It is with a great sigh of relief, rather than the usual sense of celebration, that I close this academic year with the last ‘Whistle’.

This year has certainly proved to be most challenging on a variety of levels. 

Covid-19, bubbles and the impact of lockdowns on students, our staff and families has been incredibly draining for you and I hope you all find the time this summer, to relax, reset and be with your families.

Despite the relentless challenges, we have enjoyed many positives and up-lifting moments. I can’t mention them all here, but must signpost the successful joining of Eggbuckland Community College and Austin Farm Primary School to the WeST family.

In addition, it’s on this final note of closure that I extend a fond farewell to Louise Young, who after many years of dedicated service to the children at Yealmpton Primary, will be stepping down as Headteacher and retiring. I wish her all the best for the future and a very happy retirement. I would also like to say a fond farewell and good luck to Rob Pearsall, who will be leaving us to take on the next step in his career as Executive Headteacher in Bath. Rob has been a tremendous Headteacher at Plymstock School for the past 2 years and I cannot thank him enough for his service to the school and its extended community.

As I say goodbye to two fantastic heads, I also want to wish a welcome to Rob Pepper who will be taking over Headship at Yealmpton Primary School in September and a welcome back to Rob Diment at Plymstock School; I look forward to seeing both Rob’s flourish in their respective roles.

We will obviously keep a close eye on the Covid-19 situation over August.

Please have a relaxing and well deserved break and I will see you all in September.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Farewell from Louise Young, headteacher at Yealmpton Primary and Rob Pearsall, headteacher at Plymstock School

It is with mixed emotions that we extend Rob Pearsall a very fond farewell and best of luck on the next step in his career. Mixed emotions because whilst we are sad to see Rob depart the WeST family, we are equally delighted to see him secure a promotional post and positively influence the outcomes of children elsewhere in the SW region.

Rob Pearsall is currently Headteacher at Plymstock School, Plymouth's largest 11-18 non-selective, co-educational secondary school. Rob has been teaching for 26 years and has been a senior leader at the school for 12 years. He gained significant pastoral experience work at Gosford Hill School in Oxfordshire and Hele’s School in Plymouth, before holding a variety of roles as an Assistant Headteacher and then Deputy Headteacher. In June 2019, following Rob Diment’s secondment as Director of Secondary School Improvement within the Westcountry Schools Trust, Rob was entrusted with the position of Headteacher at Plymstock School.

Rob Pearsall commented: “I feel privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to lead Plymstock School as Headteacher over the last two years.  Having worked here for twelve years I understand the important position of the school within the Plymstock community, and despite the challenges of Covid, was determined to provide the very best school experience for our young people.”

Charles Macrae Chair of Governors said “Rob has successfully led the school for two years, creating an environment where children are educated in so much more than just exams. He has created a brilliant environment where the team has a real common sense of purpose and are really aligned to the school’s vision. In the last 18 months, in unique and unprecedented circumstances, his measured calm response made a huge difference to students, staff and the whole community. He has shown strong leadership skills, encapsulated by humility and integrity: he is consultative, calm and measured;  it is always all about the staff and the students and not about Rob. He wants the very best for all.”

We are delighted that, from this experience and opportunity, Rob has secured permanent headship. From September Rob will be Headteacher of Wellsway School and Executive Headteacher of the IKB Studio Academy, Keynsham. Rob has been lucky enough to work with some outstanding colleagues in his time at Plymstock and WeST and this has allowed him to continue to develop his leadership style.

Rob is very much looking forward to the journey ahead and using the experience he has gained through collaboration with the other WeST Headteachers. He is known to have said on more than one occasion that ‘stronger together’, is not just a phrase or a strapline but something he felt on many occasions. He very much hopes to continue the links he has with WeST when working with the Wellsway Schools Trust.

It is with bittersweet sadness that we say farewell to Louise Young, Headteacher at Yealmpton Primary School, who is taking early retirement after 14 years of much valued service, hard work and dedication to the Yealmpton school community.

