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I titled last week’s Whistle Purposeful Navigation Towards Success. So, I wish to continue with the thread of success this week.

Firstly, I am delighted to share that Matt Stace, current Deputy Headteacher at Chaddlewood Primary School, has been successfully appointed as the new Headteacher of Boringdon Primary School and will officially take up post from 1 September 2024. I am sure you will join me in congratulating Matt on his appointment and wish him and Boringdon Primary School every success for the future.

Further news of success – Stowford School has received a wonderful congratulatory letter from Rt. Hon. Damian Hinds MP, Minister for Schools, in recognition of how well the children at Stowford did in the Phonics Screening Check (PSC) last summer. Well done to all.

I am also pleased to share that one of our level three apprentices successfully completed their apprenticeship training with flying colours and was awarded a ‘Distinction’. Super!

Our WeST ‘aspiring leaders’ programme had a most interesting session this week, and were fortunate to hear from guest speaker Peter Hughes of Mossbourne Federation.

Thank you to all those who have expressed an initial interest in becoming a member of one of our HABs and playing a role in our crucial local tier of governance.

Our expanding Hub Advisory Boards (HABs) play a pivotal role in local governance, each representing 6-8 schools in primary and secondary phases. Empowering community voices, HABs directly communicate with the Trust Board, focusing on crucial pupil matters like attendance, behaviour, and SEND. Meeting formally thrice annually, HAB members actively contribute to strategic visits, enhancing the school improvement team's efforts.

With a strengthened role, we invite new members to join our evolving HABs, warmly welcoming expressions of interest at clerk@westst.org.uk.

Your participation will further enrich the impactful work of our governance structure. Please look out for communication from the HAB chairs via your school.

In embracing the spirit of aspiration, let us continue to set our sights on success. Every achievement, big or small, fuels the journey towards excellence. Together, let's navigate the seas of success, aspiring to reach new heights.

Best wishes,

Rob Haring

CEO

Flu Vaccinations 2023/2024

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to offer staff access to flu jab vaccinations this winter.

We are pleased to announce that this is now open to all staff members at WeST

We have partnered with Doctorcall to deliver a limited number of flu vaccination vouchers to use at participating pharmacies. These vouchers are provided at no cost to staff members and we encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab.

 

To request your flu vaccination
voucher, please visit here or
scan this QR code:

 

Flu vouchers can be used at one of the Doctorcall participating pharmacies, which include Tesco, Day Lewis, +Well and Asda.


To find a pharmacy near you and to book your appointment at a time and date which suits you, please visit: https://doctorcall.co.uk/pharmacy-finder


Please note if you would like to book with a +Well Pharmacy there are more location options listed directly on their website https://services.well.co.uk/


Flu vouchers are redeemable until 31 March.

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

PENSION ADVISORY SESSIONS FOR ALL WEST STAFF!

Wesleyan have been delivering presentations to schools and colleges for over 15 years and we tend to find that professionals within Education are not aware of all the changes and benefits that are provided within their personal pension schemes. Understanding your pension, especially in a profession as pivotal as yours, is crucial for several reasons:

  • Securing Your Future: A pension is more than just a post-retirement benefit. It's a representation of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to education. Understanding your pension ensures you are prepared for the future and can retire with the security and dignity you deserve.

  • Making Informed Decisions: With frequent changes and reforms in pension schemes, having a clear grasp ensures you can make informed decisions, whether it's about additional contributions, retirement age, or choosing between pension options.

  • Financial Planning: Your pension is a significant part of your long-term financial strategy. Knowing the ins and outs helps in planning other financial aspects, like investments, savings, or even major life decisions such as buying a home or supporting a child's education.

  • Maximizing Benefits: Only when you're fully aware of the nuances of your pension scheme can you truly maximize its benefits. This could mean availing of specific grants, understanding tax implications, or knowing the right time to draw from it.

  • Early Retirement: While many teachers look forward to a well-deserved retirement, some are forced to retire early due to health issues or burnout. Understanding your pension can be a lifeline in such unexpected circumstances.

  • Opting Out: It's been observed that younger teachers sometimes opt out of pension schemes, not realizing the compounded benefits they'll miss out on in the future. Awareness and understanding are key to making informed decisions.

  • It's More Than Just Retirement: Your pension doesn't only provide retirement pensions. It also offers benefits related to death in service, ill-health retirement, and more.

FREE TO ATTEND WEBINARS

To help you get a better understanding of your current pension scheme, Wesleyan will be running a series of webinars on both the Teachers' and Local Government Pension Schemes, providing a thorough breakdown of:

  • The benefits provided for both yourself and your loved ones
  • How much you contribute and how your retirement income will be calculated
  • The various changes that have happened within the scheme and which pot your pension fund accumilation falls within
  • The McCloud Judgement and understanding the letter you have received
  • How to maximise your pension allowance and increase your retirement funds

Our webinars are free to attend and last between 45-60 minutes, including a live Q&A session at the end. To book your place, please click on the link below relevant to your pension and register your details on Microsoft Teams.

