A WEST Devon village primary staged a double celebration after two separate inspection reports rated every area of school life as good or outstanding. Inspectors from the school standards agency Ofsted said every aspect of life at Exbourne Church of England Primary School was good or better. And pupils at the school showed outstanding enjoyment of their education and made an outstanding contribution to their local community, said the inspectors. A second report on the church school by the Diocese of Exeter said it was outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners, while its effectiveness as a C of E school and its leadership and management were both good or better. Delighted Exbourne headteacher Celia West said: 'We are very proud of our school and the pupils, so as a team we are all extremely pleased that their achievements have been recognised by our inspection reports. 'The well-being of all our children has always been of paramount importance to us and we feel this makes the children feel valued as well as helping them become enthusiastic learners.' Two inspectors from Ofsted visited Exbourne last month. In their report they judge eight separate areas of school life, including overall effectiveness, achievement and standards, teaching and learning, care, guidance and support and leadership and management. Lead inspector Martin James says they are all good. The inspector said children start school with knowledge and skills in line with national expectations. But the school 'adds value' so well that, by the time they leave, they are achieving above average standards. 'Pupils' personal development and well-being are good, as are their attitudes and behaviour, and they show great enjoyment in coming to school,' said Mr James. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the report quotes one typical comment to the inspectors: 'The family-like atmosphere at Exbourne has promoted happiness and self-confidence in my children and educationally and socially they are thriving.' Mr James says headteacher Celia West leads the school with dedication and skill and is well supported by other staff members. He said: 'They have been particularly successful in providing a good education for their pupils and creating a safe and caring environment based securely on Christian principles. 'Governors support the school well, being fully involved in influencing priorities in the school development plan.' Mr James said he is confident the school will continue to improve and, to do this, it should provide opportunities for pupils to improve their writing across the curriculum and challenge more able pupils more consistently. The Diocese of Exeter report, by inspector Lyn McNamara, concludes: 'Exbourne Primary School has a very positive Christian character and ethos demonstrated by the importance placed on the well-being of every child. 'Relationships throughout the whole school community are excellent. Everyone matters. Christian values underpin every aspect of the school and the impact of this on the children's learning and personal development is significant.'
