Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Outstanding leadership and management and excellent relationships underpin the school's success.

Leadership from the headteacher is resolute and determined. Teaching and pupils' achievement have improved considerably since the last inspection. The uncompromising vision of a school at the heart of its community and the mission to 'nurture a lifelong love of learning' are met very effectively.

Teaching is outstanding. Lessons are highly motivating because teachers link subjects together very effectively to make learning relevant. Within the innovative curriculum, the provision for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural devel...opment is outstanding.

All parents and carers who responded in Parent View agree that their children are happy, safe and taught well in school. All would recommend the school to others. Pupils make rapid and sustained progress from generally average starting points.

By the time they leave at the end of Year 6, attainment is at a much higher level than found nationally. For example, in mathematics, pupils are a year and a term ahead of pupils nationally. Almost all disabled pupils and those with special educational needs make similar progress to their peers.

A very small number make good rather than outstanding progress. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. Enthusiasm and perseverance are key features of pupils' exceptionally positive attitudes to learning.

Their excellent social skills, good manners and respect for others prepare them very well for their futures.

Information about this school

This is a smaller-than-average primary school serving the local community. It has seven classes.

A third of the pupils live out of the school's catchment area. Since the last inspection, there has been a change of over half the teaching staff and the appointment of a deputy headteacher. The proportion of pupils supported through school action plus and with a statement of special educational needs is well below average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action is average. There is a below-average proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium. The school meets the current floor standards, which set the government's minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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