DNEAT MAT News

Sandringham and West Newton Church of England Primary Academy, part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), has received an overall effectiveness ‘good’ rating.

The school which has 86 pupils from ages four to 11 received an impromptu two-day onsite inspector visit carried out on 10^th and 11^th January 2023.

The glowing report considers the overall effectiveness, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, the early years provision to be ‘good’ and the academies’ personal development to be ‘outstanding.’

Highlights from the inspector’s report includes that ‘pupils behave extremely well and that the school environment is calm and purposeful. Pupils of all ages get on well together. The playground and dinner hall are full of smiles and happy faces and pupils benefit enormously from the extremely well-considered personal development programme.”

The inspector noted that ‘trustees, members of the local governing board (LGB) and trust leaders work in harmony to provide effective challenge and support for leaders. They hold the view that every pupil counts and strive to ensure that the school provides the best it can.”

Mrs Jane Gardener, Executive Headteacher of Sandringham and West Newton Church of England Primary Academy said: “I couldn’t be more delighted with the result of our recent Ofsted inspection. It was heartening to see that the inspectors could feel and see evidence of the wonderful atmosphere of our fabulous school, reporting that “The culture of mutual respect makes the school a happy and harmonious place. Pupils live up to the high expectations adults have for them. They learn well, developing into kind, caring and responsible young people by the time they leave the school.”

Mrs Gardener added: “I am so blessed to have such an incredible team, who all work so hard every day to make the school the wonderful place that it is, it really is a joy to work here and our amazing children and families are instrumental in creating such a warm and friendly atmosphere. We were especially delighted to receive an outstanding grade for the Personal development of our children; preparing children for life and for the next stage in their education is fundamental to our role and we were so pleased that excellence in this area in particular was recognised.”

Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust said: “This is an excellent report and reflects well the work of the team at Sandringham, who have ensured this is a caring and exciting school for children to attend. It also reflects the strong track record of The Trust in supporting small schools in the Diocese of Norwich to success. We are proud of everyone at the school, which continues to offer an excellent education under the determined leadership of Jane Gardener and her Deputy, Catherine King.”