Dee Banks School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 March 2022

Pupils arrive at Dee Banks School each morning with smiles on their faces. They enjoy coming to school and said that they feel happy and safe there. Pupils are friendly and welcoming. They said that they like their teachers and love being with their friends. Pupils behave well and they are helped to do this by members of staff who understand their individual needs. Any incidents of bullying or conflict between pupils are quickly dealt with and resolved effectively by staff. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to achieve well. Pupils benefit from an interesting curriculum. Pupils learn most parts of the curriculum successfully. Pupils benefit from the many opportunities that leaders provide to prepare them for adult life. For example, children in early years develop their communication skills and independence through a wide range of activities. Students in the sixth form learn important life skills, such as shopping and cooking. They think for themselves and speak up confidently.

What the school should improve

• There are times when some teachers do not design learning that is linked well to the long-term aims of subject curriculums. This means that some aspects of pupils' learning are not well sequenced. Leaders should ensure that teachers are supported effectively to design learning so that pupils build on their prior knowledge in logical steps. This will support pupils to achieve the aims outlined in subject curriculums and to deepen their knowledge and understanding of subjects over time.
• Occasionally, some teachers do not use assessment information well to inform pupils' next steps in learning. This means that some new learning does not build on pupils' secure existing knowledge. Leaders must ensure that teachers use assessment information effectively to determine which earlier learning to revisit and prioritise, and what content pupils should learn next.

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