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Dear Colleagues,

Another busy week has passed, and I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone involved in the recent training sessions. We had a fantastic day revisiting and refining our Key Stage 1 History and Geography curriculum, led by Becky and Nicola. A particular highlight was exploring how AI can be used to plan relevant stories to link to our curriculum, as well as how we can better check pupils’ understanding. The collaborative spirit in the room during the group co-planning sessions was inspiring. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Our Early Reading Leader, Heidi Longworth, also led a great session on Early Years Reading, while the Evolve Training and NPQSL Conference, headed by Amy Pearce and Phil Banks, offered invaluable insights for staff development. Additionally, the Fresh Start Training delivered practical strategies for boosting literacy across our schools.

From my own perspective, I’ve been particularly pleased to be welcomed back into schools for Term 1 visits. It’s been fantastic to see the 'Strong Starts' in action across our Secondary schools, setting high standards and supporting students in their learning. Now that behaviour and culture are excellent, our main area for development is within the classroom itself. We are focusing on our preferred method of Direct Instruction, shifting from 'discovery learning' to a more structured, instructional approach. This is paired with strong modelling from our subject experts, of which we are fortunate to have many highly academic and passionate teachers.

An emerging theme we’re working on across all phases is that of 'Aspiration'. At its heart, this means "having hope or ambition to achieve something." We know that raising aspiration can be challenging, but, inspired by the work of Dixon’s Academies and others, we intend to help our young people and their families set high aspirations early on, beginning in Primary school. The goal is for pupils to clearly articulate their ambitions, not just for their educational and career paths, but for the kind of person they aspire to be. This will continue through Secondary school. Our leaders are already thinking of creative ways to support this, including university visits, exposure to inspirational role models, and activities that encourage ambition. Aspiration is one of our core values at the Westcountry Schools Trust, so please watch this space for further developments.

One of the harder aspects of aspiration, as I touched on last week, is ensuring that all learners, including our most vulnerable, have access to the full curriculum. It’s vital that we don’t find reasons to lower our expectations of behaviour and attainment for any learner. Alongside this, we must remain mindful of the scaffolding and support that our more vulnerable students will need to meet these expectations.  This, to me, is the true meaning of inclusion.

Finally, I’m delighted to announce that we have welcomed Naveed Khan to the Secondary School Improvement team. He’s already hit the ground running, visiting many schools and focusing on the quality of delivery in classrooms - our core business. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of his work in the months to come.

Thank you all for your continued hard work, and have a great week ahead.

Kind regards and sincere thanks for your efforts,  

Nat Parnell 

Deputy CEO

HR Update

Calling all current staff! Data requirements for Equality and Diversity monitoring!

Following the government’s commitment to require large employers to report disability and ethnicity pay gaps (in addition to gender) the trust is asking all current staff to update their confidential ‘sensitive’ information via the Employee Self Service (ESS) in iTrent.

For new starters from 1 September 2024 the equality and diversity information captured as part of the MyNewTerm application process will be keyed into iTrent as part of the new employee record. For any colleagues who joined us prior to this, there is a requirement for current staff to complete their own information as per the attached guidance.

Regular reminders will be circulated over the coming weeks as we ask you to support the trust in preparing for these mandatory reporting requirements. Thank you.

Headlines on teachers' pay 2024

The Government has accepted the School Teachers’ Review Body's (STRB’s) recommendations in full for 2024 which includes the 5.5 per cent uplift to all pay points and allowances for both teachers and leaders. The DfE have estimated that the statutory process of implementation will conclude around the 8 November 2024 and we are advised not to implement the award until after this date. At present we are planning to include the uplift in December pay (backdated to 1st September 2024).

Headlines on Support Staff Pay 2024

Following UNISON members’ vote to reject the support staff pay offer of an increase of £1,290 (pro rata for part-time employees) to be paid as a consolidated, permanent addition on all NJC pay points w.e.f. 1 April 2024, the union announced a ballot for industrial action. The ballot is running from 4 September to 16 October. Following Unite members’ vote to reject the employers’ full and final pay offer, the union also announced a ballot for industrial action, this is running from 27 August to 15 October.

Whilst GMB have voted to accept the pay offer, it cannot be confirmed until the majority of unions accept it.

Further updates on the support staff pay award for 2024 will be provided as soon they become available, although we are unlikely to hear anything further until the results of the ballots are announced towards the end of October.

Thank you

The HR Team

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Estates Summer Projects

Austin Farm Academy – £94k

Continuing with our Estates project updates, we’re pleased to share progress across a range of diverse projects. At Austin Farm Academy, two double classrooms, known as "Devon Lady's" (originally called "Pratten units" after their manufacturer), were removed. These temporary structures were installed by Devon County Council in response to the post-war baby boom, which created an urgent need for additional educational space. Designed with a lifespan of 20-30 years, these units were often moved between schools as required. However, the two Devon Lady's at Austin Farm had far exceeded their intended lifespan and had fallen into disrepair. As they were no longer needed, they were demolished to clear space for future redevelopment to meet the school's evolving needs.

After the project was tendered and a contract awarded, demolition began promptly and proceeded smoothly, with one notable exception: the unexpected discovery of a 500mm main water supply line servicing the Eggbuckland housing estate, which ran directly through the demolition site. Thanks to proper site safety measures, the issue was addressed without incident, and the demolition was successfully completed, leaving the site ready for its next phase of development.

Before                                                                                

During     

After

  

Development:

With the Devon lady’s gone the area was now ready for a makeover.  After discussion with the school and a design of what was required, the specification was issued for pricing. Work commenced and it was clear from an early outset that the work being conducted would transform the area and create a wonderful outdoor space for teaching and learning, for the students to explore and interact with the new space.

Before                                          

  

 During  

   

After

Mark Bullard

Estates Director

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Morley Meadow Primary School are now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online.

Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them online – at no extra cost to yourself!  For example Tesco, Asda. Morrisons, Iceland, Sainsburys, M&S, ASOS, GoCompare, Argos, Booking.com, JustEast, to mane but a few.

These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so Morley Meadow would really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.

You can find the easyfundraising page at:

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/morley-meadow-primary-school/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pmc&utm_content=gs-email1

You have the option to download a 'Donation Reminder' which will prompt you when shopping with a participating retailer – this is safe to do and has been used in many schools already.

If you have any questions or need help accessing the site, please email Morley Meadow Primary School. 

Self-Care September

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Recruitment update:

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

Buckfastleigh Primary School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Mealtime Assistant - The post will involve supervising pupils at play and in the dining hall, assisting them to have safe and happy mealtimes and playtimes. Closing date: 25 September 2024. 

Teaching Assistant - The role will involve working as part of an enthusiastic and experienced team to enrich the learning of all the children in the class.  It is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a school that has excellent relationships with children and families and is at the heart of the community. Closing date: 26 September 2024. 

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

   Eggbuckland Community College is looking to appoint Casual Exam Invigilators - As an invigilator, you will assist examination staff with their examination processes. This activity may include setting up examination venues by laying out stationery, equipment and examination papers in accordance with strict procedures. For more information on the above vacancy please click here. Closing date: 9 January 2025.

Coombe Dean School is seeking to appoint a Teacher of Design and Technology. The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner, passionate about Design and Technology and working with young people. The ability to implement a strong curriculum, engage, enthuse and inspire young people to achieve success is key and we welcome applications from both experienced teachers and ECTs. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 27 September 2024. 

Hele's School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Science Technician - Hele's Schol wish to appoint an exceptional candidate, who possesses energy and creativity and can provide effective and efficient cover to support colleagues in our Science department. Closing date: 16 September 2024. 

Personnel Assistant & HR Administrator - You will manage HR Administration/and all Personnel processes to ensure Trust HR policies are followed and the school complies with current legislation. Closing date: 23 September 2024. 

Cleaner - To clean and provide a high standard of cleanliness in the area of the school that you are assigned to, the area you clean may change based on School need. To be flexible and work within time allocations and ensure that all cleaning is carried out. Closing date: 30 September 2024. 

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

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Executive Assistant (School Improvement Team) - You will be the first point of contact for the Team, answering and triaging queries as appropriate, ensuring that all emails and/or calls are responded to in a timely manner. You will be required to produce complex reports and information for the School Improvement Team, as well as helping them to prepare a range of documentation such as presentations, training materials, etc. Closing date: 23 September 2024.  

Trust Data and Assessment Lead - In this pivotal role, the Trust Data and Assessment Lead will work closely with Executive Leadership Team and School Improvement Team to develop and maintain robust data tracking and assessment systems to positively impact on pupil outcomes. The post holder will maximise the impact of current systems, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and will lead the development and implementation of data and assessment strategy, policy and associated action-plans in liaison with the Executive Leadership Team. Closing date: 23 September 2024. 

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