Dear Colleagues, 

I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable half-term break, and that you’re feeling refreshed and recharged for the busy and important weeks ahead. Term 6 marks the final leg of our academic journey for the year—a time filled with milestones, celebrations, and the culmination of incredible efforts across all corners of our Trust.

A warm welcome back to what is sure to be a full and fast-paced few weeks. We are still very much in the thick of the assessment season, and I want to extend my very best wishes to all those involved in supporting our GCSE and A Level students. The level of care, dedication, and expertise across our secondary schools is clear to see, and I know that many of you are going above and beyond to ensure our learners are confident, supported, and ready for the challenges ahead. Thank you for everything you are doing to create calm, focused environments in which our students can thrive.

Next week will bring another wave of assessments, with key statutory checks taking place across our primary settings. On Monday 9 June, our Year 1 pupils begin their Phonics Screening Check (PSC), while our Year 4 pupils will complete the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) ahead of the window closing on Friday 13 June. These assessments represent important developmental milestones, and we know just how much effort has gone into preparing children for them. We wish all our learners—and the staff supporting them—the very best of luck.

This past week saw an inspiring example of collaborative professional development through our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) network. Led by Hannah Ocean, the session focused on moderation and, in particular, on how best to support ‘cuspy’ children—those on the cusp of meeting a Good Level of Development (GLD). The session provided a welcome opportunity for colleagues to reflect together, share examples of good practice, and explore common areas for development. The conversations were rich and grounded in a deep commitment to securing the best outcomes for every child. My sincere thanks to Hannah for her expert leadership and to everyone who took part—your willingness to engage in open, developmental dialogue is what sets our professional culture apart.

I was also fortunate to attend a TES event this week, where I joined the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, alongside Trust leaders from across the country. The discussions were wide-ranging, covering everything from curriculum innovation to school improvement and the need to continue to raise attendance. It was a reminder that while each of us operates in a unique local context, the challenges and aspirations we share are deeply connected. It reinforced how vital it is that we continue to collaborate within WeST and with the broader education sector—learning from one another, sharing what works, and staying focused on what matters most: the success and wellbeing of our children and young people.

As we celebrate National Volunteers Week, I want to pause and pay tribute to the many individuals across our Trust who serve so generously in governance roles. From our Members and Trustees to Local Hub Advisory Board (HAB) members, your time, commitment, and wisdom shape the strategic direction of our Trust and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Catherine McKinnell, the Minister for School Standards, has issued a letter recognising the vital contribution of governance volunteers across the country—you can read it here. We echo that appreciation wholeheartedly.

Our volunteers help ensure that our schools remain anchored in strong values, high expectations, and the voices of the communities they serve. Whether it’s through insightful challenge, strategic guidance, or representing the lived experiences of families and communities, the difference you make is both tangible and inspiring. Thank you.

In that spirit, I’m delighted to introduce our new WeST Community Councils (WeST CCs)—a refreshed governance structure that deepens school-community partnerships. These local councils, made up of staff, parents, carers, and wider community members, will help shape thinking and decision-making across four priority areas: safeguarding and inclusion; behaviour and ethos; curriculum enrichment; and staff wellbeing. This is about real empowerment—giving those closest to the day-to-day life of schools a platform to influence, challenge, and co-create the future of education in their locality.

To see which schools are aligned to each Community Council, please visit the WeST Governance page on our website. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a Community Council, expressions of interest are now open. Whether you have prior governance experience or simply a desire to support education in your area, your voice matters. You can register your interest via this form. A letter to Parents and Carers will be shared on Monday 9 June. 

Let’s make this final term one of continued momentum, shared success, and collective pride. Together, we’ve achieved so much—and together, we will continue to deliver the best for our children, staff, and communities.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Submit an Article!

Do you have an achievement to celebrate, a job opportunity to promote, a charitable initiative to support, or an important update to share? The Weekly Whistle is your platform to keep our community informed and engaged.

How to Submit:
Send in your article by 2 PM every Thursday by emailing admin@westst.org.uk, and we’ll consider it for publication in the following Friday edition. Submissions should be clear, engaging, and relevant to our audience.

Word Of The Week!

This week's word is "benevolence".

Definition: Benevolence is the quality of being kind, generous, and having a genuine desire to help others. It reflects an attitude of goodwill, compassion, and selflessness, often expressed through acts of charity, support, or consideration for people's well-being.

Reason: We have chosen benevolence because it highlights the importance of kindness, generosity, and goodwill - especially as students, teachers, and colleagues come back together after half-term. In these final seven weeks of the academic year, showing compassion and support for one another can make a real difference, whether it's encouraging Year 11 students during their GCSE exams or fostering a positive school community.