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Welcome to this rather extended edition of the ‘Whistle’. I hope that everyone enjoyed the Bank Holiday weekend and the associated coronation celebrations.

I am delighted to be able to share several aspects of good news. As many of you are acutely aware, WeST, as a family of schools, has hosted several Ofsted inspections across our primary and secondary schools, in fairly rapid succession. Whilst we note that there is always work to do and improvements to be made, we are extremely pleased to read the positive validation of our work and the richness and quality of education from which our children benefit.

Further good news. Four of our schools, Ashburton Primary School, Morley Meadow Primary School Plympton St Maurice Primary School, and Wembury Primary School, have this week received letters from the Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State at the Department for Education, congratulating them on the wonderful performance of their children in last Summer’s Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). Our schools were recognised as being in the top 200 schools nationally, quite some achievement given that there are nearly 18000 primary schools in England!

If our success with secure tables recall wasn’t enough, Yealmpton Primary School has been recognised – via a lovely letter from Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP, - as being in the top 1% of primary schools for its phonics success at the phonics screening check in 2022. Yes, top 1%. Phenomenally well done to all those at YPS involved in the planning and brilliant delivery of early reading.

I now wish to inform you of forthcoming leadership changes at three WeST schools. Mr Steve Bone is commencing his new headship after May Half Term so I am delighted to share that Mrs Eve Vollans will start her Headship of Woodlands Park Primary School from 1 June 2023. Whilst this arrangement might, at first, seem unusual, it does give Mrs Vollans the chance of getting to know the children, staff and parents of the Woodlands Park community at the earliest opportunity and planning for a super start to the 2023-24 academic year in September. I am sure you will join me in wishing both Mr Bone and Mrs Vollans every success as they take up their new posts.

Continuing the theme of Headship, I am pleased to share two key appointments. Many congratulations to Mrs Sarah Honywill, currently Deputy Headteacher at Yealmpton Primary School, who has been appointed as the Headteacher of Holbeton Primary School and Mrs Samantha Wilkinson who has been appointed as the Headteacher of Wembury Primary School. Again, we wish them, and the children in their care, every success.

Best wishes

Rob Haring, CEO

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 by 5th June.  Please also look out for an email 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 3932.

WeST aims to promote a positive attitude towards menopause at work. WeST is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for everyone and treating all individuals with dignity and respect, in a workplace with an open and honest culture in which menopause can be discussed.

WeST recognises that employees experiencing the menopause, whether before, during or after this time of hormonal change and associated symptoms, may need additional consideration, support and adjustments.

We have developed a brief guidance note to share some key information and increase awareness. Please take a few moments to read the information available if you are a staff member affected or are a line manager for staff who may benefit from support.

Guidance on Menopause at Work: click here. 

In coming weeks we hope to share more information and materials. However if you would like to join our mail list for specific menopause at WeST updates please contact hr@westst.org.uk.

HR Update

IMPORTANT: Pension auto-re-enrolment from 1st May 2023 – applicable to all workplace pension schemes – does this affect you!?

As an employer, we must automatically enrol certain members of our workforce into a pension scheme i.e. LGPS or TPS.  In addition, a process, known as automatic re-enrolment, occurs every 3 years and puts workers back into a pension scheme if they are eligible.  These duties are placed on employers to encourage more people to save for their retirement.

Employers have the option to not re-enrol members who have opted out within 12 months of the auto-re-enrolment date, and WeST has decided to take this option. This means that colleagues who opted out of TPS or LGPS in the 12 months prior to 1st May 2023, will not be automatically re-enrolled. Colleagues who opted out more than 12 months ago will be re-enrolled. 

This process is administered on our behalf by our payroll provider (MHR).  Colleagues affected by the requirement for automatic re-enrolment will receive individual notifications in the week commencing 15 May via their work email account.  This will be followed-up by hard-copy letter in the days following.  Notifications will include advice on how to opt back out of the relevant pension scheme should you wish.  Please look out for your notification if you opted out of the pension scheme more than 12 months ago.

