AN infant and nursery school continues to be rated good by a government body, inspectors have found.
Acorn Academy, in Spa Road, Witham, was recently recognised with a positive Ofsted report after an inspection took place on November 14 and 15.
Acorn Academy itself is a part of the Bridge Academy Trust, which means that other people in the trust also have a responsibility to run the school.
The school has a nursery and a specialist speech and language provision for its young pupils.
According to Ofsted, “pupils receive lots of care and encouragement”, the daily implemented ‘soft start’ of each school day allows the pupils to enjoy a “tasty, nutritious breakfast”, and that generally “pupils want to learn”.
The schools “simple approach” to rules mean that the students understand how to “show kindness, manners, and respect”.
Its extra-curricular activities such as art, football, and gardening clubs are also praised by Ofsted as they encourage and help the children to nurture and develop talents and interests.
However, the report said there were things which could be bettered when it comes to its “well-structured and sequenced” curriculum.
It said: “The curriculum is not being taught consistently well.
“Historically, staff were left to their own devices, they went without the guidance needed to strengthen their practice.
“A lack of training and support means there are staff who are insufficiently skilled.”
On the report, headteacher Cheryl Noble said: "The inspector spent two days with us talking to the children, visiting lessons, and investigating all the wonderful things we do at Acorn Academy.
"During the time he spent with us, he was very pleased to find a great deal of positive practice within our school and was particularly impressed with how our teachers and systems support the good behaviour of our children.
"This inspection was a brief ‘ungraded’ inspection.
"Our school remains good, but the inspector identified areas we need to work on.
"The rising quality of teaching at Acorn has improved outcomes for our children in recent years, and last year reading writing and maths were all in line or better than national averages.
"The areas suggested for improvement will support all children to achieve, and we will continue to work hard to make Acorn Academy even better for our children."
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