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Welcome to this edition of the ‘Weekly Whistle’. As we hit the mid-point of Term 2, the approaching advent period can be seen on the horizon.

I am thrilled to kick off this ‘Whistle’ by celebrating an outstanding achievement within our Trust. Dr. Jo Turner,  an exceptional Science Teacher at Callington Community College, has received the prestigious honour of being named Secondary Teacher of the Year in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. Many of you might have already witnessed this exciting announcement live on the BBC One Show earlier this week!

Jo's dedication to Science is truly remarkable. Her journey from a disadvantaged area in Bradford to rural Callington, and even studying at UC Berkeley, California with a PhD in Herpes structure and beef farming, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to applying theory to real-world practice. Her students benefit from meticulously designed practical activities, and they are inspired by her ability to connect the subject matter to diverse contexts such as mining in Cornwall, virus structure, and the sustainability of farming.

Thanks to her no-nonsense approach and exceptionally high standards, Jo's students consistently achieve heartening outcomes that allow them to progress with confidence. Moreover, Jo's initiative in running after-school clubs for Year 11 and 13 students, as well as leading the 'Science Volunteers' comprising Year 9s and 10s who contribute to the improvement of the Science Department, demonstrates her commitment to inspiring and supporting younger learners.

This success is not solely Jo's; it reflects the collective efforts of the wider team at Callington Community College. It's heartening to see our school in the limelight for such positive reasons.

More good news. Colleagues will be aware that recent months have seen us ‘moor alongside’ and work collaboratively with the five schools in North Cornwall Learning Trust (NCLT) with the strong thought that WeST and NCLT might merge to formally consolidate our partnership. I am delighted to report that our proposed merger has been approved by the SW Regional Director (Hannah Woodhouse)  following Monday’s Advisory Board meeting. This is terrific news. We can now move into the next phase to include thorough due diligence, detailed planning and TUPE consultation. Whilst nothing is totally certain, all of the signs are positive, and we are optimistic of a formal joining in late Spring 2024. Thank you to everyone for their contributions in moving us to this point.

Returning to more normal business and routine operations, we find ourselves once more on the Ofsted treadmill with Boringdon Primary School hosting a section 5 (graded) inspection. I extend my best wishes to Sarah and the entire team at Boringdon.

Let's continue to collaborate, inspire, and strive for excellence together. Our collective efforts are demonstrable in propelling the children in our care to new heights of success.

Best wishes 

Rob Haring

CEO

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Support Staff Pay Award 2023

We are pleased to confirm that the national process for the support staff pay award 2023 has been concluded and we are making arrangements to apply the award in December’s pay. The agreement is for all support staff members employed under the NJC Green Book to receive an increase of £1,925 to annual salary, and this will be backdated to 1st April 2023.

Regrettably, a consequence of the delayed pay deal is the adverse impact on some staff who are in receipt of income-related benefits, in particular Universal Credit (UC). Unfortunately, payment of backpay cannot be staggered over a period of months as it is monies owed to staff and is required to be paid as soon as practicable after the pay deal is agreed. If you are affected by this issue, we would advise you to speak to your Universal Credit Work Coach via your online account or call the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644, who can assist you with this matter.

If you would like further information on the support staff pay award 2023, please visit the LGA Website

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New Ways November

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Internal Vacancies: 

(Internal appointment only) Yealmpton Primary School is looking to appoint a Temporary Receptionist. 

Do you have reception or admin experience and are looking for some extra hours before Christmas? Yealmpton Primary School are looking for an existing WeST employee to support them with reception duties from now until the end of term, hours to be discussed.

Please contact Headteacher Rob Pepper, for an informal discussion.

Recruitment update:

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

Callington Community College are seeking to fill the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Science - Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach Science. The successful candidate will be expected to teach across Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. Closing date: 4 December 2023. 

Teacher of Design Technology and Construction - Callington currently require a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach Design Technology at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 and Constructions at Key Stage 4. Closing date: 4 December 2023.

Teacher of English - Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate to teach English at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. 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. Closing date: 4 December 2023.

Examinations Officer - The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and well organised Examinations Officer to ensure all aspects of exams are conducted efficiently.  The successful candidate should also have good interpersonal skills and an ability to deal with a wide range of people as well as excellent IT skills. Closing date: 27 November 2023.

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

Chaddlewood School are seeking to fill the following vacancies: 

Foundation Stage Teacher (Temporary) - Chaddlewood are looking to appoint an inspirational and creative Foundation Stage teacher to join our accomplished and dedicated team for January-July 2024. Closing date: 29 November 2023.

LSA/Teaching Assistant for KS2 (Temporary) - The successful candidate will work under the instruction/guidance of teaching/senior staff to undertake work/care/support programmes to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and in the management of the classroom. Closing date: 29 November 2023.

