We are in the second week of national lockdown and we are doing remarkably well in keeping our schools open, safe and managing to deliver meaningful learning. We have experienced some disruption, mostly due to coronavirus, but not always the case! On the occasions where we have had to keep children at home, we have turned to our remote learning provision. Our ability to teach from distance is significantly more organised and purposeful than through the first lockdown.

Our collective attendance continues at a level just above the national average. Whilst this is good news we must place this in the context that, until now, our rates of infection have been considerably lower than those in other regions of the country. Our summative attendance figure for primary children, up to and including Friday 23rd October, was 97.1%. The figure for secondary is 92.7%. It is important that, despite the current lockdown arrangements, we strongly encourage attendance.

It was very heartening to read over the weekend the government’s shift in approach to FSMs and the fact that central government are now going to furnish LA’s with sufficient additional monies to fund meals for those eligible for FSMs through all of the holiday periods until Easter 2021.

Another reason for cheer is knowing that, when any of us enter a problematic situation, we are not alone but have a team of like-minded professionals from whom we can draw support. I know of several instances where this was exactly the case last week.

Before I close, I must signpost the need to maintain a super vigilant eye on all of our vulnerable children through this second period of lockdown.

Take care & best wishes,

Rob Haring – CEO

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you that there are a number of exciting career opportunities within our Trust as follows:-

Within the Trust Core Services Team we are looking to appoint an Executive Director of Mathematics. This is a new role that will promote and implement strategies for raising attainment and progress in Mathematics predominantly across all WeST secondary schools, but also promoting cross-phase alignment/approach. Working in partnership with the School Improvement Team, Headteachers and Mathematics Subject Leaders, the role involves both strategic leadership of subject development across the trust, alongside day to day support of Mathematics departments. For more information please click here.

The Trust Core Services Team are also looking to appoint a Business Administration Apprentice who will assist with providing a confidential, effective and flexible administration support service to the WeST Executive Team while completing a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship with dedicated training time. For more information please click here.

South Dartmoor Community College & Atrium Studio School have a number of vacancies as follows:-

  • SENDCo
  • Deputy SENDCo
  • Drama Teacher
  • Resources Technician
  • Exam Invigilators

For more detail on any of the above vacancies, please visit the school's website here.

Plymstock School have a vacancy for a Science Technician – required as soon as possible, Grade D (SCP 8 – 14). Closing Date: 12 noon on Wednesday 18 November 2020. For more information please visit the School's website here. 

Hele's School have a vacancy for a Departmental Resources Assistant who will join the team in the Reprographics department – 37 hours pw x 38 weeks pa (term time)/Permanent.  Salary - Grade C - Actual salary £16,114 (pro rata of £19,312). If you are interested in this position, please visit: www.heles.plymouth.sch.uk (the closing date is 9am, Friday 13 November 2020).

Boringdon Primary School have a vacancy for an Administrator - Part Time Permanent, Salary/Grade: NJC Grade C. Starting January 2021 - 23.25 hours per week (term time only 39 weeks per year). The closing date is 12 noon tomorrow, Thursday 12 November 2020). For more information please visit: https://www.boringdon.plymouth.sch.uk/web/vacancies/399137
 

Christmas Pay Dates 

For colleagues paid via HR One and DELT, the Christmas pay date will be 21st December. 

Colleages paid via Cornwall payroll will be paid on the last working day of the month as normal.

If you require any further information please contact the HR team (hr@westst.org.uk).

Maintaining Staff in WeST Schools and Business Units Safely – Covid-19

The document available here provides information reflecting the latest government guidance for staff who are at higher risk of severe illness from Coronavirus. 

In summary, staff who are considered to be Clinically Extremely Vulnerable will be working at home from the period 5th November to 2nd December 2020 and staff over 60, or clinically vulnerable, will work in accordance with an individual risk assessment. 

The guidance note provides further information along with sources of support for staff. Appendix 1 is available to download here and Appendix 2 here.

