Dysart School ‘continues to be Outstanding’ following Ofsted’s short inspection

Students, staff, governors and the wider school community are celebrating the result of their recent Ofsted short inspection (November 2018), in which the inspectors judged that Dysart School ‘continues to be outstanding’. This is the first Ofsted inspection since Dysart School joined Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in April 2016.

Commenting on the inspection, Leigh Edser, the school’s Principal said:

‘We are absolutely delighted that the Ofsted Inspectors agreed with our self-evaluation and that we were able to show them that we are still providing an outstanding education and pastoral support for our pupils.  The comments from the inspectors highlight the fantastic work from the whole school team, the strong relationships we have with our families and most of all the amazing progress our wonderful pupils make.  We would like to thank the staff, pupils, our supportive families and the wider school community for all their hard work and commitment.   As a school we are committed to ensure we continue to evolve for the benefit of all our pupils.’

Highlights from the report include:

“You are rightly proud of your work around pupil well-being, and ensuring that pupils are ready for learning. This has enabled you to establish a calm and purposeful learning environment for pupils with considerable needs. It is evident that for many staff and pupils, Dysart is a very happy place to be.”

“Expectations are high, and everyone shares your commitment to achieving the best outcomes for every pupil.”

“Governors demonstrate a strong drive for improvement and are keen that the school constantly evolves and adapts. They fully understand the life of the school, and fully support the staff at Dysart.”

“The families that I spoke to reported that this is a safe place to be, and that staff at your school genuinely care about everyone in the school community.”

“Teaching is engaging and creative, and additional adults are skilfully deployed.”

“staff provide a calm and nurturing learning environment, in which pupils’ individual needs are paramount. Relationships are warm, and staff are skilled in settling pupils and supporting them to access the curriculum.”

“Pupils make exceptional progress in English and mathematics because staff work alongside leaders, parents and therapists to agree goals. In addition, a significant number of pupils meet or exceed the targets set at education, health and care plan review meetings.”

“The school’s approach to supporting pupils’ behaviour is a strength of the school. The majority of pupils’ learning behaviour is exemplary given their needs. Pupils are afforded the freedom to develop independence within a structure that prevents them from being overwhelmed.”

“The recently introduced ‘Rainbow’ curriculum is highly responsive to pupils’ individual needs. It has been carefully constructed, taking into account the views of pupils and families.”