Oliver Burwood CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust said: “We have a strong track record as a Trust of working with small Church of England Primaries, including those in Federations, and supporting them to find success. We could not be more delighted to fully welcome the Brancaster and Docking schools into our DNEAT family.”
Executive Headteacher, Mr Gavin King said: “The St Mary Federation is pleased to be joining DNEAT. As a federation of small schools, we understand the importance of being part of a larger organisation and the opportunities this brings for staff development, continued school improvement and professional networking with similar schools. We also feel that both our church schools have a lot to offer DNEAT and we look forward to making a positive impact within the organisation. The school governors applied in November 2019, because as small schools, they wanted to be part of a larger organisation which could support them in becoming more resilient to change. Both staff and parents have been very supportive of the move, as it is a good next step for the federation.”
Brancaster has 34 pupils and employs nine staff; Docking has 102 pupils and 14 staff and both schools are rated as ‘good’ in the latest Ofsted Reports.
Mr King said: “DNEAT’s former CEO, Mary Jane Edwards has been helping us understand the new systems and procedures and has introduced us to a range of professionals who work throughout the Multi Academy Trust. Many of these have in turn made appointments to see us and to provide support.”
He continued: “Our work with DNEAT included staff, leadership and governance development opportunities, remote learning and technological support, curriculum development and the opportunity to work one-to-one with leaders in this field, collaboration and school development support, auditing, development and training, business and site support including procurement and finding even greater savings, HR, legal and financial management support, well-being and support for both leaders and staff, recruitment support and preparation for interview support for our up-and-coming school leaders, and more.”