For more information on workplace pensions please visit this site https://www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions

For specific questions following the receipt of an individual notification please contact hr@westst.org.uk

P60s

These will be available to colleagues via iTrent ESS from May pay day.

Staff Survey Summer 2023

We are pleased to announce that the staff survey will open soon (22 May 2023!). We hope to build upon the feedback from the previous survey in shaping the Trust ethos and culture.

Several key themes were recognised in the previous survey and the Trust has worked hard to take action and develop these further to enhance the employee experience.

Key themes recognised and actions included were:

· Communication

Channels of communication have been reviewed to reflect the most effective format, awareness of the Whistle has increased

· Behaviour Management

Alongside behaviour led forums and mentoring, key training is available in relevant topics

· Wellbeing

Increased awareness of Trust initiatives such as: Care First Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health, Able Futures. Also, promotion of benefits such as free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers

· Training and Development

Key training is available to all staff members and career development is encouraged through the PDR and INSET training days

You views matter in the Trust and with the Staff Survey for Summer 2023 is coming soon, it will be important for you to have your say.

Please see future editions of the Whistle for further details. 

PDR/BASIC coaching

We are delighted to share details of the face-to-face BASIC coaching training now available. These sessions will be run by Roger Hutchinson and hosted at Morley Meadow.

PDR/BASIC coaching - summer term cohort 2 (capacity 9 delegates)

Session 1 – Thursday 18 May: 3.30 – 5.00pm

Session 2 – Wednesday 14 June: 3.30 – 5.00pm

Slots for the training are bookable on a first come first served basis, and to book onto either session please log into your ESS and select the ‘learning’ tab on the left hand-side.  

When you click into learning you will see 2 cohorts; select the one best for you and book onto BOTH dates within that cohort – the system will come up with a message that you’ve already booked, but please ignore this.

Once these cohorts are at full capacity, you will not be able to book a place; if this is the case, then please register onto the waiting list so that we can contact you about future opportunities.

Meaningful May

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Training Opportunites 

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

An accredited two-day, interactive training that prepares caregivers to provide suicide first aid interventions.

Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people.

What will you learn as an ASIST trained first aid caregiver? After taking ASIST, you will be better able to:

  • Be suicide alert - identify people who have thoughts of suicide
  • Understand the reasons behind thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
  • Access risk and safety - develop a plan to increase the safety of the person at risk of suicide
  • Recognise invitations for help
  • Recognise potential barriers of seeking help
  • Offer support – recognise other important aspects of suicide prevention including life promotion and self-care
  • Effectively apply a suicide intervention model
  • Link people with community resources

This course is being delivered over two full days between 9am-5pm and participants must attend both days.

Anyone 16 or older (despite previous training) can learn and use the ASIST model. No previous mental health or suicide prevention experience is necessary. Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people.

Face to Face Training Dates:

Dates: Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 May 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Printworks Tavistock, Kingdon House Community Association, Pym Street, Tavistock, PL19 0AW.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601368327857

Dates: Tuesday 27 June and Wednesday 28 June 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Yealmpton Community Association, Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, Yealmpton, Plymouth, PL8 2HF.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601493622617

Dates: Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 August 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Printworks Tavistock, Kingdon House Community Association, Pym Street, Tavistock, PL19 0AW.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601495909457

Dates: Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 September 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Yealmpton Community Association, Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, Yealmpton, Plymouth, PL8 2HF.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/601496832217

Dates: Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 November 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Lee Moor Public Hall, Lee Moor, Plymouth, PL7 5RJ.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/609476599917

Mental Health First Aid (Online)

MHFA provides knowledge and skills at a level for any adult member of the public who wishes to give initial first aid.

Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people. Open to all the community (16 years and above).

Train as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and gain the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained MHFAiders®, receive three years of ongoing learning support and benefits.

Covering the main diagnosis- Anxiety, Suicide, Depression and Psychosis. Includes a mix of media, group work and skill learning. This course is ideal for those who would like to become a MHFAider® to:

  • Encourage self-care, giving you the tools to look after your own and others' mental health
  • Gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health
  • Be confident starting a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support
  • Promotes early intervention and faster recovery, which can prevent an individual's mental health deteriorating
  • Awareness of how mental health impacts the workplace; skills to empower people to thrive in the workplace.

