I open this edition of the ‘Whistle’ with the recognition that this is a week of transition, not from winter to spring and improved weather- rather from remote education and online learning to classroom based face to face teaching.  I know that we are all very much looking forward to welcoming all of our children back into school and re-establishing our in-person relationships.

Whilst we recognise that SW infection rates are low and that the national vaccination programme is doing superbly well, it is essential that we avoid complacency and adhere to our systems of control to stay safe and prevent the spread of infection. Accordingly, we have updated our Risk Assessments and incorporated measures into the daily operational patterns of our schools to ensure that our collective health and safety is promoted.

With further reference to transitions, I highlight some of the specific changes that are currently underway:

  • Our secondary colleagues are moving from LFD testing in our test centres to LFD testing at home in line with our primary colleagues
  • Secondary children are now being beginning to undertake LFD testing in our test centres before they return to normal lessons. There is a common framework of approach but each school will flex at a local level in response to the context of their school and community. Early signs are hugely encouraging with the return of consent forms looking to be significantly higher than the national average.
  • Our remote education offer is experiencing a slight reduction in direct instruction through live lessons to a more blended approach as we prepare our classrooms for a full return.
  • We are already seeing many more children in school each day. Our WeST daily attendance figure has been on the increase week by week but we are now seeing a spike in uplift as many more children of critical workers are taking advantage of this on-site offer. Tuesday 2nd March saw 2312 WeST children attend school – 5% higher than the same time last week. I thank here, the colossal efforts of all of our attendance leads and Suzie Winter for the daily collection and analysis of our attendance data.

Furthermore, I am signposting two emerging developments; the first is very general but the Secretary of State made a speech earlier this week outlining the benefits of families of schools working together in a trust such as WeST. It will be interesting to see how the educational landscape develops now that the direction of travel has been made so clear.

Monday also saw the DfE commit to the Early career Framework (ECF) with the announcement of confirmed funding to support teachers in their second year of teaching having an additional 5% of time outside of the classroom for professional learning.  The additional release time is to enable teachers to follow the curriculum, as outlined in the ECF, and to continue to receive dedicated professional mentorship to support the development of their practice. The ECF really is good news. Teachers now have a professional learning journey, with built in time and support, to scaffold high quality professional develop and ensure every teacher enjoys a rewarding start to their career. We look forward to crafting a WeST offer for our staff which strengthens our professional expertise and collaborative working. More details will follow in due course. 

Our schools are now entering a busy time for recruitment. One that I wish to mention here is the recruitment for a headteacher at Sherford Vale School. Carla Bennett has recently left post having decided to pursue other interests and opportunities. We wish her every success for the future.

Enjoy a super week.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Continuing recent articles to introduce the School Improvement Team, this week sees the spotlight fall on Roger Hutchinson, Behaviour Lead and Performance Coach :- 

Roger is an experienced teacher having qualified from the University of Exeter with a BA (Ed) Physical Education and Science Degree in 1993. Since gaining QTS Roger has worked successfully across  a number of secondary, tertiary and adult education establishments in Devon.

Throughout his career, Roger has thrived on making a difference and serving others, helping people develop and grow at all levels.  Roger has experience of roles at middle and senior leadership level, with whole school responsibility in developing Physical Education and Behaviour Management as well as strategies for enrichment and the most able. 

Roger exhibits a thirst for learning and continuous improvement as demonstrated through his recent completion of an MA in Education in Professional Learning and Coaching and becoming an accredited iheart facilitator.

Over his professional career, sharing his experience and passion for education has taken many guises, from ITT Subject Mentor, Tutor, and School Coordinator for local Further Education Establishments and SCITT programmes, as well as a behaviour coach for teachers.

Roger’s current role, involves working across WeST as part of the core School Improvement Team, specialising in behaviour management and system development.  Fundamental to this is Roger's deep unconditional regard for the potential of those he works with and for creating an environment where positive behaviours are nurtured and realised.

