Dear All,

This has been a momentous week once again. The sad news of Captain Tom Moore’s death came on the same day that the Oxford vaccine was shown to slow the spread of Covid 19. The government continues to make noises about the reopening of schools but have repeated their commitment to two weeks’ notice being given.

Remote learning and face to face teaching continues apace, along with all other aspects of school life. Once again school leaders have received compliments from parents and families. 

As I am sure you are now aware, the South Devon University Technical College has now joined Education South West. The UTC chose to join ESW over and above offers from a number of trusts. Having the UTC within ESW enables us to better support the children in our communities. We will also be able to further develop its current offer of high quality, employer led technical and vocational education including the Royal Navy, South West Water, Babcock, the Environment Agency and MB Aerospace, Proud to Care, Exeter University, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.  The UTC will be headed by Executive Headteacher Rob Coles, and will be led on a day to day basis by Head of Campus, Claire Plumb.

Also this week we have been continuing to conduct recruitment interviews across our schools for a number of positions, including the role of Headteacher at Rydon Primary.  As soon as decisions are made we will let you know.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Paul Girardot who has been appointed Associate Director of Primary Curriculum.

Thank you once again for all that you are doing.

Have  good weekend when it comes!

Best wishes, Matthew