Thank you for ensuring that the Spring Term has got off to such a smooth start despite the challenges presented by COVID!

We have updated Risk Assessments to support our ‘system of controls’ to minimise the spread of infection whilst trying to maintain coherence in what we do and deliver the blend of education in which we believe.

We are about to embark on a very busy period of recruitment. Do keep an eye on the ‘Whistle’, our website and the TES for forthcoming opportunities.

Continuing with the theme of recruitment and development, I thought it worth signposting that WeST currently has just over 40 ECTs in post across our primary and secondary schools. Thank you to everyone who is supporting them in getting their career in teaching off to a flying start.

For those who are interested in mentoring Early Career Teachers, WeST will be delivering another sovereign cohort of NPQLTD – via Teach First – led by Ruth Woodhouse in September 2022. Enrolment for this cohort is likely to take place in the summer term. More detail will follow later in the year.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO 

A reminder that WeST staff can now access Workplace Extras to make use of a brand-new workplace benefit - Discounted Gift Cards.

Discounted Gift Cards are the smart way to shop. With a little planning, you can save on the upfront cost of everything from your weekly shop to coffee to go, clothing to homeware, and much more.

To access Discounted Gift Cards via Workplace Extras, please speak to your school/business unit HR admin contact who will be able to provide you with the link for your school/business unit.

You'll be asked to complete your account registration by entering your details and verifying your email address. Once you've registered, you'll be all set to access and enjoy a wide range of Discounted Gift Cards.

Any questions?  Please contact hr@westst.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

WeST are continuing to work with our employee assistance provider, Care First, and excited to bring a new service for staff to access - My Possible Self App.

My Possible Self (MPS) is a mental-health focused app you can use anywhere, anytime! The app includes clinically proven content from the Black Dog Institute at the University of New South Wales, Australia and consists of a range of self-help modules. The modules use established forms of therapy including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), problem solving therapy, positive psychology and interpersonal therapy and has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in just eight weeks.

The app features will help you recognise and record your moods and behaviour, providing strategies alongside the wider employee assistance services.

My Possible Self is available for Android™ and iOS devices, as well as a web app through your favourite browser. Head on over to the website or you can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Exclusive access for WeST staff with the code:

Link: https://portal.my-possible-self.com/westcountryschools/my-possible-self/register

Passcode: W3sTCo22

Update your Personal Details and Download your Payslip 

In April 2022, the Trust are moving to one payroll provider, Midland HR (MHR).

Many staff members currently access payslips through employee self-service. Copies of payslips and P60s stored there will not be transferring across from your current provider to MHR. Access to old payroll systems via employee self-service will cease once we have gone live.

Therefore, please ensure that you have downloaded copies of your individual payslips and P60’s from your current payroll provider, prior to April 2022. You may wish to print these or retain an electronic copy, saved to your own area.

Updating your personal details is really important. If you are yet to update details about any change (such as full name, address, contact number and personal email address) please can you ensure your data is up to date at the earliest opportunity. This will include informing your local school administrator for local systems and informing payroll systems.

If you have any questions relating to this, please contact the HR Team on 01752 891754 ext 1765 or emailing hr@westst.org.uk.

Starter Experience Survey

Once again we would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new starters to WeST. We hope you are beginning to settle in.

As part of the Trust aim of continual improvement, we would be interested to know about your experience of the selection process that led to your first day with us and your initial first couple of weeks.

We would therefore appreciate it if you would spend a few minutes completing the anonymous form that can be found here or via the QR code above by 31st January. Please also look out for an email over the next week or so with the link in if it is easier for you to access from there.

If you would like to discuss this or encounter any problems opening the form please contact the HR Team at hr@westst.org.uk or on 01752 891754 Ext 1765.

