I really do hope everyone enjoyed the terrific weekend sunshine and was able to take the chance to get outside for some quality time away from school and enjoy the company of family and friends.

I start by giving a ‘shout-out’ and signposting the WeST staff survey for the final time. It is really important that your voice is heard, so please do try and find the 5 minutes needed to complete the short questionnaire – your views really do matter. The values piece that will be formed from the questionnaire output will significantly shape our work.

I would also like to say 'Thank you' to everyone in our schools for your continual commitment to health and safety and adherence to our system of controls; Monday saw the last step of the roadmap delayed for a potential further 4 weeks which will pretty much take us to the end of the academic year.

This continuation of restrictions will mean that many of our planned activities for the coming weeks will require amendment or, indeed, will not be able to happen. We are thinking carefully about the transition arrangements etc.

I return to the theme of sunshine. Thank you to those colleagues who have contributed to the development of the WeST Story Board. I fully understand that this has caused some disruption to the normal day. However, with the help of some clear blue skies, we’ve managed to capture some wonderful footage. The children from Holbeton Primary School engaging in their ‘Beach Schools’ work on Mothecombe beach springs to mind!

I’m also pleased to inform everyone that, to the best of my knowledge, governance agreement is secure from both sides and that our respective lawyers are now exchanging papers such that Eggbuckland Community College and Austin Farm Primary will merge with WeST on a formal basis on 1st July 2021. Fingers crossed.

Have a great week. 

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

 

 

 

 

 

To complete your survey visit: click here. 

Or scan this QR code:

Time is running out on your chance to share feedback in the final survey this year! Importantly, this survey also offers an opportunity for you to contribute to the final stage of our core values project.

The short survey features 13 questions to share your perspective. You can access this link on any internet enabled device or use the QR code. Results will be anonymous and every entry will be reviewed centrally. A summary of the results will be published in future editions of the Wednesday Whistle.

Please take part and let us have your feedback on this final day of the survey!

HR Update 

This Year’s Appraisals

Trust senior leaders have agreed to replicate the ‘lighter-touch’ arrangements used at the end of last year’s cycle in a further effort to reduce pressure in the system as we re-adjust over the remainder of this term and towards September. Please find attached this year's guidance document, which applies to all staff, and prepare for your appraisal meeting in accordance with your local school or business unit arrangements.  A template form is available via BlueSky and you are encouraged to use this wherever possible to record your appraisal review with your line manager. 

Covid-19 Vaccination – Get your Protective Coat, Get Vaccinated

Please find attached an infographic developed by our OH partner, Medigold. This provides information on Coronavirus vaccines. To protect yourself and protect others please do take up the offer of your vaccine when it’s made available to you.

08 Jun 2021
Apprentice Accounts Assistant
A new role has come up at WeST HQ for an Apprentice Accounts Assistant
Read more

Recruitment update:

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

Teacher at Inclusion Support Centre for Westcountry Schools Trust. This position would be to work under the guidance of the Inclusion Support Centre Coordinator to provide short term, high quality education and holistic pastoral interventions for pupils in year 7 or 8 who have been struggling to access mainstream learning. This is a Fixed Term Appointment (01/09/2021 to 31/08/2022). All applications must be submitted by Friday 18 June at 12:00pm to rwoodland@westst.org.uk. For further information, please go here. 

Inclusion Support Centre Teaching Assistant to work under the guidance of the Inclusion Support Centre Teacher to provide short term, high quality education and holistic pastoral intervention. This position would work closely with the Inclusion Support Centre Coordinator and Educational Psychologist, the teaching assistant will establish and evaluate the needs of pupils and ensure support programmes are in place, adapted and delivered to achieve the ultimate goal of successful reintegration within their home school. This is a Fixed Term Appointment (01/09/2021 to 31/08/2022). All applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 18th June to rwoodland@westst.org.uk. For further information, please go here.

