Dovedale Primary School, located in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on February 7 and 8, 2023. The school has been rated as good overall, with specific areas such as personal development receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy and follows a longer gap than usual due to previous exemptions from routine inspections.
The school is characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere, where leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils. The core value of respect is deeply embedded in the school culture, fostering a community where pupils learn to care for themselves, others, and their environment. The curriculum is designed to promote character development, with numerous opportunities for pupils to cultivate leadership skills. Pupils express pride in being proactive members of their community, referring to themselves as upstanders rather than bystanders.
Staff collaboration is evident in the wide range of enrichment opportunities available to pupils, which extend beyond the standard curriculum. The school offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, with high participation rates among students. Pupils report feeling happy and secure in their friendships, and they appreciate the supportive nature of their teachers, who are responsive to their concerns and address any instances of bullying promptly.
The curriculum has been thoughtfully developed to be ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have implemented a well-sequenced curriculum that builds progressively from the early years through to Year 6. Regular assessments are conducted to gauge pupils' retention of knowledge, and while most subjects are well-managed, there are a few areas where leaders have yet to clearly define the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire.
Reading is a priority at Dovedale Primary School, and the school has established effective practices to ensure that pupils achieve well in this area. From the onset of their education, children are taught to read using books that align with their phonetic knowledge. Regular checks on reading progress allow for timely interventions for those who may be falling behind, ensuring that all pupils develop fluency and comprehension skills.
The school also places a strong emphasis on personal development, integrating it throughout the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to explore their interests and talents through various expert groups, where they engage in projects that contribute to their community. Leadership opportunities abound, with pupils taking on roles such as school council members and anti-bullying ambassadors, which they approach with pride and responsibility.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of all pupils. Staff are trained to identify and report concerns, and there are effective systems in place to support pupils in need. The school promotes awareness of online safety through dedicated lessons, ensuring that pupils are equipped to navigate potential dangers.
Governance at Dovedale Primary School is strong, with governors actively monitoring the school's progress and holding leaders accountable. Staff express high levels of job satisfaction, feeling valued and supported by school leadership. Overall, Dovedale Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for all its pupils. The school is well-positioned to continue its development and address the areas identified for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum to ensure clarity in the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn.
