You certainly don’t need me to remind you that we are rapidly approaching the end of the academic year. Whilst having one eye on the summer break, I am extremely mindful of the sheer scope of all that needs to be done before we commence the six week break.

Phonics Screening Check (PSC) results June 2022

The average, at child level, across our WeST primary schools of children passing the Phonics Screening Check is 86.5%

KS2 SATs Results 2022

These were published by the DfE on Tuesday 5 July. The national average of children reaching the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths (RWM%) is 59%.   

There are 793 children in the WeST Year 6 cohort and of these 74.6% met the expected standard (RWM%). As ever, there were many children who excelled in the different strands but, for one reason or another, missed out on securing the suite of the three disciplines.

Given the unparalleled disruption to learning caused by the pandemic, for us, as a collective of 19 primary schools, to gain results that benchmark some 15% above the national average is no small feat. Well done to our year 6 children on their achievements and a massive thank you to the leaders, teachers, teaching assistants and support staff who have enabled them to succeed.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

HR Update

PDR Policy and Interim PDR Form 2022-23:

Further to the previous Whistle article on 16 June, initial consultation with JCNC union colleagues and key stakeholders on the Trust’s new PDR Policy has now concluded and comments have been reviewed/incorporated. Also, as previously highlighted via the Whistle, the decision to cease using the BlueSky platform has necessitated the introduction of an interim soft copy PDR form for the start of the 2022-23 cycle. 

Copies of both documents are attached and we would welcome any questions or feedback by close of play next Wednesday 13 July in order that they might be considered ahead of publishing the final versions for use.

As a reminder, should you wish to retain your BlueSky information, this can be downloaded via individual ‘Progress Summary reports’; found under Home/Progress Summary.  Alternatively, you may wish to contact BlueSky individually to request a free of charge single license which will allow reactivation of your account for continued access to data for your own personal use. 

Changes to the issue and certification of Fit Notes:

On 1 July 2022, new legislation came into force allowing more healthcare professionals to legally issue and certify fit notes. These changes were laid out by the government only last month and have been slipped in rather quickly and quietly!

The changes mean that you will no longer be restricted to requesting fit notes from a doctor and will now be able to obtain these, where appropriate, from a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or pharmacist instead.

We appreciate this sudden change may result in a number of questions and are of course on hand to answer any immediate queries as they arise, whilst at the same time having an eye to emerging advice with a view to providing further guidance in due course.

As always, we can be reached via hr@westst.org.uk

Many thanks

The HR Team

Opinion Survey: Providing Positive Role Models

This is a voluntary opinion survey assessing the provision of positive gender role models within education. Whether you directly or indirectly effect a child’s educational experience, your opinion is wanted. This research is approved by the University of Plymouth and anyone working within the schools trust is encouraged to participate. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

Follow this link: 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.ProvidingPositiveRoleModels

Jump Back Up July 

What is an Employee Assistance Programme?

There are times when we all need some extra support to balance the demands of everyday life. Care first are an independent, leading provider of professional employee support services. Including: practical and emotional issues such as wellbeing, family matters, relationships, debt management, workplace issues, and more.

How can I access this?

This service is free of charge for WeST employees to access, just quote that you are an employee of ‘Westcountry Schools Trust’.

You can call 0800 174 319 to speak to a professional counsellor or information specialist in confidence 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

You can visit the Care first lifestyle website which offers additional resources and online services at:

Website: www.carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk

User Name: Westcountst

Password: Wellbeing1234

Recruitment update:

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

A Senior Finance Officer - Initially the post holder will be working with a school business accountant to support 5 primary schools within the trust. This involves the preparation of timely monthly management accounts and other financial reporting, and ensuring financial systems and processes comply with Trust regulations and achieve value for money. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Monday 18 July 2022. 

HR opportunities: 

  • The HR Assistant/Officer will demonstrable experience of HR, payroll and recruitment administration with a desire to develop their HR practice and assist with routine casework across the Trust. 
  • The HR Officer/Advisor will have demonstrable generalist HR experience and will hold their own portfolio of primary schools, providing advice and support on a broad range of employee relations matters, helping to ensure timely progression of queries and cases. 
  • The HR Systems and Data Officer will deliver a professional and high-quality HR-related systems and people data service for the Trust. 

For more information, please go here. Closing date: 18 July 2022. 

Ashburton Primary School are looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant/Higher Level Teaching Assistant from September 2022. This is a fixed term position for one year. You will need to be enthusiastic, have a knowledge of how children learn and be committed to a collaborative approach working with colleagues to deliver the highest quality support and best possible outcomes for each child.  For more information, please go here. Closing date: 5pm on Wednesday 13 July 2022. 

