{item_alt_tag}

The past few weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind, filled with incredible activity and collaboration. We faced the unexpected force of storm Ciaran at the outset of Term 2, which led to a day of forced closure. Through this challenge, our resilience shone, and we came together to ensure a smooth return to the week and Term 2.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated teams at Coombe Dean School and Ivybridge Community College. They graciously hosted Peter Hughes, trustee at NCLT and CEO of Mossbourne Federation in Hackney. This visit was not only a testament to our shared values but also a beacon of aspiration for us all.

In maintaining a London theme and keeping with this spirit of collaboration, I extend my thanks to our colleagues at Woodford Primary School and Morley Meadow Primary School. They generously hosted James Page and Fran Hargrove from Hackney Education Partnership (HEP). Their visit allowed them to witness first hand the remarkable progress we've achieved through the implementation of 'Opening Worlds'. This exchange of knowledge and experience is a testament to our commitment to learning and strengthening our practice.

These collaborative ventures are not isolated incidents; they are building blocks of value that enrich our ongoing improvement efforts. They also serve to fortify our partnerships, reaching beyond the boundaries of our region, and learning from centres of demonstrable excellence.

In a further stride toward our shared aspirations, it was a joy to witness the launch of our newest cohort of NPQLT in collaboration with Ambition Institute. This program represents a significant step in nurturing the leadership potential within our WeST family.

Together, we are not only weathering storms but harnessing opportunities to learn and develop together. Our commitment to collaboration and aspiration is the cornerstone of our progress, and I am inspired by the dedication and energy each of you brings to this journey.

We are stronger together.

Best wishes 

Rob Haring

CEO

New WeST Twitter (X) Account!

 

To follow our new account, please click here or search for us @westcountryST23.

Unfortunately, we have had to create a new Twitter account for WeST. Please ensure you are following our new account for exciting news and updates from the WeST Team!

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

WeST Learning Institute Training Opportunities

NPQLTD webinar 

Hear from Ambition experts who will provide more information on the NPQLTD including the benefits of the course, who it’s suitable for and how you can apply.

Date: Wednesday 15 November  

Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm  

You’ll hear:

  • How professional development can benefit your practice
  • A spotlight on the NPQLTD and how the programme is structured
  • Whether you are eligible for the NPQLTD
  • How you can register your interest and apply for our February 2024 cohorts

You can register for the webinar here. 

Evidence-based teaching and learning webinar 

Ambition Institute are hosting a free webinar about the latest in evidence-based teaching and learning.  

Date: Tuesday 21 November  

Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm  

Focusing on how trusts and schools can make teaching and learning more effective for teachers, this event is chaired by Ambition’s Research Lead Sam Sims. There will be a Q&A session and our panel also includes Nick Rose, Amarbeer Singh Gill and the best selling author Kate Jones. 

You can register for the webinar here. 

NPQLL webinar  

Hear from Ambition experts who will provide more information on the NPQLL including the benefits of the course, who it’s suitable for, available funding and how you can apply.

Date: Wednesday 29 November  

Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm  

You’ll hear:

  • How professional development can benefit your practice
  • A spotlight on the NPQLL and how the programme is structured
  • Whether you are eligible for the NPQLL
  • How you can register your interest and apply for our February 2024 cohort

You can register for the webinar here. 

Specialist NPQs – LEADING LITERACY: Learn how to support staff, pupils and lead literacy through curriculum, culture and motivation

Are you interested in specialising in literacy? Have you considered the NPQ for Leading Literacy?

Over a 12-month period, participants will:

  • Learn how to support staff, of all subject specialisms, to develop pupils’ language and literacy skills
  •  Learn how pupils develop aspects of literacy
  •  Learn how to lead literacy through curriculum, culture and motivation
  • Understand how effective literacy education can support your school 

NPQLL joins a full suite of specialist NPQs that include:

  • NPQ Leading Literacy
  • NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture
  • NPQ Leading Teaching
  • NPQ Leading Teacher Development

You can find out more about the specialist NPQs here https://www2.ambition.org.uk/l/330231/2022-05-13/c98qy

We're excited to be partnering with Ambition Institute to deliver the Leading Literacy NPQ as part of the specialist NPQ programmes.

