Dolphin School (incorporating Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools)

Dolphin School, which incorporates Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools, is an independent co-educational day school located in Battersea, London. Founded in 1986, the school serves pupils from Reception to Year 6 and has expanded to include early years settings for children aged two to four since 2002. The school operates as a single charitable trust overseen by a board of governors, with the headteacher responsible for all three settings. The current headteacher, appointed in 2021, leads the main school, while each nursery operates independently on a day-to-day basis.

The school aims to unlock children’s potential in academics, creativity, and sports while fostering character development based on Christian values. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating diverse ethnic contributions and preparing pupils for the challenges of secondary education. The student body primarily consists of children from professional and business families within a three-mile radius, with a profile indicating above-average ability compared to national standards. The school supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored assistance to those identified.

The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Dolphin School meets all regulatory standards. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school provides a robust educational framework, enabling pupils to make good progress and achieve high standards.

The quality of education at Dolphin School is characterized by a well-documented curriculum supported by effective teaching strategies. The school promotes good behavior and utilizes suitable resources to enhance learning. Relationships education is integrated into the curriculum, with parental consultation ensuring alignment with statutory guidance. The assessment framework confirms that pupils are making good progress, and the school has established a suitable framework for evaluating performance.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to develop a strong moral compass and demonstrate respect for one another. The school environment nurtures personal development, with pupils exhibiting tolerance and understanding of diverse perspectives.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with effective safeguarding measures in place. The school maintains a strategic approach to risk assessment and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. Adequate facilities for medical needs and first aid provisions are available, and pupils are supervised appropriately.

Dolphin School ensures the suitability of staff through rigorous checks and maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for learning and play. The school meets all standards related to accommodation, ensuring a conducive environment for education.

Information provision to parents and stakeholders is comprehensive, covering various aspects of school life, including admissions, behavior policies, and academic performance. The school has established a clear complaints procedure, effectively handling parental concerns through a structured process.

Leadership and management at Dolphin School demonstrate strong skills and knowledge, ensuring that standards are consistently met. The headteacher and governors actively promote the well-being of pupils, fostering a positive school culture.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who display high levels of knowledge, skills, and understanding. Pupils across all age groups make strong progress, exceeding national age-related expectations. Their exemplary attitudes towards learning contribute to a positive educational environment. The school emphasizes the development of communication skills, with pupils demonstrating articulate expression and active listening from a young age.

Personal development is also a key focus, with pupils exhibiting kindness, respect, and consideration for others. They develop self-confidence and resilience, understanding the value of perseverance in overcoming challenges. The school fosters a sense of community, encouraging pupils to support one another and celebrate each other’s successes.

Recommendations from the inspection suggest enhancing pupils’ mathematical knowledge and understanding through a broader curriculum and improving their ability to conduct and evaluate scientific experiments. Despite these areas for growth, the overall quality of education and personal development at Dolphin School is deemed excellent.

Pupils engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, showcasing their talents in sports, arts, and other pursuits. The school celebrates achievements in competitions and performances, reinforcing the importance of a well-rounded education. The commitment to fostering creativity and individual expression is evident in the diverse opportunities provided to pupils.

In summary, Dolphin School exemplifies a nurturing and high-achieving educational environment. The school successfully meets regulatory standards while promoting academic excellence and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on values, community, and individual potential, Dolphin School prepares its pupils for future challenges, instilling in them the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their educational journeys and beyond.