Acre Rigg Infant School

Overview

Acre Rigg Infant School is described as a place where pupils feel safe, cared for, and happy, with a strong sense of belonging. The report highlights a positive culture where staff care deeply about pupils’ learning and wellbeing, resulting in consistently good behaviour and high attendance. While the school meets expected standards in most areas, it achieves a strong standard in attendance, behaviour, and inclusion.

Strengths

• Attendance is improving due to a "rigorous approach" by leaders, with most previously persistently absent pupils now attending regularly.
• Behaviour is "consistently positive," with pupils demonstrating "highly impressive attitudes to their learning" and rare instances of bullying.
• Inclusion is prioritised, with "precise support" ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities thrive emotionally and academically.
• Early years provide an "inspiring and well-resourced environment" where children settle quickly and develop key language skills.
• Leaders and governors have a "strong moral purpose," maintaining effective relationships with parents and ensuring staff wellbeing.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should further embed handwriting teaching so pupils "consistently use an efficient pencil grip" and form letters correctly.
• Leaders should ensure early readers are supported by "consistently providing books that allow pupils to precisely practise and embed their phonics knowledge."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.