Comments from Ofsted on the Inspection of The Dower House School, Quatt, nr Bridgnorth
Date: 25-26 June 2008
Under legislation governing independent schools, a thorough inspection was carried out between 25th and 26th June 2008.
The following is a summary of the main findings.
Evaluation of the school
The Dower House provides a good standard of education for its pupils. It is particularly successful in achieving its aim of developing their potential in a caring school community. Pupils’ personal development and their behaviour are outstanding. Pupils enjoy coming to school very much.
Quality of education
All the National Curriculum subjects are taught in Key Stages 1 and 2. There are also opportunities to learn French and ballet. Physical education (PE) takes place mainly within the school grounds and is a strength of the curriculum.
Pupils who need extra help in their learning are quickly identified by the school and given appropriate support. There are a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs offered by the school.
The quality of teaching is good. Teachers know individual pupils very well because of the small class sizes and excellent relationships. Close attention is paid to the needs of the pupils in lessons and they respond with interest and a positive attitude to learning.
Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils
The spiritual, social, moral and cultural development of the pupils is outstanding. Personal development is first-rate because teachers successfully nurture the abilities of each child through praise and high quality care. Pupils are proud of their school and enthusiastic about their achievements. Pupils very much enjoy coming to school and attendance is very good. They are articulate and well-mannered; their behaviour is outstanding. This is a result of the excellent role models provided by staff and the consistently high expectations of everyone.
This is a harmonious school community where everyone is respected. The pupils have a good understanding of different cultures which is fostered through assemblies and the religious education curriculum.
Welfare, health and safety of pupils
The provision for the welfare, health and safety of the pupils is good. Procedures to ensure their safety are robust and all required policies are in place. Appropriate risk assessments are carried out for activities away from the school site. Staff supervise the pupils vigilantly and pay close attention to the needs of every child. Accident records are well kept. There is a suitable fire risk policy and fire evacuations are practiced regularly. Good procedures for first aid are in place and an appropriate number of adults have been trained. The designated person for child protection has undergone training to the required standard in order to meet current legislation and staff have received appropriate training. Pupils report that they feel safe and well looked after in school. Incidents of bullying are very rare and quickly sorted out by the headteacher. Healthy and nutritious cooked lunches are provided and the pupils have a good understanding of how to keep fit and healthy. The school meets its requirement in respect of the Disability Discrimination Act.
Provision of information for parents, carers and others
The school provides parent and carers with the required range of information through the prospectus, website and regular newsletters. Each pupil has a ‘House Book’ which goes home each evening and supports home/school partnerships. Parents receive a termly written report on the progress of their child. These reports are a helpful summary of each child’s progress and effort in key areas of learning. The best examples include clear information about what the pupils need to do to improve further. The prospectus has bee recently updated and fully meets requirements.
A full copy of the inspection report can be found on the Ofsted website or alternatively please feel free to contact the school and we will be happy to forward you a copy.