Dalton St Mary's CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

Children in the early years settle happily into well-established routines. They enjoy playing and learning with their friends. Pupils know that adults care about them. There is always someone that they can trust to speak with. This helps pupils to feel safe at school. Any falling out with their friends is always resolved. Leaders act quickly to stop any bullying, should it occur. Pupils work hard and try their best to live up to the high expectations that staff have of their achievement and behaviour. Most pupils achieve and behave well. They talk enthusiastically about all the different topics they are learning. Pupils use technology confidently in a range of subjects to support their learning. Pupils appreciate the many opportunities that leaders provide, such as trips to the theatre and to local places of interest. Residential trips help to develop pupils' confidence and resilience when they are trying something new. Pupils also enjoy the many clubs that they can join. Older pupils take their responsibilities as digital leaders and prefects seriously. They appreciate the trust that leaders place in them to be role models for the younger children. Parents and carers speak highly of the school and would recommend it to others.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, some pupils have gaps in their vocabulary knowledge. This hinders the progress that these pupils make. Leaders should ensure that the key vocabulary that pupils need to know is fully embedded before new learning is introduced, to enable all pupils to achieve well.

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