St Benet’s MAT News

As well as inspections by education regulator Ofsted, Church of England schools also undergo a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) every five years.

Diss Church of England Junior Academy’s SIAMS report was complementary throughout in its praise for the school, adding ‘Staff, actively supported by leaders, work tirelessly to ensure that the school is a place of dignity and inclusion’.

It said: “Leaders are ambitious for their pupils. They are strongly motivated by the vision to express love in action. They do this by guiding pupils to manage their emotions, to care for and value one another and build community. Well-trained staff expertly apply restorative behaviour practices. Pupils are confident that their voices will be heard in any conflict.”

The context of school is made up of pupils with above the national average in special educational needs (SEN), English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Pupil Premium.

Jane Trampnow, who carried out the inspection in June, added: “Wellbeing is at the core of the school’s approach and the pastoral and mental health offer is extensive. This means that pupils and staff know that they have somewhere to turn to in times of need. As a result, the vision to promote an atmosphere of warmth and care is fulfilled. Parents from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs remark that they are treated with respect. They are supported in their own faith practices.”

Diss CofE Junior Academy Executive Headteacher, Jo Cerullo, was praised in the SIAMS report as, ‘[striving] to promote a culture in which life can be immeasurably more than imagined.’

Mrs Cerullo said: “I am so pleased that Jane was able to recognise and bear witness to the heart of our school.  I still feel privileged every day to be part of such a dedicated workforce and welcoming community, who always go above and beyond to ensure all children get the most out of school.”