{item_alt_tag}

 

As we bid farewell to the Autumn Term and welcome the Christmas break, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts throughout this term. As we embrace the Christmas spirit of joy and gratitude, I find it fitting to reflect on our collective progress and recent professional development activity.

 

Internal assessments seem to be indicating that;

  • Our Year 1 cohort are making terrific progress with their phonics
  • Our Year 6 children are doing well and are on track to hit our aspirational target of 72% reaching the expected standard of RWM in KS2 SAT’s
  • Year 11 are moving in the right direction to do well

On 5 December, we had the privilege of hosting esteemed educators Christine Counsell and Steve Mastin, whose invaluable contributions have been instrumental in guiding us through the implementation of the Opening Worlds KS2 Humanities Curriculum. Buckfastleigh Primary School and Plympton St Maurice Primary School graciously served as our host schools, facilitating a dynamic morning filled with insightful lesson drop-ins.

 

Christine's engaging religion lesson on 'Arjuna faces the battlefield' for the Year 3 students at Plympton St Maurice School was a moment to cherish. Her words encapsulated the sheer energy and enthusiasm that resonated within the classroom: "I loved the look on the children’s faces as they did the sound effects for the battle. They did it brilliantly, and the energy you could feel at the front of the room was quite something!"

The afternoon sessions were marked by bespoke training, amplifying our understanding of the program's rationale and structure, enriching the efforts of our History, Geography, and Religion subject leads. Through sessions focusing on being thorough with Opening Worlds' assessment and response strategies, as well as mastering the art of storytelling across various subjects, we embraced the essence of comprehensive learning.

 

I'm pleased to share some inspiring feedback from Christine and Steve. Jordan O'Brien from Buckfastleigh Primary School showcased the epitome of Opening Worlds, leaving an indelible impression on everyone present. The meticulousness demonstrated by the classes at Plympton St Maurice, evident in their comprehensive sentences and thriving vocabulary, is a testament to the exceptional teaching they've received.

I hope the holiday period allows us to take time to rest and recharge, cherish the company of friends and loved ones, and reflect on our collective achievements.

May the festive season bring joy, peace, and moments of serenity. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a rejuvenating break filled with warmth and happiness.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Support Staff Pay Award 2023

We are pleased to confirm that the national process for the support staff pay award 2023 has been concluded and we are making arrangements to apply the award in December’s pay. The agreement is for all support staff members employed under the NJC Green Book to receive an increase of £1,925 to annual salary, and this will be backdated to 1 April 2023.

Regrettably, a consequence of the delayed pay deal is the adverse impact on some staff who are in receipt of income-related benefits, in particular Universal Credit (UC). Unfortunately, payment of backpay cannot be staggered over a period of months as it is monies owed to staff and is required to be paid as soon as practicable after the pay deal is agreed. If you are affected by this issue, we would advise you to speak to your Universal Credit Work Coach via your online account or call the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644, who can assist you with this matter.

If you would like further information on the support staff pay award 2023, please visit the LGA Website

Flu Vaccinations 2023/2024

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to offer staff access to flu jab vaccinations this winter.
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.

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

Changes to National Insurance Rates

The government has announced a 2% cut to the main rate of Class 1 employee NICs from 12% to 10% from 6 January 2024; further information is available here.

We are working with our payroll provider to ensure staff will benefit from these changes in January's pay.

INDOOR TENNIS COACHING AT HELE’S SCHOOL

 

Want a sport for your child that’s never cancelled due to weather? Come and learn to play tennis in Hele’s School Dome with our NEW YEAR OFFER!

Coaching is for ages 5-12 from 5-6 pm on Fridays. Cost is £7 per session. NEW Year offer – first session free! Starts Friday 5 January.

To book a place please contact mail@tennis-plympton.co.uk

Do Good December

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Recruitment update:

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

Callington Community College are seeking to fill the following vacancies: 

Teacher of English - Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach English at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

Teacher of Science - We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach Science.  We would expect the successful candidate to be able to teach across Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

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

Coombe Dean are seeking to fill the following vacancies:

Receptionist (Maternity Cover) - Coombe Dean are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to join our Admin team. You should be able to remain calm under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Closing date: 3 January 2024.

Teacher of Social Sciences (Maternity Cover) - Coombe Dean are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Subject Leader. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and fellow Subject Leaders to deliver high quality lessons and opportunities to Post 16 students. Closing date: 3 January 2024.

Subject Leader of Religious Studies - The successful candidate will be a hard working individual, passionate about Religious Studies, and a Teacher with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best outcomes for students. Closing date: 18 December 2023.

Sports Centre Assistant - Coombe Dean are looking 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. This would suit a proactive person, with strong customer service experience and an interest in physical education. Closing date: 3 January 2024.

 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. Closing date: On-going.

6th Form and Careers Administrator - The post holder will provide general admin and reception services including word processing, photocopying and distribution, filing, dealing with internal and external mail and with telephone calls. They will also be required to compile student reports, chase external reports, maintain notice boards and organise meetings as necessary. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to appoint a 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. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going.

Oreston Community Academy are seeking to fill the following vacancies: 

Permanent KS2 Teaching Assistant - Oreston are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who is adaptable. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to maintain consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 8 January 2024. 

Part-time KS2 Teaching Assistant - Oreston are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who is adaptable. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to maintain consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 8 January 2024. 

Part-time Temporary SEN Teaching Assistant - Oreston are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has an understanding of children’s varying SEND needs and a calm, approachable attitude towards their work. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to maintain consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Exam Invigilators - The post holders will be a confident and reassuring presence to students whilst providing supervision within an exam room. Duties will include assisting the Exams Team in ensuring examinations are carried out to the correct guidelines. Closing date: On-going.

Behaviour Support Co-ordinators (2x posts available) - Plymstock are looking to appoint two exceptional individuals to the position of Behaviour Support Coordinators based at Plymstock School. These talented individuals will be required to manage and continue to develop our caring and supportive learning environment for our young people. Closing date: Thursday 4 January 2024.

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

Sherford Vale School are looking to appoint a Permanent Teaching Assistant. Sherford vale are are looking for a candidate who puts learning at the heart of their practice, has a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who is flexible. For more information on this vacancy, please click here. Closing date: 5 January 2024.

 

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

Teacher of Science - South Dartmoor are looking for a highly organised, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher to a full time, fixed term contract. They must be able to deliver the curriculum to a high level, across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, working closely with the Science team. Closing date: 5 January 2024.

Inclusion Lead - The successful candidate will provide support, advice and intervention programmes that meet the academic, social and emotional needs of individuals for whom inclusion to our mainstream provision is not enough. They will also host and support the work of visiting professionals and in house support workers. Closing date: 5 January 2024.

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

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Headteacher at Boringdon Primary School. They will be required to provide and model outstanding leadership to secure its continued improvement journey, ensuring high quality education for all its students and improved standards of achievement. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 15 January 2024.