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Welcome back to Term 2, everyone!

I trust you all had a rejuvenating half-term break, cherishing precious moments with family and friends, and relishing the reprieve from the bustling routines of school life.

The energy and enthusiasm displayed by so many of you during our in-person Monday INSET day suggests we will take further strides forward this term. It was a privilege to attend sessions led by Nathan, Stewart, Hannah, Emily and Jennie particularly focusing on the need and ingredients for exceptional provision in the early years and foundation stage (EYFS). Establishing a strong foundation in EYFS is paramount in affording every child the best possible start in life.

As we embark on this new term, I wish to reiterate the significance of attendance and for us to work collaboratively to foster a culture that promotes regular attendance for our children. It is most disconcerting to note that, throughout Term 1, the SW region recorded the lowest attendance rate of all the regions in England.

A friendly nudge to remind you that our staff survey is currently open. Please take a few moments to share your valuable insights. Each individual response is meticulously reviewed and greatly appreciated.

Finally, thank you to the team at ICC for hosting so many of our primary colleagues for the INSET sessions.

Best wishes 

Rob Haring

CEO

Still time to take part!

To complete your survey

scan this QR code:

 

The survey will be open for a few more days (closing 6 November 2023) and offers the opportunity for you to share your views and continue shaping the Trust.

You can access this on any internet enabled device by using your camera to scan the code above.

The short survey should take you 5 - 8 minutes to complete. Results will be anonymous and every entry will be reviewed centrally.

Flu Vaccinations

 2023/2024

 

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to offer staff access to flu jab vaccinations this winter. We are enhancing the NHS free flu vaccination by offering vaccines to staff who are not eligible via this pathway. 

Following your feedback and market research, this year we have partnered with Doctorcall to deliver a limited number of flu vaccination vouchers to use at participating pharmacies. These vouchers are provided at no cost to staff members and we encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab.

 

To request your flu vaccination

voucher, please visit here or scan this QR code:

 

Flu vouchers can be used at one of the Doctorcall participating pharmacies, which include Tesco, Day Lewis, +Well and Asda.

To find a pharmacy near you and to book your appointment at a time and date which suits you, please visit:                              

https://doctorcall.co.uk/pharmacy-finder

Please note if you would like to book with a +Well Pharmacy there are more location options listed directly on their website.      

https://services.well.co.uk/

Flu vouchers are redeemable until 31 March 2024.

For further information please contact WeST HR via hr@westst.org.uk.

 

 

 

WeST are continuing to work with our employee assistance provider, Care First, and are excited to provide staff access to the My Possible Self App.

My Possible Self (MPS) is a mental-health focused app you can use anywhere, anytime! It includes interactive tools and techniques, using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), customised for digital use.

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you make sense of overwhelming problems by breaking them down into smaller parts. In CBT, problems are broken down into five main areas – situations, thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and actions.

In-the-moment activities

Tools you can use every day to guide you through your life journey – identify habits you want to change, manage anxiety, tackle depression, improve sleep or reduce stress.

Tools you can use every day

Learn to reframe negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Track activities you enjoy. Identify areas causing anxiety, and become aware of the thinking traps you fall into. Get insights to help you understand yourself better, and do more of the things you like.

Take a moment

Help calm your busy mind with relaxation exercises, guided meditations, yoga, massage and grounding exercises. Get into good sleeping habits to improve your wellbeing.

Make small behavioural changes

There’s solid scientific evidence that the toolkits actually work. The more time you spend using them, the better your results will be.

Exclusive access for WeST staff with the code:

Link: https://portal.my-possible-self.com/westcountryschools/my-possible-self/register

Passcode: W3sTCo22

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New Ways November

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Recruitment update:

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

Coombe Dean School are seeking to fill the following vacancies:

Teacher of PE (0.66 FTE)/Cover Supervisor - maternity cover. The successful candidate will be an excellent practitioner, passionate about working with students, and will be expected to teach girls PE. The ability to engage, enthuse and inspire young people to achieve success is key. Closing date: 3 November 2023.

Cover Supervisor - Coombe Dean is looking to appoint a confident individual who can create and develop good relationships with students and who has a strong commitment to supporting student learning. Closing date: 8 November 2023.

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

Eggbuckland Community College are seeking to fill the following vacancies:

 Casual Examination Invigilators - Successful candidates will support the exams administrators with the day-to-day operation of examination venues. Duties may include reading and/or scribing for students with special needs. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going.

Senior Caretaker (multi-site) - The successful candidate will work with the Premises Manager, to undertake the senior caretaking role at the College, supervising members of the caretaking team on day-to-day tasks and in the absence of the premises manager. Closing date: 13 November 2023.

Hearing Support Teaching Assistant - Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant to work under the direction / instruction of senior staff provide general support to staff and students, including preparation, and routine maintenance of resources / equipment. Closing date: 10 November 2023.

Cleaner - Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a Cleaner, who under the direction / instruction of the cleaner supervisor can provide an efficient cleaning service to the college according to the cleaning specification and instructions, individually or as part of a team. Closing date: 8 November 2023.

Cover Supervisor - Eggbuckland require a Cover Supervisor to provide supervision of classes/groups of students in the absence of teachers. Duties to include supporting the learning of students in class by clarifying work and encouraging successful completion of tasks, monitoring students’ behaviour and uniform, taking class registers and invigilation. Closing date: 13 November 2023.

Cover Co-ordinator - We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to organise daily cover arrangements for staff absences (planned or unplanned) and arrange cover supervision including sending out cover work. Closing date: 13 November 2023. 

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

Holbeton Primary School are looking to fill the following vacancies:

After School Club Leader - Holbeton currently require an after school club supervisor to work alongside the after school club supervisor. You will be required to assist in the day to day organisation of the after school club provision, providing high standards of care and play opportunities for our children who attend from our school. Closing date: 6 November 2023.

Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Mealtime Assistant - Holbeton currently require a Teaching Assistant to work in our year nursery/foundation class. The persons appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to demonstrate - a secure level of understanding of SEND needs, safeguarding policies and procedures, and consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 6 November 2023.

Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Mealtime Assistant - Holbeton currently require a Teaching Assistant to work in our year 3/4 class, supporting a child on a 1 to 1 basis. The persons appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to demonstrate - a secure level of understanding of SEND needs, safeguarding policies and procedures, and consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 6 November 2023.

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Casual Examination 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. A full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Closing date: On-going.

Casual Minibus Driver - The post holder will drive the College minibus on local, pre-determined routes. The Minibus Driver represents the public face of Ivybridge Community College.  It is important that the post holder therefore conducts themselves in a professional and knowledgeable manner. Closing date: 7 November 2023.

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

South Dartmoor Community College are seeking to appoint Casual Examination Invigilators. The successful candidates 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 appoint a Class Teacher (1 FTE Fixed Term Maternity Cover) - The post holder will teach full time and demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for achieving both the best for the children in their class and playing their part in our successful staff team on our forward journey. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 6 November 2023.

Woodford Primary School are seeking to appoint a Mealtime Assistant. The successful candidate needs to have an understanding of children's learning and demonstrate empathy, with the ability to communicate clearly to children and adults, following school safeguarding and behaviour policies and procedures. For more information, please click here.