Ofsted Inspection 2024

This is more than an Ofsted grade. It is the pinnacle of a rapid two year journey of school improvement.

I am so proud of the teachers and support staff at Dove Holes in particular and those at our partner schools who have remained committed to our vision.

Mr James Handley
Executive Headteacher

What Ofsted said:

Pupils talk enthusiastically about the many exciting events the school provides for them.

The school has a myriad of creative ways to promote reading.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all aspects of school life.

The school provides pupils with a strong personal development offer. Broadening pupils’ horizons is at the heart of this work.

Dear Parents,

As you are aware, the school had a full Ofsted Inspection, earlier this term on Tuesday 23rd January and Wednesday 24th January 2024. I am now able to share the report with you and the outcome of our full Section 5 Inspection. A copy of the report can be found here, which you can read in full, but I would like to outline for you the most important information.

We are extremely proud to inform you that the overall judgement is that we are officially rated as a GOOD school.

The quality of education

Good
Behaviour and attitudes

Good
Personal development

Good
Leadership and management

Good
Early years provision

Good

The report is certainly worth a more thorough read as it is overwhelmingly positive and reflects the progress we have made as a school since partnering with Taddington and Priestcliffe Primary School (2022) and Federating with Peak Dale in (2018)

We are particularly proud that 'teachers consider the best methods to engage pupils successfully in their learning' . Our teachers were praised for considering the best methods to engage pupils successfully in their learning.

It was recognised that leaders have taken precise and decisive actions, have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and that they have developed an 'ambitious, carefully considered curriculum'. We are proud that our staff were noticed for their team work and determination.

Most importantly, Ofsted described that 'pupils are proud to say they attend Dove Holes Church of England Primary School'

As a school, and with the support of the Federation, we will continue to strive to improve in those areas identified for further improvement. It is our challenge to see that every element of our work reaches the highest possible levels. I know that I will have your support in the work we will be doing together to make Dove Holes even more exceptional for all our pupils.

This is a fantastic achievement for everyone in our school community

Mr J. Handley

Executive Headteacher

Staff say that they appreciate the opportunities they have to work with other schools. They feel part of a close-knit team. They recognise how this collegiate approach reduces their workload and supports their well-being.

Governors are driven to fulfil their statutory duties by the moral purpose to get the education of every pupil right. They recognise the significant progress the school has made to improve as a result of leaders’ precise decisions and actions.

Overarching improvement objectives 2023-2024

To develop, implement and monitor strategies aimed at raising attainment.

So that more pupils receive increased opportunities to extend their thinking and gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they study.

Ensuring that opportunities to extend and consolidate pupils’ learning are not missed

To ensure consistency in teaching standards throughout the school, focusing on the school’s foundation curriculum.

So that the curriculum provides children with experiences of the wider world to help them to understand their village, the world they in and their place within it.

Ensuring that children know more and can remember more and that children develop higher order thinking, questioning and speaking and listening skills across the phases preparing them for life in modern Britain

To embed exceptional leadership and management at all levels including for Governors.

So that high expectations of all pupils are realised.

Ensuring that staff are well-supported.