Welcome back to the new academic year. I trust that you are all safe, well, suitably rested and have returned re-energised for the year ahead. As we look forward, we do so hopeful of a year that is far closer to ‘normal’ than the previous two! There are no guarantees, but, the overall signs are that the lifting of restrictions has progressed broadly as anticipated. However, we cannot become complacent, so please do continue to observe our protective measures that include
- Heightened use of hand sanitiser to support excellent hand hygiene
- Continuation of thorough cleaning
- Increased ventilation where feasible
- For our secondary schools, strong promotion of face masks in communal areas. Students may wear a face mask in lessons, should they wish to choose to do so.
- Observation of each schools Risk Assessment.
From a positive perspective, we are seeking to return to as many aspects of normal school life as possible, whilst not contravening our Risk Assessment.
I hope everyone got off to a good start earlier in the week; be it LFT testing or INSET delivery. From a primary angle, we enjoyed a terrific start to WeST’s Curriculum training programme with nearly 300 WeST primary teachers – including our new colleagues at Austin Farm Academy - engaged in a rich dialogue focused on curriculum development and planning. Mention of which, leads me neatly to formally welcoming Karl Sampson to WeST in his role of Director of Education alongside Richard Light.
Continuing with the primary theme, I am thrilled to confirm the opening of Morley Meadow Primary School to its children today. The new building presents a wonderful learning environment including a MUGA and magnificent 3G artificial pitch! I extend here, a colossal thank you to all of the staff at Morley Meadow for their industrious efforts over the summer break to ensure that the school was able to open in a meaningful fashion with resources transferred from their previous site. I must also thank Mark Bullard and the WeST estates team for their unseen efforts in the background. A genuine team effort. It has all proved extremely worthwhile - the children’s sheer excitement was palpable despite the dreadful weather.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Rob Pepper to his role as Headteacher at Yealmpton Primary School, and wish him every success for the year ahead.
Before I sign off I wish to give a shout-out for the courses that we are recruiting to through the TLI. I will attach a separate flyer, but please do take the opportunity to bring these learning opportunities to the attention of the communities you serve.
Given the extended length of this edition of the ‘Whistle’, I’ll finish here by wishing everyone a happy and professionally rewarding year.
Best wishes,
Rob Haring, CEO