The weather has turned as has our alertness to COVID. We were in the process of loosening our controls, but our schools are now beginning to see a rise in positive cases and associated self-isolations.  

Whilst it seemed a touch ‘strong handed’ last Friday, our decisions and subsequent letter to parents now appear very balanced and proportionate to the developing situation.

Our schools now have approximately 20 teaching days until our children break for the summer vacation. My advice would be to do all you can to preserve children’s exposure to the curriculum. It could be that we focus on core delivery and day to day operation, and avoid the temptation to stretch beyond normal routine.  By this I mean take sensible steps to prevent the spread of infection and thus minimise the risk of having to collapse ‘bubbles’.

In stark contrast to the cautious message above, I am absolutely delighted to confirm that our WeST Primary INSET will take place all day on Monday 6th September 2021. This professional training event is for all WeST primary leaders and teachers and will be hosted off-site. The main theme of the training will be the effective leadership and development of the curriculum. This is an unbelievable opportunity for all our of our primary practitioners to come together in one venue and benefit collectively from high quality professional development. Further details will follow shortly.

I want to take the opportunity to thank all the staff who have completed the staff survey and taken part in the values exercise; it is fantastic to hear that so many of you dedicated your precious time to give feedback – it is greatly appreciated. We will share shortly how your input has shaped the values of WeST going forward.

Finally, I want to say thank you to the schools, Headteachers, pupils and staff for welcoming the filming crew from Denham Digital last week. From what I have heard, you and pupils have gone above and beyond in making them feel welcome as well as accommodating them throughout. I cannot thank you enough, and I look forward to sharing with you the final video in due course. This piece of work is important as we begin to reshape our values, understand what it means to be a WeST School and collaborate with greater purpose.  

I hope you all have a great week.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Staff Survey 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent whole Trust staff survey! We are pleased to confirm our highest response rate so far at 40.5%! 778 colleagues participated and over 700 comments were submitted 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.

The values data has been extracted to reflect alongside stakeholder feedback and new school feedback (Eggbuckland / Austin Farm). Further details will follow to enable this separate work to be explored and shaped with Trust leaders.

This edition of the staff survey reached:

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

72% of the respondents agree or strongly agree which remains a majority representation.

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

71% of the respondents agree or strongly agree for this question.

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

64% 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.

63% 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.

73% of the respondents agree or strongly agree.

Question 6: I have confidence in the Trust’s/school’s approach in managing successfully through the remaining term.

78% 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 the initial survey’s respondents were able to select multiple options however from February onwards this has been limited to the one most important factor to aid data analysis.

Question 8: explored those who marked Other above and enabled a free text responses.

We have 86 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 280 responses covering a range of themes. 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 339 responses covering a range of themes. Each comment is currently being reviewed and key themes are being identified.

The 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.

WeST Travel Guidance 

Please find here WeST guidance for Managers and staff on international travel for Summer 2021. 

A big thank you to all of you who completed our May Starter Experience Survey.

We would like to thank all of you who commenced a new role with the Trust recently and took the time to feedback to us how the Trust was doing with its recruitment and selection process.  Your feedback will help us in our efforts to continually improve the recruitment experience of all our potential new starters.

Here are some of the key points we can share with you now. 

  • We asked you to rate how straightforward you found the application process for your new post.  You gave the application process an average score of 4.95 stars out of 5.  This is a further increase on the average score of 4.76 stars in January and 4.58 stars in September.
  • 100% of those who responded said they received an invite to interview less than 2 weeks after the advert close date.  This is an increase on both the 96% responding to the January survey and 87% responding to the September survey who received an invite to interview in this time-frame.
  • We asked you to rate your invite to the selection process and any subsequent communications in relation to it.  You gave us an average score of 4.85 stars out of 5 for this.  This is a further increase on both the average score of 4.79 stars in the January and 4.71 stars in September.
  • Due to Covid-19 restrictions some of you experienced a remote selection process.  Those of you who did were asked to rate how straightforward you found using the technology for this was. You gave it an average score of 4.56 stars out of 5.  This is an increase on the average score of 4 stars in January and 4.11 stars in September.
  • 65% of you found the offer you received timely.  This is a slight increase on the 62% who felt this in January but is lower than the 81% who felt this when answering the September survey.
  • 60% of you felt you were provided with enough information when you were offered your position.  This is slightly below the 62% who felt this when answering in January and 61% who felt this when answering in September.
  • 70% of you found the offer process straightforward. This is below both the 79% who felt this in January and 81% who felt this when answering in September.
  • We asked you to think about your pre-employment checks and to rate us on how we did with these in terms of communication, efficiency and helpfulness. You gave us an average score of 4.80 stars out of 5 for this. This is an increase on the average score in both January (4.66 stars) and September (4.71 stars).