Throughout her leadership, Louise has positively promoted the belief that everyone can ‘Be the Best they can Be’ and that school is a place where all children are given a chance to learn and develop as individuals to achieve their full potential. She has instilled a ‘can do’ attitude at the heart of the school’s ethos and values that celebrate every child’s talents and abilities.

Louise has had many memorable moments as a leader, inspiring children with rich curriculum experiences: from turning the school courtyard into an art installation full of imaginative under the sea creatures created from recycled materials, every child crafting a ceramic poppy to cascade down the field to mark the centenary commemorations for the First World War, singing songs from the era with parents and the British Legion, or when the children discovered a cordoned off area on the field to reveal, nestled in straw, a giant, speckled egg and dragon footprints! Her proudest memory of all would be the smiles of the children enjoying their learning and finding success.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Louise for her unwavering belief in the power of collaborative working. Louise helped guide Yealmpton Primary School into the Multi Academy Trust scenario when such arrangements were very much in their infancy. Now, some 10 years on, Yealmpton Primary School is at the heart of a much wider family of schools drawn together with the collective ambition to ensure the children in our care impact positively on society.

We would like to thank Louise for her positive attitude, compassion, commitment and wish her every happiness in her retirement.

Last Saturday, The Learning Institute held an online celebration event for their Level 5 students, who are coming to the end of their two-year Foundation Degree courses. They have overcome many hurdles including juggling homeschooling, jobs and family commitments, all whilst learning online and studying at home.  We wanted to celebrate the commitment, time and energy they have put into this fantastic achievement.

Students from The Learning Institute's four foundation degrees (FdA Early Years Professional, FdA Inclusive Education, FdA Learning and Education and FdSc Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People) were joined online by a number of Learning Institute staff, including their course leaders, Personal Academic Tutors, module tutors and support staff. There were also contributions from key colleagues at the University of Worcester and the President of Worcester Students' Union.  There was a mixture of recorded messages and live speakers, with messages from the students and even some musical contributions from Team TLI.  

Our students will now be able to progress to Level 6 where they can obtain a full honours degree (BA Advancing Practice), and they can go on to use their qualifications in their work supporting children and young people.  

If you're interested in studying for a foundation degree with The Learning Institute, there are still spaces available on for September.  To find out more email degrees@learninginstitute.co.uk or call 07956 056447.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff Survey

As you may be aware from our earlier articles, the summary report of the most recent staff survey is available on the Staff Portal for your review.

Individual reports of school data have been shared with senior leaders.

We are now working with the leaders across the Trust on developing the action plan. The intention is for this revised action plan to build upon the previous edition to continue to embed feedback themes.

More information will follow in the new academic year.

Stowford Win First Place in Young Writers’ Story Writing Competition

Last year, Stowford School submitted 37 entries into the Young Writers’ Story competition. The children were asked to write a story based on a silly school trip for their weekly homework. The children worked really hard on their stories and we were delighted to hear that their stories would be being published in a book.

In July 2021, we were also very excited to receive the news that out of 3,000 entries from over 170 schools across the UK, Stowford School received first place. We were presented with a beautiful, glass Young Writers’ Award of Excellence and a cheque for £500. Not only did we win the overall prize, but Phoebe (Year 3) also came in first place out of every entry in the country for her superb story, ‘Lunchtime for a Whale’.

We are so proud of all the children for their hard work and their amazing stories. Well done!

Stay safe in the sun!

With the end of term almost within touching distance, we are all looking forward to spending the warmer days outside or even somewhere far flung.  Wherever your travels take you, the NHS wants you to Be Clear on Cancer.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much sun. You shouldn’t avoid the sun completely, as it is an important source of vitamin D. However, to reduce the risk of skin cancer, avoid sunburn by:

• Spending time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest, usually between 11am and 3pm

• Covering up – wear clothes that protect you from the sun, including a hat and sunglasses

• Using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and a high star rating

Take extra care when on holiday in sunnier climates – you may burn quickly, even when it isn’t hot. For those of us not making it abroad, sunbeds and sunlamps can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Public Health England recommended that you don’t use them, except for medical reasons.

More information is here. 

Worried that a mole or mark might be something else?

