DNEAT MAT News

Staff and children at Caston Church of England Primary Academy, part of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), are celebrating its Ofsted report which has been recognised as ‘Good’ across every criteria.

The report, which is the school’s first inspection since it joined the Trust in 2020, praises the ‘high expectations’, ‘ambitious curriculum’ and opportunities open to everyone.

Sarah Disney, Executive Headteacher of Caston Church of England Primary School said: “This is Caston’s first Ofsted since becoming a DNEAT Academy and I couldn’t be prouder of my staff team. The ‘Good’ mark shows the inspectors’ recognition of the sustained drive and outstanding commitment that I see every day in classrooms, on the playground and across our school community.”

She added: ““I’m particularly delighted that our focussed work to develop a curriculum that is ambitious and inclusive for every child has been celebrated. Every member of staff, our children, families, governors and volunteers, can feel pride and ownership in this report. I thank them all for their consistent support, which is so valued.”

Inspectors highlighted that ‘pupils are happy at this small and welcoming school’ and ‘welcome new pupils to the school warmly.’

Pupil, Charlie joined Caston a year ago and he said: “I wanted to move school and I made friends here really quickly. I enjoy swimming lessons and playing football at lunchtime. I’ve had loads of help with maths and swimming and am more confident now. I play my guitar at class events.”

Highlights of the Ofsted reports include that the school is welcoming and it has high ambitions for pupils’ academic and social development with a focus on being inclusive, tolerant, good behaviour and reading.  The report acknowledges that the school has worked hard to redevelop its curriculum over the last two years which has resulted in an ambitious curriculum that focuses precisely on the knowledge that pupils need to learn and the teachers have strong subject knowledge and typically teach the curriculum well.

Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust said: “We are delighted with the fantastic recognition this report gives to Caston. Sarah Disney and her team have worked so hard to make this school a great place for children and the report illustrates this well. As a trust we are proud that we have a strong track record in supporting small schools across Norfolk to find success.”

Children are currently busy redeveloping the school garden, ready for a busy spring, and a new Teracycle public recycling hub will be launched soon. Along the way they are learning more about the environment and the children hope to be able to share the fruits of their labours including apples, soft fruit and vegetables with the community.

There are lots of opportunities to visit Caston, including Stay and Play sessions for any pre-schoolers every Monday 1.50-2.50pm.