I find myself writing this weeks ‘Whistle’ with mixed emotions.

I will start with the sad news, with the intention of being able to conclude my editorial in a positive fashion.

Many of you will already be aware of this saddening news but I thought I would share it more widely here.

Recently, Callington Community College suffered a painful and devastating loss. Becky Maitland sadly lost her battle with cancer. Becky was a brilliant maths teacher and assistant curriculum leader. She had worked at Callington Community College for 7 years. Becky was a very special person, who had time for everyone and, even whilst she was receiving treatment, she still insisted on tutoring students remotely, such was her desire to improve the life chances of children. As her husband stated, “She lived for her role.” Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

Becky was a vibrant soul; always smiling with an infectious humour and a dedication to ensuring that the children in her care were motivated, challenged and importantly, successful. She was a wonderful maths teacher, a supportive tutor, a dedicated member of the maths department and a committed member of our College community. Her passing is a terrible sadness for us all, but we are grateful to have known and worked with her and we have a multitude of wonderful memories to remember her by. 

The second piece of dreadful news is that we tragically lost a Year 13 student from Coombe Dean School on Saturday afternoon as a consequence of mis-adventure. This really is terrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, their friends and the extended Coombe Dean community at this difficult time.

In stark contrast, I’m delighted to share that when the Times Education Supplement (TES) released this year’s shortlist of winners for each category, WeST nominees were found in two sections!

Firstly, Callington Community College (CCC) has been shortlisted for Science team of the year. Callington has every right to be very proud of its science team, even more so now that it has been shortlisted for Science Team of the Year award in the TES! CCC received notification of the award on Thursday and it was printed in this week's edition of the TES. An additional 3 other schools are shortlisted and the winner will be announced on Friday 25th June at 8pm. The nomination recognises the hard work of the team and its commitment to ensuring children enjoy and continue to pursue science related careers and experiences.

Secondly, Rachel Hutchinson, Principal of Ivybridge Community College (ICC), has been shortlisted for TES Headteacher of the Year!

I am absolutely thrilled that Rachel has been shortlisted for the prestigious award of TES Headteacher of the Year. Rachel is a leader who leads by example and is never shy of going the ‘extra-mile’. Rachel exudes many qualities, some more obvious than others. Whilst Rachel possesses boundless enthusiasm and energy, clear for all to see, she is also a reflective leader.

Rachel’s dedication to her students, drive and sheer determination for all those in her care to succeed, coupled with her contagious optimism make her a more than worthy nominee in this year’s TES awards.  I wish her the very best of luck on the night!

We wish both WeST shortlisted nominations every success on the night!

Despite being just under half way through the Summer Term, we already have a keen eye on the start of the new academic year in September 2021. I am delighted to inform you of forthcoming leadership changes at three of our primary schools.

WeST is a strong family of schools. A benefit of working in the fashion that we do is the ability to scaffold professional development opportunities beyond the boundaries of a single school. During 2020-21, Mr Rob Pepper, Deputy Headteacher at Yealmpton Primary School, was seconded to support Buckfastleigh Primary School. At the end of this academic year, Mr Pepper’s secondment comes to an end and he would have returned to his previous post. However, with Ms Louise Young retiring as Headteacher of Yealmpton after 14 years of headship, Mr Pepper will return in September as Acting Headteacher.

Since November last year, Mrs Susie Evans has been supporting the leadership of Sherford Vale School as Interim Headteacher. I am pleased to confirm that Mrs Susie Evans’ arrangement has been formalised and she has been appointed as Headteacher of Sherford Vale School on a permanent basis. Her appointment will bring Sherford Vale stability since she has already established an understanding of the school, its children and staff.

Mrs Evans’ deployment to Sherford also provided experience and exposure to headship for Mrs Lyn Chamberlain and Mrs Susie Jackson as Acting Headteachers during Mrs Evans’ absence. I am delighted that Mrs Chamberlain will continue leading the school from September with Mrs Jackson as Deputy Headteacher. This provides ongoing leadership, stability and continuity at Wembury Primary School.

I hope you all have a great week.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Refreshing our WeST Core Service Values – your views are important to us

For the past few months the ELT have been developing a project on refreshing the values that shape the way we all work in our unique schools and business units. 

As part of this project, we want to know what values are the most important to you and that we should hold at the core of WeST as we work collectively to improve the life chances of children. 

Over the next couple of weeks, we invite you to take part in our journey to revisit and refresh the values that will resonate across the Trust and that we can live through our day-to-day work.

A presentation, supporting materials and an exercise sheet have been shared with your senior leaders; please make sure to participate and let us have your views.  It is really important to us that we receive feedback from as many of you as possible.

To submit your answers, follow the link here or scan the QR code below.  

The deadline is May 24th, so please make sure you have submitted your answers.