Roger Hutchinson, Behaviour Lead and Performance Coach

Recruitment update:

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

Clerk to Trust Board & Governance Officer - Working as part of WeST’s Core Services Team, this role will support the Company Secretary (Chief Financial Officer) and Clerks of Local Governing Boards. The candidate will have a background in providing governance and high-level administrative support to senior leaders/managers within a highly regulated framework. Permanent, 25 hours per week (x5 hours per day) x 52 weeks per year. Full time salary: Pro-rata of £24,012 to £27,041 (Actual salary £16,224 to £18,270) according to experience. For more information please click here.

Hele's have the following vacancies:-

Cleaner - Grade A (£9.25 per hour) - permanent. Hele's are seeking to appoint an evening cleaner for immediate start. Further information can be found here or please ring 01752 337193.  This post will be subject to a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure. Closing date: midnight Sunday 14th March 2021. Interviews will take place on Thursday 18th March 2021.

Required for September 2021;

  • Teacher of Creative Performing Arts (Drama with Art/Music) – MPS/UPS, Full Time, permanent. Closing date: midnight, 14th March 2021. Interviews: Monday 22nd March 2021
  • Teacher of Social Science (Psychology/Sociology/Criminology), MPS/UPS, Full time, permanent. Closing date: midnight, 14th March 2021. Interviews: Wednesday 24th March 2021

Further information is available through our website here. Hele’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment; therefore, the post will be subject to a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

Callington Community College have the following vacancies:-

Receptionist - Grade C (£17,842, Per annum, pro rata) for 37 hours a week. Callington Community College are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and reliable  receptionist. You will be the first point of contact for visitors and be responsible for ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed. Further information can be found here or please email munderwood@callingtoncc.net. A DBS Enhanced Disclosure will be taken for the successful applicant. Closing date: 9.00am on Friday 5th March. 

Plymstock School have the following vacancies:-

Administrative Assistant - required as soon as possible. Permanent – 34 hours per week x 39 weeks per year. Grade B (SCP 3-4 £18,562 - £18,933) Actual salary £14,607 - £14,899. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, organised and efficient Administrative Assistant to join our busy Admin Team.  The successful candidate will assist in providing administrative support across the whole school and ensure that the computerised systems for student records are kept up to date and accurate.  Closing Date: 9am Friday 12 March 2021. Interview Date: To be confirmed. 

Careers Assistant – to cover Maternity leave from the end of April 2021. Temporary (Maternity Cover) – 37 hours per week x 39 weeks per year. Grade D (SCP 8 – 14) £20,493 - £23,080 (Actual salary £17,550 - £19,765). We are seeking a Careers Assistant to cover maternity leave.  The successful candidate will assist the careers team and advise students with information on careers/courses/further education/higher education and will support the administration of our work experience programme. Closing Date: 9am Friday 12 March 2021. Interview Date: To be confirmed. 

Caretaker (multi-site) - required as soon as possible. Permanent – 37 hours per week x All year round (52 weeks). Grade C (SCP 5 - 7 ) £19,312 - £20,092. We are looking to recruit a Caretaker to join our Premises Team, undertaking maintenance tasks both reactive and planned, as directed by the Premises Manager.  The successful candidate will undertake inspections of the school and resolve any findings as well as being responsible for security lockdown and opening of the school premises. Closing Date: 9am – Friday 12 March 2021 Interview Date: Tuesday 23 March 2021

ICT Network Manager - required as soon as possible. Permanent - 37 hours per week x All year round (52 weeks). Grade G (SCP 26-29) £30,451 to £32,910. We are looking to recruit an ICT Network Manager to develop and implement the ICT service and support function for the school collaboratively with Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST), as required by the Senior management team. The postholder will manage the optimisation of the day to day delivery of ICT services and support through a managed service model. Closing Date: 9am - Tuesday 20 April 2021 Interview Date: Thursday 29 April 2021

Reprographics Assistant – required from end of April 2021. Permanent post – 34.5 hours pw x 39 weeks pa. Salary – Grade C - Plymouth SCP 5 - 7 (Actual pro-rata salary £15,421 - £16,044) (FTE Salary £19,312 – £20,092). We are looking to recruit a Reprographics Assistant to assist with the provision of the whole school reprographics service, producing materials for teaching/presentation purposes and also offering design services. Closing Date: 9am – Monday 15 March 2021. Interview Date: To be confirmed

