Ofsted Inspection Information

We were most recently inspected by Ofsted in June 2024 were there was no change to the school’s overall judgement of outstanding. This inspection was under the new inspection framework and listed below are some highlights from the report along with areas of development:

Here are a few highlights from our report:

• Strong relationships lie at the heart of this warm and welcoming school.
• All staff know pupils, families and carers exceptionally well. Consequently, pupils are happy and safe at The Dame Ellen Pinsent School.
• The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour.  Pupils behave well and show respect towards each other.
• Pupils display the school values, such as kindness, independence, respect, determination and patience
• The needs of pupils and their families are well understood and supported by the school.
• The school is ambitious for all pupils.
• They are committed to supporting the needs of pupils with SEND in their school and across their local community.
• The school has designed a curriculum focused on developing pupils’ independence and confidence, including in the early years.
• The school has thought carefully about what pupils will learn and in what order, such as in English and mathematics.
• The school places strong emphasis on teaching pupils how to read.
• The school is committed to meeting the complex communication needs of pupils. Dedicated and highly skilled specialist staff offer support to pupils and teachers.
• The curriculum to support pupils’ wider development is impressive.  All of this supports pupils to develop their confidence and resilience.
• Pupils’ attendance is strong and is improving further.
• The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
• Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the support and education their children receive here. The school is held in high regard within the local community, local authority and by external professionals.

Next Steps/Areas of Development:

• The school should ensure the intended communication strategies are implemented consistently throughout school.
• The school should ensure that they clearly identify the specific knowledge, skills and vocabulary they want pupils to learn and remember in all areas of the curriculum.
• The school should ensure that the work teachers give to pupils precisely identifies the important knowledge and skills and enables them to build on what they know and can do.

You can read the full report below:

Parent View is an online questionnaire for you to give your views about this school at any time of the year.

At the time of an Ofsted inspection, parents are also invited to give inspectors their views using Parent View.

You can now share your views on our school via Ofsted's Parent View website. By sharing your views, Ofsted hopes you'll be helping the school to improve. You will also be able to see what other parents have said about us.