Director of Inclusion update

WeST Mindfulness Group 

If you would like to join colleagues who are using mindfulness to support their wellbeing please do contact me. It is an ‘opt in’ model with no pressure to take part in any of the online practice - you may just wish to benefit from the links to resources and a supportive ‘online chat’ environment. Based on responses from colleagues who have already joined the group I am planning to facilitate two short sessions each week. Anyone is welcome to join us for either or both of these on a ‘drop-in’ basis - there is no pressure to commit to weekly attendance! If you do wish to be involved please email me on rwoodland@westst.org.uk and I will add you into the MS Team.

  • Tuesdays: 1600-1615
  • Thursdays: 1330-1345

If you are having ‘one of those days’ when things seem to be full of pressure and there is no space maybe consider STOP. Often people report that if they take just a moment or two to ‘get off the hamster wheel’ it can make a real difference to how they are feeling and responding to the things around them.

S - Stop. Yes, literally this.

Stand and deliberately stay still. Plant your feet on the ground. Stop yourself from rushing to the next thing, reaching for your phone or walking immediately out of the door.

T- Take a breath - or even better - five good deep breaths.

Often people say they breathe shallowly only noticing the tension they are holding when their hearts start to race or that familiar ache begins behind the eyes.

Feel the breath all the way in and all the way out - notice the impulse to ‘hurry this’ and slow it down as best you can.

O - Observe; what's going on right now?

Note how your body feels, thoughts that are tugging for your attention, your emotions and energy levels. As best you can - and as you breathe - allow yourself to simply name and note what you are noticing; “tension is here”, “thoughts of planning are here,” “worry is here”, “heat is here”.

Noticing and naming it - crucially not as “I am worried” but instead “worry is here” - allows us to create a little space in our lives so these emotions and thoughts can slightly reduce their hold on us.

P - Proceed with the next moment of your day.

Having taken this micro-moment of pause, being attentive whilst allowing ourselves to become more grounded and settled, we are now able to go into the next moment with a little more clarity, wisdom and compassion for ourselves and those around us.

Do remember that Headspace is still offering a free subscription to anyone who works in the education sector: https://www.headspace.com/educators.

COVID-19 Staff Status Declaration Form

So that we continue to operate effectively in the delivery of education and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic your school/business unit shared a link to their staff status declaration form this year.  They will have asked you to complete an initial declaration and another one every time your availability changed.

Thank you to all of you who have completed a form and have kept it updated every-time your availability changed.

Please complete a staff status form for your school/business unit in the following circumstances:

  • ·If you have never completed a Covid-19 Staff Status Declaration Form
  • ·If your availability changes for some reason

If you are unsure whether you have completed a form or updated it to show your current availability then please complete one so your school/business unit knows it has up to date information.

If you don’t have the current link (published Sept 2020) please ask your school administrator for it.  Alternatively contact the HR team at hr@westst.org.uk confirming where you work and we will provide the correct link to you.

Thank you for taking the time to do this.

WeST Modern Slavery Statement

You may recall that WeST recently launched the 2020 Modern Slavery Statement. The full statement is available on the public website (click here) and sets out our commitment to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our education arms, business units, and supply chains. This forms part of the Trust’s responsibilities under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

As a Trust, we buy a range of external goods and services, including construction services and supplies, furniture and stationery, electronics, food and catering supplies, travel services, laboratory supplies, books, cleaning services, print, waste and recycling services, and many more. These are undertaken in accordance with public procurement law. If part of your role involves sourcing or processing orders you may wish to increase your knowledge of modern slavery issues in supply chains.

Colleagues are encouraged to spare 7.5 minutes to watch the introduction to modern slavery video from the UK statutory department known as Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. The video gives an introduction to spotting the signs and knowing what action to take. Click here to access the video.

BlueSky Festival of Work – Free CPD Webinars

The Festival, running from 17th November, provides an exciting range of opportunities to access free CPD webinars provided by our BlueSky partner. 