Science Technician - Chemistry - required as soon as possible. This is a permanent, full-time post – 37 hours pw x 40 weeks pa. Salary – Grade D, Plymouth SCP 8 - 14 (Actual pro-rata salary £18,000 - £20,272) (FTE Salary £20,493 - £23,080). We have an exciting vacancy for a Science Technician, specialising in Chemistry, to support the Science Department.  The successful candidate will provide teachers with a range of technical support, enabling them to deliver the science curriculum to students, including advising on health and safety issues. Closing Date: 9am – Monday 15 March 2021. Interview Date: To be confirmed. 

For further information please visit Plymstock's website here.

Dunstone Primary School have the following vacancies:-

Teaching Assistant - Part-time Permanent Contract – Salary/Grade C, 20 hours per week, 39 weeks per year. Dunstone Primary School are seeking to appoint a skilled Teaching Assistant to be part of our very supportive, hardworking and successful team in April 2021 with the exciting opportunity to join us in our relocation to Morley Meadow Primary in September 2021.Further information is available through our website here. Dunstone Primary School is committed to safeguarding children in our care and any successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.  

Staff Survey

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent whole Trust staff survey! We are pleased to confirm a 40% response rate from 765 colleagues and around 900 comments to share feedback with the Executive Team and Senior Leaders.

With so many responses we are working through a detailed analysis and action plan however below is a summary of the key information gathered for your review.

Question 1: I am receiving timely and useful information about how the Trust and School are planning and managing efforts in the ongoing circumstances.

76% of the respondents agree or strongly agree which is a majority representation.

Question 2: I have the resources I need to fulfil my role.

76% of the respondents also agree or strongly agree for this question.

Question 3: I feel supported by the school in balancing my work and personal responsibilities.

68% of the respondents agree or strongly agree. This is a particular area we hope to explore further in the action plan and next steps to support colleagues.

Question 4: I have the support I need to maintain my mental health and well-being.

62% of the respondents agree or strongly agree. As with the above question, this will be explored in the action plan and next steps to support colleagues.

Question 5: I have sufficient meaningful contact with my line manager to support me.

77% of the respondents agree or strongly agree.

Question 6: I have confidence in the Trust’s/school’s approach in managing successfully through the Spring and Summer terms.

76% of the respondents agree or strongly agree. This will be explored in the review of the WeST schools COVID response toolkits.

Question 7: What support and/or training do you think would be most useful to support you?

In earlier surveys respondents were able to select multiple options however to aid data analysis, in the February survey we asked you to tick the one most important factor.

Question 8: explored those who marked Other above and enabled a free text responses. We have 78 comments and are exploring the key themes of these.

Question 9: Is there anything else you think the Trust or school could realistically be doing to support your work and wellbeing at this time?

As this was a free text field with 334 responses, a range of comments covering a range of themes were provided. Each comment is currently being reviewed and key themes are being identified.

Question 10: What are the biggest challenges you anticipate you will have in supporting the needs of pupils over the remainder of this term

As this was a free text field with 481 responses, a range of comments covering a range of themes were provided. Each comment is currently being reviewed and key themes are being identified. 

 

Discussion, Session, White Male, 3D Model, Isolated, 3DThe Executive Team and senior leaders are reviewing the full survey details and further information will be shared in future Whistle articles along with a copy of the action plan for next steps.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in this process.

Spring is finally Here!! - Wild Tribe conference 31st March 2021

With winter finally behind us and the early signs of spring in the air we wanted to let you know that the Wild Tribe conference will go ahead on 31st March 2021 at Sterts Liskeard. The conference has been fully risk assessed and with the use of the open air theatre at Sterts we believe we can deliver a safe, informative fun and interactive conference. Richard Irvine the king of whittling will open the conference with many other experienced practitioners involved in the delivery of workshops. Arena members have a free place on this conference. Places are booking fast so book now to ensure you get a place on the workshop of your choice.

