Dawlish Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils, staff, and parents feel a deep connection and regard it as a caring second home. The staff are well-acquainted with the pupils and their families, fostering a supportive environment. High expectations for behavior are set by the leaders, resulting in polite, friendly, and respectful interactions among pupils. The school’s spacious play areas provide a conducive environment for social interactions, and instances of bullying are rare, with effective measures in place to address any issues that arise.
Pupils actively participate in school life and are enthusiastic about leadership opportunities, such as being part of the Nature Squad, where they contribute to local community projects. The school emphasizes both academic and personal development, with teachers enhancing learning through educational outings and a variety of extracurricular clubs, including fencing, cricket, coding, and sewing. The curriculum is ambitious and thoughtfully designed, reflecting the local context and ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills.
Subject leaders possess strong knowledge and collaborate closely with teachers to deliver content effectively. Regular recaps of prior knowledge are integrated into lessons, particularly in mathematics, where key facts and methods are practiced. While most pupils develop their knowledge well across subjects, there are instances where teaching does not deepen understanding as effectively due to varying levels of subject knowledge among staff. Leaders are aware of this and are committed to providing training to enhance staff expertise.
Early reading is prioritized, with a new phonics program recently implemented. From the start of Reception, pupils learn about letter sounds, which aids in their reading fluency. Additional support is provided for those who need it, ensuring that all pupils can catch up quickly. The school promotes a love of reading, with daily reading sessions that engage pupils and foster their enjoyment of books.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and use this information to provide targeted support, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, have access to the curriculum. The learning environment is generally positive, with minimal disruption, although some activities may lack purpose, leading to a loss of concentration among pupils.
All pupils are included in school life and take on various leadership roles, such as sports leaders and digital leaders. Staff express high regard for the leadership, noting their approachability and support for staff well-being. The governing body is actively involved, providing appropriate support and challenge to school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who are vigilant in identifying and responding to potential risks. Pupils feel safe and are educated about online safety and positive relationships. The school is committed to fulfilling its statutory duties regarding safeguarding.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent subject knowledge among staff to enhance the implementation of the curriculum. Overall, Dawlish Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
