{item_alt_tag}

As we bid farewell to Term 3, it's a pleasure to continue our theme of celebration and reflect on some recent achievements. Stowford School's recognition from Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP, Minister for Schools, is now joined by Glen Park Primary School, Plympton St Maurice, and Wembury Primary School, all receiving commendations from the Minister for excellence in last summer's Phonics Screening Check (PSC). This acknowledgment, granted to only a few percent of primary schools nationwide, underscores the collective success across our 19 primary schools, where our children master the foundational skill of effective decoding and early reading.

In recognising achievements, I also take a moment to celebrate Mark Mitchell's wonderful 18-year contribution to education, particularly his impactful headship at Ermington Primary School. Mark has decided to retire at the end of this academic year, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and positive influence.

As previously signposted, we are actively engaged in recruitment, utilising the MyNewTerm platform to advertise vacancies and establish a Talent Pool for future opportunities. Your continued commitment to our mission makes us stronger together, positively impacting our children daily.

Looking ahead to Term 4, we return on Monday 19 February  2024, designated as an INSET day with various arrangements in place for both primary and secondary phases. Additionally, our Year 11 cohort embark on their February series of Mock Examinations from Tuesday 20 February, marking a crucial phase in their preparation for the summer GCSEs.

As we enjoy a well-deserved Half-Term Break, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering determination and valuable contributions. Together, we create an environment where education thrives, and our children flourish. We are on a journey of constant improvement, aligned with our trust value of aspiration.

Thank you.

Best wishes,

Rob Haring

CEO

WeST continues to offer an employee assistance programme for all colleagues, through Care First. As part of the service a range of free wellbeing articles are available to you on the Staff Portal.

From 5th to 11th February 2024, schools, families and communities across the UK are taking part in Children’s Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is ‘My Voice Matters’ and is about empowering young people by giving them the proper tools they need to express themselves, believe in their voice and to be taken seriously.

To find out more, please see this week’s wellbeing article ‘Children’s Mental Health Awareness’ from Care First.  

PENSION ADVISORY SESSIONS FOR ALL WEST STAFF!

Wesleyan have been delivering presentations to schools and colleges for over 15 years and we tend to find that professionals within Education are not aware of all the changes and benefits that are provided within their personal pension schemes. Understanding your pension, especially in a profession as pivotal as yours, is crucial for several reasons:

  • Securing Your Future: A pension is more than just a post-retirement benefit. It's a representation of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to education. Understanding your pension ensures you are prepared for the future and can retire with the security and dignity you deserve.

  • Making Informed Decisions: With frequent changes and reforms in pension schemes, having a clear grasp ensures you can make informed decisions, whether it's about additional contributions, retirement age, or choosing between pension options.

  • Financial Planning: Your pension is a significant part of your long-term financial strategy. Knowing the ins and outs helps in planning other financial aspects, like investments, savings, or even major life decisions such as buying a home or supporting a child's education.

  • Maximizing Benefits: Only when you're fully aware of the nuances of your pension scheme can you truly maximize its benefits. This could mean availing of specific grants, understanding tax implications, or knowing the right time to draw from it.

  • Early Retirement: While many teachers look forward to a well-deserved retirement, some are forced to retire early due to health issues or burnout. Understanding your pension can be a lifeline in such unexpected circumstances.

  • Opting Out: It's been observed that younger teachers sometimes opt out of pension schemes, not realizing the compounded benefits they'll miss out on in the future. Awareness and understanding are key to making informed decisions.

  • It's More Than Just Retirement: Your pension doesn't only provide retirement pensions. It also offers benefits related to death in service, ill-health retirement, and more.

FREE TO ATTEND WEBINARS

To help you get a better understanding of your current pension scheme, Wesleyan will be running a series of webinars on both the Teachers' and Local Government Pension Schemes, providing a thorough breakdown of:

  • The benefits provided for both yourself and your loved ones
  • How much you contribute and how your retirement income will be calculated
  • The various changes that have happened within the scheme and which pot your pension fund accumilation falls within
  • The McCloud Judgement and understanding the letter you have received
  • How to maximise your pension allowance and increase your retirement funds

Our webinars are free to attend and last between 45-60 minutes, including a live Q&A session at the end. To book your place, please click on the link below relevant to your pension and register your details on Microsoft Teams.

Local Government Pension Scheme webinar

Tuesday 13 February at 6.30pm - Click here to register

Teachers' Pension Scheme webinar

Thursday 15 February at 6.30pm - Click here to register

{item_alt_tag}

For links to sign up to the above webinars, please click here.

{item_alt_tag}

Friendly February 2024

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Internal Appointment:

INTERNAL APPOINTMENT – TEACHER OF CHEMISTRY

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking an outstanding classroom teacher, with a Chemistry specialism, to deliver inspiring lessons and engage students of all levels and ability. 

The Trust is seeking to secure this appointee to our family of schools in readiness for September 2024 (school location to be confirmed in the summer term).

Applications from internal staff are welcome via MyNewTerm here https://mynewterm.com/jobs/Westcountry-Schools-Trust/946253217/internal/EDV-2024-WST-93865/Teacher-of-Science-with-a-Chemistry-Specialism

Closing date: 15 February 2024.

