Dame Dorothy Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is a good school. It is not yet outstanding because the curriculum, although good, is not fully developed to provide outstanding opportunities for learning, poor attendance slows the progress of some pupils and teaching is good, rather than outstanding. Nevertheless, the school continues to improve.

It is led very well by the headteacher whose high expectations and relentless focus on improving teaching and learning are shared by governors and all staff. Children enter the Nursery with skills which are below those typical for their age. They make good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage, particularly in developing literacy skills as a result of the high-quality phonics teaching they recei...ve.

They achieve well in Key Stages 1 and 2 so their attainment is broadly average when they leave Year 6. Teaching and learning are good. In the most effective lessons teachers ask very perceptive questions and pupils have many opportunities to assess their own and each other's work.

In lessons where the pace of learning is slightly slower, questioning is less challenging and opportunities for self-assessment are fewer. Pupils' behaviour is typically good. They are polite and respectful to staff and to each other and kind to visitors.

They, and their parents and carers, feel that the school is a safe place to be. Attendance is improving and is now average. However, poor attendance remains a barrier to learning for some pupils.

High-quality marking of pupils' work and better tracking of their progress have brought about improvements in pupils' achievement since the last inspection. Good leadership of teaching and learning, effective performance management of staff and high-quality professional development are all contributing to the school's good and growing capacity to improve further.

Information about the school

This is a below average-sized primary school.

A well above average proportion of pupils is known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above average, as is that of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs who are supported by School Action is below average while that of pupils who have statements of special educational need is well below average.

The school meets the government's current floor standard which sets out the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. It has gained Healthy School status. A well above average proportion of pupils joins and leaves the school other than at the usual time.

St Peter's Day Care Nursery is managed by the governing body and was inspected as a part of the school inspection. A Children's Centre shares the school site. Breakfast- and after-school clubs also form part of the school's extended provision.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms