I hope everyone enjoyed the extended Bank Holiday weekend.

I'm going to take the opportunity to signpost a couple of key points: 

  1. We are continuing to work alongside Eggbuckland Academy Trust. Our consultation processes are well underway and we are in the midst of ‘Due Diligence’. All being well, all aspects will receive positive responses and we will come together on a formal footing later in the academic year.

2. Early Career Framework (ECF). Ruth Woodhouse is leading this significant development across our trust. I’m pleased to share the following from Ruth.

ECF & West - Key updates - The largest training programme for teachers in a generation begins this September… are you ready?

  • WeST is partnering with SWIFT (our local TS Hub) and Teach First to bring a high-quality curriculum of Early Career Teacher (ECT) and mentor development to our schools
  • Dedicated mentors will need an hour a week timetabled to lead instructional coaching with the ECTs
  • WeST is signed up to the Full Induction Programme, which includes: a 2-year sequenced induction programme, mentor training, resources, funding and an aligned Appropriate Body service
  • Schools will need to register individually on the DfE ECF portal and register all ECT's starting with you in September

Find out everything you need to know about the reforms, working with SWIFT and Teach First, the programme and what you need to do next on Monday 10th May.

What: WeST & the ECF remote briefing

When: Monday 10th May, 16.00 - 16.30

Who: Headteacher/SLT/ECT Lead (current NQT lead)

How: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OWZhMGI1ZDgtZWY0ZS00ODkxLWIwY2UtZTg3NjcxYTNmYTJk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22d231be1f-6908-438c-b9fe-c0ce1d54cfea%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2265074832-b13b-4044-ba0b-cae753b8a2ac%22%7d

Lead: Ruth Woodhouse, rwoodhouse@westst.org.uk 

So, what's expected of ECT Mentors? Find out if it's right for you and ask any questions...

When: Tuesday 25th May 16.00 - 16.30 

Who: perspective ECT mentors/ECT Lead

How: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWYyYTU1MWEtMTcyMy00NzBiLTgyOWMtZDBiZDhhY2IxODQw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22d231be1f-6908-438c-b9fe-c0ce1d54cfea%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2265074832-b13b-4044-ba0b-cae753b8a2ac%22%7d

Lead: Ruth Woodhouse, rwoodhouse@westst.org.uk 

3. When the opportunity arises in your respective WeST networks do take the chance to participate in our values exercise. Your voice and views are important as we shape our future work.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Covid Update 

Lateral Flow Home Test Kits for everyone

Rapid Lateral Flow home testing kits are now available. With the new step in lockdown easing enabling people to socialise more, it is important that everyone stays cautious and regularly take the Rapid Lateral Flow tests to prevent a potential spread in COVID-19. Rapid Lateral Flow tests are free and can be collected from a number of locations across Plymouth including pharmacies and testing centres, as well as delivered directly to homes. To find a local test site go here. To order lateral flow test kits for at home please go here. Please do report your test result, even if it is negative. This can be done using the telephone number in the test kit instructions, or online here. 

Hands. Face. Space. Fresh Air

It is important that we continue using the Hands. Face. Space message, with the addition of Fresh Air. Currently, six people or two households are allowed to meet outside. All non-essential retail, personal care, libraries and community centres, most outdoor attractions, indoor leisure including gyms and outdoor hospitality have also reopened. For the latest guidelines please go here. 

Covid-19 figures for the past seven days

People who have been vaccinated with at least one dose in Plymouth (by age)

 

Refreshing our Core Service Values 

For the past few months the ELT have been working on refreshing the values that shape the way we work in our schools, from headteachers and SLT to support staff. 

We want to know what values are the most important to you and which you want us to hold at the core of WeST as we shape the lives of children. 

Over the next couple of weeks, you will be taking part in our journey to create values that resonates across our schools. An exercise sheet and presentation has been emailed to your schools and once completed, please make sure to fill out your answers here. 

The deadline is May 24th, so please make sure you have submitted your answers beforehand. 

 

To all of our new starters— please tell us how we are doing.

As part of the Trusts aim of continual improvement, if you have started a new post with us recently we would be interested to know about your experience of the selection process that led to your first day.

A big thank you to those of you who have already taken 5 minutes to respond to our anonymous survey.

If you started your new role with the Trust after 1st February 2021 and have not completed our survey yet we would appreciate it if you would spend a few minutes completing the form by clicking here or via the QR code.  It will remain open until 31st May 2021. 

If you would like to discuss this or encounter any problems opening the form please contact the HR Team at hr@westst.org.uk. 

May is Devon's Naturally Healthy Month! 

The pandemic has shown us that we are all so lucky to live in this beautiful countryside. We are able to visit one of our many beaches in the South West and still go to the Moors for a lovely walk. Looking after our physical and mental health is more important than ever and there is evidence that being in the natural environment and connecting actively to nature is good for us. 

