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Two Waveney Valley primary schools federate

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After a month into the new school year Dickleburgh Church of England Primary Academy and Garboldisham Church Academy have seen a smooth transition with a successful new leadership team in place.

Mrs Moira Croskell, headteacher of Dickleburgh has been appointed Executive Headteacher of both schools said: “Now a month into the new leadership team and the merging of the primary schools, we already see a positive impact.  We have received positive feedback and support from parents and staff of both schools. We have been able to take some of the strong policies and practices at Dickleburgh over to Garboldisham to develop a balanced, progressive and consistent curriculum and likewise, Dickleburgh have taken on some of the successful teaching resources used at Garboldisham.

“Teaching and support staff in both schools are working jointly with the other MAT schools to develop a mastery approach to teaching English, and the joint effort allows staff to support each other and share ideas. This all benefits the children in both schools back in the classroom.

“The middle leadership team, of curriculum subject leads, are working together to develop plans, resources and skills in their respective subjects, thus building a strong foundation for the pupils’ learning. This joint working and supporting is definitely one of the major strengths of this partnership.”

Working alongside Mrs Croskell is a team of Assistant Headteachers. All four senior leaders are working across both schools. Mrs Pippa Delaine is an Executive Assistant Headteacher based at both schools and is also the SENDCo for both. Mr Alec Sanders is the Assistant Headteacher based at Dickleburgh and Mr Alex Boothby is the Assistant Headteacher based at Garboldisham.

Currently, there are 192 pupils at Dickleburgh with an additional 44 in their Pre-School and a total of 34 staff and at Garboldisham there are 91 pupils with 15 members of staff.

Richard Cranmer CEO of St Benet’s Multi Academy Trust said: “Collaborative and innovative approaches to leadership and developing the curriculum have already enhanced the provision for the children at Garboldisham Primary and this has and always will be, our over-arching aim. In addition, the federation has provided excellent career development opportunities for the staff at Dickleburgh to extend their leadership skills beyond their own setting, enabling even more children to thrive in a culture of high aspiration.”