Welcome back to term 6! I hope everyone managed to find some time to rest, relax and spend quality time with family and friends – in a COVID safe fashion!

Over the next two weeks, an announcement will be made regarding the next stage of restrictions being relaxed; while this is good news, we all need to remain vigilant to the spread of infection and continue to promote of system of controls within our schools; it’s crucial that we all continue to work together to ensure the safety of our staff and pupils.

We are also currently in the middle of the reshaping of our ‘values’ which, hopefully, you all have taken part in;  we are now heading  into the final phase whereby the final 15 are being narrowed down to 3. The MS form being circulated where you can take part in this. This work is integral to ensuring we develop the right culture for our trust and I look forward to showcasing the revised values.

I hope all you have all returned in good cheer.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

 

 

 

 

Staff Survey and Value Selection – There’s Still Time!

We offer you the opportunity to share your views and tell us what values are important to you.  This survey offers an opportunity for you to contribute to the final stage of our core values project. These values will represent the key principles the Trust use to deliver to its stakeholders.

To Complete: Staff Survey Link

The short survey will be open until the 16th June, with just 13 questions to share your perspective. You can access this link on any Internet enabled device or use the QR code. Results will be anonymous and every entry will be reviewed centrally. A summary of the results will be published in future editions of the Wednesday Whistle.

 

 

 

 

08 Jun 2021
Apprentice Accounts Assistant
A new role has come up at WeST HQ for an Apprentice Accounts Assistant
Read more

I can see clearly now! 

If you use display screen equipment (DSE) for an hour or more at a time, on a frequent basis, you are technically considered a ‘DSE user’ under the Health and Safety Regulations.

This includes the use of PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. You may have seen the Health and Safety Policy for the whole of WeST, which is available on the WeST website - within this we have included information on accessing eye care. As an employer, we are able to arrange access to a voucher under our scheme with SpecSavers and/or Vision Express to cover the cost of an eye test and a contribution towards DSE specific glasses. The vouchers must be arranged in advance and are time limited. Should you have any queries or questions please liaise with the HR Team on: hr@westst.org.uk.

 

TLI Newsletter

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

Develop your swimming team with the National Curriculum Training Programme 

Class teachers and other adults who have an established relationship with your pupils are the best placed to make school swimming lessons a success.

To be confident in delivering school swimming and water safety lessons that meet the national curriculum outcomes, they need support, training and resources. This will also ensure pupils receive the best quality swimming education.

The National Curriculum Training Programme for primary school teachers equips staff with the skills and knowledge to deliver high quality school swimming lessons to make sure your school not only meets but exceeds the national curriculum requirements.

Topics covered include: Pool safety, reward schemes, structure of a lesson, resources, contrasting activities, grouping, stroke analysis. 

The National Curriculum Training Programme

Our National Curriculum Training Programme is made up of two training days:  

  • 21st June 2021 9am to 3pm online via teams 
  • 9th July 2021 9.15am to 3.30pm at Newquay View Resort, Trevelgue road, Newquay TR8 4AS  

These courses are open to anyone working in a school swimming environment:

  • school teachers
  • classroom assistants
  • learning support staff
  • PGCE students

Free to Arena members, £60 for additional places for Arena members and non-members. 

CLICK HERE to book. 

Have you completed a Staff Status Declaration form recently?

For those of you who have completed a staff status declaration form for your school, college or business unit recently a big thankyou! 

If you have not completed a Staff Status Declaration form for your school, college or business unit since February please use the link to the refreshed form emailed to you recently by your school, college or business unit.  Even if you don’t think your status has changed.  It will help with their plans and inform safe systems of work.

If you cannot find the email with the link your school/HR administrator will be able to help.

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

Thank you for your help with this.

Recruitment update:

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

Teacher at Inclusion Support Centre for Westcountry Schools Trust. This position would be to work under the guidance of the Inclusion Support Centre Coordinator to provide short term, high quality education and holistic pastoral interventions for pupils in year 7 or 8 who have been struggling to access mainstream learning. This is a Fixed Term Appointment (01/09/2021 to 31/08/2022). All applications must be submitted by Friday 18 June at 12:00pm to rwoodland@westst.org.uk. For further information, please go here. 