This training will be delivered in person by trainer Jacqui Bamford.

The training will be delivered over four morning sessions, 9:00-13:00pm. By signing up you are able to attend ALL four sessions for your selected course.

Please register your interest here and you will be contacted with a booking form and the necessary joining instructions.

Online Training Dates:

Dates: Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 May 2023

Times: 9am – 1pm

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/611081088987

Dates: Monday 31 July, Wednesday 2, Monday 14 and Wednesday 16 August

Times: 9am – 1pm

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/610951200487

Dates: Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November

Times: 9am – 1pm

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/610964871377

Mental Health First Aid (Face to Face)

MHFA provides knowledge and skills at a level for any adult member of the public who wishes to give initial first aid or assistance.

Suitable for people who work or volunteer with children and young people. Open to all the community (16 years and above).

Train as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and gain the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained MHFAiders®, receive three years of ongoing learning support and benefits.

Covering the main diagnosis- Anxiety, Suicide, Depression and Psychosis. Includes a mix of media, group work and skill learning. This course is ideal for those who would like to become a MHFAider® to:

  • Encourage self-care, giving you the tools to look after your own and others' mental health
  • Gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health
  • Be confident starting a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support
  • Promotes early intervention and faster recovery, which can prevent an individual's mental health deteriorating
  • Awareness of how mental health impacts the workplace; skills to empower people to thrive in the workplace.

This training will be delivered in person by trainer Jacqui Bamford.

The training will be delivered over two days from 9:00-5:00pm. By signing up you are committing to attend both days for your selected course.

Please register your interest here and we will contact you with a booking form and the necessary joining instructions.

The face to face MHFA courses below are 2 full days and both days must be attended to completed the course

Face to Face Training Dates:

Dates: Monday 10 and Monday 24 July 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Lee Moor Public Hall, Lee Moor, Plymouth, PL7 5RJ.

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/611079724907

Dates: Wednesday 6 September and Wednesday 13 September 2023

Times: 9am – 5pm both days

Venue: Printworks Tavistock, Kingdon House Community Association, Pym Street, Tavistock, PL19 0AW.

Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/61113502029

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Venue: Withycombe Raleigh C of E School Exmouth

Course dates: Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 May 2023

BOOK

Venue: STERTS, Upton Cross

Course dates: Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 June 2023

BOOK

Venue: St Petrocs Primary School, Bodmin

Course dates: Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 June 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:- 

Ashburton Primary School are looking to appoint a Teacher in Year 5. If you are an enthusiastic and highly motivated teacher who is committed to ensuring that all children achieve high standards and enjoy their learning, then Ashburton would love you to join their team. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 15 May 2023. 

Buckfastleigh Primary School looking to fill the following vacancies:

KS2 Teacher with a positive attitude and great sense of humour to join our fantastic team and make a difference to the children of Buckfastleigh Primary School, which is part of Westcountry School’s Trust. Closing date: 18 May 2023. 

KS2 teacher who can come in and continue the great work of their current post holder while she is on maternity leave. This role would be suitable for either a fixed term contract or a secondment and interested teachers are encouraged to ring the school to speak to Eddie Brown, the Headteacher, to discuss this. Closing date: 18 May 2023. 

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

Callington Community College require a Teacher of Geography. Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach Geography. You will be well supported by a range of colleagues who are focussed on teaching and learning, and by a comprehensive programme of induction and training to ensure your individual needs are met. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 15 May 2023. 

Coombe Dean School are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Apprentice Science Technician - The successful candidate will support the school's Science department in the delivery of high-quality practical Science. All training will be provided by City College Plymouth in collaboration with the employer themselves throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. Closing date: 19 May 2023. 

Teaching Assistant - You will be the adult keyworker for a Year 8 student, supporting their learning both within and outside the classroom and during unstructured times to support the development of their social skills. Closing date: 5 June 2023.

