Acre Rigg Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils have a strong sense of belonging to the Acre Rigg Infant School family. They are known to all staff, who care deeply about their learning and their social and emotional needs. Relationships between pupils and staff are consistently positive. As a result, pupils feel safe, cared for and happy. Pupils behave consistently well in lessons, around school and in the playground. They are almost always kind to each other. Pupils say bullying is rare and, if it happens, staff deal with it swiftly. New pupils settle quickly into school and are warmly accepted by others. Pupils are friendly and welcoming to visitors and are excited to explain their learning. They show high levels of respect for each other and take turns to share their ideas and experiences. Children in early years show high levels of independence, curiosity and fascination. They engage well with a rich, carefully planned environment that helps them to develop the key knowledge they need to be ready for Year 1. Pupils typically achieve well. They benefit from a carefully planned curriculum that helps them to develop the basic skills they need to progress to the next stages of their education. From the start of their time in the school, pupils are expertly provided with the support they need to make progress from their different starting points. Barriers to learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are swiftly identified. They receive a precise and high-quality programme of support to help them to catch up with their peers. Pupils benefit from a wide range of carefully planned enrichment activities that enhance their experiences. For example, they go to the seaside to learn about coasts and how to play safely by the sea. Pupils also learn about how to keep themselves safe online and when out and about in the community. They have an age-appropriate knowledge of fundamental British values and are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should further embed the teaching of handwriting so that pupils consistently use an efficient pencil grip and form their letters and numbers correctly.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils who are still at the early stage of learning to read are supported to catch up swiftly by consistently providing books that allow pupils to precisely practise and embed their phonics knowledge.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)