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I open this week’s edition of the ‘Whistle’ by wishing all of our Year 6 children every success with their SATs next week – starting Tuesday 9 May with English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) papers 1 (questions) and 2 (spelling).

I also extend advance thanks to all those staff involved in the administration of this year’s SATs to ensure they run smoothly. No small undertaking! Thank you.

I wish everyone a most enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend and the opportunity to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

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 June. 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 3932.

Wildflowers for primary schools in honour of the Coronation
 

The Department for Education announced over the weekend that primary schools are to be sent wildflower seeds as part of the Coronation celebrations. You can read more about the announcement and other Coronation-related activities and resources aimed at schools in this DfE press release.

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PDR/BASIC coaching

We are delighted to share details of the face-to-face BASIC coaching training now available. These sessions will be run by Roger Hutchinson and hosted at Morley Meadow.

PDR/BASIC coaching - summer term cohort 1 (capacity 21 delegates)

Session 1 – Thursday 11 May: 3.30 – 5.00pm

Session 2 – Thursday 8 June: 3.30 – 5.00pm

PDR/BASIC coaching - summer term cohort 2 (capacity 9 delegates)

Session 1 – Thursday 18 May: 3.30 – 5.00pm

Session 2 – Wednesday 14 June: 3.30 – 5.00pm

Slots for the training are bookable on a first come first served basis, and to book onto either session please log into your ESS and select the ‘learning’ tab on the left hand-side.  

When you click into learning you will see 2 cohorts; select the one best for you and book onto BOTH dates within that cohort – the system will come up with a message that you’ve already booked, but please ignore this.

Once these cohorts are at full capacity, you will not be able to book a place; if this is the case, then please register onto the waiting list so that we can contact you about future opportunities.

Deaf Awareness week

This week marks Deaf Awareness week, with the theme of Deaf Inclusion.

Deaf Awareness Week aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of challenges faced by the d/Deaf community in accessing communication. Each deaf person is different and the level of hearing loss, communication method and use of technology can vary.

There are many ways to become more deaf aware such as making sure you have the person’s attention before you start speaking, use your normal speaking voice (not shouting or accentuating lip patterns), stand/sit in a place with good lighting and learn how each deaf person communicates, some will lipread others might use British Sign Language (BSL).

If you would like to learn more about deafness and Deaf Awareness please feel free to contact Charlotte Beardow-Jones (Teacher of the Deaf) / Sarah Gillan (Admin Assistant / Co-coordinator) at hsc@eggbuckland.com

Meaningful May

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Wellbeing at WeST

We continue to explore resources and information to support all colleagues in wellbeing matters. You can find a range of information on the staff portal.

Visit: https://www.westst.org.uk/

Username: staff@westst.org.uk Password : west

Below is a self-care MOT, we know to get our car checked but have you considered checking your wellbeing?! Please do take a moment to consider your MOT needs.

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Training Opportunites 

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

An accredited two-day, interactive training that prepares caregivers to provide suicide first aid interventions.

Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people.

What will you learn as an ASIST trained first aid caregiver? After taking ASIST, you will be better able to:

  • Be suicide alert - identify people who have thoughts of suicide
  • Understand the reasons behind thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
  • Access risk and safety - develop a plan to increase the safety of the person at risk of suicide
  • Recognise invitations for help
  • Recognise potential barriers of seeking help
  • Offer support – recognise other important aspects of suicide prevention including life promotion and self-care
  • Effectively apply a suicide intervention model
  • Link people with community resources

This course is being delivered over two full days between 9am-5pm and participants must attend both days.

Anyone 16 or older (despite previous training) can learn and use the ASIST model. No previous mental health or suicide prevention experience is necessary. Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people.