Wembury New Build

As mentioned previously, Wembury is having a new three classroom modular building being erected. I have attached a photo to show you the speed of development over the last week. One of the many advantages of a modular build is that the walls are prefabricated offsite, so the onsite construction time is much reduced; with the walls and roof coming preassembled in sections it is a bit like flat pack furniture. 

As you can see in the photo, the insulated floor has been laid and the first sections of wall have been erected. Once the walls and roof are installed, onsite progress will slow as the internal fit out and the external cladding etc. is installed. 

Further updates will follow.

Woodlands Temporary Classroom

Woodlands Primary School has increased the number of children in school and requires additional teaching space; until such time a permanent solution can be arranged with Devon County Council, a temporary classroom was installed last week.

Attached are the photos of the lifting of the classroom that came in three sections and a meeting room. There has been preinstall grounds and services works before the lift and a small fit out of the rooms post lift which will be completed for the return of our children.

Since September the school has had to use the hall as a classroom, meaning the hall has not been used for other functions; hence why the class rooms being installed is perfect timing-almost like we planned it. 

Get your protective coat, get vaccinated! 

While January 2021 didn’t prove to be quite the fresh start that we’d hoped for, the launch of the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme has at least been a source of renewed optimism in the fight against the pandemic. Although the initial rollout is focused on vaccinating the most vulnerable groups who are at increased risk from coronavirus, it is hoped that the planned rapid expansion of the programme over the coming months will mean that all adults will be offered a vaccine by the autumn.

Vaccination offers the best protection against infection, so ensuring that as many people as possible are vaccinated will give us the best chance of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and beating the virus. It is therefore vital that everyone who is eligible has the vaccine when it is offered to them.

Limiting transmission of the virus among our WeST workforce and keeping our teams safe and well is a top priority for the Trust. Please take a look at the information provided in this infographic by Medigold Health (our occupational health partner) about the importance of getting vaccinated when you can.

Click here to download the full infographic.

Many thanks

The HR Team

Recharge

Sometimes we all need a recharge! In today’s demanding work environments and with the ongoing COVID circumstances, many people can report consistently depleted energy levels which affects their wellbeing and performance. 

Energy is about the resilience and resources within us to face the demands of our work and life. Everyone needs to take time for themselves to understand what maximises energy and what improvements we can make in our wellbeing. A free toolkit is available here for reflecting on yourself and making new habits to increase your energy. These useful free resources are based upon 4 key areas (sleep, managing stress, food and nutrition, exercise and movement) and include (see attachment) an opportunity to develop a personal plan. There is also a video by Professor Evan Robertson to watch here to help and understand how to stay energised.

We will continue to share resources and links for useful information via the Wednesday Whistle and full details are available on the Staff Portal. If you know of a useful wellbeing resource / toolkit please share with the WeST HR team so we can raise awareness (hr@westst.org.uk).

iREPORTit APP

On the 24th February 2021 a new mobile app was launched to support the anonymous reporting of Counter Terrorism online content of concern. The iREPORTit app has been introduced as a much simpler way to report sites of concern and an alternative route to going through the government website here. 

You can download this app on the app store or on google play. Just type in iREPORTit in the search bar. 

STAFF STATUS FORM UPDATE

We can now confirm that schools/colleges/business units have now been provided with the template for the refreshed Staff Status Form.  With recent contextual changes this brings it up to date.

When you receive an email from your school/college/business unit providing a link to  your local version of the refreshed form we ask that you complete it even if you don’t think your availability status has changed.  With full-re-opening approaching from the 8th March we want to ensure that schools/colleges/business units across the Trust have an up to date form from all staff.  It will help with their plans and inform safe systems of work including the wider reopening toolkit.

Please then use the link again to provide an update each time your availability status changes.

The refreshed form also asks you to indicate your vaccination status. This is an optional question and responses will only be used to inform safe systems of work across the Trust including the wider reopening toolkit.  Summary data only will be used to update WeST Trustees, trade unions and other stakeholders as appropriate and no personal information or location will be shared with them.

Thank you for your help with this.