If you are worried about a mole or notice changes, Melanoma UK provide the following advice

Lots more advice is available on the Melanoma UK website here. 

Recruitment update:

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

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to recruit: 

An Academic Professional - Undergraduate Programmes - Part time fixed-term posts (various hours, 12 months). The Trust is looking for an individual to deliver a defined range of teaching activities and undertake pedagogic research to support teaching and learning development. The main purpose of this role is the delivery of undergraduate modules in specific fields. The role may combine elements of teaching, scholarship, engagement working and administration. Completed applications should be submitted to recruitment@westst.org.uk by 9:00am on 4th August. 

Academic Professional - Initial Teacher Education - Part time fixed-term posts (various hours, 12 months). The main purpose of this role is to contribute to and lead in the provision of high-quality teacher training by way of tuition, mentoring and assessment of trainee progress in practice and reflection. As such a successful applicant would deliver a defined range of teaching activities and undertake pedagogic research to support teaching and learning development. The role may combine elements of teaching, scholarship, engagement working and administration. Completed applications should be submitted to recruitment@westst.org.uk by 9.00am on 30th July, 2021.

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

Callington Community College are looking for a PE Technician. This role will provide assistance and information in a specialist technical area as required in the preparation of resources for practical lessons that meet both the health and safety standards and requirements of the classes involved. The post holder will have responsibility for resources, such as equipment and materials and will manage all fixtures across all sports and age groups and monitor and track extra-curricular attendance.  For more information please go here. Closing date: 9.00 a.m. Monday 9 August 2021.  

Coombe Dean School are seeking to recruit an outstanding Teaching Assistant to join their team with a focus on Maths for specific students. The role will involve you working across the curriculum with students of differing abilities and needs. There may be the opportunity for you progress in to a more specialist SEN role in the future.  For more information on this role, please go here. Closing date: 23rd July 2021. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to appoint a Science Technician to undertake a technical support role within the College within the Science. The post holder requires a good standard of practical knowledge and experience and will have some responsibility for resources, such as equipment and materials.  The post may include some administration support and data entry. Further details and an application form can be obtained by contacting
HR@ivybridge.devon.sch.uk, or downloaded here. Closing date: 5pm on Friday, 23 July 2021. 

Oreston Community Academy are looking for the following vacancies: 

A Meal time Assistant to join their Meal time Assistant team, to work across their main school and Nursery. The daily hours are
1 hour and 15 minutes with an additional 30 minutes on a Thursday for a regular team meeting for communication and training. Closing Date: 10th September 2021. 

A Permanent Lighouse Club Manager for the before / after school and holiday club known as Lighthouse Club. This is an exciting new chapter for the club to continue its growth in providing a safe, exciting, and enriching environment for young people. The role of manager is to provide the day to day operations of this provision and take a proactive role in continuing to build the provision on offer. Closing date: Closing date: 10th September 2021. 

School 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. Closing date: Friday 10th September at 9am. 

Two Teaching Assistant Vacancies (one for their onsite Nursery
and the other to be based in Key Stage 2) who are enthusiastic, good team players and committed to supporting the learning of all pupils, especially those with additional needs. Closing date: Friday 10th September. Interview date: Friday 17th September. 

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

Chaddlewood Primary School are looking to welcome a Teaching Assistant with the drive to provide the best possible learning opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom, for children. Do you have the motivation, high expectations, skills and energy to ensure that every child achieves their full potential? For more information on this role, please go here. Closing date: Monday, 30 August 2021. 

Governor Vacancies: 

Woodlands Park Primary School are looking for a Governor within the WeST schools community.  If you are a part of WeST and would like to learn more about school governance and would be prepared to volunteer for this role we would be interested in hearing from you.  Please contact Sandra Billinghay  sbillinghay@westst.org.uk for more information. 

Woodford Primary school are looking to fill 3 Governor positions on their Local Governing Board. Please contact Robert Frankow  Rob.Frankow@wps.plymouth.sch.uk for more information. Please visit the school's website here to learn more about the Local Governing Board at Woodford Primary School. 

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