Dulwich Wood Primary School, located in West Dulwich, London, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 5 and 6, 2022. The school provides a supportive and safe environment where pupils feel happy and excited to learn. The positive atmosphere is evident as students enter the school, showcasing their enthusiasm and energy. The staff are described as warm and caring, contributing to a nurturing environment that fosters kindness among pupils. Parents express satisfaction with the school's ability to create a safe and encouraging space for their children.
The leadership team and staff are dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for students. Pupils demonstrate confidence, articulate communication, and courteous behavior. Instances of low-level disruption are managed effectively by staff, ensuring a conducive learning environment. The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with pupils aware of different types of bullying and feeling comfortable approaching adults with concerns. The school promotes physical education, with pupils excelling in various sports, thanks to the enthusiastic leadership that encourages healthy living. The school has received recognition for its achievements in physical education.
The curriculum at Dulwich Wood Primary is broad and ambitious, with clear goals set by leaders for pupil achievement. Teachers employ diverse resources and strategies to engage students in their learning. The use of tools such as the 'making links tool' helps pupils connect prior knowledge with new learning experiences. Vocabulary development is a focus, aiding pupils in articulating their understanding. The school has strengths in science and physical education, and a review of the curriculum is underway to enhance the delivery of foundation subjects like computing and design technology.
Recent changes in the approach to teaching phonics and reading are positively impacting the consistency of phonics instruction. A training program is in place to enhance staff expertise in these areas, ensuring pupils acquire the necessary skills for fluent reading. Intervention sessions are utilized to support pupils in catching up on their phonics learning. The school fosters a culture of reading for pleasure, exposing pupils to a variety of books and using them to teach specific reading skills.
In mathematics, leaders have revised the sequencing of teaching mathematical skills, focusing on fluency in number and mathematical facts from the early years. Children engage in activities that promote exploration of number patterns. However, there are opportunities for improvement in the early years, as staff sometimes miss chances to deepen children's understanding through probing questions.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, have access to the curriculum. Staff utilize pre-teaching sessions to support learning and help pupils understand their strengths and weaknesses. The school environment is calm, with organized systems in place that promote positive attitudes toward learning. Pupils demonstrate concentration and effective collaboration in group activities.
Pupils engage in meaningful discussions about important issues and value their roles within the school community. They participate in various clubs and activities that enhance their learning experiences. The school emphasizes mental well-being, encouraging pupils to adopt self-care strategies.
The safeguarding arrangements at Dulwich Wood Primary are effective, with staff well-informed about their responsibilities. Pupils are knowledgeable about safety, particularly online, and engage in creative projects that reinforce safety awareness. The school maintains strong links with external agencies to support safeguarding efforts.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for continued development in certain foundation subjects. Leaders are aware of this and are actively working to ensure these subjects are effectively implemented and assessed. Overall, Dulwich Wood Primary School provides a positive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
