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Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope everyone enjoyed the Half-Term break and have returned suitably refreshed for the busy weeks that lie ahead. Term 2, as is always the case, will certainly be very busy.

Good luck to all our Year 11 pupils who have commenced their Series 1 mock examinations. This period is crucial in scaffolding their journey to their GCSE examinations as they strive to reach their ambitious academic goals.

On Monday 4 November, we welcomed Jon Galling, Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Strategic Lead from Devon, to conduct an external review of our culture of safeguarding. Jon worked with members of the core team, school leaders, and staff from Morley Meadow Primary School and Coombe Dean School to investigate how well our policies and procedures around dealing with ‘low level concerns’ and ‘whistleblowing’ are understood. Overall, Jon was positive about the culture that has been created across WeST. This is down to all of us understanding we have a responsibility for safeguarding and that ‘it could [and does] happen here’. He also provided some useful suggestions for how we can develop our systems to provide even better follow-up where there have been investigations and how we can better report on this to those in governance.

It was wonderful to see our EYFS network, led by Hannah Ocean, meet to share and develop our professional practice. The importance of our work in the EYFS cannot be underestimated. The EYFS Network meeting focused on the "Uniqueness of Curriculum Design." The agenda included discussions on the definition of curriculum, its ambitious features, and practical implementation in schools. Key points covered were the importance of a shared curriculum vision, the need for a broad and balanced curriculum, and strategies to ensure high expectations for all children. The meeting emphasised understanding the world and building children's knowledge, skills, and vocabulary through meaningful and relevant experiences. This reflects our Trust's core values of aspiration and collaboration, as we work together to provide the best start for our young learners.

Tuesday 5 November saw our Primary Headteachers meet for their termly in-person briefing. Amy Pearce led a session on the importance of high-quality teaching on a daily basis and how this is a key vehicle in addressing barriers faced by our under-resourced children. The theme of improving outcomes for our vulnerable children continued with external input from Matt Middlemore – DCEO of Kernow Learning Trust. Matt shared the strategies and approaches adopted by schools within Kernow Learning Trust and the associated impact on outcomes. Our focus on high-quality teaching and support for vulnerable children underscores our commitment to aspiration – ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

I close with the super news that our central administrative team, led by the incredible Heather Greaves, is now back to full capacity with the arrival of Gail Mallard. I'm sure you will extend a warm welcome to Gail.

As we navigate through Term 2, let us keep in mind the themes of new starts and striving to reach our goals. Whether it’s our Year 11 pupils tackling their mock exams, our teachers refining their practice, or our administrative team supporting our operations, every effort counts. Together, we embody the values of aspiration and collaboration, working unitedly towards a brighter future for all within our Trust.

Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Flu Vaccinations - 2024/2025

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to offer staff access to flu jab vaccinations this winter. Last year we issued over 350 flu jab vaccination vouchers to staff members across the WeST network!

Following your feedback, this year we have partnered with Doctorcall to deliver a limited number of e-voucher flu vaccinations via participating pharmacies. 

We are enhancing the NHS free flu vaccination by offering vaccines to staff who are not eligible via this pathway. These vaccinations are provided at no cost to staff members and we encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab.

Flu vaccination voucher

To request you flu vaccination voucher, please visit here or scan this QR code:

Vouchers are to be used at one of the participating pharmacies (Found here: https://doctorcall.co.uk/pharmacy-finder).

You will be able to book an appointment at a time and location that suits you.

Pharmacies include Tesco, Day Lewis, +Well and Asda.

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

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Early-Career Payments for eligible teachers

Eligible chemistry, languages, mathematics and physics teachers can apply to the DFE directly for early-career payments between October and March.

You can can apply from 14 October to 31 March for the 2024 to 2025 academic year.

For more information, please visit: 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-career-payments-guidance-for-teachers-and-schools

New Ways November 

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Recruitment update:

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

Buckfastleigh Primary School is looking for a passionate and skilled Teaching Assistant to join the team. The role will involve working as part of an enthusiastic and experienced team to enrich the learning of a number of SEN pupils.  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. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 18 November 2024. 

   Eggbuckland Community College are 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.

Holbeton Primary School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Teaching Assistant/Meal Time Assistant - In this role, you will work closely with targeted children to help them access the curriculum, participate in activities, and reach their full potential. You will be an integral part of their educational journey, offering support and guidance while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Closing date: 8 November 2024. 

1:1 Teaching Assistant - To work under the instruction guidance of teaching/senior staff to undertake work/care/support programmes, to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom. Closing date: 8 November 2024. 

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Science Technician - To undertake a technical support role within the College. May assist staff with activities for students. Will have limited authority in the deployment of services but will have some responsibility for resources, such as equipment and materials. Requires a good standard of practical knowledge and experience. Closing date: 11 November 2024. 

Casual Examinations Invigilator - To conduct examinations in accordance with the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), awarding body and Ivybridge Community College instructions. Closing date: 18 July 2025. 

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

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Governance Professional and Compliance Lead - Working closely with the Trust Board this role offers the opportunity to significantly impact on the education and lives of children within the Trust by leading, developing, monitoring and maintaining WeST's strategic and operational systems of governance and compliance, supporting our mission of empowering children to impact positively on society and upholding our trust values. Closing date: 11 November 2024. 

Head of Projects - As Head of Projects, you'll lead the Trust’s IT and Assessment functions, manage large-scale projects, and oversee new school developments. Your efforts will drive operational excellence, organisational change, and impactful educational initiatives, all while fostering a culture that reflects our values. Closing date: 14 November 2024. 

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