Dear Colleagues, 

Welcome to this week’s edition of the ‘Whistle’.

This week has been a testament to what we can achieve when we work in partnership, learn from one another, and lift each other up.

Our Early Career Teacher (ECT) Conference brought new teachers from across the Trust together for a day dedicated not just to inspiration and practical training, but also to forging the lasting connections that underpin successful teaching. The Early Career Framework (ECF), delivered in partnership with Ambition Institute, provided both a warm welcome and a solid foundation for professional growth. Through sessions on curriculum design, pedagogy, and pastoral care, our new colleagues discovered the power of working closely with mentors and peers. This collaborative spirit helps our new teachers feel confident, supported, and able to thrive – because together, we shape the bright futures for the children in our care.

At this week’s Teaching and Learning Leads meeting, we celebrated recent successes and set bold priorities for the year ahead. Our focus on embedding high-quality direct instruction, raising attainment, and securing equity for disadvantaged children is only possible thanks to the collective wisdom and dedication of our collective team. Updates on improvements in English and Maths outcomes reflected the impact of targeted, team-driven strategies. The conversations and shared reflections underscored that meaningful progress comes from pooling our strengths, setting ambitious goals together, and supporting one another to ensure every classroom is a place where children flourish.

This week also saw Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENDCos) from across the South West unite for our NPQSENDCo Conference. Led by Caroline Kearney and Becci John, the event was an inspiring example of collaborative leadership. SENDCos explored the latest SEND legislation, effective strategic approaches, and evidence-informed strategies, all while building valuable networks. By sharing experiences and best practices, these dedicated colleagues strengthened their ability to champion inclusion and drive positive change. Our Trust’s commitment to empowering SENDCos is rooted in the belief that when we work together, we can create supportive environments where every child thrives.

Friday saw colleagues gathered for Fresh Start training led by Scott Davies, Executive Director of English. This session focused on equipping staff to deliver the Fresh Start phonics programme with fidelity, supporting older students as they build strong reading foundations. The collaborative atmosphere was palpable: attendees exchanged practical routines, shared insights, and discussed tailored interventions to maximise impact. Guided by Scott’s expertise and the enthusiasm of all involved, we are now poised to help every child make rapid progress – demonstrating, once again, the power of working as one.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards,

Rob

Rob Haring

CEO

Word Of The Week!

This week's word is "Alchemy".

Definition: Alchemy refers to a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.
Reason: The reason we have chosen Alchemy as out Word of the Week is because it beautifully captures the spirit of growth, learning, and transformation – which are all core values in the education industry. 

Paediatric First Aid Training at WeST HQ

Mark Johnson from Elite Training will be leading a comprehensive Paediatric First Aid course at WeST HQ. This one-day, in-person workshop is followed by a second day of guided self-study to consolidate your understanding and ensure you feel confident responding in any early years setting.

Training Details:

• Date: Friday 24 October 2025
• Location: WeST HQ, PL97GN, 51 Encombe Street
• One full day in-person
• One self-study day

Registration and Logistics
Spaces are limited, so please register early. To secure your place:

•  Email markjohnson@elite-training.org.uk with your name, role, and school.
•  Include any access requirements or special considerations.
• Await confirmation and pre-course materials.

Paediatric First Aid certification is a valuable professional credential that not only meets statutory requirements but also provides peace of mind. By completing this course, you’ll be better prepared to keep our youngest learners safe and cared for in any situation.

Flu Vaccination Vouchers

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to enhance the NHS free flu vaccination by offering staff  access to flu vaccinations this winter. Last year we issued over 230 flu jab vaccination vouchers to staff members across the WeST network! This year we have partnered with H&G Healthcare to deliver flu vaccinations at on-site clinics within the Trust. These vaccinations are provided at no cost to staff members and we encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab via one of these pathways:

Flu vaccination voucher

To be used at one of the participating pharmacies (Found here: Receiving Your Vaccination - Flu Vouchers ) You are able to book an appointment at a time and location that suits you, pharmacies include Tesco, Day Lewis, ⁺Well and Asda. To request your flu vaccination voucher, please visit WeST Seasonal Flu Vaccination Request Form 2025/2026 or scan the QR Code below. 

Flu vaccination at one of our WeST sites

Following on from last year, you also have the opportunity to receive a vaccination at one of our sites in the Trust. The clinics are located:

 Coombe Dean School, 22^nd October 2025, 7am - 11am

Plymstock School  23^rd October 2025, 9am - 4pm

Deadline to book your appointment: 24^th  September 2025 at 8am

Please note if you wish to receive a vaccination via this method, you will need to book an appointment. Flu vaccination clinics are on a ‘first come first serve’  basis, on the specified dates and times only.

Please complete this form (https://forms.office.com/e/DcU0HkCMaP) or scan the QR code and a member of the HR Team will contact you with further information on how you can book your appointment.

Important Data Protection information - Action needed by all staff

Our email storage policy is changing. From January 2026, no email will be stored in Microsoft Outlook for longer than 2 years. This means that:

• All emails of 2 years old or more will be automatically deleted from Outlook on 6 January 2026.

• From then onwards, all emails will be automatically deleted from Outlook 2 years after you receive them.

All staff using Microsoft email need to back up essential emails and/or attachments that are needed long-term to an appropriate storage area (like OneDrive).

The deadline to complete this before the Christmas holiday is 18 December 2025. 

Any emails not backed-up outside of Outlook by then will be lost permanently.

Please click here to see our detailed guidance.

(For now, Callington and Chaddlewood staff using Google Mail rather than Microsoft are exempt, but this will apply when your email is transferred to Microsoft in the future. Separate Google Mail guidance will follow, but consider proactively backing up any important emails from now on.)

Please start thinking and acting on this as soon as possible! Once you have read the guidance linked above, if you are concerned or confused please book onto a support session using the form at the bottom of the guidance page.