Devonshire Park Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

Pupils enjoy being part of this caring and welcoming school. They know that each member of staff cares about them as individuals. Many pupils, and their parents and carers, spoke of the loving school family. The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. It has fostered a supportive learning environment. The school enables pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to succeed. Each specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND (specially resourced provision) is an oasis of calm where pupils thrive. Pupils try their best. They achieve well from their differing starting points. Pupils understand the school's high expectations of their behaviour. They are polite and respectful towards each other and to staff. They enjoy playtimes with their friends and the 'personal best' challenges that staff organise. Pupils relish the variety of opportunities that are on offer, such as attending the Zumba or judo clubs, as well as taking part in the parent-and-child art masterclass sessions. Pupils make a positive and real contribution to the development of the school. For example, happiness heroes and staff work closely to help support pupils' mental health. The happiness heroes have introduced a pet tortoise that everyone loves. Pupils are proud of, in their words, the 'breathtaking' artwork that is displayed around school.

What the school should improve

• The school's expectations for pupils' early writing are not high enough. This means that some pupils have not mastered legible and accurate letter formation by the time that they leave Year 2. This hinders pupils writing fluency and communication as they go through the school. The school should ensure that there is an increased emphasis on pupils' writing skills from the start of their time in school.
• The checks that the school makes on pupils' learning do not identify gaps in pupils' knowledge sufficiently well. This means that some pupils move through the curriculum with ongoing gaps and misconceptions in their learning. The school should refine its assessment strategies to upskill staff so that pupils' learning is secure before introducing new concepts.
• Persistent absence rates are high. Too many pupils do not attend school often enough. This limits their achievement. The school should build on its emerging strategies to secure good attendance, so that pupils attend school regularly.

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