{alt_tag}

Welcome back to Term 6 and what I expect to be a fast and furious run to the end of the academic year. I therefore hope that you all managed to catch time over the half term break to rest, relax and spend time with family and friends. The super weather will certainly have helped lift spirits.

We are delighted to welcome Eve Vollans as Headteacher of Woodlands Park Primary School who takes up post today. Similarly, we are looking forward to mooring closer alongside NCLT through Term 6.

As we return to Term 6, we do so facing some very immediate and high profile priorities:

  • GCSE & ‘A’ level examinations continue
  • Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) Year 4 Monday 5 June
  • Phonics Screening Check (PSC) Year 1 Monday 12 June – WeST collective target 90%
  • Several WeST schools lie within an expected window of Ofsted inspection.

Proposed SI model of Operation 2023-24

Through our various ‘team’ groups we have now agreed our five key SI priorities for 2023-24.

Whilst each WeST school will have its individual areas for improvement, these five span all schools across both primary and secondary phases. As such, we will rally around these five and use our collective endeavours and expertise to make improvements.

We continue to amend our WLI staffing structure to meet the changing work streams and evolving CPD offer.

In the first instance this will capture ECF activity and NPQ delivery, but we will quickly ensure that our wide offer of development is channelled through the WeST Learning Institute. We need to ensure that our collective mindset is that all WeST CPD is delivered through our re-positioned WeST Learning Institute.

Best wishes

Rob Haring, CEO

We are pleased to launch the new staff survey for all colleagues at WeST to provide feedback!

The survey will be open 22 May 2023 - 12 June 2023 and offers the opportunity for you to share your views and continue shaping the Trust.

This edition includes an opportunity to identify training needs and some optional menopause at work questions.

The short survey should take you no more than 8 minutes to complete. You can access this link on any internet enabled device or by using the QR code below. Results will be anonymous and every entry will be reviewed centrally. A summary of the results will be published in future editions of the Whistle.

To complete your survey visit: https://forms.office.com/e/R3xh2rnSCX

Or scan this QR code:

Modern Slavery Statement of WeST

You may recall that WeST has a Modern Slavery Statement as part of our integrity as an organisation. The full statement is available on the public website (click here) and sets out our commitment to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.

As a Trust, we buy a range of external goods and services, including construction services and supplies, furniture and stationery, electronics, food and catering supplies, travel services, laboratory supplies, books, cleaning services, print, waste and recycling services, and many more. These are undertaken in accordance with public procurement law. If part of your role involves sourcing or processing orders you may wish to increase your knowledge of modern slavery issues in supply chains. In particular, the new Trust statement increases the commitment to checking our suppliers align to Modern Slavery commitments.

Consider:

Where does the pen you’re writing with come from?

What checks took place as part of your supply chain?

Colleagues are encouraged to spare 7 minutes to watch the introduction to modern slavery video from the UK statutory department. The video gives and introduction to spotting the signs and knowing what action to take. Click here.

Joyful June

{alt_tag}

Training Opportunities 

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 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 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

{alt_tag}
{alt_tag}

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

{alt_tag}
{alt_tag}

Recruitment update:

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

Coombe Dean School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

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. Closing date: 16 June 2023. 

Cleaner - 10 hours per week: Monday – Friday. Working term-time only plus 3 weeks during school holidays. The successful candidate must be committed to providing a quality cleaning service and able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of COSSH & Health & Safety Standards. Closing date: 16 June 2023. 

Receptionist - You should be able to remain calm under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The successful candidate must have L2 English and Maths. Closing date: 16 June 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.

Casual Minibus Driver - The post holder will have sound driving skills with a full, clean driving licence including Category D1.  Working hours are approximately between 7.00am to 9.00am and again at 3.15pm to 5.15pm.  Although hours may vary according to the needs of the College. Closing date: 26 June 2023. 

Secondary Intervention Teacher/Literacy Lead (Primary Teacher) - 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. Closing date: 8 June 2023. 

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

Morley Meadow Primary are looking to fill the following vacancies:

0.6 KS1 Teacher – Fixed Term Contract. Are you an enthusiastic, inspiring and highly motivated teacher? The dedicated and hardworking team at Morley Meadow would be interested in hearing from you to cover a period of staff absence. Closing date: 8 June 2023

2 x Teaching Assistants – Permanent Contract. Morley Meadow are seeking to appoint two skilled Teaching Assistants who are hardworking, flexible team players to join our inclusive school. Closing date: 8 June 2023

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Operations Manager - The role demands strong organisational and people management skills, alongside an ability to prioritise and manage their own workload and that of their teams. The Operations Manager will be directly responsible for the Premises Manager, Network Manager, Community Sports Centre Manager, Catering Manager, Office Manager and the Administration team. Closing date: 12 June 2023. 

Resource Assistant for Food Technology - The successful candidate will assist with ordering and stock control and be key to preparing the rooms, equipment and ingredients ready for practical lessons. Supporting students within the classroom when needed will also be a requirement. Closing date: 12 June 2023. 

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