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Dear Colleagues,

This week, it became clear that autumn has given way to winter, as the vibrant tapestry of golden leaves surrendered to bare branches silhouetted against the stark, pale sky. Additionally, some of us experienced an unexpected snowfall!

Despite the drop in temperature, there is plenty of good news to fuel our spirits.

This week, the Department for Education (DfE) released the national data set for the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)—the check undertaken by children in Year 4 in June. Each child has to answer 25 quick-fire questions. The national average score is 20.6, with 34% of children scoring 25/25. I am delighted to share that the WeST average score for our Year 4 cohort was 21.4, and that 48% of our children scored 25.

This Tuesday, Ivybridge Community College played host to senior leaders from Blackdown, CELT, and WeST for the third in a series of immersion days. These delegates, all current or aspiring leaders in the Quality of Education, explored the theme: ‘How the Ethos and Behaviour contribute to excellent teaching’.

The day was packed with insightful activities, including sessions on 'strong starts,' 'staff deliberate practice,' and observing routines during unstructured times. Delegates also had the opportunity to watch teaching and learning in action through structured learning walks.

A key highlight was the chance for delegates to practice delivering constructive feedback from their observations, with valuable input shared directly with Ivybridge’s Headteacher and Senior Team.

This collaborative day proved formative and enriching, with feedback both gratefully received and already shaping development plans at Ivybridge. The experience not only benefited delegates but also provided the host school with actionable insights, demonstrating the power of professional exchange across trusts.

On Wednesday, Nat Parnell (Deputy CEO) and Amy Pearce (Executive Director of Teaching and Learning) proudly represented WeST at the Schools and Academies Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham. As part of the Confederation of School Trusts’ (CST) programme, they presented WeST’s strategy for trust alignment and its impact on secondary improvement.

Their session focused on translating Trustee strategy into practical levers for school enhancement. Despite the unique setting—presenting in the midst of a bustling exhibition hall to an audience equipped with headphones—the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

This opportunity strengthened WeST’s relationship with CST, a key sector leader in navigating educational uncertainty. Nat and Amy demonstrated the transformative power of trust-led improvement, underscoring WeST’s commitment to delivering a robust model for school success.

These two days from this week's proceedings exemplified the collaborative and innovative spirit that drives continuous improvement across our Trust and beyond.

Finally, an expression of thank you to Esther Gerlach who has served as Chair person of one of our Hub Advisory Boards (HAB’s) – our local tier of governance- since their inception. Esther has been a committed HAB member and given of her time to visit schools, chair meetings, and support our work more widely.  Esther has now chosen to step down due to work commitments. We wish her very success in the future.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

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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

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New Ways November 

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Recruitment update:

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

Ashburton and/or Buckfastleigh Primary School are seeking to appoint a Family Support Advisor. The Family Support Advisor (FSA) works with parents/carers to ensure all pupils are supported in ways that allow them to achieve their full potential, paying special attention to those who are identified as vulnerable. The FSA fosters positive relationships with partner agencies and the wider community to promote the school as a place where safeguarding is taken seriously and done well. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 25 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.

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies:

  • Teacher of Computer Science and ICT – Closing date: 27 November 2024
  • Community Sport Development Manager - Closing date: 25 November 2024
  • Teacher of Drama (0.6FTE) – Closing date: 25 November 2024
  • Teacher of History - Closing date: 25 November 2024

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

  • Reprographics Assistant (Maternity Cover) – Closing date: 2 December 2024
  • Behaviour Coordinator – Closing date: 25 November 2024
  • Cover and Behaviour Inclusion Supervisor – Closing date: 25 November 2024
  • IT Technician (Level 2) – Closing date: 25 November 2024

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

Westcountry Schools Trust are seeking to appoint an ICT Operations Manager.  Are you an experienced ICT operational manager ready to take the step into strategic leadership and with a passion to make a difference in education? This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping and implementing an ICT strategy that will support our schools' commitment to quality education and operational excellence. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 2 December 2024. 

Woodford Primary School are looking to appoint an inspirational KS1 classroom practitioner to join their school team starting February 2025. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent research-based practice in curriculum and curriculum delivery with a genuine drive to achieve the highest standards for all children. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 27 November 2024.