Well-being questionnaire

Hello, my name is Julie Eames and I am a teaching assistant at a West primary school. I am currently in my final year of a BA(Hons) primary education degree. I would really appreciate your help with my research project.  Through my project I am hoping to gain a greater understanding of well-being in primary education. Please could you complete the attached questionnaire via the link; it should take no longer than 15 minutes. To clarify this questionnaire is to support my development journey as a Marjon student please see the attached participation document which will provide you with further details.  

Thank you for your support. 

Julie Eames

West winter flu jabs

VOUCHERS AVAILABLE TO ALL STAFF

Have you requested your voucher and booked your jab?

The Trust are proud to confirm we have partnered with Boots pharmacy to deliver a limited number of flu vaccinations, now available to all staff. We encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab via one of these pathways. We still have a VERY LIMITED number of vouchers remaining!

Vouchers can be sent directly to you via email or text message. 

Vouchers are redeemable at any participating Boots Pharmacy: Store Locator  (https://www.boots.com/StoreLookupView)

Redeemable from now to 31st January 2022, on a first come, first served basis.

To Request a Voucher complete the online Form: Flu Voucher Request or Scan QR code. 

For more information, contact HR@westst.org.uk. 

 

07 Jan 2022
T&L Newsletter
Welcome to the Spring 1 edition of the WeST wide T&L newsletter. 
Read more

Recruitment update:

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

Westcountry Schools Trust is looking for the following vacancies: 

WeST are looking for a Senior Administrator for our School Improvement Team. If you are dedicated and highly proficient in the delivery of business administration to a dedicated team, this post provides an exciting opportunity to develop your career in the education sector. This role involves working closely with our Directors of Education and the wider School Improvement team, calling for the ability to work independently with a high level of initiative and accuracy. The ideal candidate will also have a strong administrative background with excellent project management, written and verbal communication skills and ability to remain calm and controlled in a demanding and constantly changing environment. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am (GMT) on Monday 17th January 2022. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly established Breakwater alternative provision, and exciting collaboration between Plymouth secondary schools and Plymouth City Council as a: 

Teaching Assistant (fixed term - maternity cover)

Teaching Assistant (fixed term August 2023)

Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust and Westcountry Schools Trust are working in partnership to provide bespoke support to small groups of pupils in Year 7 and 8. Located at either All Saints Academy Plymouth or Eggbuckland Community College the teacher and teaching assistant, supported by Educational Psychologists and a seconded senior leader, offer a relationally-based approach to identify the academic and social barriers that are hindering the pupils’ ability to be successful in their mainstream setting. Pupils typically engage in a 10-week programme at The Breakwater, during which they maintain contact with their home-school. For more information on the above roles, please go here. Closing date: 9am on January 14, 2022.

The Learning Institute is looking to appoint an End Point Assessor for the Teacher Standard. This is an opportunity to work within a team of assessors to formally assess trainees about to enter the teaching profession, and would suit someone who has worked with trainee teachers, or as line manager to teaching staff.  It involves making judgements against the teaching standards at lesson observations and in an interview situation. Payment is made per apprentice, and work would be allocated according to availability. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this role your current employment should either be part-time or afford you the opportunity to be released to undertake assessment activities. Details and application form can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact Trevor Davies on trevor.davies@learninginstitute.co.uk. Closing date: midnight on 16th January 2022.

Glen Park Primary School are looking for the following vacancies: 

An Office Manager to join their hardworking and successful team. Glen Park are looking for a strong and experienced candidate who can support their School Business manager and school leadership team in all aspects of school administration. Closing date: noon on Monday 17th January 2021. 

A skilled and creative EYFS Teacher to join their excellent Early Years team to cover a period of maternity leave for four days a week. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent classroom practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage and possess a willingness to work in partnership with parents. Closing date: Monday 31st January.

For more information on this role, please go here.

Woodford Primary School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious and self-motivated Cleaner to provide a key role in maintaining the cleanliness of our school site, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for the whole school community. The hours will be 2 hours per day Monday to Friday during term time with a more flexible approach during the 3 week periodic clean (1-week spring break/2-week summer break) under the supervision of the Site Manager. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 21st January 2022. 

