I open this week’s ‘Whistle’ with the good news that we now know that our gradual journey out of lockdown remains on track and that the government have determined it appropriate to move to tier 3. This means that we will follow the previously published route-map.

It is fantastic to hear that we remain on course for a full release from restrictions. However, despite the relatively low levels of infection in our area, it is vital that we remain cautious and follow our published system of controls. We are in the process of updating our Risk Assessments to ensure we are doing all we can to stay safe and prevent the spread of infection.

I’m also pleased to hear that colleagues are contributing to our work on shaping our values. Our shared values help shape our work, guide our professional behaviours and act as a reference point for our decision-making. So, if you haven’t done so yet, do get involved.

Many of you as well, will have seen and read some recent updates from Ofsted. Notably the inspectorate have now published a series of ‘Blogs’ and reports around subject inspections. This chimes with our current work on curriculum leadership and development. More will follow on this theme.

I sign off this week's edition by informing you that Louise Young is retiring from her post as Headteacher of Yealmpton Primary School from the end of this academic year.

We are sure that you will join us in recognising and thanking Ms Young for her sterling work for and commitment to our children. Time stands still for no-one and Ms Young’s 14 years of dedicated service at Yealmpton Primary School seem to have flown by.

We will celebrate Ms Young’s time at Yealmpton Primary School more fully towards the end of term but thought we should tell you now about the leadership change that lies ahead.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Refreshing our WeST Core Service Values – your views are important to us

For the past few months the ELT have been developing a project on refreshing the values that shape the way we all work in our unique schools and business units. 

As part of this project, we want to know what values are the most important to you and that we should hold at the core of WeST as we work collectively to improve the life chances of children. 

Over the next couple of weeks, we invite you to take part in our journey to revisit and refresh the values that will resonate across the Trust and that we can live through our day-to-day work.

A presentation, supporting materials and an exercise sheet have been shared with your senior leaders; please make sure to participate and let us have your views.  It is really important to us that we receive feedback from as many of you as possible.

To submit your answers, follow the link here or scan the QR code below.  

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

 

Mental Health Awareness Week 

For Mental Health Awareness Week this year, the focus will be on the importance on how the natural environment around us can support our mental health. 

According to The Mental Health Foundation, 45% of us say that being in green spaces has been vital for our mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic, with going for walks outside being one of our top coping strategies. Simple things like bird watching, having a picnic or doing some gardening can have such a positive impact on reducing our stress levels and boosting our mood. 

Able Futures have created some useful resources to help develop positive mental health habits: 

  • Nature and mental health webinar. Join a webinar at 2pm on 12 May about how spending time outdoors can support your mental health. If you cannot watch at that time, you can still sign up so that you are able access a recording at a later date. Please go here to sign up for this webinar. 
  • Nature and Mental Health Challenge. Please go here for a PDF with some simple ideas you could use to incorporate some natural activities into your routine to support your mental wellbeing.
  • Read the Able Futures blog on nature and mental health for more information about how spending time in nature can help you look after yourself and your mental wellbeing. 

Staff Survey 

Following our earlier article with the action plan details from the whole Trust staff survey we are writing to share updates of how things are progressing.

You can access a copy of the action plan here.

So far….

 

Staff Voice:

Individual school reports and wide distribution- Done! Individual reports have been shared with school leaders, HR Committee, and Wellbeing Network representatives.

Increasing participation in May survey - Under construction! A new survey is due to be launched 26th May and more details will follow in the Wednesday Whistle.

Staff Wellbeing:

 

Develop and implement Health and Wellbeing Policy - Under construction! The Wellbeing Network recently met and are continuing to work towards this.

Procurement of Employee Assistance Programme from September 2021 - Ongoing! The HR Committee have confirmed support for this and the Wellbeing Network representatives and school leaders are currently voting for their preference of the three available providers.

Promoting Wellbeing

Ongoing! We are continuing to share resources and links through the Wednesday Whistle and staff portal to promote wellbeing themes for staff and pupils.

More news on action plan implementation coming soon.

Footprint calculator 

Have you ever measured your personal carbon footprint?

Carbon Savy home are doing a 1 minute calculation test to see how much CO2 you save through various lifestyle choices. You can also do a 5 minute calculation test that uses your current energy bills to get your personal carbon footprint calculation. Please go here to take part. 

TLI Newsletter

The Learning Institute has just issued its April newsletter, which includes information about the TLI's programmes; including degrees, teacher training, apprenticeships, CPD and current research projects.

06 May 2021
Secondary Teaching & Learning Summer 1 Newsletter
Welcome to the Summer 1 edition of the WeST wide secondary T&L newsletter. 
Read more

Accessing the Staff Portal 

Step 1 - Visit the Trust's website: 

Step 2 - Click 'Staff' on the top menu bar 

Step 3 - Login to the portal using these credentials: 

              Username: staff@westst.org.uk 

              Password: west 

Here you'll find information and resources of Westcountry Schools Trust. 

