What do I need to do if I would like my child to start at DPA?

Please contact OCC for details. Do also send the school an email to arrange a visit or ask further questions. 

Will my child need a uniform?

Yes, all children right from nursery will need a uniform.  Please go to our uniform page for more details. We try to limit this to a few key items with a logo in order to keep the costs down.

Will your term dates be different from that of other schools?

The dates will generally be in line with other local schools.

When will the school be inspected?

The school had a pre-Ofsted inspection in 2020 and will be inspected in 2023.

How is an academy different?

The school receives funding direct from the DfE and this is the same budget as other schools.  Academies can choose to have different term dates, different curriculum (we enrich ours with languages from Year 1) and length of school day.  Our school day is slightly longer than other primary schools - we start at 8:40am and finish at 3:30pm.  There are many primary schools in the local area that are academies now.

How will we be kept informed about my child's progress?

 There are two formal parent meetings a year with a third that can be arranged following the formal annual report at the end of the year.  Schools are only obliged to prepare one annual report a year, however, we provide parents with 3 reports: a settling in report, a mid year report (with academic summary) and end of year report.  You are also welcome to come into school to look at their work following a class assembly where your child will be delighted to talk you through their work. EYFS parents will also use Evidence Me and parents older pupils will use Google Classroom.

How are clubs organised?  Are they for all year groups?

 We run a range of different clubs each term, some that are organised by school staff and some that are organised through outside providers.  After school wraparound care is available everyday and must be booked through Serious4Sport. This runs from 3:30 - 5:30pm each day.

How am I kept informed of dates and events?

The newsletter is sent out weekly.  We have a school App and a well maintained website that will keep you informed of dates and school events.