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The start of term 4 has certainly started with a flurry of activity; the half term break already seems an age ago.

I feel compelled to write regrading the recent Ofsted inspections that our schools have experienced. Before doing so, though, we know why we do what we do. Our collective work is deeply underpinned by our values – which we co-constructed - and these values shape our daily behaviours. Indeed, during several recent appointment processes candidates regularly referred to our values and how they wanted to contribute to a values led organisation. We must not take our eye off our mission, vision and values as they act as our north star, guide our work and provide the reference point of why we do what we do. Securing a positive Ofsted judgement is not our driving motivation, but external validation of our work via Ofsted acts as a wonderful endorsement.

Continuing with the Ofsted theme, several WeST schools have very recently received an Ofsted inspection. In chronological sequence, Callington Community College, Sherford Vale School and Glen Park Primary School have all been inspected since Christmas and done extremely well. If you get a moment, do take the opportunity to read the reports as I believe they do convey the individual sprit of each school. In summary, across the three schools there is not a single sub-judgment less than ‘Good’ and the overall judgement rightly captures where each school lies in its cycle of improvement.

A wholehearted well done to everyone in each of these schools for the super contribution you are making.

Turning to another aspect of our work: recruitment and development.

The last few weeks have seen us launch three national recruitment campaigns for the role of Headteacher. I am now delighted to confirm the following appointments.

  1. Alan Yendell – Headteacher of Plymstock School
  2. Heather Lilley – Principal of Eggbuckland Community College
  3. Amy Chivers – Headteacher of Oreston Community Academy.

The eagle eyed amongst you will notice that all three have come from within the existing WeST family. This is a terrific example of the talent we have within our trust. We recognise, though, that whilst internal promotion is immensely heartening, it is not always possible and we can benefit from attracting new talent to our trust. Further leadership posts are likely to be advertised shortly.

In this regard, we have held a central recruitment day directly aimed at those colleagues who are currently undertaking Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in a WeST school. These good people are our future talent and the ECTs of September. Again, congratulations to many and thank you to everyone for making the day such a success.

A key priority from our Strategic Plan and cascaded into our four School Improvement priorities is reading – fluency and automaticity.

In terms of early reading and phonics, at the start of the academic year we set ourselves the challenging target of 90% of our children meeting the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check (PSC) to be held in the week beginning 12 June 2023. I’m delighted to say that, according to our internal tracking data, that this target is absolutely achievable. Thank you to the early reading and phonics team – over 100 colleagues who support and carefully scaffold early reading every single school day.

If I link our potential success with early reading to how I started this week’s whistle, if we are to ensure that our children impact positively on society, they are much more likely to do so if they are equipped with the gift of fluent reading!

Best wishes

Rob Haring, CEO 

As part of our cyber defence strategy endorsed by the Trust Board, you will soon be receiving a short series of cyber awareness training sessions by email.

Please look out for these and use the links to watch the video and undertake a brief quiz. Each email will link you to a different video and quiz. Not everybody will get the same training at the same time, so please use the link in your email.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation.

Contribution bands increase

Due to an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), salary bands used for contribution rates for members will also increase.

This could mean that some of your employees will pay a different contribution rate. Take a look at the revised bands in our news story.

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Free Wellbeing Webinar Sessions!

WeST are continuing to work alongside Able Futures to support staff wellbeing and are pleased to bring details of new free webinar sessions. Please click the following links to register your interest. If you are unable to access the live session, the registered participants will be provided with a recording of the information.

It's completely confidential to you as WeST will not be informed of any participant details.

We hope you find these sessions of interest and value as part of our ongoing commitment to developing a culture of wellbeing at work. Details of other resources are available on the staff portal.

13 March: Sleep and mental health at work

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5538391130446229077?source=Will

3 April: Hardwiring positivity

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1590008591218919262?source=Will

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28 Feb 2023
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
Read more

AIM Group - New Courses

The AIM Group specialise in providing training opportunities for those who want to reach their full potential. 842 parents and staff across WeST have already signed-up for these free courses from the Aim Group. We are therefore excited to announce another brand new course. 

The AIM Group and South Devon College:  L3 National Online Diploma: Learning, Development, Support for Children's Workforce 

This a brand-new free diploma which acts as great pathway for everyone in an existing TA/LSA role or anyone wanting to get into the role that are happy to volunteer in a class setting (this has worked as a great pre-recruitment tool) and can reintroduce the parent volunteering aspect that was lost following covid

The course would be carried out in your own time as part of your own journeys and whilst they are not run by the school, we have been offered this to help you gain access.