 

Recruitment update:

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

South Dartmoor Community College and the Atrium are looking for 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. For more information on the above vacancy please go here.

Coombe Dean School are looking for a full time Teacher of Technology to start in September 2021. The successful candidate will be a creative and innovative classroom practitioner. The ability to engage, enthuse and inspire young people and colleagues to achieve success is key. You will: be committed to building success through positive relationships for all students, be able to convey your love of your subject to your students, be a good team player and use ICT effectively to engage and motivate students. Closing date: 17th May 2021 at 9am. For more information, please go here.

Buckfastleigh Primary School are looking for a teacher with a positive attitude and great sense of humour to join their team. Buckfastleigh are a single form entry school with a passion for giving children fantastic learning experiences. They are looking for a proactive teacher who can join us on their journey of school improvement. The post offers a brilliant opportunity to play a major role in developing the school and influencing school improvement. Closing date: Wednesday 19th May 2021. Interview date: Friday 21st May 2021. For more information, please go here. 

Callington Community College have the following vacancies: 

A Teaching Assistant who will work with the Student Support Team. The successful candidate will work with young people with social, emotional, mental health needs and cognition learning difficulties in order to maintain them in mainstream school. Closing date: Monday 24th May at 9am. For more information about this job role, please go here.

Callington Community College have an exciting opportunity to recruit an ICT Network Manager to develop and implement the ICT service and support function for the College. The post holder would take responsibility for the appropriate operational and strategic planning and be able to review, develop and improve ICT/Network systems. Closing date: Friday 4th June at 9am. For more information about this role, please go here. 

Dunstone Primary School are looking appoint an enthusiastic, inspiring and exemplary KS2 teacher to join their dedicated team in their brand-new school for September 2021. This role is a full time Permanent position – Salary MPS. (Dunstone Primary School will be relocating and opening in September as Morley Meadow Primary on the Saltram Meadow Estate.) Further information is available through the 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. Closing Date: Wednesday 19th May 2021. 

Glen Park Primary School are looking to appoint: 

  • EYFS Teaching Assistant x 1 - required to start as soon as possible
  • KS1/2 Teaching assistant x 2 - required for September 2021 

Glen Park Primary are seeking to appoint skilled Teaching Assistants to join their very supportive, hardworking and successful team. They are looking for someone to join their Early Years Foundation Stage team as soon as possible and in KS1/2 from September 2021. Glen Park are looking to appoint individuals who are team players, able to use their initiative in the classroom and help support the delivery of intervention programmes for individual and small groups of children. If you have the commitment to work in a school that is continually striving to ensure the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being, your application would be very welcome.Closing date: noon on Friday 21st May 2021. For further information, please go here. 

Plymstock School are looking for the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Social Science - required from September 2021. Due to promotion, Plymstock are seeking to appoint a talented, dynamic and hardworking Social Sciences’ teacher to join their thriving and well-resourced department from September 2021.Closing date: Thursday 13 May 2021. Interviews: Week commencing Monday 17 May 2021. 

Teacher of French with TLR2B – required from September 2021. Plymstock are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging Teacher of French, with a TLR2B for the responsibility for enhancing the wider student experience in MFL. Closing date: Monday 17 May 2021. Interviews: Week commencing Monday 24 May 2021. 

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

Ivybridge Community College are seeking the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Design and Technology. This is an opportunity to join an outstanding department at Ivybridge Community College. Due to increased student uptake at Key stage 4, Ivybridge require someone (0.6 FTE permanent) with good academic qualifications, experience, technical knowledge and skills who is prepared to make a commitment to the department and the College in terms of hard work and enthusiasm. Closing date: Wednesday 19th May at 5pm.  Interviews: Monday 24th May 2021. 

Teacher of Geography. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a flourishing Department, which has recently been recognised by Ofsted as being an area of excellence within the College. The successful candidate will have the have the opportunity to join a successful Department at a time of continuing curriculum and educational change. Closing date: Tuesday, 18 May 2021 at 5pm. Interviews: Friday, 21 May 2021. 

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning/Literacy. Ivybridge are looking to appoint a person with energy, enthusiasm, adaptability and a keen commitment to the development of all areas relating Teaching and Learning/Literacy. The successful candidate would be joining a College that invests in the continued professional development of teachers and proactively evaluates current educational research to ensure our students experience a full and rich curriculum. Closing date: Monday, 24 May 2021 at 9am.  The Interview selection process is scheduled to take place over two days.  This will be Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 May 2021.

Assistant Principal - Sixth Form and Careers. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious Senior Leadership Team and lead a thriving Sixth Form with approximately 500 students.  The post holder will also lead the Careers Programme across the College. Closing date: Monday 24 May at 9am. The Interview selection process is scheduled to take place over two days.  This will be Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 May 2021.

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

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