A WEST Devon village school has been praised by education inspectors for its above average standards and the high esteem in which it is held by parents and the local community. Inspectors say Spreyton Primary School provides a good quality of education to pupils and cares for them very well. ?Pupils achieve well in many aspects of their learning because of good teaching,? say the inspectors. ?Standards in speaking, reading, science, and art and design are above average. ?This is a good school that is held in high esteem by parents and the local community. Pupils like their school and feel their views are listened to.? The inspectors, from the school?s standards agency Ofsted, spent three days at Spreyton in January and their report has just been published. It confirms the school has improved significantly since its last inspection, especially over the last three years and particularly in information or communication technology and the quality of its accommodation. Headteacher Cynthia Higbee is described as a good teacher who has a clear vision for the future of the school. Mrs Higbee said: ?It is pleasing to note Ofsted recognised the strong family ethos of our village school and congratulated our work in personal and social development. ?It is good to have it confirmed that standards in most subjects are at national levels and some exceed them. ?Work at a small school relies on good teamwork and the report also commented on the good relationships between staff, parents and governors.? The Ofsted report states ?teaching and learning are good through the school. Teachers stimulate pupils? interest and curiosity. Ofsted reports the curriculum is ?broad and relevant? and is ?effectively enriched? by additional activities, visits and visitors to the school.? The inspectors note that because each year group at Spreyton is so small, it is unwise to put too much emphasis on exam results from year to year because the statistics can be significantly influenced by the performance of just one child. However, pupils throughout the school achieve well in their development of speaking and reading skills, science, maths, ICT, art and design. Other highlights of the report include: l Pupils? good attitude to work, behaviour and above average attendance l The school?s good provision for pupils? spiritual, moral, social and cultural development l The very good partnership with parents and local community links l The effective support for pupils with special educational needs l The good support provided by classroom assistants and other adults l The effectiveness of the governing body in fulfilling its responsibilities. The inspectors highlighted areas for continued improvement. They said standards in spelling and handwriting should be raised and pupils should be made more aware of their own learning so they understand how to improve. Mrs Higbee said these areas had already been identified by the school for improvement but the report would enable them to be tackled with a greater focus.