Acorn Infant Academy

Overview

Acorn Academy is described as a "safe, welcoming and happy place" where pupils enjoy attending and staff provide necessary support. The school has "worked effectively to address issues" identified in the previous inspection, with the curriculum building knowledge securely from Nursery upwards.

Strengths

• The curriculum is well-structured, with staff identifying "what pupils need to know and the order in which it should be taught" to create "secure foundations."
• Early reading has been overhauled; staff now "skilfully teach pupils how to blend sounds," leading to pupils becoming "increasingly fluent and accurate readers."
• Behaviour is strong, with pupils showing "kindness" and understanding that "everyone... is equally important."
• Early years provision is effective, with children engaging in "stimulating and well-chosen activities" that foster independence and confidence.
• Staff are "well-trained" and adapt learning successfully for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Areas to improve

• Teachers must check learning more effectively in all lessons to "identify gaps and errors quickly" and adjust the curriculum accordingly.
• Subject leaders require further support and training to ensure they have the "necessary knowledge and skills" to develop and monitor the curriculum consistently across all subjects.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."