Dewhurst St Mary CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 March 2023

Pupils are very happy in school. They learn in a calm, interesting and safe environment. They respond very well to the high expectations that staff have of them. They become independent, interested and well-behaved learners very quickly. Pupils leave ready for the next stage of their learning. Pupils feel safe and cared for. They understand what bullying is and how it is different to arguing with friends. They know adults in school are there to help. If they have any worries there are lots of adults they can share concerns with. Pupils are confident that staff will resolve issues quickly and ensure they do not happen again. Pupils value their friends and how they help them and are there to listen. They are respectful of each other's' differences. They work and play well together. Pupils learn about a wide range of people, cultures and families. This helps them understand life in modern Britain. Pupils enjoy the roles they have in school and are proud when adults make them responsible for their own choices. This makes them feel trusted and 'grown up'.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders have not provided enough clarity about the important knowledge that pupils should learn and how to teach it. This means important aspects of learning are missed. Teachers do not always help pupils build well on their previous learning. Pupils then do not make the progress through the curriculum that leaders want. They develop some gaps in their knowledge and their understanding is less secure. Leaders must ensure that all curriculum planning clearly identifies the important subject knowledge that pupils should learn and support teachers to teach this knowledge effectively.

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