English Curriculum Developer – Required from September 2021.  We are currently seeking up to two individuals to support the Executive Director of English with the development of high-quality English schemes and resources.  This exciting role will provide either two successful applicants with one day per week each to help accelerate the process of making the WeST English vision a reality, or one successful applicant with two days per week.  The role is open to current English teachers.  Please note that as the time for the role will be backfilled internally, potential applicants should first consult their Head to ensure that this capacity is present; for staff who are currently part-time, we would be happy to consider this role as a day (or two) in addition to your current arrangement.  The position will run up to 31st March in the first instance with the possibility of extension beyond to 31st August 2022.  Job description and person specification are available via English HoDs.  If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Scott Davies, Executive Director of English (sdavies@westst.org.uk).  Applications should take the form of a covering letter (up to 700 words) outlining your suitability for the role.  Closing Date: Monday 21st June.

Forensic Reading Curriculum Developer – Required from September 2021.  We are currently seeking an individual to support the Executive Director of English with the development of schemes and resources for Forensic Reading.  This exciting role will provide the successful applicant with one day per week to help accelerate the process of making the Forensic Reading vision a reality and is open to existing Forensic Reading Leads.  Please note that as the time for the role will be backfilled internally, potential applicants should first consult their Head to ensure that this capacity is present; for staff who are currently part-time, we would be happy to consider this role as a day in addition to your current arrangement.  If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Scott Davies, Executive Director of English (sdavies@westst.org.uk).  Applications should take the form of a covering letter (up to 700 words) outlining your suitability for the role.  Closing Date: Monday 21st June.

South Dartmoor Community College is seeking to appoint a highly organised, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher of Physical Education. This is a part-time, fixed term contract for up to one year. The successful candidate must be able to deliver the PE curriculum to a high level, across different sports, and will work closely with the PE team to 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.  For more information on this role, please go here. Closing Date: Wednesday 30 June, 8.00 am.

SECONDARY INTERVENTION TEACHER – Required from September 2021. Plymstock School are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging teacher who has experience of working in a primary setting, to work with small groups of children who join the school working well below age related expectations, in order to provide a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students.  Applications are very welcome from experienced colleagues, or applications from NQTs who can demonstrate that they have the potential to become outstanding teachers. Closing Date: 9am – Monday 28 June 2021. Interview Date: week commencing Monday 5 July 2021

Woodford Primary School 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 from September 2021. Woodford 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. For more information on this job role, please go here. Closing date: noon on Friday 25th June 2021. Interviews: Wednesday 7th July 2021. 

Coombe Dean School are seeking to appoint a Part-time (0.5 FTE) Teacher of Maths required from September 2021. This is an opportunity for an experienced mathematics teacher or an ambitious NQT to join a vibrant and forward-looking teaching community – a place where success is built on positive relationships and where young people are inspired to become confident, curious learners. The Mathematics Department at Coombe Dean is a supportive team with a track record of strong academic results. In lessons, expectations are high and students take pride in their work. For more information on this role, please go here. Closing date: 18th June 2021 09:00 AM. 

Oreston Community Academy are looking for an enthusiastic Play Worker to join their friendly and supportive holiday club team. This club runs from 8am - 5.30pm for children aged 3-11 years from Oreston Community Academy. The club’s primary role is to ensure that children have a safe and secure environment at the same time as providing a high level of care for the children attending the club. If you are interested in the post, please contact to arrange a visit on 01752 402050 or email admin@oreston.com. An application form and further details are available from the school website here. Closing date: Monday 21st June 9am. Interview date: Monday 28th June 2021. 

Buckfastleigh Primary School are looking for a teacher with a positive attitude and great sense of humour to join their team. The post offers a brilliant opportunity to play a major role in developing the school and influencing school improvement. For more information please go here or email the administrator Kirsty Sparks if you would like to arrange an informal chat about the school with a member of the senior leadership team – admin@buckfastleigh.devon.sch.uk. Closing date: Midday Thursday 17th June. Interview date: Tuesday 22nd June.  

Follow us on Social Media for the latest updates: