{item_alt_tag}

 

As the month of November comes to a close, I’d like to take the opportunity to reflect on our collective efforts, celebrate recent achievements (e.g. Secondary Teacher of the Year, Ofsted inspection) and recognise that the spirit of collaboration across our schools shines brightly.

Last week's ‘Whistle’ concluded with reference to the notification of Ofsted Inspection of Boringdon Primary School. Boringdon Primary School must be one of the few schools in the country that has gone 16 years between inspection, with its last inspection taking place in November 2007. Zoom forward several HMCI’s and inspection frameworks to the present day, and the team at Boringdon hosted the inspection with aplomb with the children giving more than a fair account of themselves. Well done all.

Our commitment to continuous learning and collaborative endeavours has been evident in the various professional training sessions that many of you actively engaged in recently. Last week, on 24  November, we conducted comprehensive training for RWI leaders, focusing on enhancing pupils' writing composition and transcription. This marked an important return to face-to-face for RWI training, a significant milestone since the challenges posed by the pandemic. Writing remains a trust-wide priority, and the insights gleaned during the session, even for those not following the 'Get Writing' approach, offer invaluable strategies applicable across all 19 primary settings.

Looking ahead, on 5 January 2024, our attention turns to cultivating more fluent readers. We welcome additional staff members to join this training day, specifically aimed at those teaching yellow, blue, or grey groups. For additional attendee requests, please contact Nathan Kemp at nkemp@westst.org.uk.

Our commitment to nurturing future leaders is evident through the launch of our Aspiring Leaders programme. This innovative initiative, welcoming 23 colleagues from diverse school backgrounds, aims to provide strategic and operational leadership training. It's a valuable addition to our offer, supplementing our esteemed NPQ programmes and preparing leaders for potential NPQSL journeys in the future.

Speaking of NPQSL, our current cohort is making great strides toward their final assessments, engaging in impactful discussions on persistent educational challenges and effective professional development.

Applications for the next NPQ cohorts are open until 16 January 2024. Register your interest to seize this opportunity for further growth and development.

Lastly, I applaud the incredible energy and engagement shown by our Early Career Teachers (ECT’s) during their recent clinic on High Expectations. The commitment of both our ECTs and mentors is truly commendable, reflecting the positive impact of frequent feedback cycles and deliberate practice on classroom decisions.

Best wishes 

Rob Haring

CEO

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

On-site Flu Clinic

 

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to offer staff access to flu jab vaccinations this winter.
Following your feedback we have partnered with BUPA to deliver a limited number of flu vaccinations on-site within WeST, please see below for further details. These vaccinations are provided at no cost to staff members and we would encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab.


The next flu clinic is at:

Coombe Dean School

Charnhill Way, Plymouth, PL9 8ES
Friday 8 December
1.30pm—5.15pm

To book your flu vaccination appointment, click here or scan this QR code:

 

 

Please book your appointment by: 5pm on 5 December 2023

For further information please contact WeST HR via hr@westst.org.uk

{item_alt_tag}

Discounts for ALL Trust colleagues (teachers, support staff, everyone in WeST!)

Did you know that all education staff can access the Discounts for Teachers service?!

Online at: https://www.discountsforteachers.co.uk/

All WeST colleagues are eligible to sign up for FREE to the Discounts For Teachers service online to get access to hundreds of exclusive discounts with online retailers. They have a number of exclusive offers. A number of large retailers take part, including Currys, Argos, Clarks, WH Smith, and Early Learning Centre. Plus a number of restaurants and more! Please share with all colleagues to access this fantastic opportunity.

Cakes – Written by Evelyn Dimond - Year 4 Otters – Woodlands Park Primary School 


Oh, ah cakes, 
That my mum makes,  
With raspberry coulis,  
Oh, I love them truly! 


Victoria sponge or chocolate cake,      
Plus it smells amazing when they bake, 
Or maybe with some kind of ganache,    
Which I hide in my secret stash! 


I stare at the plate,       
One hour or two, I wait,  
And when I really need a slice I shout…”Give me cake”                                                          But no one heard so I just take! 
My friends ask “Can I have some too?” 
They also asked “Can you get it from the zoo?” 
Of course, I said no, 
And they just decided to go!     

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

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.

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

Chaddlewood School are looking to appoint a Caretaker who is an enthusiastic, conscientious and self-motivated Caretaker to provide a key role in maintaining our school site, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for the whole school community. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 6 December 2023.

 

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: 1 December 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: 6 December 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: 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.

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.

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. We 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. We 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: 

Exam Invigilators - The post holder will be a confident and reassuring presence to students whilst providing supervision within an exam room. Duties will include assisting the Exams Team in ensuring examinations are carried out to the correct guidelines. Closing date: On-going.

Behaviour Support Coordinators (x2) - 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.