Dove Holes Church of England Primary School, located in Buxton, Derbyshire, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on January 23 and 24, 2024, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in January 2018. The school is characterized by a close-knit community where pupils express pride in their school, appreciating the small size that fosters familiarity among students and staff. The school emphasizes high expectations for behavior, rooted in its core values of love, forgiveness, truth, and perseverance. Pupils articulate how these values guide their interactions, promoting a harmonious environment conducive to learning and play.
The curriculum at Dove Holes is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those in mixed-age classes. The early years foundation stage lays a solid groundwork for future learning, with increasing complexity in subject knowledge as pupils progress. For instance, younger children engage in storytelling through role-play, while older students delve into deeper discussions about religious concepts. Teachers effectively check prior knowledge before introducing new content, although there are instances where the curriculum is not delivered as intended, impacting pupil learning.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong focus on phonics from the early years. Staff are trained to deliver the phonics program effectively, ensuring that pupils read fluently and develop a love for reading. The school employs various creative strategies to promote reading, including events that engage both pupils and their families. Additionally, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in all aspects of school life, with teachers making necessary adaptations to support their learning. However, the school recognizes the need to better address the social and emotional needs of some pupils with SEND, as these can hinder their learning and that of their peers.
Dove Holes offers a robust personal development program aimed at broadening pupils' horizons. Activities such as science and careers fairs expose students to various career paths, fostering aspirations for their futures. The school also emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse cultures and beliefs, encouraging pupils to take on ambassador roles that instill a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Collaboration with partner schools enhances the professional development of staff, allowing them to share expertise and support one another. This collegial approach contributes to a positive work environment, reducing workload and promoting well-being among staff. The governing body is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities, recognizing the progress made under the leadership's strategic decisions.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. While significant improvements have been made in the quality of education, the school acknowledges that not all ambitious plans have been fully realized. Consistency in curriculum delivery remains a focus for improvement, as does the support for pupils with social and emotional needs. The school is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary support to thrive academically and personally, fostering an inclusive and nurturing educational environment.