Inclusion Support Centre Teaching Assistant to work under the guidance of the Inclusion Support Centre Teacher to provide short term, high quality education and holistic pastoral intervention. This position would work closely with the Inclusion Support Centre Coordinator and Educational Psychologist, the teaching assistant will establish and evaluate the needs of pupils and ensure support programmes are in place, adapted and delivered to achieve the ultimate goal of successful reintegration within their home school. This is a Fixed Term Appointment (01/09/2021 to 31/08/2022). All applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 18th June to rwoodland@westst.org.uk. For further information, please go here. 

English Curriculum Developer – Required from September 2021.  We are currently seeking up to two individuals to support the Executive Director of English with the development of high-quality English schemes and resources.  This exciting role will provide either two successful applicants with one day per week each to help accelerate the process of making the WeST English vision a reality, or one successful applicant with two days per week.  The role is open to current English teachers.  Please note that as the time for the role will be backfilled internally, potential applicants should first consult their Head to ensure that this capacity is present; for staff who are currently part-time, we would be happy to consider this role as a day (or two) in addition to your current arrangement.  The position will run up to 31st March in the first instance with the possibility of extension beyond to 31st August 2022.  Job description and person specification are available via English HoDs.  If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Scott Davies, Executive Director of English (sdavies@westst.org.uk).  Applications should take the form of a covering letter (up to 700 words) outlining your suitability for the role.  Closing Date: Monday 21st June.

Forensic Reading Curriculum Developer – Required from September 2021.  We are currently seeking an individual to support the Executive Director of English with the development of schemes and resources for Forensic Reading.  This exciting role will provide the successful applicant with one day per week to help accelerate the process of making the Forensic Reading vision a reality and is open to existing Forensic Reading Leads.  Please note that as the time for the role will be backfilled internally, potential applicants should first consult their Head to ensure that this capacity is present; for staff who are currently part-time, we would be happy to consider this role as a day in addition to your current arrangement.  If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Scott Davies, Executive Director of English (sdavies@westst.org.uk).  Applications should take the form of a covering letter (up to 700 words) outlining your suitability for the role.  Closing Date: Monday 21st June.

Coombe Dean School are seeking to appoint a Part-time (0.5 FTE) Teacher of Maths required from September 2021. This is an opportunity for an experienced mathematics teacher or an ambitious NQT to join a vibrant and forward-looking teaching community – a place where success is built on positive relationships and where young people are inspired to become confident, curious learners. The Mathematics Department at Coombe Dean is a supportive team with a track record of strong academic results. In lessons, expectations are high and students take pride in their work. For more information on this role, please go here. Closing date: 18th June 2021 09:00 AM. 

Sherford Vale School are looking for a Caretaker- Grade D Permanent 27.5 hrs per week x 52 weeks per annum (7.00-9.30am + 3.00-6.00pm). As the sole caretaker at a brand new and growing school you will be responsible for undertaking maintenance tasks both reactive and planned work. You will also undertake inspections of the school and resolve any findings. The role will also include undertaking security lockdown and opening of the school premises. You will be expected to embrace a positive Health and Safety culture. Closing date: Midday Monday 14th June 2021. Interviews: Monday 21st June 2021. For more information, please go here. 

Oreston Community Academy are looking for an enthusiastic Play Worker to join their friendly and supportive holiday club team. This club runs from 8am - 5.30pm for children aged 3-11 years from Oreston Community Academy. The club’s primary role is to ensure that children have a safe and secure environment at the same time as providing a high level of care for the children attending the club. If you are interested in the post, please contact to arrange a visit on 01752 402050 or email admin@oreston.com. An application form and further details are available from the school website here. Closing date: Monday 21st June 9am. Interview date: Monday 28th June 2021. 

Buckfastleigh Primary School are looking for a teacher with a positive attitude and great sense of humour to join their team. The post offers a brilliant opportunity to play a major role in developing the school and influencing school improvement. For more information please go here or email the administrator Kirsty Sparks if you would like to arrange an informal chat about the school with a member of the senior leadership team – admin@buckfastleigh.devon.sch.uk. Closing date: Midday Thursday 17th June. Interview date: Tuesday 22nd June.  

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