Recruitment update:

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

Chaddlewood Primary School is looking to appoint two Class Teachers. Chaddlewood is seeking two inspirational and creative teachers to join their accomplished and dedicated team. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 23 February 2024.

 

Coombe Dean School is looking to appoint an Administrator. Coombe Dean are seeking an outstanding individual to join their Admin Team. The successful candidate will be able to remain calm under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

Eggbuckland Community College is seeking 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.

Hele's School is looking to appoint the following vacancies: 

Exam Invigilators - Hele's is seeking reliable invigilators for both their internal/external exam series throughout the academic year. This is an interesting and challenging role in the school environment, and applicant’s availability must be flexible to accommodate. Closing date: 1 March 2024. 

Music Curriculum Lead - Hele's is looking to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Music at KS3 and KS4, and also potentially at A-Level. They are seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model. Closing date: 20 February 2024.

Deputy Head of Maths - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Maths from KS3 to A-Level. The successful candidate will have a proven record of delivering excellent outcomes for students. Closing date: 20 February 2024.

Teacher of Science - Subject Chemistry Lead - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the ability to teach Science to KS4 and Chemistry to A-Level. They are seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. Closing date: 22 February 2024.

Pastoral Support Manager - Hele's wish to appoint an exceptional candidate, who possesses energy and creativity and can provide effective and efficient cover to support the Heads of Year and wider pastoral team. Closing date: 20 February 2024.

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

Ivybridge Community College is 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.

Cover Supervisor x 2 - Ivybridge is looking to appoint two exceptional individuals into the positions of Cover Supervisor. The successful candidates will be members of support staff, providing specific support to provide lesson cover on a daily basis. The Cover Supervisors will provide a high standard of support to assist with the smooth operation of the organisation. Closing Date: 19 February 2024.

Operations Manager - Ivybridge is seeking an Operations Manager that has strong organisational and people management skills. The successful candidate will prioritise and manage their own workload and that of their teams well. Closing date: 13 February 2024.

Behaviour Support Coordinator - Under the direction of the Behaviour Manager, within an agreed system of supervision, the post holder is responsible for the effective day-to-day organisation, coordination, supervision of students and support of the PACE rooms. Implementing agreed work programmes with individuals/groups, in or out of the classroom / PACE room. Closing date: 19 February 2024. 

Minibus Driver- Ivybridge is looking to appoint an exceptional individual to the position of Minibus Driver. The post holder will be a member of support staff, transporting students and conducting themselves in a professional and knowledgeable manner. Closing date: 16 February 2024.

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

Morley Meadow Primary School is seeking to appoint a skilled Teaching Assistant to join their very supportive, hardworking and successful team. The post will involve working across our EYFS and Key Stage 1 classes to support a range of children. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 23 February 2024.

Oreston Community Academy is seeking to appoint a KS2 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover). Oreston are looking for a committed and passionate part time Teacher until 31st August 2024. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 21 February 2024. 

 

Plymstock School is looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Art, Craft and Design - Plymstock are seeking to appoint a Teacher of Art, Craft and Design (0.5FTE) who clearly demonstrates a passion for their subject and will consistently strive to support all our students in fulfilling their potential. Closing date: 12 February 2024. 

Attendance Administrator - Plymstock is seeking to appoint an Attendance Administrator to manage and track student attendance across the whole school.  The successful individual will work with other agencies and within school to ensure the academic success of all students related to their attendance. Closing date: 18 February 2024.

Operations Manager - Plymstock is seeking to successfully appoint an individual who is able to demonstrate the characteristics required to lead a number of different teams in ensuring that the school operates effectively and efficiently. Closing date: 12 February 2024.

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

South Dartmoor Community College is looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant. South Dartmoor is looking for an experienced, confident and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant who shares their passion, vision and drive, and who is prepared to go that extra mile to support their students. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Headteacher at Ermington Primary School. The role will require collaboration within and beyond Westcountry Schools Trust and a close working relationship with the Director of Education. The Headteacher will be accountable through our governance structure and to the Director of Education on behalf of Westcountry Schools Trust. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 8 March 2024.

Woodlands Park Primary School is looking to fill the following vacancies:

 Deputy Headteacher with SENDCo responsibilities - They are seeking to appoint an inspirational, enthusiastic and highly motivated leader to join their dedicated Senior Leadership Team, and support their continued drive for excellence in every aspect of school life. This will be an exciting opportunity for a current SENDCo who is ready to take the next step in their career. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

KS2 Teacher - Woodlands Park is looking to appoint a talented and creative teacher to join their supportive and highly successful team at Woodlands Park Primary School to teach their Year 4 class. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

Teaching Assistant - Woodlands Park require a flexible, adaptable and enthusiastic individual to support learning across the curriculum. Closing date: 19 February 2023.

Year 2 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover) - Woodlands Park is looking to appoint a talented and creative teacher to join their supportive and highly successful team, to cover a period of maternity leave in Year 2. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

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