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

Hele's School are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Teacher of Physical Education (2nd in Department) - MPS/UPS + TLR2A - An exciting opportunity exists for an exceptional teacher with energy, creativity and commitment to join their Physical Education department. Hele's School wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Physical Education exam courses to KS4 and KS5. Closing date: 17 May 2023. 

Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages - The successful candidate will have a proven record of delivering excellent outcomes for students. This post represents a fantastic opportunity for the successful applicant to play a role in their school improvement journey and their quest for excellence in every measure. Closing date: 19 May 2023. 

Teacher of Technology - Hele's School wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Technology exam courses to KS4 and KS5. Hele's School are seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. Closing date: 22 May 2023. 

Premises Caretaker - Hele's School are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable, adaptable and appropriately skilled individual to join the team who provide repairs and maintenance services throughout the School site. Closing date: 26 May 2023. 

Cleaning Supervisor - The post holder is expected to be sympathetic towards the busy demands of the school, having a flexible attitude and being able to re-adjust work schedules around after school events, including cover for staff absence. Closing date: 23 May 2023.

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

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.

Secondary Intervention Teacher/Literacy Lead - You will be responsible for delivering English and Mathematics sessions which will also include catch-up programmes, utilising tools such as Fresh Start RWI/Primary RWI. Lead the Fresh Start programme to groups of students primarily in Years 7, 8 and 9. This is a newly created post and an exciting opportunity to support the progress of their students to ensure they meet age-related expectations and to support students in keeping up with their peers. Closing date: 19 May 2023.

Teacher of Design and Technology - This is an opportunity to join an outstanding department at Ivybridge Community College.  Due to increased student uptake at Key stage 4, Ivybridge require a full-time teacher of Design and Technology with good academic qualifications, experience, technical knowledge and skills who is prepared to make a commitment to the department and the College in terms of hard work and enthusiasm. Closing date: 17 May 2023. 

Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages - The Modern Foreign Languages Department at Ivybridge Community College, comprises six full-time and two part-time members of staff, as well as a Languages Resource Assistant and two Foreign Language Assistants. The department is hardworking and committed to continuous development. Closing date: 15 May 2023. 

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

Oreston Community Academy are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Assistant Headteacher (with SENDCo responsibilities) - The Assistant Head Teacher will be required to support the Head Teacher in the day-to day leadership of the school and continue to promote high standards in SEND across the school. The successful individual will lead by example, with a focus on supporting and developing the team from Nursery to Year 6, as well as collaborating within and beyond Westcountry Schools Trust. Closing date: 19 May 2023. 

Nursery Lead - An Early Years qualification (NNEB, CACHE Level 3, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) is essential. The successful applicant should have a minimum of 2 years’ recent experience working in a Preschool/Nursery setting, ideally in a senior practitioner or room-leader role. Closing date: 17 May 2023. 

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Head of Year (non-teaching) - The successful candidate will lead the pastoral provision within an allocated year group, where they will consistently promote a positive ethos which sets high standards and expectations with regards to behaviour, welfare, attendance, personal development and achievement. Closing date: 18 May 2023

Teaching Assistant - Acting under the direction of the school’s SENCO, the successful candidate will provide general support to staff and pupils. Closing date: 15 May 2023. 

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

Stowford School are seeking a Nursery Manager who is creative, flexible and enthusiastic with a strong knowledge of how to support learning and provide care for children aged 3 -4 years.  An Early Years qualification (NNEB, CACHE Level 3, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) is essential. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 17 May 2023.

Wembury Primary School are looking for a Caretaker. As the sole caretaker at their friendly village school you will be responsible for undertaking maintenance tasks, both reactive and planned work. You will also undertake inspections of the school and resolve any findings. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 22 May 2023. 

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Inclusion Lead Practitioner. We are delighted to offer this opportunity to join the WeST School Improvement Team in September 2023. This post will provide an opportunity to work full-time under the direction of the Director of Education and with other senior colleagues. The work will be interesting and varied, and the successful candidate will need to work flexibly and use their own initiative to support pupils and schools with their SEND and disadvantage provision. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 18 May 2023.