Dear colleagues,

As we approach the end of Term 5, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve undertaken together. It is a journey marked not just by academic milestones, but by the deep connections we’ve forged through our shared values. Our shared commitment, unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts have shaped us into more than a connected family of schools — we have become a community driven by purpose and guided by our core values.

The Power of Values

Values are not mere words on paper; they are the heartbeat of our work. They define who we are, how we operate, and the impact we create. Especially in education, being values-led is not just important—it’s imperative. Here’s why:

1. Moral Compass: Our values serve as a moral compass for our children, teaching them not just academically but also ethically.
2. Foundation for Excellence: Our aspirations set the foundation for excellence, pushing us to reach new heights in educational quality.
3. Trust: Our integrity builds trust within the communities we serve, assuring parents and stakeholders that their children’s futures are in safe and capable hands.
4. United Effort: Our collaborative spirit ensures that we work together, learn from each other, and celebrate each success as one.

The Essence of Our Values

Our values are the essence of our identity at WeST. They are the silent forces that drive our actions and the loud declarations of our collective spirit. Let’s remind ourselves of these pillars:

1. Compassion: We see the needs in others and respond with a positive intention. Our actions are designed to promote well-being and improve outcomes, reflecting our commitment to those we serve.
2. Aspiration: We aim high and deliver higher. Our passion, persistence, and resilience are evident as we seek creative solutions and strive for continuous improvement and excellence.
3. Integrity: At the heart of every decision is the well-being of our children and young people. Our unwavering adherence to moral and ethical principles is what defines us. We communicate with transparency and respect, fostering a culture of trust and honesty.
4. Collaboration: We share a vision that transcends individual goals. Working across boundaries, we engage and influence with skill, building valuable relationships that lead to positive outcomes for all.

To each of you, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your embodiment of our values in every interaction, every lesson, and every challenge is what makes our collective work special. Your compassion touches the lives of our children, your aspirations lift their sights to new horizons, your integrity earns their trust, and your collaboration enriches their learning experience.

It is now time for you to have your voice and share it through the staff survey which is now open. The last staff survey saw 70% of colleagues complete the online form and give their view. Let’s aim for an even greater return.

Have Your Say! Have you completed the WeST staff survey? Click here to share your views and complete the confidential short survey. The survey will be open until 10 June 2024.

WeST Growth

The next edition of the ‘Weekly Whistle’ will include a welcome to new colleagues from North Cornwall Learning Trust (NCLT) as they officially become part of the WeST family. Camelford Primary School, Otterham Primary School, St Breward Community Primary School, St Teath Primary School and Sir James Smith’s School will hopefully become part of the WeST community from 1 June 2024.

In doing so we will begin to form the ‘Cornwall Cluster’ within WeST which will have a new HAB – HAB 5 - to provide the local tier of governance for these schools.

Attendance

This week saw us host Carolyn Unsted, one of the DfE Attendance Advisors, to see how we are approaching attendance and the strategies we are employing to improve attendance in our schools. Special thanks to Hele’s School and Woodford Primary School for hosting Carolyn.

Our collective attendance is still some way short of where we would want to be. Across our 19 primary schools, our children’s attendance up to and including 17 May was 95.7%. This is a tiny fraction above the national average but some way short of where we were pre-pandemic.

In comparison our collective secondary attendance figure for the same period is 90.8% and this figure is below the national average.

Attendance will remain a key school improvement priority for next year.

Professional Development Opportunity - NPQ’s

NPQSENCo 

WeST Training Institute are delighted to be offering the brand new National Professional Qualification for SENCo for our first Autumn cohort.

Delivered by our very own SEND specialists, this programme is aimed at SENCos, aspiring SENCos and leaders of SEND who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills to succeed in this vital statutory role, in any school setting. This leadership programme runs for 18 months and includes online study combined with live facilitated sessions.

To express your interest, please complete the form below by Friday 7 June 2024, or for more information please contact WTI@westst.org.uk

NPQSENCo - Expressions of interest (office.com

Farewell

It is with a degree of sadness that I report that Laura Monk, our wonderful administrative assistant who has bridged a cavernous gap in capacity, is leaving us at Half Term to relocate to the bright lights of Bristol. I am sure you will join me in wishing her every success as she embarks on her new career.

So, as we bid adieu to Term 5, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the compassion you’ve shown, the aspirations you’ve nurtured, the integrity you’ve upheld, and the collaboration you’ve championed. You are the heartbeat of our schools, and it is your dedication that propels us forward.

Let us continue to be a beacon of values-led organisation. Together, we will continue to inspire, and to impact lives. Here’s to shaping a brighter future—one child, one lesson, one value at a time.

Best wishes,

Rob Haring

CEO