Plans are being made for two schools near Dereham to unite as a federation.

The move to bring together Toftwood Infant School and Toftwood Junior School would 'ensure consistently high standards of care and education', according to the governors of both schools.

Letters announcing the plans have been sent to parents and a formal consultation process will begin after the February half-term.

Robin Turner, head teacher at Toftwood Junior School, is due to retire at the end of the academic year and the proposals would see Toftwood Infant School head teacher Jo Pedlow become executive head teacher of both schools.

Extensive discussions over the proposals have already taken place between the governing boards of both schools and local authority advisors.

In a joint statement, Jill Smith, chairman of governors at Toftwood Junior School and Paul Smith, chairman of governors at Toftwood Infant School, said: 'The governing boards feel that this will enable staff to support the journey of each child from their arrival in nursery or reception, through to year six, and will ensure consistently high standards of care and education.

'It will also provide families with the security of continuity for their child's provision within the community.

'Both governing boards believe that this is a positive step to link the two schools formally and, as a result, improve outcomes for all of the children within our shared community.

'In particular, we are looking forward to the opportunity to work closely together for the benefit of the children in both schools as they move through their education.

'The required formal consultation process will begin after February half term, at the end of which the governing boards will be in a position to provide further information to the local community.

'In the meantime both Mr Turner and Mrs Pedlow will continue to work closely together to ensure a smooth transition for the pupils and their families in September.'