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We have completed another busy week. The public examination and assessment season is beginning to draw to a close – well done to everyone. I’m sure our children's efforts will be recognised.

One of our Trust values is collaboration. As a consequence of our busy schedules, it is easy to miss the amount of networking and collaboration that is taking place day to day around us. As such I’m taking a moment to reflect on a few of the training opportunities that have occurred at Morley Meadow this week:

  • Safeguarding Network - Effective Referrals and Escalation Training
  • HAB 1 Meeting  
  • HR Matters Information Group
  • WeST Primary Deputy Heads Network Meeting, presentation from Emily Mitchell and Hannah Ocean
  • Visit from Rebecca Smith
  • PDR/Basic Coaching Session
  • Primary School Curriculum Leaders in History & Geography. Sessions from Nicola Dowling, Becky Bailey, Lauren Ramsey, Luke Callard and Rosie Harvey
  • IOSH Management Safety Training
  • ECT Seminar led by Amy Pearce 
  • Level 3 Safeguarding Refresher Training with Jon Galling
  • EWO-SAM training

Despite there being only five weeks until the summer break, we remain very busy with recruitment.  We are seeking talented teachers to join several of our schools. Details are signposted later in the ‘Whistle’.

Best wishes

Rob Haring, CEO

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent whole Trust staff survey!

We are pleased to confirm a record number of colleagues participated in the recent survey and this equates to 46.5% across the Trust. We are currently exploring all the feedback and reviewing each comment, a copy of the resulting report will be available for review shortly.

WeST aims to promote a positive attitude towards menopause at work through the raising of awareness and understanding.

You may have seen some specific questions in our recent staff survey focused on this topic - the central HR team are currently analysing this information and will work with the Menopause Café group on action plans.

Here, we hope to share some useful information for all colleagues. It may be that you are experiencing menopause, or a loved one, or a team colleague, or someone you line manage. By increasing our understanding we can support each other. 

Definition of the Menopause

The menopause is a natural transition stage in most employees’ lives. It is marked by changes in the hormones and the employee stops having periods. Employees may have a wide range of physical and/or psychological symptoms and often encounter difficulties at work because of these.

Each employee will be affected in different ways and to different degrees over different periods of time, and menopausal symptoms can often indirectly affect their partners, families and colleagues as well.

There are different types of menopause:

Menopause – marked by changes in the hormones and the individual stops having periods. Individuals may also experience a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms because of the menopause. See: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

Premature menopause – for some it can be experienced at a much younger age, in their 30s or even younger. This is sometimes called premature ovarian insufficiency.

Medical or surgical menopause – there are some medical circumstances that will create an immediate menopause, whatever the individuals age.

Perimenopause – Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the time during which the body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition.

Post-menopause – a term used when an individuals periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. However other menopausal symptoms may not have ended so soon. Problematic symptoms may continue for years and require longer-term treatment or reasonable adjustments.

Joyful June

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NATURAL SCHOOLING – LEARNING IN, ABOUT AND THROUGH NATURE 

We would like to invite our WeST colleagues to a free CPD event to be held at the Eden Project on 21 July. 

This is a free dissemination event to share the results of our interprofessional Erasmus Plus project pilot.

The Erasmus+ funded project,  entitled ‘Natural Schooling; using curriculum innovation projects to improve student outcomes, wellbeing and health’ has been a collaboration of school organizations from Italy, Spain, Sweden and England delivered in schools (ranging from KS2 to Post16) and led by WeST Learning Institute.  

The partners include mainstream primary and secondary ages, special education and alternative provision schools. The partnership also includes organisations with varying experience in outdoor learning, with some settings with established practice and others that are very new to these approaches. 

The website associated with the project (which was also one of the outputs) can be found here: https://naturalschooling.eu 

The evaluation of the project has been advised by Sue Waite, honorary research fellow Plymouth University, who led the Natural Connections Demonstration project (Defra / Plymouth University, 2012-2016) and who is currently also evaluating the Nature Friendly Schools programme.

Event details:  

  • Target audience: teachers, outdoor lead teachers, Sustainability and Climate Change strategy lead teachers, senior leadership (schools), education establishment, other interested parties wishing to innovate curriculum delivery to support aspiration, engagement, mental health and wellbeing.  
  • When: Friday 21 July 2023 9.00-3.30 (buffet lunch included) 
  • Where: The Seed and Pod rooms, The Core Building, The Eden Project 

Places are limited for this event. To find out more about the event and to book your free place, use this link:  

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natural-schooling-an-event-to-share-the-results-of-our-erasmus-project-tickets-633298291237

We look forward to seeing you at this free event, to share with you how schools have innovated and developed their curriculums through natural schooling.  

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Training Opportunities 

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 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 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: 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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Recruitment update:

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

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint exceptional individuals with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Class Teachers at one of our primary schools. You will be responsible for the learning and achievement of all pupils in the classes ensuring equality of opportunity for all. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 22 June 2023. 

