With this in mind we would like to highlight the free services that the Money and Pensions Services offer.

The Money and Pensions Service is an arm’s-length body, sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, with a joint commitment to ensure that people throughout the UK have guidance and access to the information they need to make effective financial decisions over their lifetime.

MoneyHelper is part of the Money and Pensions Service’s consumer service providing free, impartial money and pensions guidance. Its aim is to make your money and pension choices clearer, to cut through the complexity, explain what you need to do and how you can do it. MoneyHelper aims to put you in control, with impartial guidance that’s backed by government and to recommend further, trusted support if you need it.

If you are in need of clear money help that’s on your side and is free to use, just search for MoneyHelper or visit:

www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Or

Telephone for free impartial money guidance 

0800 138 7777

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Saturday, 8am to 3pm

Or

WhatsApp +44 7701 342744

Free Wellbeing Webinar Sessions!

WeST are continuing to work alongside Able Futures to support staff wellbeing and are pleased to bring details of new free webinar sessions. Please click the following links to register your interest. If you are unable to access the live session, the registered participants will be provided with a recording of the information.

It's completely confidential to you as WeST will not be informed of any participant details.

We hope you find these sessions of interest and value as part of our ongoing commitment to developing a culture of wellbeing at work. Details of other resources are available on the staff portal.

23 January: Starting the new year with a focus on your mental health at work

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1562305296227145051?source=Will

13 February: Relationships at work

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3101732625805428317?source=Will

13 March: Sleep and mental health at work

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5538391130446229077?source=Will

3 April: Hardwiring positivity

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1590008591218919262?source=Will

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Recruitment update:

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

Eggbuckland Community College are seeking to appoint an experienced, confident and enthusiastic individual for the role of HR Administrator. The HR Administrator will contribute to the provision of the HR service at the school by being the first point of contact for employee queries, updating and maintaining employee records and working closely to support members of the senior leadership team. For more information, please click here. Closing date: Monday 16 January 2023. 

Hele's School are seeking to appoint a Teacher of IT and Computing. The successful candidate will have a proven record of delivering excellent outcomes for students. This post represents a fantastic opportunity for the successful applicant to play a role in the school improvement journey and their quest for excellence in every measure. For more information, please click here. Closing Date: Thursday 19 January 2023. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Casual Examinations Invigilator - Hours of work are by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year. The ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June is required. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Closing date: Monday 16 January 2023. 

Teacher of Science - This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a flourishing Department at a College where staff are supportive and have a common sense of purpose. You will have a proven record as a highly effective teacher and you must be able to offer the knowledge, skills and understanding to co-develop and implement a truly outstanding and aspirational offer to students. Closing date: Monday 16 January 2023. 

Temporary Teacher of Media and English - The successful candidate will be required to teach Media Studies at both A Level and GCSE as well as contributing to Schemes of Learning and extra-curricular activities linked to the subject. Closing date: Friday 20 January 2023. 

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

Oreston Community Academy are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Caretaker - The school is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious, and self-motivated Site Caretaker to provide a key role in maintaining their school site, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for the whole school community. Closing date: 20 January 2023. 

Catering Assistant and Meal Time Assistant - Total Hours: Monday – Friday 9.15am – 2.45pm. This role will include working in their kitchen, assisting the Enterprise Manager with the provision and service of school meals. It will also include working in the hall at lunchtimes under the direct management of the Enterprise Manager. Closing date: 16 January 2023. 

Playworker - Oreston are looking for an enthusiastic Play Worker to join our friendly and supportive Lighthouse club team. The club is run for children aged 3-11 years. The club’s primary role is to ensure children have a safe and secure environment at the same time as providing a high level of care. Closing date: Monday 16 January 2023. 

Teaching Assistant - This role will include working in either a Key Stage 1 or 2 class supporting the needs of all children and delivering learning to small groups. This role will also include lunchtime support. Closing date: 16 January 2023. 

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

South Dartmoor Community College is seeking to appoint a Library & Reading 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 click here. Closing date: On-going. 

Stowford School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Class Teacher to provide maternity cover from 17 April 2023. The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic, dedicated, highly motivated, and outstanding teacher and have experience in early years, particularly phonics and early reading. Closing date: Monday 16 January 2023.  

Meal Time Assistant - To ensure that lunchtime activities are supported and managed in accordance with the school’s policies and procedures under the overall direction of the Headteacher. Please apply by as soon as possible.

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

Yealmpton Primary School are seeking to appoint a skilled 1-1 Teaching Assistant to be part of their incredibly supportive, hardworking and successful team. You will have experience of working with children in an educational setting and an understanding of the importance of learning objectives and My Plans. For more information, please click here. Closing date: Monday 23 January 2023. 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Attendance Manager/Assistant Data Protection Officer - This newly created role will work under the strategic direction of the Education Information Analyst/Data Protection Officer to support the work of the school improvement team, with specific a responsibility and focus on school and pupil-level attendance information. Closing date: Monday 16 January 2023. 

Headteacher of Plymstock School - The new Headteacher of Plymstock School will lead the school through its next phase of development and improvement. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity since the conditions for further improvement are securely established. Closing date: Monday 23 January 2023.

Principal at Eggbuckland Community College - The successful applicant will have a proven track record of success and school improvement in the secondary phase with significant experience of working at whole school level. The ideal candidate will have the interpersonal skills to build confidence and excellent relationships, and the drive and determination to secure successful outcomes for all students. Closing date: 30 January 2023. 

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