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

Coombe Dean School are seeking to fill the following vacancies:

Cover Supervisor - We are looking to appoint a confident individual who can create and develop good relationships with students and who has a strong commitment to supporting student learning. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. Closing date: 24 November 2023.

Receptionist (Maternity Cover) - Coombe Dean are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to join our Admin team. You should be able to remain calm under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Closing date: 1 December 2023.

Subject Leader of Social Sciences (Maternity Cover) - Coombe Dean are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Subject Leader. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and fellow Subject Leaders to deliver high quality lessons and opportunities to Post 16 students. Closing date: 1 December 2023.

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

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. Closing date: On-going.

Cover Supervisor - 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: 24 Novmeber 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: 29 November 2023.

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

Ermington Primary School are seeking to appoint a Teaching and Mealtime Assistant. The successful candidate will be a reflective practitioner who is passionate about teaching and learning. They will be keen to learn, possess a positive attitude, want to make a difference and be committed to improving the life chances and outcomes for every child. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 28 November 2023.

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: 4 December 2023.

Learning Support Assistant (Fixed Term Contract) -  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: 4 December 2023.

Cover Supervisor (Maternity Cover) - We are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Learning (Cover) Supervisor to provide stability and continuity for students whose lessons are affected through short term teaching staff absence and to provide additional support to curriculum leaders, teaching staff and students. 

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. 

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

Holbeton Primary School are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant.  Holbeton are seeking an enthusiastic and caring Teaching Assistant and Mealtime Assistant to provide support to children within our school. The successful candidate will work closely with targeted children to help them access the curriculum, participate in activities, and reach their full potential. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 30 November 2023.

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

 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. Closing date: On-going.

Administrator - Ivybridge are looking to appoint an exceptional individual to join their team. The Administrator will provide a high standard of secretarial and administrative support to assist with the smooth operation of the organisation. Closing date: 27 November 2023.

Senior Administrator - The successful candidate will provide a high standard of secretarial and administrative support to assist with the smooth operation of the organisation. In addition, a good standard of general education will be required, together with advanced IT skills and the ability to work under pressure with a flexible approach to a wide range of work involved. Closing date: 27 November 2023.

Literacy Teaching Assistants - Ivybridge are looking to appoint an exceptional individual(s) to join our team as Teaching Assistants with responsibility for literacy diagnostic testing and running small-group or 1:1 Phonics-based interventions. Closing date: 1 December 2023.

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

Oreston Community Academy is looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Full-time Temporary KS2 Teaching Assistant - Oreston are looking for a Teaching Assistant to work across the school, supporting with interventions and pastoral needs. They are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who is adaptable. Closing date: 4 December 2023.

Part-time Temporary KS2 Teaching Assistant - Oreston have a vacancy for a Teaching Assistant to join our KS2 team. Experience in working within a school is essential. They are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who is adaptable. Closing date: 4 December 2023.

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Art Technician - Plymstock are seeking an enthusiastic and talented technician to join the Art Department team at Plymstock School. The successful candidate will ensure resources are ready and available, assist in lessons, giving technical demonstrations as required and ensure that the equipment used within the Department is well maintained. Closing date: 27 November 2023.

Teacher of Design & Technology – Food (0.5FTE) – Fixed Term - Plymstock are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging Teacher of Design and Technology (Food), with a commitment and infectious passion for your subject. They are looking for a committed practitioner, who will want to attain the highest standards in teaching and learning and who will expect excellence from all our students. Closing date: 27 November 2023.

Behaviour Support Coordinators (x2) - Plymstock are looking to appoint two exceptional individuals to the position of Behaviour Support Coordinators based at Plymstock School. These talented individuals will be required to manage and continue to develop our caring and supportive learning environment for our young people. Closing date: 1 December 2023. 

For information on the above vacancies, please click here.

South Dartmoor Community College are seeking 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. Closing date: On-going. 

First Aid Lead - South Dartmoor are looking to appoint an experienced, confident and enthusiastic Student Medical Support Assistant who shares our passion, vision and drive, and who is prepared to go that extra mile to support our students. The successful candidate will be joining a committed team of student support workers who play an important role across our school. Closing date: 13 December 2023.

Inclusion Lead - The successful candidate will provide support, advice and intervention programmes that meet the academic, social and emotional needs of individuals for whom inclusion to our mainstream provision is not enough. They will also host and support the work of visiting professionals and in house support workers. Closing date: 13 December 2023.

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

Stowford School are looking to appoint an Administrative Assistant who is a hard-working and professional individual to provide administrative support at Stowford School, as part of a busy admin team. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 27 November 2023.