Dussindale Primary School, located in Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, is a good school that has shown significant improvement since its establishment as an academy in 2016. The school has a strong leadership team led by a passionate headteacher who is supported by an effective senior leadership team. The leaders have established a culture of high expectations, which is evident in the robust systems they have implemented to monitor the effectiveness of teaching, learning, and assessment. This has resulted in pupils achieving well across various subjects.
The quality of teaching is consistently good, with teachers planning engaging learning experiences that promote deep understanding. They effectively link different subjects, enhancing pupils' learning. The school places a strong emphasis on reading and writing, with improvements noted in these areas. However, there is a recognition that further work is needed to raise attainment in writing, particularly for the most able pupils. The school has implemented new strategies to enhance writing skills, and while progress is being made, it is still in the early stages.
Pupils' personal development, behavior, and welfare are also strong points for the school. Pupils are respectful, well-mannered, and demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning. They feel safe and well cared for, with effective safeguarding measures in place. The school promotes a supportive environment where pupils can thrive, and they are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being play leaders or school council members.
Governance at Dussindale Primary School has improved significantly, with governors actively supporting the headteacher in setting high expectations for staff and pupils. They hold the leadership team accountable for the quality of education and use their expertise to challenge and support the school effectively. The governors are committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve well and are involved in monitoring the school's improvement plans.
The early years provision is also rated as good, with children making a strong start in their Reception Year. They are well-prepared for Year 1, with a focus on developing reading skills from an early age. The school prioritizes phonics teaching, ensuring that children have the necessary skills to progress in their reading. The curriculum is broad and enriched with various activities, including trips and extracurricular clubs, which support pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
Despite the positive aspects, some parents have expressed concerns regarding communication between home and school. The school is aware of this feedback and is working to improve the sharing of information with parents. Overall, Dussindale Primary School is a good school that is committed to continuous improvement, providing a nurturing environment where pupils can achieve their best. The school is focused on raising standards further, particularly in writing, and ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds, receive the support they need to succeed.
