Acorns Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Acorns Primary School supports every pupil to shine. Pupils are happy to be part of such a caring and welcoming community. Parents and carers praise the school for its dedication and support.

The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement. The curriculum is broad, exciting and ambitious. Pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities, gain a strong understanding of many subjects.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent. They are kind, caring and quick to support their friends. Staff help pupils to grow in confidence and independence.

Pupils enjoy their learning and feel motivated every step of the way.

Personal development is... at the heart of the school's work. Pupils take part in enriching activities, from educational trips to sports competitions.

These experiences help them to grow, learn important life skills and create happy memories. Pupils also learn how to stay safe and care for others.

Staff and pupils share strong bonds.

Staff understand each pupil's needs and provide personalised support. Pupils trust staff and feel safe knowing help is always there. By the time they leave, pupils are confident, capable and ready to take their next steps with pride.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has built a tailored, well-structured curriculum that helps pupils to grow both academically and personally. The curriculum perfectly balances academic learning with emotional, personal and social growth. It is designed to meet each pupil's individual needs, with regular checks to track their progress.

These checks make sure that learning paths are just right for each pupil and that they fully understand the material. From the very beginning in the early years, staff deliver content in a clear, logical order, allowing pupils to revisit and practise what they have learned. This boosts pupils' confidence and gives them a strong base from which to tackle new knowledge and skills.

The school delivers a carefully planned phonics programme for pupils who are ready to begin their reading journey. This approach begins in the early years when this is appropriate. Pupils read books that match the sounds they have learned, ensuring every step builds their confidence.

Staff frequently check pupils' phonics knowledge, identifying anyone who needs extra support. Those who fall behind receive tailored help through expertly adapted phonics lessons and personalised interventions. This thoughtful and ambitious approach empowers pupils to progress steadily and confidently towards becoming fluent readers.

Staff are experts in supporting pupils with complex needs. For example, the school uses a variety of personalised communication systems, including vocal cues, advanced technology and voice output aids. The school is committed to ensuring that every pupil's voice is heard.

Staff are greatly familiar with each pupil's communication style, offering the support they need to succeed in their learning.

Pupils thrive because they are supported to manage their own emotions and stay fully engaged. Routines are practised from the early years onwards.

The school is a calm, sensory-friendly space, filled with positivity that encourages learning. On the rare occasion when a pupil feels overwhelmed, staff respond with compassion and expertise, offering the perfect support to help them feel at ease again. The school analyses pupils' attendance.

It works successfully with families, pupils and other agencies to support those who struggle to come to school regularly.

The school puts personal development at the centre of everything it does. This shines through in every aspect of school life, from exciting lessons to enriching activities.

Pupils explore and celebrate a variety of religious and cultural traditions, building a deep understanding of their identity and values. This equips them brilliantly for life in modern Britain. The school offers countless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

Pupils enjoy overnight trips, compete in sports events and join the school council. These experiences help pupils to grow in confidence, build character and develop excellent social skills.

Leaders engage with staff at all levels, encouraging open communication and providing strong support.

They listen to feedback, carefully consider workloads when making decisions and ensure that staff receive continuous training. As a result, staff feel valued and well supported, particularly in terms of their well-being.

Governors clearly understand their roles and responsibilities.

They provide valuable support and hold leaders accountable for the school's success. Governors make sure that the school stays true to its vision, meets legal requirements, uses resources wisely and keeps a strong focus on safeguarding.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.