Ashton-under-Hill First School

Overview

Ashton-under-Hill First School continues to be a good school where pupils "thrive" and feel happy. The environment is described as "calm and orderly," with strong community support and effective leadership that prioritises pupil welfare and continuous improvement.

Strengths

• Pupils feel safe, with bullying being "rare" and adults resolving conflicts quickly.
• The curriculum is "broad and balanced," with subjects "well planned and sequenced" to build knowledge year on year.
• Reading is a high priority, supported by a revamped library and an effective programme starting in Reception.
• Staff are valued and supported by leaders, who provide training and address professional and personal issues.
• Governors hold leaders to account effectively and ensure new ventures are financially viable.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should embed recent reading interventions and evaluate their effectiveness to ensure all pupils make "rapid and sustained improvement."
• Individual education plans (IEPs) for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) need to be more precise to ensure pupils receive the specific support required to achieve well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff confident in reporting concerns and leaders taking appropriate action, including referrals to external agencies when necessary.