Plymstock school are looking for the following vacancies:  

Sports Centre Leisure Assistant – Required from January 2022. Saturday Leisure Assistant at Plymstock School Sports Centre (opportunities for additional shifts available) Plymstock have an exciting opportunity for a new member of staff to join their team as a Leisure Assistant. Plymstock are looking for a suitably qualified individual to play a key role in ensuring the success and day-to-day running of the Sports Centre.  Please see the Plymstock School website for full details or contact our Sports Centre Manager; gwilliams@plymstockschool.org.uk  Closing date: 9am Friday 14 January 2022. 

Caretaker (multi-site) - required as soon as possible - Permanent – 37 hours per week x All year round (52 weeks)    Grade C (SCP 5 - 7 ) £19,312 - £20,092. Plymstock are looking to recruit a Caretaker to join their Premises Team, undertaking maintenance tasks both reactive and planned, as directed by the Premises Manager. The successful candidate will undertake inspections of the school and resolve any findings as well as being responsible for security lockdown and opening of the school premises. Closing Date: 9am – Wednesday 19 January 2022. 

Behaviour Support Assistant – Required as soon as possible. Working alongside the Student Behaviour Improvement Manager, to deliver an effective service.  This includes co-ordinating, supervising and supporting students who have been removed from lessons and to co-ordinate the school community detention system, including managing break and lunchtime detentions and those students referred to after school support sessions. Grade C – SCP 5 – 7 (£19,312 to £20,092) 31.25 hours per week x 39 weeks (Actual Salary £13,968 - £14,532) Closing date: 9am Wednesday 26 January 2022. 

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

Hele's School are looking for the following vacancies:

Assistant Principal: Support and Intervention. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and collegiate Senior Leadership Team and to play a key role in driving forward our quest for sustained excellence. You would be joining a forward-thinking and supportive school, where colleagues are wholly committed to securing the best academic and personal development outcomes for our young people and the best opportunities for our staff. Closing date: 9am on Thursday 27 January 2022. 

Finance Officer, who possesses energy and creativity and can provide effective and efficient cover to support colleagues in our Finance department.  We would welcome applications from suitably qualified persons.  There may be an opportunity for more than one year. Closing date: Midnight, 16th January 2022. 

Learning Support Assistant – 26 hours 40 mins pw x 38 weeks pa. Hele's School are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Learning Support Assistant to support a student on a 1:1 basis and to provide support for students and teachers in mainstream classes and within the SEND department.  The post will be linked to the funding for the student with specialist education needs and the post will be in place until the student leaves the school or no longer requires support. Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 16th January 2022. 

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

Coombe Dean School are looking for the following vacancies:

Teacher of Technology. The postholder is immediately accountable to the Subject Leader for Technology & Enterprise who will undertake the postholder’s appraisal review. As a single subject specialist you will be responsible for tasks that you are best placed to complete, including; exam reviews, risk assessments, curriculum planning/schemes of learning. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 24th January 2022 9am. 

Behaviour Support - You will have a passion for working with students who have barriers to their learning which are mainly based in behaviour issues - and knowledge of how to overcome them. Although candidates do not need to have specific Behaviour intervention training, they must articulate a strategic vision for the future development of our provision; have a firm commitment to inclusion; and confidence in their ability to relate to, and work effectively with, teaching and support staff in all areas of the school. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 19th January 2022 9am. 

Callington Community College are looking for the following vacancies: 

A well-qualified and experienced SENDCO to join their team with a passion for working with young people to ensure they receive the education they deserve. You will be an exemplary practitioner with a proven record of expertise in Special Educational Needs. Closing date: Friday 14 January 2022. 

A Curriculum Leader of Social Sciences at Callington Community College. Social Sciences (Sociology, Criminology and Psychology) are a popular choice for students at both GCSE and A-Level at the College. Closing date: Friday 14 January 2022. 

Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational Teacher of History, with outstanding interpersonal skills. Callington expects successful candidate to be able to teach all levels throughout the school from Year 7 to A-Level Teacher of History. Closing date: Friday 21 January 2022. 

Sports Centre Manager to be responsible for the operational management of the Sports Centre. The post holder will monitor access to all sports facilities, providing adequate safety to the sports estate, equipment, staff and users. Closing date: Monday 17 January 2022. 

A talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding interpersonal skills, to teach Geography. Callington would expect the successful candidate to be able to teach all levels throughout the school from Year 7 to A-Level. Closing date: Friday 21 January 2022. 

For more information on all vacancies, please go here. 

South Dartmoor Community College are looking for the following vacancies: 

Operations Manager - the Operations Manager will be working in a fast-paced environment, overseeing the College’s support services and reporting directly to the Executive Head teacher. They will be one of the College’s leading support staff professionals, working as part of the College’s Senior Leadership Team to assist the Executive Head teacher in their duties, whilst working with wider Trust colleagues to ensure alignment with WeST Strategy. Closing Date: Monday 17 January 2021 at 8.00 am.

Head of Year (Non-Teaching) - 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. Closing Date: Tuesday 25 January 2022. 

Teacher (Lead CAIRB – SEND) - The successful candidate will work closely with the school SENDCo in leading the day to day SEND provision across the school. They will also take the lead role in the Communication and Interaction Resource Base (CAIRB). The CAIRB is a 0-25 provision for students with Communication and Interaction needs, all of whom are Autistic. They will have experience of working with children with Autism and an awareness of the challenges these students face within a mainstream environment, in addition to a comprehensive understanding of whole school SEND needs and provision. Closing Date: Tuesday 25 January 2022, 8.00 am. 

For more information on all vacancies, please go here. 

Eggbuckland Community College are looking for the following vacancies: 

Temporary Teaching Assistant – Hearing Support. Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant as soon as possible to work in the Hearing Support Centre on a fixed term contract until July 2022.  This role involves supporting students who are d/Deaf / hearing impaired and to enhance an already highly successful and motivated team.  Closing date for applications: 9am, Thursday 13th January 2022. 

Temporary Teaching Assistant – SEND base. Required as soon as possible, Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant, working Monday to Friday 8.40am – 3.05pm (35 minutes unpaid break), on a fixed term contract until July 2022, to support students in accessing learning activities, within the SEND base.  The role also includes working with individual students or small groups of students with special needs, preparation and maintenance of resources and whole college duties such as break time supervision. Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 14th January 2022. 

Temporary Teaching Assistant - Learning Support. Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant as soon as possible, working Monday to Friday 8.40am – 3.05pm (35 minutes unpaid break), on a fixed term contract until July 2022. To provide support with their SEND students with accessing learning in the classroom, under the direction of a teacher, and leading small groups or individual interventions. Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 14th January 2022. 

Food Technology Technician. Required as soon as possible, working Monday to Friday 2pm – 4pm (hours may be negotiable at interview stage, but some flexibility will be required). Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a Food Technology Technician to support the food technology teachers and maintain cleanliness standards during and after practical lessons. Duties include regular equipment checks, and cleaning/tidying kitchen areas. Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 14th January 2022. 

Teacher of Maths - Required from September 2022, available for either a more experienced teacher wanting a new challenge or an exceptional newly qualified teacher. Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 17th January 2022. 

Cleaning Supervisor - Eggbuckland require a Cleaning Supervisor to manage a team of cleaning staff, allocating their work to ensure that all cleaning of the Trust premises is to the standard required and maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.  Some cleaning may be required to cover staff absence from time to time. Closing date: 9am, Friday 14th January 2022. 

Clerk to Governors - Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a reliable Clerk to work with the Chair of Governors, Principal and other Governors, to provide effective administrative support, be responsible for advising the Local Governing Body on governance, constitutional matters, duties and powers within the broad current legislative framework. The Clerk will secure the continuity of Local Governing Body business and observe confidentiality requirements.

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