Dean CofE School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 June 2023

Pupils enjoy coming to Dean CofE School. Leaders' vision of 'loving to learn, learning to love' is realised in pupils' positive attitudes to learning and in the way that they treat others. Pupils are kind, caring and considerate. They value the strong relationships that they have with the adults in school, and know who they can talk to if they are worried about something. Pupils, including children in the early years, are happy and safe. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' learning. Pupils rise to these expectations. They work hard in their lessons and try their best. Pupils listen to their teachers and concentrate on their learning. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Pupils take full advantage of the wide range of activities that leaders provide for them outside the academic curriculum. Leaders have ensured that these opportunities are relevant for pupils living in this area. For example, pupils enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, tubing, swimming and paddle boarding. These experiences help pupils to develop confidence and resilience. Pupils also have the opportunity to visit cities such as London and Manchester. These visits include trips to the Houses of Parliament and to the theatre. This helps pupils to broaden their horizons.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers are not sufficiently clear about what important knowledge pupils should learn. This means that some pupils' previous learning is not as secure as it could be and they are not as well prepared for new learning. Leaders should ensure that there are further opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning before moving on to new learning.
• In some areas of the early years curriculum, staff have not thought carefully enough about the important knowledge that they want children to acquire when devising learning activities. This means that some children do not learn some of the important knowledge and skills that they need to prepare them for new learning. Leaders should ensure that activity choices help children to learn the knowledge that they need to be better prepared for their next stage of education.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)