Local Government Pension Scheme webinar

Tuesday 16 January at 3.45pm - Click here to register

Tuesday 13 February at 6.30pm - Click here to register

Teachers' Pension Scheme webinar

Thursday 18 January at 3.45pm - Click here to register

Thursday 15 February at 6.30pm - Click here to register

WeST continues to offer an employee assistance programme for all colleagues, through Care First. As part of the service, a range of free wellbeing articles are available to you on the Staff Portal.

This week’s wellbeing article is all about ‘Watching the Pennies’ and includes advice and guidance on how you can manage your finances as we move further into 2024.

For further information, please click here.

Friendly February 2024

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Recruitment update:

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

Eggbuckland Community College is 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 x 2 - Eggbuckland currently require two Cover Supervisors 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: 6 February 2024.  

Exams Manager - The successful candidate will be responsible for providing a professional, efficient, and highly effective exam system in accordance with set policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, whilst maintaining high standards and confidentiality at all times. Closing date: 6 February 2024.

Teacher of Design and Technology - Eggbuckland is looking for a qualified Teacher with great drive, determination and that has the ability to inspire students and further raise their attainment in Design, Technology and Engineering. Closing date: 5 February 2024.

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

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

Teacher of Maths - Hele's is seeking an exceptional teacher with energy, creativity and commitment to join their Maths department. Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner who will be an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. Closing date: 5 February 2024.

Music Curriculum Lead - Hele's is looking to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Music at KS3 and KS4, and also potentially at A-Level. They are seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model. Closing date: 20 February 2024.

Deputy Head of Maths - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Maths from KS3 to A-Level. The successful candidate will have a proven record of delivering excellent outcomes for students. Closing date: 20 February 2024.

Teacher of Science - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the ability to teach Science to KS4 and Chemistry to A-Level. They are seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. Closing date: 22 February 2024.

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

Ivybridge Community College is 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.

Cover Supervisor x 2 - Ivybridge is looking to appoint two exceptional individuals into the positions of Cover Supervisor. The successful candidates will be members of support staff, providing specific support to provide lesson cover on a daily basis. The Cover Supervisors will provide a high standard of support to assist with the smooth operation of the organisation. Closing Date: 19 February 2024.

Teacher of Mathematics - Ivybridge is looking to appoint an effective Mathematics Teacher and Tutor who challenges and supports all their students to do their best and achieve their potential. The successful candidate will gain a wealth of experience from working across the College, whilst receiving support and guidance from the Leadership Team. Closing date: 4 February 2024.

Teacher of Physical Education (Maternity Cover) - Ivybridge is looking to appoint an effective PE Teacher and Tutor who challenges and supports all their students to do their best and achieve their potential. The successful candidate will gain a wealth of experience from working across the College, whilst receiving support and guidance from the Leadership Team. Closing date: 5 February 2024.

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

Morley Meadow Primary School is seeking to appoint a skilled Teaching Assistant to join our very supportive, hardworking and successful team. The post will involve working across our EYFS and Key Stage 1 classes to support a range of children. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 23 February 2024.

Plymstock School is looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Geography with TLR2A - Plymstock is looking for an enthusiastic and engaging Teacher of Geography, who is keen to take on a role in the strategic planning of the department and will promote the delivery of a high quality provision in a key stage. Closing date: 5 February 2024.

HLTA Exams Access Arrangements - Plymstock is seeking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant who will, in addition to the role of Teaching Assistant, work in collaboration with our SENDCo to support exam access arrangements.  The postholder will also support the SEND department needs to include intervention and liaising with outside agencies. Closing date: 7 February 2024.

Operations Manager - Plymstock is seeking to successfully appoint an individual who is able to demonstrate the characteristics required to lead a number of different teams in ensuring that the school operates effectively and efficiently. Closing date: 12 February 2024.

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

South Dartmoor Community College is looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant. South Dartmoor is looking for an experienced, confident and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant who shares their passion, vision and drive, and who is prepared to go that extra mile to support their students. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

Woodlands Park Primary School is looking to fill the following vacancies:

 Deputy Headteacher with SENDCo responsibilities - They are seeking to appoint an inspirational, enthusiastic and highly motivated leader to join their dedicated Senior Leadership Team, and support their continued drive for excellence in every aspect of school life. This will be an exciting opportunity for a current SENDCo who is ready to take the next step in their career. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

KS2 Teacher - Woodlands Park is looking to appoint a talented and creative teacher to join their supportive and highly successful team at Woodlands Park Primary School to teach their Year 4 class. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

Teaching Assistant - Woodlands Park require a flexible, adaptable and enthusiastic individual to support learning across the curriculum. Closing date: 19 February 2023.

Year 2 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover) - Woodlands Park is looking to appoint a talented and creative teacher to join their supportive and highly successful team, to cover a period of maternity leave in Year 2. Closing date: 19 February 2024.

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