Manor Primary School are looking to appoint a cleaner to join a committed, supportive and hardworking team who work together to provide a caring, inclusive environment where there is a strong ethos of achievement for all. This post is for 5 days per week, Monday to Friday for 10.5 hours per week, 41 weeks per year. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am Monday 11 July 2022. 

Morley Meadow Primary are looking for the following vacancies:  

Morley Meadow are seeking to appoint a dedicated Mealtime Assistant who encourages children to play positively and wishes to make lunchtimes an enjoyable time for all. Are you enthusiastic, organised, trustworthy and self-motivated and keen to join our friendly team? Closing date: Monday 11 July. 

A dedicated individual to join ‘The Beehive’ Before and After School Club which provides out of school care for children aged between 4–11 years from 07:40 – 08.40 and 15.20 – 18:00 during term time. You will need to be able to work well in a team but have lots of ideas and the initiative to create and lead some activities on your own. The ability to be flexible with hours would be an advantage to cover illness of staff as necessary. An NVQ2 is desired for this post. Closing date: Monday 11 July. 

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

Plympton St. Maurice Primary School is looking for the following vacancies:

Administrative Assistant - As the first point of contact to the school the successful candidate should have excellent communication skills and be able to deal with telephone calls, parents and visitors in a positive, calm and friendly manner. The role is busy and varied and you will need to have the ability to prioritise and work well under pressure. Closing date: 12 noon Friday 25 July. 

Plympton St Maurice is looking to appoint an experienced, highly skilled, enthusiastic teaching assistant who wants the best for every child. All applicants ideally should:

  • Have experience of delivering high quality Read Write Inc sessions
  • Have experience of working in Early Years / Key Stage 1
  • Be hard working and committed to school improvement
  • Enjoy working with others and have a good sense of humour
  • Bring new ideas to our school.

A Mealtime Assistant to start 5 September 2022. The hours of work will be 12.15pm to 1.15pm daily, Monday – Friday. Visits to the school by prospective candidates are most welcome; please contact the school office on (01752) 337427 or karen.allen@psmps.co.uk. Closing date: 8 July 2022. 

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

Callington Community College are looking for the following vacancies:

Minibus Driver - The Minibus Driver represents the public face of Callington Community College. It is important that the post holder therefore conducts themselves in a professional and knowledgeable manner. For more information, please go here. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am Monday 11 July 2022. 

Two Pastoral Support Assistants - Of these two roles, one is a permanent post and one is a secondment until 31 October 2022, in the first instance. You will be required to support the educational, emotional, social and physical needs of the students whilst remaining aware and working within all current College working practices, policies and procedures. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Friday 15 July 2022. 

Coombe Dean are looking for the following vacancies:

A Youth Support Worker to the Inclusion team. In addition to having a keen interest in supporting young people and families in our school community to navigate challenges that may arise, you will have a professional qualification in a relevant area such as youth work and have experience of planning and delivering evidence-based interventions to young people with a variety of additional needs. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 8 July 2022. 

A Teaching Assistant to join the Inclusion team at Coombe Dean School. You will be the adult keyworker for a Year 7 student, supporting their transition to secondary school, supporting their learning both within and outside the classroom and during unstructured times to support the development of their social skills. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 12 July 2022. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to appoint two Science Technicians. Applicants will need a background of relevant scientific experience and a strong commitment to supporting the Science education of students aged 11-18. The post holders require 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. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am on Friday, 15 July 2022. 

Plymstock School are seeking an enthusiastic individual to join their friendly and dedicated catering team. The successful candidate will assist in the preparation, cooking and service of food to customers within the school and will help to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the kitchen, dining and food service areas. This is a permanent, part-time post – 25 hours pw x 38 weeks pa - Salary – Grade B - Plymouth SCP 3 - 4 (Actual pro-rata salary £10,648.64 - £10,861.20 per annum) (FTE Salary £18,887 - £19,264 per annum) For more information, please go here. Closing Date: 9am, Thursday 14 July 2022. 

The Dartmoor School Sports Partnership (DSSP) based at South Dartmoor Community College are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to take on the role of SGO and Programme Manager. This role will involve working as part of the DSSP team. You will be required to work with DSSP Team and take a strategic lead in planning and co-ordinating events and competitions. Your role will also involve working with a range of primary schools managing CPD, the Girls football programme and mentoring new sports coaches. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Friday 15 July 2022 at 8.00 am. 

Arena are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated sports coaches and qualified teachers to join a highly successful holiday programme team. Due to an increase in their work programme Arena have vacancies for sports development coaches and qualified teachers to work on their holiday programme during the summer holidays and other school holidays until August 2023. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Midday on Friday 15 July 2022.