Dosthill Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 October 2024

Dosthill Primary is a school where pupils thrive. The school day begins with a warm welcome from staff at the gates. The core values of the school, being ready, respectful and responsible, shine through in all that pupils do. Pupils are happy. They enjoy coming to school. The school is ambitious for all pupils. Pupils achieve well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils, from the very youngest in Reception to those in Year 6, show respect for one another. Pupils behave well and the atmosphere is calm and purposeful. Pupils are proud to earn house points, which helps them learn about teamwork. Pupils are excited to share 'gold star moments' with their peers and families. Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of pride in their school. Pupil play leaders help young pupils get involved in games and activities at lunchtime. Pupils feel safe in school. Pupils are articulate and confident. The school fosters a joy of exploration and discovery through wider experiences such as residential trips and everyone learning a musical instrument. Pupils and parents appreciate the memories made through these experiences.

What the school should improve

• There were historical weaknesses in the teaching of reading. As a result, some pupils in key stage 2 have gaps in their phonics knowledge and are not catching up quickly enough. The school should ensure that these pupils get the targeted support they need to become fluent readers by the time they leave.
• In some subjects, the school is refining the key knowledge pupils need to learn and remember over time. As a result, this lack of precision makes it hard for teachers to check how well pupils are learning and identify and address any gaps in learning. The school should ensure that the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn is identified clearly so that teachers can emphasise this when checking understanding and revisiting what pupils know and remember.
• Some activities in the early years outdoor environment are not closely aligned with the children's learning needs. Consequently, children do not learn as much as they can when they are outdoors. The school should ensure that activities outdoors and indoors in early years closely match what the children need to learn next.

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