Dovecote Primary and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the last inspection, leaders and governors have brought significant improvements to the quality of education provided by the school.

Pupils' progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of key stage 2 has shown marked improvements form the previous inspection. A broad and balanced curriculum meets pupils' needs well and ensures that they learn well across a range of subjects. The large majority of teachers use questioning and assessment successfully to develop and deepen pupils' knowledge and understanding.

The quality of leadership, teaching and support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)... is a strength of the school. These pupils make strong progress from their starting points. Leaders and governors have ensured that safeguarding is effective.

Pupils' behaviour in the majority of lessons and their conduct around school are good. Staff promote positive relationships which ensure that pupils make good use of their time in lessons. Children make strong progress as a result of effective leadership and teaching in the early years.

They are well prepared to move to Year 1. Standards of attainment in key stages 1 and 2, in reading, writing and mathematics have been consistently below the national averages over time. Occasionally, where teaching is weaker, pupils lose focus in lessons and their learning slows.

Leaders' restructuring of curriculum leadership is not yet complete. That aspect of leadership is not consistently strong across all subjects. The outdoor learning environments, in both the Nursery and Reception classes, do not promote children's learning and development as well as they might.

Information about this school

Dovecote Primary and Nursery School is larger than the average-sized primary school. The school runs a daily breakfast club which is overseen by the governing body. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well above the national average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is broadly in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average. The school works in partnership with the Nottingham Schools Trust and the Transform Teaching School Alliance.

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