Dovetree School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 December 2023

Dovetree is an ambitious school. Pupils, staff and the wider school community are inspired by the drive to 'Dream, Believe, Achieve'. Pupils' personal development is at the heart of everything that the school does. It is woven into all aspects of the curriculum, teaching and wider provision. This prepares pupils well for their next steps. All pupils go on to meaningful employment, education or training. They are well supported. Relationships between pupils and staff are consistently, highly positive. Over time, pupils learn to conduct themselves very well. They are expertly supported to achieve this. Staff know pupils well. Staff provide bespoke help and encouragement. One pupil, with a comment that was typical of many, said, 'Staff are great at helping us to regulate.' Pupils are highly motivated by the rewards on offer. The school's points system is commonly understood and applied. Pupils know that, showing positive attitudes, being safe, respectful and kind will earn them points. The points 'double up days' are popular. Points are exchanged for sought-after rewards, including visits to the local trampoline park, cat café and time in the school's recently opened gym. Achievements are recognised in the well-attended and busy 'Celebration Assemblies'. The school ensures that everyone's success is recognised.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, the curriculum does not make clear the most important knowledge that pupils need to know and remember. This means that teachers select which parts of the curriculum are emphasised. As a result, the school cannot be sure that the right content is being prioritised. The school should ensure that the curriculum, across all subjects, consistently makes clear the precise knowledge that pupils are expected to know and to commit to their long-term memory.
• In a small number of safeguarding records, some of the follow-up actions that the school has taken are not recorded. This means that safeguarding records are not as consistent or comprehensive as they should be. The school should ensure that safeguarding records consistently and accurately document the actions that have been taken by the school.

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