The Dales School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 March 2025

Positive relationships between pupils and staff ensure pupils are safe, well cared for and happy. Pupils settle quickly and engage well with staff. Staff provide nurture and support. Pupils confidently approach staff for help and communicate their needs. The school sets high expectations and is ambitious for all pupils. Pupils experience a highly personalised curriculum. They get the support they need from dedicated staff. A 'can-do' attitude develops pupils' resilience and perseverance, preparing them for life in and beyond school. Well-established routines support pupils throughout the school day and in lessons. Adults provide gentle encouragement and offer choices to support pupils in moving on quickly. Pupils achieve well. Pupils are comfortable and familiar with the well-designed environment. The wide range of provision areas provide sensory and movement opportunities. Pupils manage their feelings well. They are ready to learn. Throughout the school day, pupils demonstrate positive attitudes and engage fully in all aspects of school life. Pupils know about eating healthily and the importance of regular exercise. Enrichment opportunities such as visits and wider experiences through the 'suitcase for life' enhance learning. Parents and carers value the care and support their children receive. They appreciate the half-termly parent group.

What the school should improve

• The school's work to improve the curriculum, including the use of assessment, is ongoing. In some areas of learning, the knowledge and skills pupils learn are not aligned well enough to the carefully thought-out assessment processes. The school should continue its work to ensure that the content of the curriculum and the use of assessment are aligned so teachers can use this information effectively to inform future teaching.

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