Rated as ‘Requires Improvement’
Dorney: Ofsted says primary ‘too variable’ but has improved
Pupils do not achieve ‘as well as they should’ at a South Bucks school following a recent Ofsted inspection – but the education watchdog did note some improvements since it last visited.
Dorney School, in Harcourt Close, Dorney Reach, was visited by Ofsted on September 27 and 28 having previously been graded ‘Inadequate’ by the watchdog in January.
Following its latest inspection, the results of which were published on Friday, the school has upgraded its overall rating to Requires Improvement.
Ofsted noted that the curriculum across subjects is ‘too variable’, with pupils not achieving ‘as well as they should,’ including those with additional needs.
“Leaders need to make sure that the curriculum is well designed in every subject and that staff have the right subject knowledge in order to deliver the full curriculum effectively,” it said.
A minority of pupils are behind in their reading, the watchdog added, while leaders’ records about safeguarding ‘are not fully complete’.
“Although no pupils are at risk because of this, it means that not all relevant information is kept together,” Ofsted said.
“Leaders should make sure that they record any ongoing support or monitoring that is in place for vulnerable pupils.
“There are important aspects of leadership that need to improve further.
“In particular, subject leaders are not yet having enough impact on improving pupils’ achievement.”
Ofsted did note some improvements at Dorney School since it last paid a visit, with pupils described as ‘safe’ and enjoying their education.
“They respect each other and relationships in the school are strong. The school is a calm and orderly place because pupils behave well,” the watchdog observed.
“Pupils take the school’s motto, ‘Respect, collaborate, grow’, seriously.
“They rightly value the wide range of activities the school offers throughout the year, which develops their interests and character.”
It added: “Pupils’ wider development is a key strength of the school. Leaders are passionate about this.
“They understand that accepting others is a vital part of life in modern Britain.
“Racism is not tolerated and pupils have a strong understanding of equality and social justice.”
Youngsters at the school also get the ‘right support’ for their mental health, the report added, while leaders’ work to improve the curriculum
‘shows insight and focus’.
Dorney School was contacted for comment.