Face to Face Training Dates:

Dates: Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 May 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Printworks Tavistock, Kingdon House Community Association, Pym Street, Tavistock, PL19 0AW.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601368327857

Dates: Tuesday 27 June and Wednesday 28 June 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Yealmpton Community Association, Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, Yealmpton, Plymouth, PL8 2HF.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601493622617

Dates: Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 August 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Printworks Tavistock, Kingdon House Community Association, Pym Street, Tavistock, PL19 0AW.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601495909457

Dates: Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 September 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Yealmpton Community Association, Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, Yealmpton, Plymouth, PL8 2HF.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601496832217

Dates: Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 November 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Lee Moor Public Hall, Lee Moor, Plymouth, PL7 5RJ.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/609476599917

Mental Health First Aid (Online)

MHFA provides knowledge and skills at a level for any adult member of the public who wishes to give initial first aid.

Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people. Open to all the community (16 years and above).

Train as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and gain the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained MHFAiders®, receive three years of ongoing learning support and benefits.

Covering the main diagnosis- Anxiety, Suicide, Depression and Psychosis. Includes a mix of media, group work and skill learning. This course is ideal for those who would like to become a MHFAider® to:

  • Encourage self-care, giving you the tools to look after your own and others' mental health
  • Gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health
  • Be confident starting a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support
  • Promotes early intervention and faster recovery, which can prevent an individual's mental health deteriorating
  • Awareness of how mental health impacts the workplace; skills to empower people to thrive in the workplace.

This training will be delivered in person by trainer Jacqui Bamford.

The training will be delivered over four morning sessions, 9:00-13:00pm. By signing up you are able to attend ALL four sessions for your selected course.

Please register your interest here and you will be contacted with a booking form and the necessary joining instructions.

Online Training Dates:

Dates: Monday 8, Wednesday 10, Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 May 2023

Times: 9am – 1pm

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/611081088987

Dates: Monday 31 July, Wednesday 2, Monday 14 and Wednesday 16 August

Times: 9am – 1pm

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/610951200487

Dates: Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November

Times: 9am – 1pm

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/610964871377

Mental Health First Aid (Face to Face)

MHFA provides knowledge and skills at a level for any adult member of the public who wishes to give initial first aid or assistance.

Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people. Open to all the community (16 years and above).

Train as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and gain the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained MHFAiders®, receive three years of ongoing learning support and benefits.

Covering the main diagnosis- Anxiety, Suicide, Depression and Psychosis. Includes a mix of media, group work and skill learning. This course is ideal for those who would like to become a MHFAider® to:

  • Encourage self-care, giving you the tools to look after your own and others' mental health
  • Gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health
  • Be confident starting a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support
  • Promotes early intervention and faster recovery, which can prevent an individual's mental health deteriorating
  • Awareness of how mental health impacts the workplace; skills to empower people to thrive in the workplace.

This training will be delivered in person by trainer Jacqui Bamford.

The training will be delivered over two days from 9:00-5:00pm. By signing up you are committing to attend both days for your selected course.

Please register your interest here and we will contact you with a booking form and the necessary joining instructions.

The face to face MHFA courses below are 2 full days and both days must be attended to completed the course

Face to Face Training Dates:

Dates: Monday 10 and Monday 24 July 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Lee Moor Public Hall, Lee Moor, Plymouth, PL7 5RJ.

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/611079724907

Dates: Wednesday 6 September and Wednesday 13 September 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Printworks Tavistock, Kingdon House Community Association, Pym Street, Tavistock, PL19 0AW.

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/61113502029

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Venue: Withycombe Raleigh C of E School Exmouth

Course dates: Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 May 2023

BOOK

Venue: STERTS, Upton Cross

Course dates: Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 June 2023

BOOK

Venue: St Petrocs Primary School, Bodmin

Course dates: Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 June 2023

BOOK

Venue: Chudleigh Primary School

Course dates: Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 June 2023

BOOK

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Internal Vacancies 

Primary Lead Practitioners 0.2 FTE (two positions)

Start Date – 1 September 2023 – 1 year secondment in the first instance

We are seeking two inspirational primary headteachers to join the Primary School Improvement Team and work with Executive Directors of Subject. This will be a seconded opportunity to work one day each week under the direction of the Director of Education. The work will be interesting and varied. The successful candidates will need to work flexibly and use their own initiative to support sustained school improvement. Key elements of the role will include supporting primary headteacher induction, leading school reviews, reporting and presenting, providing CPD, supporting the implementation of the Opening Worlds curriculum, coaching and providing support and challenge to school leaders.

