Old Dalby Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 May 2023

Pupils enjoy attending this inclusive and caring school. The school values of 'love, honesty, community, teamwork and friendship' are woven into daily school life. This is evident in the calm and orderly environment and pupils' positive behaviour. Pupils respond well to the rewards of house points and merits. They earn these for modelling the school values and positive behaviour. Pupils feel safe and valued by adults and their peers. There is a respectful school culture. Pupils demonstrate this through their actions towards each other and staff. There are high expectations for every pupil to achieve as well as they can. Most pupils have a positive attitude to working hard. They enjoy the challenges they are set in lessons. Pupils with special needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do not always have the right resources they need to help them well enough in some lessons. This includes children in the early years. Children in the early years are eager to learn. However, they do not always benefit from meaningful learning opportunities. Some children struggle to listen and manage their own emotions. Parents and carers are extremely positive about the school. One comment, typical of many, is: 'Old Dalby School provides a wonderful, supportive and creative environment for children.'

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not always adapt their teaching to support pupils with SEND well enough. As a result, some pupils with SEND do not make as much progress as they could. Leaders should ensure that all staff know how best to support the learning of pupils with SEND, so that these pupils achieve as well as they can.
• In the early years, teachers do not always set tasks that focus clearly on enabling the children to learn the key knowledge they should. Often, children are able to recall what they have done rather than what they have learned. As a result, they do not readily recall the key knowledge that would prepare them well for Year 1. Leaders should ensure that the manner in which teachers deliver the curriculum in the early years enables the children to learn securely, and be able to recall confidently, the knowledge they require to help them prepare effectively for key stage 1.

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