Dunalley Primary School, located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection conducted on January 17 and 18, 2023. The school has been rated as good in several key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This reflects a consistent standard of excellence since the previous inspection in June 2017, which also rated the school as good.
Pupils at Dunalley Primary School feel valued and safe, with a strong emphasis on celebrating differences among students. They express happiness in their school environment and appreciate the support from staff, who are readily available to address any concerns. Parents echo this sentiment, describing Dunalley as a special place where each child is cared for individually. The leadership team is ambitious, ensuring that staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, allowing pupils to learn effectively and engage with the material presented to them.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a positive attitude towards learning evident in both classroom settings and throughout the school. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly by staff. The school promotes a culture of kindness and support among pupils, encouraging them to understand the impact of their actions on others. Additionally, the variety of extracurricular clubs available fosters a sense of community and allows pupils to explore their interests and talents.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The phonics program is a priority for leaders, and while it is taught consistently, there are concerns regarding the speed at which some pupils who fall behind are supported. Ensuring that these pupils catch up quickly is essential for their reading development. The curriculum is well-structured in many subjects, but in some areas, it is still developing, and teachers may not have the same level of familiarity with the content. This can affect pupils' retention of knowledge, particularly in subjects like history.
The early years provision is strong, preparing children effectively for their next stage of learning. Activities are designed to foster confidence, curiosity, and independence, utilizing both indoor and outdoor environments to enhance learning experiences. Support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with teachers adapting lessons to meet individual needs. However, there is a recognition that planning for some pupils' specific needs could be more focused, and leaders are actively working to improve this through training.
Pupils demonstrate calmness and orderliness as they navigate the school, a skill that is nurtured from the early years. They are encouraged to develop resilience and cooperation through structured play and learning activities. The school instills values of tolerance, respect, and democracy from an early age, ensuring that pupils understand the importance of these principles in their interactions with others.
Leadership and governance are effective, with senior leaders regularly assessing the quality of education and aligning training to staff needs. However, there is room for improvement in how information is gathered and analyzed, particularly regarding behavior patterns. This could enhance the targeting of actions to address specific areas of concern. Overall, Dunalley Primary School is a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and education of its pupils, with a commitment to continuous improvement in all areas of school life.
