Dodford First School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 May 2023

Pupils very much enjoy their learning at Dodford First School. Staff know them as individuals in this small community. This helps staff to care for them and to make sure they learn well. Leaders have high expectations for pupils' behaviour. From the start, pupils settle into a calm and orderly classroom routine. They are keen to succeed, work hard and collaborate well with each other. Disruption to learning is rare. Pupils enjoy warm relationships with staff. Staff provide a high quality of pastoral care and take effective steps to promote pupils' mental health. Pupils know that there are always adults to talk to, and that any bullying will be resolved straight away. Pupils feel safe, and play happily at social times. Leaders have given careful consideration to the knowledge that pupils need before moving on at the end of Year 4. The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Pupils enjoy reading widely and learn well. School trips, such as visits to places of worship, enrich pupils' learning. The curriculum also promotes pupils' personal development. Pupils can influence how the school runs. They take on roles, for example on the 'green team' or as members of the school forum.

What the school should improve

• In foundation subjects, leaders have not finalised how teachers will continue to implement the curriculum in mixed-age classes. Leaders should ensure that they provide clear guidance to staff on how all pupils' learning in these subjects can build upon what they already know and understand over time.
• Subject leaders have not completed their evaluation of all the subjects for which they are responsible. As a result, they have not been able to make the amendments that would improve learning further. Leaders should ensure that subject leaders have a good understanding of each of the subjects that they lead, and how staff can best implement them in the school.

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