A new partnership involving three Norfolk schools has been hailed as a 'positive' move by a headteacher.

North Norfolk News: Stalham Academy. Picture: Nick ButcherStalham Academy. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The Dragonfly Federation, which comprises Stalham Infant and pre-school and East Ruston Infant and pre-school, and Stalham Junior Academy, are getting together to move forward.

The federation is maintained by the Norfolk local authority while the junior academy is part of the RightforSuccess Academy sponsorship trust.

That fragmented approach with the schools being run by three different educational establishments was seen as too fragmented.

Sarah Mules will be the new Dragonfly headteacher from September while Joan Edwards, the federation's executive headteacher, is retiring.

A letter is being sent to parents and carers today setting out the changes.

The letter says: 'A decision has been made that the Dragonfly Federation and the Stalham Junior Academy will enter into a partnership before September to enable the three schools to move forward together.

'The first aim of this partnership is to focus on a secure and strong future for our partnership schools and to develop the very best educational outcomes for every child in our care.

'The first initial benefit and success of this partnership is that the RightforSuccess Academy trust has been able to provide the right future headteacher for the Dragonfly Federation from September.

'We would all like to offer a warm welcome to Sarah Mules as the new Dragonfly headteacher from September.

'At the same time we wish Joan Edwards, the valued executive headteacher of the Dragonfly Federation, a fond farewell and a happy retirement from August. Glenn Russell, an executive headteacher with the RightforSuccess Academy sponsorship trust and part of the partnership, will offer every support to Mrs Mules.'

Mr Russell, who is currently Stalham Academy headteacher, said: 'This is positive for the town and shows that the schools will be working together in a joined-up manner. It means that the children will have access to a wider range of approaches to teaching and learning, and they will benefit from more training and support.'

There are about 90 children at Stalham infants and pre-school and 40 at East Ruston Infants and pre-school.