To find out more about the NPQLL and how your school can benefit, please register your interest here Welcome (site.com)

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

New Ways November

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Internal Vacancy: 

(Internal appointment only) Westcountry Schools Trust - Acting Executive Director of Mathematics.

The Trust is seeking to appoint and Acting Executive Director of Mathematics to promote and implement strategies for raising attainment and progress in Mathematics across all WeST schools. Working in partnership with the School Improvement Team, Headteachers and Mathematics Subject Leaders, the role involves both strategic leadership of subject development across the trust, alongside day-to-day support of Mathematics departments.

To apply for this development opportunity, please submit an expression of interest in the form of a letter stating your current role, why you would like to be considered and outlining your experience against the person specification to recruitment@westst.org.uk

The closing date for expressions of interest is: 20 November 2023.

Recruitment update:

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

Austin Farm Academy are seeking to appoint an EYFS/KS1 Class Teacher and EYFS Lead. We are looking to appoint an inspirational EYFS classroom practitioner to lead our EYFS team. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent research-based practice in the EYFS curriculum and curriculum delivery with a genuine drive to achieve the highest standards for all children. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 17 November 2023.

Coombe Dean School are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant. The successful candidate 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. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 17 November 2023.

 

Eggbuckland Community College are seeking to fill the following vacancies:

 Casual Examination Invigilators - Successful candidates will support the exams administrators with the day-to-day operation of examination venues. Duties may include reading and/or scribing for students with special needs. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going.

Senior Caretaker (multi-site) - The successful candidate will work with the Premises Manager, to undertake the senior caretaking role at the College, supervising members of the caretaking team on day-to-day tasks and in the absence of the premises manager. Closing date: 13 November 2023.

Teacher of Science (Maternity Cover) - Eggbuckland are looking for a qualified teacher, with great drive and determination, who has the ability to inspire students and further raise attainment in Science. Closing date: 17 November 2023.

Cleaner - Eggbuckland are looking to appoint a Cleaner, who under the direction/instruction of the cleaner supervisor can provide an efficient cleaning service to the college according to the cleaning specification and instructions, individually or as part of a team. Closing date: 15 November 2023.

Cover Supervisor - Eggbuckland require a Cover Supervisor to provide supervision of classes/groups of students in the absence of teachers. Duties to include supporting the learning of students in class by clarifying work and encouraging successful completion of tasks, monitoring students’ behaviour and uniform, taking class registers and invigilation. Closing date: 13 November 2023.

Cover Co-ordinator - We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to organise daily cover arrangements for staff absences (planned or unplanned) and arrange cover supervision including sending out cover work. Closing date: 13 November 2023. 

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

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

Learning Support Assistant - Hele's currently require a Learning Support Assistant to work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the classroom with the teacher, to support access to learning for students and provide general support to the teacher in the management of students and the classroom. Closing date: 15 November 2023.

Cleaner - The post holder will clean and provide a high standard of cleanliness in the area of the school that you are assigned to, the area you clean may change based on School need. To be flexible and work within time allocations and ensure that all cleaning is carried out. Closing date: 14 November 2023. 

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to appoint a Casual Examination 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. A full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going.

South Dartmoor Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies:

Casual Examination Invigilators - The successful candidates will be hardworking, self-motivated and enjoy working in a team as well as under their own initiative. Previous experience within this area would be advantageous. You will be a committed and loyal individual; with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going. 

Community Sports Receptionist - South Dartmoor Community College is seeking to appoint a motivated individual to provide receptionist duties at the Ashmoor Centre based at the College. Closing date: 23 November 2023.

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


Woodford Primary School are seeking to appoint a Mealtime Assistant. The successful candidate needs to have an understanding of children's learning and demonstrate empathy, with the ability to communicate clearly to children and adults, following school safeguarding and behaviour policies and procedures. For more information, please click here. 

Yealmpton Primary School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Mealtime Assistant - Yealmpton is currently looking for a Mealtime Assistant to work in the playground for one hour per day. Closing date: 17 November 2023.

After School Club Leader - Yealmpton currently require an After School Club Leader to assist in the day to day organisation of the after school club provision, providing high standards of care and play opportunities for our children who attend from our school. Closing date: 22 November 2023.

For information on the above vacancies, please click here.