There are areas that you identified where we could do better and we really appreciate your suggestions around this. The full results have been analysed and will be used to improve the candidate experience of our recruitment and selection process moving forward.

If you have started a new role with the Trust since February 2021 and would like to tell us how we are doing with our onboarding processes, including induction, we would really appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete the latest Onboarding Survey detailed below.  Thank you.

Onboarding Survey

To those who have recently commenced a new role, we hope you have now settled into working for Westcountry Schools Trust and had the opportunity to complete a Starter Experience Survey when you first started.  As part of the Trust aim of continual improvement, we would appreciate it if you would spend a few minutes completing the Onboarding Survey to tell us about your experience of your first half a term with the Trust.  We are interested to know what you felt went well, your view of what did not go so well and what could be improved on.  The Onboarding survey will be available until 11th July 2021.

Click here to complete the Onboarding Survey. 

World Wellbeing Week

It's #WorldWellbeingWeek which provides the opportunity to promote an overall awareness for the wide-ranging aspects of wellbeing, including social, physical, emotional, financial, career, community and environmental wellbeing. Something never before so important in these challenging times of ours.

Here are some top tips for Self-Care at Work to Avoid Burnout

  1. Take regular, short breaks to stretch and to give your eyes and your brain a rest. Go outside, if and where you can.
  2. Ask for help when you need it. 
  3. Practice mindfulness if things become stressful.
  4. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is also known to bring instant calm (breathe in to a count of 4, hold for 7, and exhale to a count of 8).
  5. And, remember to keep a healthy work/life balance. 
23 Jun 2021
CEO Letter to Parents
Please find a welcome letter from the CEO to Parents at Eggbuckland Community College and Austin Farm. 
Read more

Exiting the European Union

With the Brexit transition period complete, it’s important that our UK-based EU employees are aware of the process of making applications for the government’s EU Settlement Scheme in order that they are enabled (as EU citizens) to get the immigration status they need. The deadline for settlement status is next week - 30th June 2021!

If you are an EU citizen, you and your family members need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme allows you and your family members to get the immigration status you will need to continue to live, work and study in the UK and you will continue to be eligible for:

  • public services, such as healthcare and schools
  • public funds and pensions
  • British citizenship, if you want to apply and meet the requirements

A summary of key points and comprehensive advice and guidance on why and how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme is available via the following links:

Click Here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-factsheet/eu-settlement-scheme-factsheet  

Click Here: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families  

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns please do bring these to the attention of your senior leaders, or contact the HR team directly, so that we can ensure we provide the support you need.

Many thanks,

The HR Team. 

 

 

 

Permanent School Site Caretaker

Internal vacancy only

Caretaker 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (Grade D)

Hours: Term Time Monday - Friday am/pm split approx. 07:15am – 11.00am and 2:30pm – 18.15pm. Flexible approach possible during school holidays

Grade D Salary NJC Point 8-14 (£20,493 – £23,080)

The school is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious, and self-motivated Site Caretaker to provide a key role in maintaining our school site, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for the whole school community.

With sound DIY skills you will be required to carry out a range of duties including general internal and external maintenance and completing Health and Safety checks and maintaining records. An element of the post requires that you meet and liaise with external contractors, oversee their work ensuring good value for money is achieved.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this post.

This post will initially be based at Oreston Community Academy; however, the post holder may be required to work at any of the schools within Westcountry Schools Trust.

To apply for this position, please complete an expression of interest on more than one side of A4 describing your suitability for this role.

Please send expression of interest to admin@oreston.com. 

Closing date: Wednesday 30th June 2021 at 9am

Interview date: Thursday 8th July 2021.

How healthy is your heart? 

The NHS are doing a heart age test which tells you your heart age compared to your real age. You will also find out: 

  • roughly how many years you can add to your heart age by making lifestyle changes
  • why your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are so important to your heart age. 
  • how to reduce your heart age through diet and exercise. 

If you want to find out how healthy your heat is, please go here. 

Recruitment update:

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

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 16th July to rwoodland@westst.org.uk. For further information, please go here. 

South Dartmoor Community College have the following vacancies:

Teacher of Physical Education. This is a part-time, fixed term contract for up to one year. The successful candidate must be able to deliver the PE curriculum to a high level, across different sports, and will work closely with the PE 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. Closing Date: Wednesday 30 June, 8.00 am.