Chaddlewood Primary School are looking to appoint an inspirational and creative Year 5 teacher to join their accomplished and dedicated team for September 2023 for a fixed term contract to cover absence. 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: 26 June 2023.

Callington Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Senior Science Technician - The post holder requires a good standard of practical knowledge and experience and will have responsibility for resources, such as equipment and materials.  The post will also include some administration support and data entry. Closing date: 26 June 2023. 

Teacher of English - 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. Closing date: 23 June 2023. 

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

Eggbuckland Community are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Cleaner - Eggbuckland are looking for a reliable individual to provide cleaning duties after school hours for general cleaning across the College site. Duties include cleaning lavatories and litter picking. Closing date: 23 June 2023. 

Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages - You will support the development of an ambitious curriculum that ensures all students receive the very best that has been thought, said and created. For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Ms Charlene Nunn on cnunn@eggbuckland.com. Closing date: 23 June 2023. 

Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages/ Second 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. Closing date: 23 June 2023. 

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

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

Cleaner - To clean and provide a high standard of cleanliness in the area of the school that you are assigned to, the area you clean may change based on School need. To be flexible and work within time allocations and ensure that all cleaning is carried out. Closing date: 26 June 2023. 

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: 4 July 2023.   

SIMS Assistant - You will assist the SIMS Manager with a range of administrative tasks to facilitate high quality Teaching and learning, activities and trips which contribute to the schools aims and objectives. High quality administration, communication & circulation of information to staff, parents and stakeholders is vital to the role. Closing date: 22 June 2023.

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Assistant Pastoral Leader - The Assistant Pastoral Leader roles are the first response for everyday pastoral concerns. They are required to assist the delivery of pastoral support for an allocated Year Group. The role of the Assistant Pastoral Leader requires accurate record keeping and effective communications with stakeholders at all levels, which is both timely and effective. Closing date: 22 June 2023. 

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

Casual Minibus Driver - The post holder will have sound driving skills with a full, clean driving licence including Category D1.  Working hours are approximately between 7.00am to 9.00am and again at 3.15pm to 5.15pm.  Although hours may vary according to the needs of the College. Closing date: 26 June 2023. 

Cover Supervisor - The post holder will be a member of the support staff team, providing specific support to administer cover arrangements and also provide cover on a daily basis.  The Cover Supervisor will provide a high standard of support to assist with the smooth operation of the organisation. Closing date: 26 June 2023. 

Music Teacher - The successful candidate will be able to teach across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 with a desire to support their rich extra-curricular programme. Closing date: 19 June 2023. 

Science Technician – Part Time - 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. Closing date: 3 July 2023. 

Teacher of Social Science - The successful candidate will join a lively, committed and hard-working Department with very successful classroom practitioners, who work well as a team but offer individual and varied teaching styles. Closing date: 22 June 2023. 

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: 21 June 2023. 

Behaviour Manager - This talented individual, would be required to manage and continue to develop our caring and supportive learning environment for our young people, including the school vision of ‘Achieving Excellence through Curriculum and Culture’. Closing date: 21 June 2023. 

Cover Supervisor - The successful candidate will enable the provision of learning to continue in the absence of the teacher, by utilising pre-prepared lesson plans. The Cover Supervisor will effectively manage the behaviour of students and where no cover duties are required, will undertake activities to assist teachers in the delivery of the curriculum. Closing date: 21 June 2023. 

Pastoral Managers - The successful candidates will each support a Head of Year promoting a positive ethos which sets high standards and expectations with regards to learning, behaviour, welfare, attendance, personal development and achievement. Closing date: 21 June 2023. 

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

Oreston Community Academy are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Permanent Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Oreston are looking to appoint an individual who is a team player, able to use their initiative in the classroom to cover PPA and leadership release across the school. Closing date: 19 June 2023. 

Temporary Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Oreston are seeking to appoint a skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join their very supportive, hardworking and successful team in KS1/2. Closing date: 19 June 2023. 

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

South Dartmoor Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Assistant Pastoral Leaders x2 - The successful candidate will work closely with the Pastoral Team to ensure all students fulfil their potential. S/he will be a hard-working individual with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students. Closing date: 3 July 2023.

Business & Maths Teacher - The successful candidate will be based at South Dartmoor Community College and must be able to deliver the curriculum to a high level, across all Key Stages, working as part of the Maths faculty. Closing date: 3 July 2023.

Head of Year (non-teaching) - The successful candidate will work closely with the Assistant Head teacher for Progress and Culture to ensure all students fulfil their potential. S/he will be a hard-working individual with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students. Closing date: 3 July 2023.

Science Technician - As a Science Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting the teaching and learning of science subjects within our college to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for our students. Closing date: 7 July 2023.

Mini-Bus Driver - The purpose of the role is to safety transport the students to and from the College each day during term time. As well as being a confident driver, you will be expected to undertake vehicle checks prior to each journey. Closing date: 22 June 2023. 

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