Person specification

  • Serving WeST headteacher with a demonstrable track record of curriculum improvement and high standards
  • Experience of effective school-to-school support
  • Ability to work flexibly, managing time and workload
  • Ability to work well as part of a team and independently as required
  • Strong emotional intelligence and inter-personal skills
  • Confident user of WeST assessment and IT systems
  • Thorough understanding of the National Curriculum (2013) and Ofsted framework (2019)
  • Desire to improve outcomes for all learners
  • Willingness to travel between schools

These roles are presented as a development opportunity for Heads who wish to extend their expertise and experience and to contribute to wider Trust improvement. Appointees will be expected to work with their local leadership teams to facilitate release time without additional funding.

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WeST Primary Curriculum Lead (Primary) (five positions each requiring 18 days a year – approximately 6 days each term - with the Primary School Improvement Team)

  • WeST Primary Curriculum Lead (English)
  • WeST Primary Curriculum Lead (Mathematics)
  • WeST Primary Curriculum Lead (Early Years)
  • WeST Primary Curriculum Lead (Science)
  • WeST Primary Curriculum Lead (Early Reading - Phonics)

Start Date – 1 September 2023

We are seeking five curriculum experts to join the Primary School Improvement Team and work with the Executive Directors of Subject. This will be a secondment opportunity for 18 days, arranged throughout the academic year, under the direction of the Director of Education. The work will be varied and interesting, across multiple settings. The successful candidates will need to work flexibly and use their own initiative to support curriculum development and improvement. Key elements of the role will include leading curriculum/phase reviews, reporting and presenting, providing CPD, supporting the implementation of the curriculum, leading professional learning communities, coaching and providing support and challenge to school curriculum leaders. These positions present an excellent professional development opportunities for subject and/or phase experts.

Applicants should discuss this opportunity with their line manager prior to applying. For shortlisted candidates, a statement of support will be requested from the school’s headteacher.

The 18 days of release for each person from their ‘home’ school would be funded to mitigate cover costs etc. at £200 per day.

Person specification

  • Serving WeST senior leader/subject/phase leader with a strong pedagogy and excellent subject knowledge and evidence of impact
  • Ability to work flexibly, managing time and workload
  • Ability to work well as part of a team but also independently as required
  • Strong emotional intelligence and inter-personal skills
  • Confident, capable and credible expertise and established leadership in the curriculum/phase applied for
  • Thorough understanding of the National Curriculum and Ofsted framework (2019)
  • Desire to improve outcomes for all learners

For an informal discussion about the above roles above please contact Sue Costello, scostello@westst.org.uk to arrange a call.  Letters of application to include:

  • Why you feel suitably qualified for this post.
  • What has attracted you to the post?
  • Relevant experience and expertise with evidence of impact.

Letters to Chris Dickson, cdickson@westst.org.uk by 9am on 11 May 2023. Interviews are planned for 25 & 15 May respectively.

Recruitment update:

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

Ashburton Primary School are looking for a permanent, 0.8 FTE Teacher in Year 5. If you are an enthusiastic and highly motivated teacher who is committed to ensuring that all children achieve high standards and enjoy their learning, then Ashburton would love you to join their team. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 15 May 2023. 

Callington Community College require a Teacher of Geography. Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach Geography. You will be well supported by a range of colleagues who are focussed on teaching and learning, and by a comprehensive programme of induction and training to ensure your individual needs are met. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 15 May 2023. 

Chaddlewood Primary School are looking to appoint an inspirational and creative Key Stage 1 teacher to join their accomplished and dedicated team for September 2023. If you have the commitment and dedication to work in a school that is continually striving to ensure the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being, your application would be very welcome. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 12 May 2023. 

