Dolphinholme Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Overall, progress is excellent for pupils of all ability. Attainment when pupils leave Year 6 is high, especially in mathematics.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage make a very good start in reading, writing and number work. The outdoor space is very small and the experiences available are not as rich as those indoors. Teaching overall is outstanding.

The focus is always on making lessons interesting and enjoyable. Teachers set work at the correct level for pupils, although on occasions the more able pupils could get to harder work more quickly. Visitors are truly welcomed to this school.

Pupils are extremely p...olite and show great respect for each other. Behaviour is exemplary and pupils feel very safe. Outstanding promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development makes a substantial contribution to their exceptional personal development.

Pupils experience a rich and exciting curriculum, and attainment is high in many subjects. Design and technology models made by Year 6 pupils are amazing. A love of nature is nurtured in lessons and by exploration of the beautiful area that surrounds the school.

Leadership has gone from strength to strength with increased commitment to working as a team. All agree on actions to raise pupils' attainment even higher and changes are applied consistently by all staff. As a result, pupils' achievement and the quality of teaching have improved.

Governors play a full and active role in leading the school forward. They are regular visitors, both formally and informally, and know exactly what is going on regarding both pupils' progress and teaching. Parents are very positive about the school.

Many activities provided by the school unite the village. Local people support the school in practical ways, as well as sharing their skills and experiences with pupils.

Information about this school

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school.

No pupils are currently from minority ethnic groups. The school currently has no pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding provided for children in local authority care, those from service families and those known to be eligible for free school meals). However, the school receives the pupil premium for a very small number of pupils who were known to be eligible for free school meals in the past.

This number is much lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action is below average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. The school has a new headteacher since the previous inspection. The school has achieved several awards including Eco school award, the Activemark and Healthy School status.