Dover Park Primary School, located in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 26 and 27, 2024. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils take pride in their kind and friendly community. They meet high expectations in both learning and behavior, demonstrating hard work and enthusiasm in lessons. The atmosphere is characterized by safety and exceptional behavior, contributing to a happy school experience.
During break times, students engage in a variety of enjoyable activities, such as playing in the multi-use games area, climbing on the trim trail, and reading in the outdoor reading area. Older pupils play a supportive role during lunchtime, assisting younger students with social interactions and routines. The school provides enriching experiences through trips to notable locations like the Mary Rose Museum and The British Museum, as well as a diverse music curriculum that enhances their learning and aspirations. Recent events, such as a science day, have sparked enthusiasm among pupils, helping them connect their education to the wider world.
Parents and carers express overwhelming positivity regarding the school, particularly appreciating the wealth of information available through the school's online communication system. The leadership team, including governors and staff, share a unified vision for the school, striving for continuous improvement. The new leadership has empowered staff through targeted training and development, leading to a comprehensive review of the curriculum. This review ensures a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Reception to Year 6 across all subjects.
The school effectively utilizes its local context to enhance the curriculum, providing children with a strong start in Reception. High expectations for learning and behavior are established early, enabling children to engage fully in their education. Interactions between staff and students are of high quality, promoting strong language development. The school has cultivated a robust reading culture, beginning in Reception, where children enjoy stories and explore books. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, fostering fluency and enjoyment in reading. Family involvement is encouraged through regular reading sessions.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, presenting new information clearly, which aids pupils in retaining their learning. Subject-specific vocabulary is emphasized, and activities are designed to facilitate learning, practice, and application of new content. This approach is particularly effective in mathematics, where a focus on problem-solving and reasoning builds confidence among students. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of curriculum changes, resulting in varying depths of knowledge among pupils.
The school has established clear processes to support disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The special educational needs coordinator collaborates with staff and families to ensure appropriate provision and regular reviews. A sense of inclusion is evident, allowing all pupils to access the full curriculum with necessary adaptations. The Rainbow Room provides a calm environment for pupils needing a quieter lunchtime experience, and parents appreciate the support their children receive.
Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence and independence through various leadership opportunities, such as participating in the school council and Junior Travel Ambassadors. They demonstrate respect and understanding of diversity through initiatives like the Equality and Rights Advocates group. The school celebrates pupils' achievements outside of school, fostering a sense of pride and community.
The safeguarding arrangements at Dover Park Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Moving forward, the school aims to continue monitoring the impact of recent curriculum changes to address any gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills, ensuring that all students receive a comprehensive education.