To register your interest please  email christopher.greenfield@theaimgroup.co.uk with your NAME, SCHOOL, PHONE NUMBER, HOME POSTCODE, JOB ROLE

Please get in touch before 15 March as we only have 50 spaces available, starting on our late April online Induction 

Course structure: 

  • A short English and Math functional skill test will be required simply to show the learner is running above a L1 skill set
  • Learners will attend a mandatory two-hour induction in Late April (date is tbc) to enrol onto the course fully. This will be hosted online with South Devon College 
  • You will need to attend a weekly Microsoft Teams learning session one evening a week (yet to be decided) It will be scheduled at the same time each week 
  • Completed online via the online learning platform with up to 18months to complete (2 hours self-study on top of the weekly taught session (to do set weekly tasks)
  • There will be 3 in-work observations carried out by their tutor, so their employer must agree to this and be happy for this to take place.

For any other information, please visit The Aim Group's website by clicking here.

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Venue: Woodford Primary School

Course dates: Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 March 2023

BOOK

Venue: Withycombe Raleigh C of E School Exmouth

Course dates: Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 May 2023

BOOK

Venue: Chudleigh Primary School

Course dates: Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 June 2023

BOOK

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Recruitment update:

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

Arena Sports Partnership are looking for a committed and enthusiastic primary school sports development coach or PE specialist teacher to join their team of PE professionals. Due to an increase in their work programme they have a vacancy for a sports development coach or PE specialist teacher to cover the Plymouth and South Devon area of the sports partnership the role. You will need to be able to demonstrate good PE subject knowledge, deliver high quality PE lessons and be able to upskill primary non specialist teachers. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 17 March 2023. 

Boringdon Primary School is looking to appoint a temporary Teacher with KS2 experience to work in Year 4 (0.6). Boringdon are looking for someone to join their team, temporarily from 17/04/2023 to 31/08/2023, who can demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for achieving both the best for the children in their class and playing their part in the wider school community. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 8 March 2023. 

Coombe Dean School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Asssociate Assistant Headteacher - The successful candidate will have responsibility for leading the design and delivery of PSHE, RSE, RE and Personal Development Curricula across Years 7-13. The Post holder will be responsible for delivering on a curriculum that excites young people and helps them to see the world in new ways. Closing date: 6 March 2023. 

Data Manager - Coombe Dean are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual with an eye for detail to oversee the school’s management of data bases and data systems in the areas of assessment, reporting and census, as well as play a key role in the administration function of the school. Closing date: 10 March 2023. 

Social Media / Promotions Administrator - The post involves approximately 1.5 days (10 hours) per week with specific focus on promotions and communication, including maintaining social media feeds. The remaining hours per week will be dedicated to administrative duties. Closing date: 6 March 2023. 

Teaching Assistant - The role will involve you working across the curriculum with students of differing abilities and needs.  Coombe Dean are friendly and supportive with their inclusive approach to all students, including those with additional needs, consistently identified as a key area of strength by Ofsted and other external reviewers.  The Inclusion Team is committed to progress and independence for all learners, whatever their needs and perceived barriers to learning. Closing date: 10 March 2023. 

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

Hele's School are seeking to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Religious Studies to at least KS4 and potentially KS5. We are seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model for our students. The successful candidate will have a proven record of delivering excellent outcomes for students. For more information, please click here. Closing date: Closing Date: 15 March 2023. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Assistant HR Administrator - The Assistant HR Administrator undertakes a full range of general administrative tasks and will work alongside the HR Administrator and HR Advisor assisting with employee queries, maintaining and updating employee records/documents and databases. Closing date: 6 March 2023.

Science Technician - 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. Closing date: 6 March 2023.

Early Help Coordinator - Under the line management of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the Early Help Coordinator is required to lead and manage the effective delivery of Early Help for students and families across all Year Groups. Closing date: 6 March 2023.

Casual Examinations Invigilator - Hours of work are by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year. The ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Closing date: 7 March 2023. 

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Science Technician - The successful candidate will provide teachers with a range of technical support, enabling them to deliver the science curriculum to students, including advising on health and safety issues. Closing date: 8 March 2023. 

Pastoral Manager (Assistant Head of Year) x 2 - The successful candidate will support a Year Team Leader (Head of Year) promoting a positive ethos which sets high standards and expectations with regards to learning, behaviour, welfare, attendance, personal development and achievement. Closing date: Friday 10 March 2023. 

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

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Deputy Chief Executive Officer - The key purpose of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer is two-fold. Firstly, to support the Chief Executive Officer in shaping the future strategy and direction of the Trust. Secondly, to have oversight and strategic leadership of our secondary schools, and to affect consistent improvement in order to secure the very best outcomes for our children. Closing date: 14 March 2023. 

Education Welfare Officer - This newly created role will work under the Director of Inclusion to support the work of schools to improve attendance. You will provide a central education welfare service to promote positive attitudes towards regular attendance for a group of schools within the Trust, to improve attendance levels and to support the requirements of the Trust’s schools to fulfil their legal obligations. Closing date: 20 March 2023. 

Hub Advisory Board Administrator - The role will support the Governance Officer to contribute to the smooth operation of Hub Advisory Boards (HABs), providing a high standard administrative service supporting the development and implementation of HAB services compliant with relevant governance regulations. The successful candidate will also ensure GDPR compliance and fulfil the HAB role of Data Protection Lead. Closing date: 6 March 2023.

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