 

Covid - 19 Update

Lockdown easing

This week, the majority of the indoor and remaining outdoor businesses have reopened, and the numbers of people allowed to meet up is now six people or two households indoors and up to 30 people outdoors. Guidance for close contact between friends and family has also changed, with people allowed to exercise their own personal judgement on close contact such as hugging. 

Remember to keep social distancing, continue to wash your hands and wear face coverings where required. Remember to take a test twice a week- there are a number of locations where people can pick up free testing kits or order them online. For more information on where to go for a testing kit, please go here. 

Secondment Opportunity - Assistant Headteacher

Sherford Vale are seeking to  second an Assistant Headteacher to join the school team for the academic year 2021-22.

The person will be responsible for leading key stage 2 and supporting improvements to the curriculum and to teaching.

The post is in addition to the current staffing structure at the school and includes a teaching commitment to be determined with Susie Evans, Headteacher.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing school and contribute to rapid school improvement. It is suitable for someone who is currently in an Assistant Headteacher position, or someone looking for their first role in a leadership position after a subject leader role.

For further details and an informal chat, please contact Susie Evans at Sherford Vale. Possible informal selection procedures to take place next week.

Exiting the European Union

With the Brexit transition period complete, it’s important that our UK-based EU employees are aware of the process of making applications for the government’s EU Settlement Scheme in order that they are enabled (as EU citizens) to get the immigration status they need. The deadline for settlement status is 30th June 2021!

If you are an EU citizen, you and your family members need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme allows you and your family members to get the immigration status you will need to continue to live, work and study in the UK and you will continue to be eligible for:

  • public services, such as healthcare and schools
  • public funds and pensions
  • British citizenship, if you want to apply and meet the requirements

A summary of key points and comprehensive advice and guidance on why and how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme is available via the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-factsheet/eu-settlement-scheme-factsheet

https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families  

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns please do bring these to the attention of your senior leaders, or contact the HR team directly, so that we can ensure we provide the support you need.

Recruitment update:

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

South Dartmoor Community College and the Atrium have the following vacancies:

A highly organised, enthuastic and inspirational Year Leader. This is a full time, permanent position, with the year group to be determined on appointment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Directors of Key Stages and the Assistant Head teachers for Progress and Culture to ensure all students within their year group fulfil their potential. S/he will be a hard-working individual with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best for students. If you would like to discuss the position please contact Jen Veal, Executive Head teacher, (jveal@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Completed applications should be submitted to Cleo Perry, PA to the Executive Head teacher (cperry@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Closing Date: 21 May 2021. Interviews: 24 May 2021. 

A highly organised, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher of Computing. This is a full time, permanent contract. The successful candidate will work closely with the Maths, Business and IT team and deliver lessons and opportunities for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 students. The successful candidate will be a hard-working individual; a teacher with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best outcomes for students. If you would like to discuss the position please contact Emma Gallagher, Deputy Head teacher,  (egallagher@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Completed applications should be submitted to Cleo Perry (cperry@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk). Closing Date: Monday 24th May, 8.00am. Interviews will be held during the week beginning 24th May 2021. 

For more information on the above vacancy please go here.

Plymstock School have the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Social Science – Required from September 202. Due to promotion, Plymstock are seeking to appoint a talented, dynamic and hardworking  teacher to join their thriving and well-resourced Social Sciences department. Plymstock have the flexibility within their team to offer this post as a part-time position. Teachers within their current team are able to teach Sociology, Psychology and Criminology. Please therefore get in touch with Plymstock if you are interested in teaching any of these subjects at KS5, just email recruitment@plymstockschool.org.uk  to request that we give you a call to discuss this post. Closing Date: Friday 21 May 2021. Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 24 May 2021. 

ICT Network Manager - required as soon as possible. Permanent - 37 hours per week x All year round (52 weeks). Grade G (SCP 26-29) £30,451 to £32,910. Plymstock are looking to recruit an ICT Network Manager to develop and implement the ICT service and support function for the school collaboratively with Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST), as required by the Senior management team. The postholder will manage the optimisation of the day to day delivery of ICT services and support through a managed service model. Closing Date: 9am – Monday 7 June 2021. Interview Date: week beginning Monday 14 June – date to be confirmed. 

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

Coombe Dean School are looking for a permanent Behaviour Manager to start in September 2021. Applications are invited from suitably experienced staff to lead and manage the Behaviour Support team, to manage the learning environment in our Reflection Room.You will have a passion for working with students who have barriers to their learning which are mainly based in behaviour issues - and knowledge of how to overcome them. You will also have the credibility and experience to run our Reflection Room and work alongside staff to reintegrate students into the classroom. Closing date: 7th June 2021 9am. For more information on this job role, please go here. 