Naturally Healthy May is all about getting outside, enjoying the natural environment and feeling happier for it. With the start of May brings more beauty to our local landscape. Why not take the time to invest in yourself and connect actively with nature this May. 

For more information and a chance to take part in the take part in the Naturally Healthy Photo Competition please go here.

Recruitment update:

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

The Learning Insitute are looking for a Admissions and Sales Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Learning Institute - the outreach arm of Westcountry Schools Trust. The Learning Institute removes barriers to learning for hard-to-reach groups and widens access for those parts of society where there is no tradition of undertaking higher study. The Learning Institute is an approved provider of initial teacher training and apprenticeships. Through partnerships with universities it provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in education and health. This is a customer-focused role and requires commitment to providing a high level of service to recruit appropriate participants to our range of exciting programmes. The post-holder will have proven experience within a relevant role and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Application forms; full job description and person specification are available here; completed applications should be submitted to hr@learninginstitute.co.uk by Monday 10th May 2021 at midnight. For more information please go here. 

Plymstock School are looking for the following vacancies:

Deputy Headteacher – L21 – 25 (starting point negotiable) – From September 2021. Plymstock are seeking to appoint an outstanding and inspiring senior leader with a passion for the successful education and well-being of young people. Plymstock have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Headteacher to embed a clear strategic vision for the synergy of curriculum design, teaching, learning and assessment to provide coherent and ambitious delivery across the school. Closing Date: 9am – Monday 10 May 2021. Interviews: Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 May 2021. 

Teacher of Mathematics plus TLR2A – Required from September 2021. Plymstock are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging Teacher of Mathematics, with a TLR2A for leading their Key Stage 5 offer. You will need to be an excellent teacher with a commitment and infectious passion for your subject. Closing date: Monday 10 May 2021. Interviews: Week commencing Monday 17 May 2021.

For further information please visit Plymstock's website here.

Hele's School are looking for the following vacancies:

Head of Religious Studies and SMSC - MPS/UPS + TLR 1A for September 2021. An exciting opportunity exists for an exceptional candidate with the energy, creativity and commitment to lead our RS Department and whole school Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural programme at Hele’s School. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the school for a tour. Please contact Karl Fonseca (Assistant Principal) via fonseca@heles.plymouth.sch.uk to arrange a visit. Closing Date: 9am, Thursday 6th May 2021. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 11th May 2021. 

Teacher of Computing and Maths – MPS/UPS. Required for September 2021. An exciting opportunity exists for an exceptional Computing teacher with energy, creativity and commitment to join our IT and Computing department. Hele's would particularly welcome applicants with additional experience of teaching Maths at Key Stage 3 and/or 4. Closing Date: 9am, Monday 10th May 2021. Interviews scheduled for Thursday 13th May 2021

Further information for both vacancies is available through the website here.

South Dartmoor Community College and the Atrium are looking for the following vacancies:

A highly organised, enthuastic and inspirational Year Leader. This is a full time, permanent position, with the year group to be determined on appointment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Directors of Key Stages and the Assistant Head teachers for Progress and Culture to ensure all students within their year group fulfil their potential. S/he will be a hard-working individual with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students. If you would like to discuss the position please contact Jen Veal, Executive Head teacher, (jveal@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Completed applications should be submitted to Cleo Perry, PA to the Executive Head teacher (cperry@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Closing Date: 21 May 2021. Interviews: 24 May 2021.

Teacher of English 0.6 (permanent from 01/09/2021). South Dartmoor Community College is seeking to appoint a highly organised, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher of English. This is a part time, permanent contract. The successful candidate will work closely with the English team and deliver lessons and opportunities for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 students. The successful candidate will be a hard-working individual; a teacher with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best outcomes for students. If you would like to discuss the position please contact Jenny French, Head of English, (jfrench@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Completed applications should be submitted to Cleo Perry (cperry@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Closing Date: Wednesday 5th May, 8.00 am. Interviews will be held during the week beginning 10th May 2021.

Teacher of French & Spanish (temporary 1 year from 01/09/2021). South Dartmoor Community College is seeking to appoint a highly organised, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher of Modern Foreign Languages. This is a fulltime, fixed term contract for one year in the first instance. The successful candidate must be able to deliver French and Spanish to a high level and will work closely with the Modern Foreign Languages team to deliver lessons and opportunities for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 students. The successful candidate will be a hard-working individual; a teacher with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best outcomes for students. If you would like to discuss the position please contact Jen Veal, Executive Head teacher, (jveal@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Completed applications should be submitted to Cleo Perry (cperry@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Closing Date: Wednesday 5th May, 8.00 am. Interviews will be held during the week beginning 10th May 2021.

For more information on the above vacancies please go here.

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