A site caretaker to work alongside the estates team. The successful candidate will be hardworking, self-motivated and enjoy working in a team as well as under their own initiative. You will work along side the Premises Manager in ensuring a clean and safe environment is maintained for our staff, students and visitors. Previous experience within this area and a good standard of practical knowledge would be advantageous. You will be a hard-working individual; with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students. Closing date: Friday 9 July, 8.00 am.

Behaviour Manager who has a well-developed understanding of strategies to manage and support young people with challenging behaviour in a school environment. This position is ideal if you have a proven ability to manage and motivate young people between the ages of 11-18. The successful candidate will work closely with the Heads of Year and manage the College’s Learning Bridging room, creating opportunities for reflection and repair work. You will be a hard-working individual; with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best outcomes for students. Closing Date: Friday 9th July, 8.00 am. 

For more information on these roles, please go here. 

Plymstock School are looking for the following:

Secondary Intervention Teacher – Required from September 2021. Plymstock School are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging teacher who has experience of working in a primary setting, to work with small groups of children who join the school working well below age related expectations, in order to provide a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students.  Applications are very welcome from experienced colleagues, or applications from NQTs who can demonstrate that they have the potential to become outstanding teachers. Closing Date: 9am – Monday 28 June 2021. Interview Date: week commencing Monday 5 July 2021. 

Examinations Manager - Due to promotion, Plymstock School are seeking a dynamic and highly organised individual to manage their Examinations system.  The successful candidate will be responsible for providing a professional, efficient and highly effective exams system in accordance with set policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, whilst maintaining high standards and confidentiality at all times. Permanent post - 37 hours pw x 41 weeks pa (mandatory 2 weeks during summer holidays to cover GCSE and A level results days). Salary – Grade E - Plymouth SCP  15 – 20 -  (Actual pro-rata salary £21,194 - £24,400) (FTE Salary £23,541 – £25,991). Closing Date: 9am – Wednesday 7 July 2021. Interview Date: To be confirmed. 

Library Assistant – required from September 2021. Plymstock School are seeking an Assistant to join their dedicated and friendly Library team who are fully committed to the promotion of reading, literacy and information skills across the school. Plymstock aim to support students to become independent lifelong learners. You will possess a genuine love of literature, partnered with the zeal, creativity and drive to inspire a reading culture that develops impassioned life-long readers. This is a permanent, part-time post – 17.5 hours pw x 38 weeks pa. Salary – Grade C - Plymouth SCP 5 - 7 (Actual pro-rata salary £7,622 – £7,929) (FTE Salary £19,312 – £20,092). Closing Date: 9am – Wednesday 7 July 2021. Interview Date: To be confirmed. 

2 x Teaching Assistants - required from September 2021. Plymstock are seeking two dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our friendly and supportive SEN Department.  One post will be to work on a one to one basis with a student and the other post is a more generalised support post. These are permanent posts –  26.59 hours pw x 39 weeks pa. Salary - Plymouth SCP 3 - 4  (Actual pro-rata salary £11,423 - £11,652) (FTE Salary £18,562 - £18,933). Closing Date: 9am – Wednesday 7 July 2021. Interview Date: To be confirmed. 

Sports Centre Leisure Assistant - Part-time position (includes evenings and weekends) at Plymstock School Sports Centre. Full details and application form available from Gary Williams, Sports Centre Manager, williams@plymstockschool.org.ok. 

For more information on these roles, please go here. 

Woodford Primary School 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 from September 2021. Woodford 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. For more information on this job role, please go here. Closing date: noon on Friday 25th June 2021. Interviews: Wednesday 7th July 2021. 

Hele's School has the following vacancies: 

Learning Supervisor - 30 hours pw x 38 weeks pa (term time). Required for September 2021. Permanent. Grade D scp8-14. Actual pro-rata salary £13,864 (FTE Salary £20,493). Hele's are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Learning Supervisor to support their learning provision across the school. Closing Date:  8am, Monday 5th July 2021. Interviews scheduled for Thursday 8th July 2021

Learning Support Assistants – 26 hrs 40 mins pw x 38 weeks pa. Required for September 2021. Salary - Grade B SCP3-4 Actual pro rata salary £11,160 (FTE Salary £18,562). We are seeking to appoint Learning Support Assistants to support students and teachers in mainstream classes and within the Supportive Education Centre. Closing Date: 9am, Thursday 8th July 2021. Interviews scheduled for Tuesday 13th July 2021. 

For more information on these roles, please go here. 

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