Callington Community College have the following vacancies: 

A Teaching Assistant who will work with the Student Support Team. The successful candidate will work with young people with social, emotional, mental health needs and cognition learning difficulties in order to maintain them in mainstream school. Closing date: Monday 24th May at 9am. For more information about this job role, please go here.

ICT Network Manager  who will develop and implement the ICT service and support function for the College. The post holder would take responsibility for the appropriate operational and strategic planning and be able to review, develop and improve ICT/Network systems. Closing date: Friday 4th June at 9am. For more information about this role, please go here. 

1:1 Teaching Assistant who will support a bespoke transition package from primary to secondary education. The postholder will be initially based at the child’s primary school in the locality for the remainder of the summer term before supporting them at the College from September 2021. Closing date: Friday 28 May 2021 at 9am. 

Glen Park Primary School are looking to appoint: 

  • EYFS Teaching Assistant x 1 - required to start as soon as possible
  • KS1/2 Teaching assistant x 2 - required for September 2021 

Glen Park Primary are seeking to appoint skilled Teaching Assistants to join their very supportive, hardworking and successful team. They are looking for someone to join their Early Years Foundation Stage team as soon as possible and in KS1/2 from September 2021. Glen Park are looking to appoint individuals who are team players, able to use their initiative in the classroom and help support the delivery of intervention programmes for individual and small groups of children. If you have the commitment to work in a school that is continually striving to ensure the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being, your application would be very welcome.Closing date: noon on Friday 21st May 2021. For further information, please go here. 

Ivybridge Community College are seeking the following vacancies: 

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning/Literacy. Ivybridge are looking to appoint a person with energy, enthusiasm, adaptability and a keen commitment to the development of all areas relating Teaching and Learning/Literacy. The successful candidate would be joining a College that invests in the continued professional development of teachers and proactively evaluates current educational research to ensure our students experience a full and rich curriculum. Closing date: Monday, 24 May 2021 at 9am.  The Interview selection process is scheduled to take place over two days.  This will be Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 May 2021.

Assistant Principal - Sixth Form and Careers. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious Senior Leadership Team and lead a thriving Sixth Form with approximately 500 students.  The post holder will also lead the Careers Programme across the College. Closing date: Monday 24 May at 9am. The Interview selection process is scheduled to take place over two days.  This will be Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 May 2021.

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

Stowford School are looking for the following vacancies: 

Administrative Assistant/Receptionist who will provide reception support at Stowford School as part of a busy admin team. This is a permanent position: 35 hours per week, 38 weeks per annum. For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Mrs Karen Kingscott (Senior Administrator at Stowford School) on 01752 894163. Completed applications should be submitted to headteacher@stowford.devon.sch.uk by 9am on Tuesday 25th May 2021. Interviews will take place on Thursday 27th May 2021. For more information on this post, please go here.

Class Teacher Fixed Term to 31.08.2022 - Stowford are looking for someone to join their team who will teach full time and demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for achieving both the best for the children in their class and playing their part in their successful staff team on our forward journey. The role is suitable for an EYFS practitioner with early reading, maths and phonics skills. This post is Fixed Term from 1st September 2021 to 31st August 2022. Completed applications should be submitted to headteacher@stowford.devon.sch.uk by 9am on Monday 24th May. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 26th May 2021. For more information on this job role, please go here.

Yealmpton Primary School are looking for a KS1 Teacher and KS2 Teacher to start in Sepetmber 2021. Yealmpton Primary School is looking to recruit two inspiring, dynamic and hardworking Primary Teachers to join our dedicated team working hard to achieve the very best. They are looking to appoint outstanding practitioners who are driven to raising attainment standards and encouraging children to reach their full potential. NQT will be considered. Expression of Interest: Monday 24 May noon. Interviews: Thursday 27 May. For more information, please go here.

Sherford Vale School - 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly created Westcountry Schools Trust, currently employing approximately 1500 staff and growing. Sherford Vale are a dynamic organisation with our students and staff at our heart. Due to the ongoing growth of Sherford Vale School, they currently require a number of posts. Sherford are seeking to recruit highly supportive, friendly and experienced staff. Sherford are looking for candidates who have high expectations, have a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who are flexible.

  1. Playleader Grade C Permanent part time 13.75hrs per week Monday-Friday 38 weeks per annum
  2. Caretaker Grade D Permanent 27.5 hrs per week x 52 weeks per annum (7.00-9.30am + 3.00-6.00pm)
  3. Teaching Assistant Grade C one to one Y2 Fixed term 30 hrs per week x 38 weeks per annum (8.45-12.30 + 1.00-3.15pm)
  4. Teaching Assistant Grade C one to one EYFS Fixed term 15hrs per week x 38 weeks per annum (hours to be arranged). 

For more information on the above posts, please contact the school on 01752 891795 or go to their website here.

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