IMPROVEMENTS at Okehampton Primary School have ?moved ahead at a good pace? since it was last inspected, according to the latest glowing Ofsted report. Okehampton Primary School was classified as a good school ?in which pupils achieve well in their academic and personal development?. The report has just been published following the inspection carried out on January 18 and 19. Under Ofsted?s tough new inspection framework the inspectors can give a school four ratings: outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate. Okehampton achieved ?good? judgements in all the key assessment areas while its focus on pupils? personal development and well-being from an early age was singled out as a major strength. The report stated the school enjoyed success ?in building on this good start to develop confident, friendly and courteous youngsters. ?Strong procedures for ensuring they are well supported and cared for underpin pupils? good personal development and very good behaviour.? Pupils told inspectors that they enjoyed coming to school. In conversation, some said, ?You get lots of cool stuff to do in lessons!?. Pupils? attainment when they start school is generally well below average, inspectors pointed out. However, Okehampton is very successful in ?adding value? for its pupils because, by the time they leave, they are generally achieving the standards expected for their age. The report drew attention to the fact that standards in mathematics remained below average. Ofsted said the school needed to further develop teachers? confidence and subject knowledge in teaching mathematics and improve the use of assessment information in order to raise standards in the subject as well as developing greater use of ICT across the curriculum. Headteacher Brian Cunningham welcomed the inspectors? verdict on the school: ?We are really pleased as this report is such an affirmation of all the work we do to support our children?s wide range of needs.? Mr Cunningham said maths and ICT were firmly rooted in the current school improvement plan. ?The planned installation of 20 electronic whiteboards over the Easter holiday will transform the teaching and learning of maths and help us to embed ICT across the curriculum. ?This report clearly confirms the actions we are taking to ensure future school improvement.? The Ofsted report praised the leadership of Mr Cunningham, deputy head Peter Southcott and a strong management team. ?The headteacher?s very effective vision, energy and ambition have made it possible for the school to thrive and develop at a good pace,? they say. The school governors are also praised for the ?exceptional? way they skillfully manage the school?s finances. The report concludes that the 512 pupils at the school, one of Devon?s largest primaries, achieve well. ?Teaching and learning are good,? the inspectors stated. ?Teachers plan well so that work matches pupils? needs closely. As a result, all groups of pupils make good progress. ?Pupils enjoy a wide choice of clubs and extra activities, especially in music.? The inspectors also said they were impressed to see how much pupils knew about the need to eat healthy foods and stay fit.
