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Happy New Year! I trust everyone enjoyed a wonderful festive season, revelling in moments with cherished family and friends. As we embrace the commencement of Term 3, I welcome you all back to what promises to be a busy five-week sprint toward February's Half Term.

In the realm of ancient Roman mythology, January draws its name from the esteemed God Janus, known as the deity presiding over beginnings and transitions. Aptly depicted with two faces, Janus symbolises the duality of looking backward while stepping forward - an emblematic reflection as we embark on this fresh school term.

Much like Janus' gaze encompassing both past and future, let's harness our great work from Terms 1 & 2, continue to focus on our key school improvement priorities, and build on what we know works well. Our collective journey, akin to Janus' vigilant gaze, encompasses retrospection to learn and forward momentum to improve further still and achieve our ambitious goals.

The new term will present many new opportunities. We are currently recruiting to the position of Headteacher at Boringdon Primary School and will shortly be seeking to appoint to other leadership positions within our schools. Furthermore, we will soon open recruitment for additional HAB members to fulfil the strengthened role of local governance. Finally, the window for applications to participate in a NPQ is still open.

Together, let us channel the spirit of Janus as we navigate Term 3, fostering collaboration and craft a prosperous path forward for our staff, children, and communities.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Changes to National Insurance Rates

The government has announced a 2% cut to the main rate of Class 1 employee NICs from 12% to 10% from 6 January 2024; further information is available here.

We are working with our payroll provider to ensure staff will benefit from these changes in January's pay.

Flu Vaccinations 2023/2024

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to offer staff access to flu jab vaccinations this winter.


Following your feedback and market research, this year we have partnered with Doctorcall to deliver a limited number of flu vaccination vouchers to use at participating pharmacies. These vouchers are provided at no cost to staff members and we encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab.

 

To request your flu vaccination
voucher, please visit here or
scan this QR code:

 

Flu vouchers can be used at one of the Doctorcall participating pharmacies, which include Tesco, Day Lewis, +Well and Asda.


To find a pharmacy near you and to book your appointment at a time and date which suits you, please visit: https://doctorcall.co.uk/pharmacy-finder


Please note if you would like to book with a +Well Pharmacy there are more location options listed directly on their website https://services.well.co.uk/
Flu vouchers are redeemable until 31 March.

For further information please contact WeST HR via hr@westst.org.uk

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To access the links to sign up to the above webinars, please click here.

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WeST aims to promote a positive attitude towards menopause at work. As an employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for everyone. By treating all individuals with dignity and respect, we can create a workplace with an open and honest culture in which menopause can be discussed.

WeST recognises that employees experiencing the menopause, whether before, during or after this time of hormonal change and associated symptoms, may need additional consideration, support and adjustments.

We have developed a brief guidance note to share some key information and increase awareness. Please take a few moments to read the information available if you are a staff member affected or are a line manager for staff who may benefit from support.

Guidance on Menopause at Work: click here link

In coming weeks we hope to share more information and materials. However if you would like to join our mail list for specific menopause at WeST updates please contact hr@westst.org.uk.

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Happier January 2024

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Recruitment update:

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

Arena are looking to appoint an Outdoor Learning Wild Tribe Development Coach. They are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated coach with a minimum of a Level 3 Forest Schools Qualification or an equivalent Outdoor Learning Qualification. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

Callington Community College are seeking to fill the following vacancies: 

Teacher of English - Callington are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach English at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

Teacher of Science - We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and inspirational candidate, with outstanding inter-personal skills, to teach Science.  We would expect the successful candidate to be able to teach across Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

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

Coombe Dean are seeking to fill the following vacancies:

HLTA - Reading and Literacy Intervention - are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational HLTA. The successful candidate will be a hard-working individual with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best outcomes for students.  For more information, please click here. Closing date: 19 January 2024.

Eggbuckland Community College are seeking to fill the following vacancies:

 Casual Examination Invigilators - Successful candidates will support the exams administrators with the day-to-day operation of examination venues. Duties may include reading and/or scribing for students with special needs. Closing date: On-going.

6th Form and Careers Administrator - The post holder will provide general admin and reception services including word processing, photocopying and distribution, filing, dealing with internal and external mail and with telephone calls. They will also be required to compile student reports, chase external reports, maintain notice boards and organise meetings as necessary. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

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

Ivybridge Community College are looking to appoint a Casual Examination Invigilator. 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. A full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going.

Oreston Community Academy are seeking to fill the following vacancies: 

Permanent KS2 Teaching Assistant - Oreston are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who is adaptable. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to maintain consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 8 January 2024. 

Part-time KS2 Teaching Assistant - Oreston are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has a hunger to improve, a strong teamwork ethic and who is adaptable. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to maintain consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 8 January 2024. 

Part-time Temporary SEN Teaching Assistant - Oreston are primarily looking for an excellent practitioner who has an understanding of children’s varying SEND needs and a calm, approachable attitude towards their work. The person appointed would need the skills and qualities necessary to maintain consistently high levels of behaviour and learning. Closing date: 8 January 2024.

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

Plympton St. Maurice Primary School are seeking to appoint a Mealtime Assistant. Plympton St Maurice are looking for an enthusiastic and friendly colleague to join our lunchtime team. The successful candidate will be part of a small team monitoring the children and engaging them in positive play, whilst ensuring good behaviour. For more information, please click here. 

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Exam Invigilators - The post holders will be a confident and reassuring presence to students whilst providing supervision within an exam room. Duties will include assisting the Exams Team in ensuring examinations are carried out to the correct guidelines. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going.

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Headteacher at Boringdon Primary School. They will be required to provide and model outstanding leadership to secure its continued improvement journey, ensuring high quality education for all its students and improved standards of achievement. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 15 January 2024.

Woodford Primary School is looking to appoint a KS2 Class Teacher (Fixed Term) - Maternity Cover. Woodford are looking to appoint an inspirational classroom practitioner to cover a fixed term maternity leave starting March 2024 until 31st December 2024. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent research-based practice in curriculum and curriculum delivery with a genuine drive to achieve the highest standards for all children. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 24 January 2024.