Coombe Dean School are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Apprentice Science Technician - The successful candidate will support the school's Science department in the delivery of high-quality practical Science. All training will be provided by City College Plymouth in collaboration with the employer themselves throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. Closing date: 19 May 2023. 

Behaviour Support - You will have a passion for working with students who have barriers to their learning which are mainly based in behaviour issues - and knowledge of how to overcome them. Closing date: 9 May 2023. 

Inclusion Base Coordinator - Our ideal candidate will be an outstanding individual with experience of establishing effective, appropriate relationships with a variety of young people. You will be calm and consistent in your approach, firm but fair, with a commitment to inclusion and high expectations for all students. Closing date: 9 May 2023.

Sports Centre Assistant - An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual with a passion for sport and fitness to work with the Sports Centre Manager to assist with the day to day facilitation of all Sports Centre and Lettings activities. Closing date: 28 April 2023.

Teaching Assistant - You will be the adult keyworker for a Year 8 student, supporting their learning both within and outside the classroom and during unstructured times to support the development of their social skills. Closing date: 5 June 2023.

Year Team Leader - In this post you will have a varied role focused around supporting students and families to fully engage in school life so that young people can make great progress in terms of their academic, social and emotional development. Closing date: 9 May 2023. 

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

Eggbuckland Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Teacher of Maths / 2nd in Department - The ambitious curriculum is based on the overarching principle of Social Justice and central to this is ensuring all students, regardless of their backgrounds, receive the very best of what has been said, written and created. If this curriculum vision marries with yours, you have a passion for education, want to teach in disruption-free lessons and have the drive and unbending resolve to ensure the very highest standards, then Eggbuckland would love you to apply. Closing date: 12 May 2023.

Teacher of Maths - Eggbuckland wish to appoint someone who is excited about the opportunity to work strategically with colleagues outside Maths to raise the achievement of the more able students. Closing date: 12 May 2023.

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

Hele's School are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Learning (Cover) Supervisor - The successful applicant will join a successful, experienced and supportive Learning Supervisor team. Previous post holders have used role this as a springboard to Schools Direct training or qualified teacher posts within the school or wider Trust. Closing date: 9 May 2023. 

Teacher of Physical Education (2nd in Department) - MPS/UPS + TLR2A - An exciting opportunity exists for an exceptional teacher with energy, creativity and commitment to join their Physical Education department. Hele's School wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Physical Education exam courses to KS4 and KS5. Closing date: 17 May 2023. 

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Teacher of Art and Photography (Maternity Cover) - This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a flourishing department and the successful candidate will gain a wealth of experience from working across the College, whilst receiving support and guidance from the Leadership Team. Closing date: 12 May 2023. 

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. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. 

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Head of Year (non-teaching) - The successful candidate will lead the pastoral provision within an allocated year group, where they will consistently promote a positive ethos which sets high standards and expectations with regards to behaviour, welfare, attendance, personal development and achievement. Closing date: 18 May 2023

Teacher of Mathematics - Plymstock are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging Teacher of Mathematics, with a commitment and infectious passion for your subject. Closing date: 9 May 2023. 

Teaching Assistant - Acting under the direction of the school’s SENCO, the successful candidate will provide general support to staff and pupils. Closing date: 15 May 2023. 

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

Stowford School are seeking a Nursery Manager who is creative, flexible and enthusiastic with a strong knowledge of how to support learning and provide care for children aged 3 -4 years.  An Early Years qualification (NNEB, CACHE Level 3, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) is essential. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 17 May 2023.

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Inclusion Lead Practitioner. We are delighted to offer this opportunity to join the WeST School Improvement Team in September 2023. This post will provide an opportunity to work full-time under the direction of the Director of Education and with other senior colleagues. The work will be interesting and varied, and the successful candidate will need to work flexibly and use their own initiative to support pupils and schools with their SEND and disadvantage provision. For more information, please click here. Closing date: Thursday 18 May.