Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope everyone enjoyed the Half-Term break and have returned suitably refreshed for the busy weeks that lie ahead. Term 2, as is always the case, will certainly be very busy.

Good luck to all our Year 11 pupils who have commenced their Series 1 mock examinations. This period is crucial in scaffolding their journey to their GCSE examinations as they strive to reach their ambitious academic goals.

On Monday 4 November, we welcomed Jon Galling, Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Strategic Lead from Devon, to conduct an external review of our culture of safeguarding. Jon worked with members of the core team, school leaders, and staff from Morley Meadow Primary School and Coombe Dean School to investigate how well our policies and procedures around dealing with ‘low level concerns’ and ‘whistleblowing’ are understood. Overall, Jon was positive about the culture that has been created across WeST. This is down to all of us understanding we have a responsibility for safeguarding and that ‘it could [and does] happen here’. He also provided some useful suggestions for how we can develop our systems to provide even better follow-up where there have been investigations and how we can better report on this to those in governance.

It was wonderful to see our EYFS network, led by Hannah Ocean, meet to share and develop our professional practice. The importance of our work in the EYFS cannot be underestimated. The EYFS Network meeting focused on the "Uniqueness of Curriculum Design." The agenda included discussions on the definition of curriculum, its ambitious features, and practical implementation in schools. Key points covered were the importance of a shared curriculum vision, the need for a broad and balanced curriculum, and strategies to ensure high expectations for all children. The meeting emphasised understanding the world and building children's knowledge, skills, and vocabulary through meaningful and relevant experiences. This reflects our Trust's core values of aspiration and collaboration, as we work together to provide the best start for our young learners.

Tuesday 5 November saw our Primary Headteachers meet for their termly in-person briefing. Amy Pearce led a session on the importance of high-quality teaching on a daily basis and how this is a key vehicle in addressing barriers faced by our under-resourced children. The theme of improving outcomes for our vulnerable children continued with external input from Matt Middlemore – DCEO of Kernow Learning Trust. Matt shared the strategies and approaches adopted by schools within Kernow Learning Trust and the associated impact on outcomes. Our focus on high-quality teaching and support for vulnerable children underscores our commitment to aspiration – ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

I close with the super news that our central administrative team, led by the incredible Heather Greaves, is now back to full capacity with the arrival of Gail Mallard. I'm sure you will extend a warm welcome to Gail.

As we navigate through Term 2, let us keep in mind the themes of new starts and striving to reach our goals. Whether it’s our Year 11 pupils tackling their mock exams, our teachers refining their practice, or our administrative team supporting our operations, every effort counts. Together, we embody the values of aspiration and collaboration, working unitedly towards a brighter future for all within our Trust.

Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

New Ways November