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Welcome to the final edition of the ‘Whistle’ on the final day of the academic year. What a year it has proven to be.

At the start of the year we set ourselves some challenges aims and goals focused around four key school improvement priorities. I wish to touch upon tow of them here and celebrate our collective success.

SI1: Embedding a culture of curriculum.

Whilst difficult to measure, a useful proxy is through the quality of education provided through our schools. In turn, this is assured not only through our own internal processes but also through external validation through Ofsted inspection. Ofsted Inspections this academic year: 

Ashburton Primary School – ‘Good’ (10 May 2023)

Austin Farm Academy – Monitoring Visit (13 December 2022)

Austin Farm Academy – (12 July 2023)

Callington Community College – ‘Good’ (10 January 2023)

Chaddlewood Primary School- ‘Good’ (2 November 2023)

Glen Park Primary School - ‘Outstanding’ (8 February 2023)

Hele’s School – ‘Good’ (22 March 2023)

Holbeton Primary School – ‘Good’ (17 November 2022)

Oreston Community Academy – ‘Good’ (16 May 2023)

Plymstock School – ‘Good’ (19 April 2023)

Sherford Vale School – ‘Good’ (24 January 2023)

Stowford School – (20 June 2023)

Ugborough Primary School - (18 July 2023)

Yealmpton Primary School – ‘Good’ (7 June 2023)

You will note a couple of gaps where, due to timing, we are not able to share the actual outcome. I am though, able to say that we are extremely pleased with the inspection teams view of our schools.

I believe that the above inspection success clearly suggests that our curriculum work is embedded and that the children in our care benefit from a good quality of education every day.

SI2: Reading

We have been working determinedly to ensure all children are able to read since fluent reading is the gateway to the curriculum.

We have invested in RWI, provided training and supported schools. 2022 saw WeST primary schools achieve super success in the national Phonics Screening Check (PSC), with a trust average of 85% meeting the PSC expected standard. The national average for 2022 was 75%. On the back of such success, and our aspiration to improve further, we set an ambitious target of 90% PSC for 2023. I am thrilled that our schools rose to the challenge and met the 90% target spot on – 90% achieved.

So, thank you for all of your contributions and hard work in ensuring that our children thrive and succeed.

Enjoy a well-deserved summer break.

Best wishes 

Rob Haring, CEO 

Resources for WeST Staff

Over the summer break period the resources and information of the staff portal continues to be available to you. You can access this on any internet enabled device using the Trust wide username / password.

You can access a wealth of materials, information and resources. Topics include attendance, estates, your wellbeing, financial advice sources, rewards and benefits, and safeguarding – among many more!

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Jump Back Up July

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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: 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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Internal Vacancy 

Eggbuckland Community College are recruiting and ICT Network Manager to provide management and development of all ICT services within the college along with management and regular review of the in-house ICT support team.

To start as soon as possible in September 2023. 

Plymouth Legacy Grade G: scale points 26 - 29

37 hrs a week all year FTE Salary: £32,909 - £35,411

To apply please submit an Expression of Interest application and return to recruitment@eggbuckland.com by 09.00 Friday 28 July 2023.

Interviews to be held on Wednesday 2 August 2023. 

Recruitment update:

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

Callington Community College are looking to appoint a 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. For more information, please click here. Closing date: Friday 28 July 2023. 

Coombe Dean School are seeking to appoint a Library and Reading Co-ordinator. The successful candidate will be an innovative and inspirational leader of reading, learning and research, and they will plan and deliver an exciting programme of activities, events and author visits that promote reading and the development of literacy across the school. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 31 July 2023. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Casual Exams 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: 7 September 2023. 

Exams Officer - The post holder will be jointly responsible alongside our current Examinations Officer for the efficient and effective running of the administration of all internal and external examinations within the College, including liaising with staff, students, invigilators and Examination Boards.  Providing comprehensive administrative and clerical support across a variety of tasks and functions. Closing date: 24 August 2023. 

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

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

Cover Co-ordinator & Cover Supervisor - The successful candidate will be a hard-working individual with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students; establishing excellent relationships quickly with all stakeholders and communicate effectively to ensure all students’ needs are met. Closing date: 7 August 2023.

Examinations Officer - 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. Closing date: 14 August 2023. 

Teaching Assistant - You would be joining a committed team of teaching assistants who play an important role in our school. The role involves supporting students with Special Educational Needs within the classroom. This could involve facilitating student’s emotional regulation; working with those on the autistic spectrum, or supporting students with low levels of Literacy and Numeracy to access the secondary curriculum. Closing date: 14 August 2023. 

Receptionist & Administrative Assistant - The successful candidate will work closely within the Central Services Team and will also provide routine general clerical administrative support. Closing date: 7 August 2023. 

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

Westcountry Schools Trust are seeking to appoint a HR Assistant. Individuals in this role will have an aptitude for resolving day-to-day problems independently, an excellent understanding and working knowledge of HR related administration and be open to developing a base-line knowledge of routine employee relations issues related to their areas of work. They will also be committed to working to Trust values and developing professional practice excellence to meet the changing demands of the role and as part of a team. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 24 July 2023.