Dunannie > Inspection Reports

Independent Schools Inspectorate report of 2008 inspection

28th April to 1st May 2008

Overall Conclusions

5.1 Bedales and Dunannie are both very special places. They fulfil very well Badley’s intent to educate the whole person. Dunannie does this exceptionally well; in particular, the opportunities it gives for pupils to think for themselves and to experiment and find things out. Bedales does the same through the richness of experience it offers. Bedales is no longer “a preposterous experiment” but both Bedales and Dunannie remain innovatory and not quite like anything else. Their physical setting, in some of the most beautiful English countryside also gives them an enduring quality. The curriculum of both schools is comprehensive and innovative; students achieve well socially, in academic subjects and in a whole range of other activities. Development of the whole person has real impact. Teaching is caring, passionate and effective and students learn; their attitudes to learning are very positive. Students are well looked after in boarding. The headmaster, the headteacher of Dunannie, governors and other senior managers lead the schools very well in the face of considerable material and intellectual challenges.

5.2 Dunannie has not previously been inspected. Bedales was last inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2002. Ofsted inspected the Nursery in 2005 and boarding in 2007. The ISI report focused on four areas where the school should do better: namely the proper daily registration of students, the provision of religious education, the existence of proper risk assessments, and better links with the junior school. The school has successfully addressed the first three. In relation to the fourth, inspectors have some evidence that there are now substantially better links, not only with Dunhurst but also with Dunannie. The Ofsted inspection on boarding made three recommendations all linked to aspects of health and safety. The school has addressed these. It has also addressed the one Nursery recommendation.

5.3 Both schools meet all the regulatory requirements.

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How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at Dunannie Pre-Preparatory school is acceptable and is of a high quality, children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals.

The quality of teaching is very good and staff are skilled in their teaching methods. Staff have a good understanding of the Foundation stage and use their knowledge to enable each child to progress towards the early learning goals. The qualified staff create a welcoming child-centred environment where children’s artwork is displayed and valued. Staff use excellent questioning techniques, encouraging children to think and express their own ideas.

Evaluation against the stepping stones and early learning goals takes place, and planning and assessment takes into account differentiation of abilities. Staff independently support all children and help them progress. Good strategies are in place to support children for whom English is an additional language or have special needs. The provision has a learning support teacher. Children are encouraged to be helpful and supportive to each other and behave very well.

Leadership and management of the provision are very good. Staff work well as a team, are well deployed and are supported by the headmistress and staff of the school. The teachers and assistants share responsibility for planning, observations and assessment. Professional qualifications are valued and some systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching.

The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are kept well informed about the provision, forth coming events and their children’s progress towards the early learning goals. Information provided by parents is included in the children’s development records. They are made welcome in the provision and have opportunities to become involved in topics and activities. There are effective systems in place to share information, including parents meetings, weekly newsletters and notice boards.

The full version is available from the Dunannie Office or click here for the Nursery Inspecton Report.