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Dear Colleagues, 

As we head towards the May Bank Holiday weekend, I hope you all find time to pause, rest, and—fingers crossed—soak up a little sunshine. After a full-on start to the summer term, a break from the hurly-burly of school routines is well-earned and much needed.

This week’s edition brings with it some important updates, moments of reflection, and news that reminds us of both the personal and professional journeys that shape our Trust.

Firstly, I’m pleased to share an important leadership development. The WeST Trustees are delighted to announce that Nat Parnell, our current Deputy CEO, has agreed to serve as Interim CEO, effective 1st  January 2026. This decision ensures much-needed stability and continuity during a period of senior leadership transition within WeST and other emerging issues. Nat’s appointment will provide essential overlap and planning time, enabling a smooth handover as we shape the future direction of the Trust together.

His leadership during this interim period will allow us to continue progressing with confidence and clarity. It also presents a valuable opportunity to realise central financial savings at a time when we are navigating significant fiscal pressures. I am sure you will all join me in congratulating Nat and wishing him every success in this role.

We also share some bittersweet news this week. Phil Banks, who has become a familiar and respected presence across WeST, will be moving on to take up the position of CEO of St Christopher’s Trust, starting 1st September 2025.

Phil joined us from NCLT and has played a role in driving improvement, building relationships, and supporting many of you through various aspects of Trust development. Since the merger with NCLT, he has strengthened our cohesion and brought warmth and wisdom to his work. While we are naturally sad to see him go, we are incredibly proud and excited for him as he embarks on this new opportunity.

We know Phil will continue to make a meaningful contribution to the wider educational landscape in the South West, and we look forward to staying connected as our paths inevitably cross in the future. There will be opportunities to say our proper goodbyes in due course, but for now, please join me in thanking Phil and wishing him every success.

It is with great sadness that I also share the news of the passing of Tracey Mildon, Business Manager at Woodford Primary School. Tracey was a much-loved and deeply respected member of our WeST family. She brought not only professionalism and dedication to her work but also a warmth and kindness that made her a pillar of her school community.

Tracey’s passion for education and her unwavering support of colleagues and students alike left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to work with her. Her legacy will live on through the positive and lasting difference she made to so many lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the Woodford school community at this very difficult time.

On a different note, a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Staff Survey. Your feedback is essential. It gives us a clear picture of what’s working, where we can do better, and how we can continue to build a culture of care, respect, and professional growth. Your input will directly inform our next steps, and we are grateful for the time and thought you have invested.

As we close this week’s edition, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and focus of our children across the Trust. With A Levels, GCSEs, and KS2 SATs just around the corner, many of our young people are deep in revision and preparation. These assessments represent important milestones, and I know how hard our children—and the staff supporting them—have worked to get to this point.

Have a restful and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Word Of The Week!

This week's word is "inclusion".

Definition: The practice of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised, such as those with disabilities or members of minority groups. Inclusion is about making sure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and part of something, no matter their background, identity or ability. Inclusion is actively welcoming everyone and recognising their contributions and strengths.

When we practice inclusion, we help others feel seen and valued. It creates a positive environment where everyone can belong and contribute. Inclusion strengthens communities, fosters innovation, and builds empathy by making sure every voice counts. 

IMPORTANT ITrent Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Action from 1 May 2025

Starting May 1st, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be introduced to the ITrent login process. This step is in line with the National Cyber Security Centre's advice to enhance protection against common cyber security attacks. MFA is a highly effective security measure, and MHR, the provider of ITrent, has mandated its implementation.

To help you get started, we have attached a document explaining how to log in using MFA. If you are unable to download an app to your phone, please inform your local administrator by April 30th, so that email authentication can be arranged as an alternative. 

Please note that disabling MFA via the app and using email authentication instead will only be considered in exceptional and limited circumstances.  This is because it provides a reduced level of security when compared to the App and the over-ride needs to be applied to individual accounts by the central team.  Local administrators will therefore carefully evaluate and consider the circumstances of each request before endorsing these for action by the HR Team.

Please click here for the booklet. 

Thank you in advance for supporting this important change, Julia Strang HR Data and Payroll Manager

Childrens Internet Use

Many of you will be aware of the Netflix show ‘Adolescence' and the manner in which it has raised the vulnerability of some young people to harmful online content, including misogynistic viewpoints. For anyone looking for resources to support themselves, or others, as parents, then our internet filtering provider, Smoothwall, has curated a set of  materials which can help.

To learn more, click here. 

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Meaningful May

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Internal Vacancy: 

We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to join us as Headteacher at Coombe Dean School. Someone who will uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. In doing so, you will have the full support of a committed team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff and senior leaders, and be fully supported in your role through professional development opportunities and by the Trust's Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Director of Education and local governance.

For more information, please click on the link below: 

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/3547/EDV-2025-WST-08667

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 6 May and interviews will take place on Monday 12 May.

Recruitment update:

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

Ivybridge Community College are seeking to appoint Casual Examinations Invigilators. 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. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 18 July 2025. 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies:  

Headteacher at Woodlands Park Primary School - The Headteacher will have overall responsibility for the organisation, management and conduct of the school, providing leadership and assisting with the delivery of the WeST strategic direction to ensure the achievement of the highest possible standards of education. The role will require collaboration within and beyond Westcountry Schools Trust and a close working relationship with the Director of Education. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 19 May 2025. 

Secondary Initial Teacher Trainees (unpaid) - Are you passionate about teaching and ready to make a significant impact on the lives of young people? We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and passion to join us as an Aspiring Secondary School Teacher, to uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. This is a 12-month, full-time, postgraduate programme in a Secondary School environment where you’ll experience a mix of study modules, live training sessions and classroom practice. Study modules can be completed at your own pace through our online learning platform, which will provide you with a foundation of theory to build your practice on. At every stage, you'll be guided by your own personal mentor. For information, please click here. Closing date: 20 June 2025. 

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