Welcome to this term’s final edition of the ‘Whistle’. As you read this there is just one teaching day until the end of term for our children.
The constant demands of this term have been colossal, but, somehow, we have risen to the challenge. We have experienced an ‘ebb and flow’ of children and staff either testing positive for coronavirus or having to self-isolate. Having said this, the distribution of disruption has not been even across our schools. Some have experienced repeated ‘bubble’ collapses whereas other schools have remained unaffected.
This week saw us having to instruct nearly 400 WeST children to have to self-isolate for ten days. I think this is a clear indication that the rate of infection continues to increase and that there is no room for complacency.
From a recruitment perspective, I am delighted to inform everyone of two recent WeST appointments:
· Karl Sampson as Director of Secondary School Improvement. Karl is currently Assistant Regional Director for Ofsted in the SW region and will bring with him a wealth of knowledge from across the education sector.
· Rachael Boothman as Executive Director of Mathematics. Rachael is based in London and currently works for a well established Multi Academy Trust as their National Lead Practitioner for Mathematics.
Both will be taking up their new posts from 1st September 2021.
Finally, a gigantic thank you for all that you have done and a wish that you will all take the opportunity to switch off and find some time to rest and relax with your family and friends in your Christmas Bubble and enjoy the festive season.
Best wishes
Rob Haring, CEO