Dorin Park School & Specialist SEN College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 July 2024

The school's motto, 'Learning together, growing together', underpins all that it does. Each morning, staff enthusiastically welcome pupils into school. Pupils feel safe and happy. They said that staff are approachable and caring. Many pupils build positive relationships with their peers and with staff. They behave well during lessons and around school. Skilled staff support pupils who find it difficult to manage their behaviour. The school has high aspirations for its pupils. It supports pupils in developing their confidence and resilience as they move through the school. Pupils are polite and respectful. From their individual starting points, they make positive progress through the curriculum. Pupils develop their independence and they are well prepared for adulthood. For example, they take part in travel training and they acquire useful shopping skills. Older pupils undertake off- and on-site work experience. Staff value pupils' opinions. For example, the pupil council influences school initiatives, such as improving lunchtime menus and playground equipment. Pupils benefit from an array of learning experiences, including residential trips and visits. They enjoy going to parks and to pantomimes. Pupils participate in a variety of clubs, such as in sing and sign, dance and craft.

What the school should improve

• A small number of staff do not implement the phonics programme consistently well. This hinders how quickly some pupils learn to read. The school should ensure that staff receive the necessary training to deliver the phonics curriculum effectively.

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