Please do take the time to look over what’s on offer by visiting their website here, or via your own sign-in to the BlueSky platform.  A number of these sessions align with the key themes that are emerging from The WeST Staff Survey.  They can be joined live, or registration allows for attendance later to fit better with personal/work plans. 

5 ways to avoid the ‘winter blues’ and boost immunity

The winter months can be a tough time, of all the seasons winter seems to last the longest, and we can all find it difficult to remain motivated and productive at this time of year.

Respiratory and flu-like illnesses are more common, and a lack of direct sunlight can affect the body’s clock, mood and motivation too. Indeed, one in 15 people in the UK are affected by the ‘winter blues’.

The good news is that there are some things we can do to minimise our health risks and these 5 areas set the foundations to help us keep the winter blues at bay:

1. Take your vitamin D 

Vitamin D has a direct effect on the body’s immune response and being deficient in this vitamin has been linked to a higher susceptibility to infections.

The NHS recommends all adults consider taking a 400IU vitamin D supplement year round, but very few of us do. In fact, according to the NHS, 54% of us are deficient. 400IU is just a minimum recommendation though, and some people will need a higher dosage to keep their vitamin D levels up.

2. Eat plenty of fruit and veg 

Fruit and vegetables are rich in natural antioxidants including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and zinc - all of which support our body’s response to infection and illness.

Research suggests that 73% of employees eat three or less portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Whilst most of us are familiar with the idea of getting your ‘5 a day’ it takes effort and planning to really get into this habit. Simple changes like swapping a snack for a piece of fruit or including another serving of veg at dinner is a great place to start. Exploring meat-free recipe ideas can keep things interesting; using pulses and whole grains also provide a great source of fibre and protein.

3. Be more active 

Many of us sit for hours in front of our computers and this is putting our physical and mental health at risk. Increased remote working also means swapping the usual commute for more computer time, lengthening sedentary positions.  Even short bouts of moderate exercise (such a 20-30 minute brisk walk) can have an acute positive effect on the body’s immune function, as physical activity can promote blood circulation and removal of waste products and toxins from the body. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly tend to be sick less when compared to sedentary individuals.

Exercising regularly also plays a key role in helping us beat the winter blues, with it being a great stress reliever and mood enhancer. In the UK, 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women are not active enough for good health.  Think about your barriers to being active and how you might plan around those towards some activity goals.

4. Manage stress levels 

Stress can place immense demands on our physical and mental health and well-being, impacting our behaviour, performance and relationships with colleagues. It's a major cause of long-term absence from work, and knowing how to manage the factors that can cause work-related stress is key to managing people effectively.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted people’s mental wellbeing as well as their physical health. Along with the fear and uncertainty caused by Covid-19 itself, there have been huge changes and challenges relating to our work lives too. You may have experienced increased work demands but a decreased sense of control; and this can be a recipe for increased stress. Many of us are also juggling work demands with caring responsibilities, either for children or vulnerable relatives. These concerns are a real test of people’s resilience. 

It is important as individuals that we each establish a good self-care routine including a healthy approach to diet, relaxation and sleep which can all help to reduce stress levels.

5.  Get a good night’s sleep 

Sleep deprivation can affect our wellbeing, engagement and performance, as well as contribute to serious illness. The occasional night without sleep will make you feel tired the next day but it won’t affect your health. But after several sleepless nights you might find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. You may also start to worry about not being able to get to sleep, leading to stress and low moods.

The impact on health is serious and wide-ranging. Research has also shown that poor sleep quality can directly affect the body’s protective immune system. Generally speaking, human beings can live longer without food (about 11 days) than they can without sleep.

There are lots of steps we can take to address poor sleep. Monitoring using a diary or app can provide important clues to patterns affecting your sleep. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, adjusting the timings of exercise sessions or meals, and adopting strategies like mindfulness, relaxing breathing exercises or meditation can also lead to significant improvements to sleep quality.

Avoiding excessive use of electronic devices outside of working hours, and especially close to bedtime, will be beneficial to sleep health.