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Dear Colleagues,

The Spring term has certainly started with a flurry of activity.  Highlights from this week include:

EYFS Meeting - On Tuesday, Early Years practitioners gathered for the "Uniqueness of Curriculum Design: Expressive Arts and Design" network meeting. This insightful session focused on crafting ambitious, meaningful curriculums tailored to young learners. A huge thank you to Hannah Ocean, our EYFS Primary School Improvement Advisor. 

Teaching & learning Leads Meeting - Teaching and Learning Leads convened for a session focused on refining instructional practices and ensuring excellence across schools. The agenda included presentations and discussions on impactful teaching strategies, quality assurance, and collaborative curriculum planning. This was a brilliant session, led by Nat Parnell, Brad Nash and Amy Pearce. 

Other activities this week included: 

  • PE Leads Meeting – led by Michelle Roberts from Arena Sports Partnership
  • RWInc Training
  • Joint Headteachers Meeting

I close this week’s edition of the ‘Whistle’ with mixed emotions as I announce my decision to retire from my role at WeST on 31st December 2025. After many fulfilling years of service, this decision was not made lightly, but I believe now is an ideal time to pass the baton to the next incumbent.

Throughout my tenure, I have been deeply honoured to work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals. The progress and achievements we have made together have been extremely heartening, and I am confident that the future holds even greater successes for WeST.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and commitment. The coming months will be a time of transition, and I look forward to working with you all to ensure a smooth and seamless handover.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

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Book your FREE space now: Westcountry Schools Trust - Upcoming Events

The September 2025 Training Programme is open to anyone who might have an interest in becoming a teacher, has a degree or equivalent and has permission to work in the UK before their training begins. You might be:

  • A recent graduate looking for the first step in your career.
  • A teaching assistant looking to transition into teaching your own class.
  • Looking for a completely new career path.
  • We welcome candidates of all ages, from all backgrounds, and with all types of experience.

More information on the programme can be found here. Applications are now open and interviews are underway! 

Policy Update 

We have recently updated our Drugs and Alcohol Policy to ensure it remains clear, comprehensive, and aligned with current best practices. This update reinforces our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Please take a moment to review the updated policy, available here, and feel free to reach out with any questions. 

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Flu Vaccinations - 2024/2025

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to offer staff access to flu jab vaccinations this winter. Last year we issued over 350 flu jab vaccination vouchers to staff members across the WeST network!

Following your feedback, this year we have partnered with Doctorcall to deliver a number of e-voucher flu vaccinations via participating pharmacies. 

These vaccinations are provided at no cost to staff members and we encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab.

Flu vaccination voucher
To request you flu vaccination voucher, please visit here or scan this QR code:
Vouchers are to be used at one of the participating pharmacies (Found here: https://doctorcall.co.uk/pharmacy-finder).


 

 

 

 

You will be able to book an appointment at a time and location that suits you.
Pharmacies include Tesco, Day Lewis, +Well and Asda.

Now open to all staff members, regardless of eligibility. 

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

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Happier January 

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Recruitment update:

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

Ashburton Primary School is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to join their dedicated Senior Leadership Team in the role of Deputy Headteacher. The Deputy Headteacher will be required to support the Headteacher on a day-to-day basis with the leadership of the school and with the delivery of the WeST strategic direction, to optimise learning for all children and work cooperatively with colleagues in the implementation of making our school an even better place to learn and work. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 7 February 2025.    

Austin Farm Academy are looking to appoint an inspirational 0.6 EYFS/Year 1 classroom practitioner to join their EYFS/Year 1 team. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent research-based practice in the EYFS and Year 1 curriculums and a genuine drive to achieve the highest standards for all children at Austin Farm Academy. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 3 February 2025. 

Coombe Dean School are looking to appoint a Subject Leader of Maths. The core purpose of the role is to ensure a high quality curriculum within Maths that is implemented expertly and consistently and to take an active role in the wider leadership of the school in pursuit of our key development and improvement priorities. For more information on the above vacancies, please click here. Closing date: 28 February 2025. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Casual Examinations Invigilators - 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. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Closing date: 18 July 2025. 

Teaching Assistant Grade B - The post holder will work under supervision and direction, usually within the classroom providing general support and assistance as part of a professional team, through the organisation and day to day maintenance of teaching resources and administrative support. Closing date: 27 January 2025. 

Premises and Transport Manager - The Premises and Transport Manager will proactively manage the school’s facilities and grounds, ensuring they are safe, secure, well-maintained, and supportive of high-quality teaching and learning. Closing date: 27 January 2025. 

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

Plymstock School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Behaviour Coordinator – Under the direction of their Line Manager, within an agreed system of supervision, the postholder will be responsible for the effective day-to-day organisation, coordination, supervision of students and support of the Reset and Internal Reflection rooms (CORE rooms).  Implementing agreed work programmes with individuals/groups, in or out of the classroom/CORE rooms. Closing date: 27 January 2025. 

Reprographics Assistant (maternity cover) – The successful candidate will assist with the provision of the whole school reprographics, producing materials for teaching/presentation purposes and also offering a design service. Closing date: 20 January 2025. 

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

Sherford Vale School are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to join us as Headteacher. Someone who will uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. In doing so, you will have the full support of a committed team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff and senior leaders, and be fully supported in your role through professional development opportunities and by the Trust's Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Director of Education and local governance. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 20 January 2025. 

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